As a wizard apprentice, although Char had yet to truly master alchemy skills, the Highland Wizard Masters in the Karasu Black Tower were all alchemy masters. Under their influence, he had gained considerable knowledge.
Brand had 5th-level knowledge of alchemy. Even if he participated in the official alchemy exam in Erune, he could easily earn the title of a First-level Professional Alchemist. Compared to Tama, who was still wandering outside the door at this time, he honestly seemed more like an alchemy prodigy.
Their discussions benefited Tama greatly, but some of this middle-aged man’s whimsical ideas also made Brand nervous. He knew that the other person lacked an opportunity and external environment; otherwise, one day he would become that legendary master.
After all, alchemy was a skill that consumed astonishingly high resources: like the teeth of those Intermediate Corpse Witches he used earlier, each tooth could sell for over three hundred Tuo in the black market or wizard market.
And it took as many as thirty teeth to make a simple White Deer statue.
The three were discussing when Brand saw Frey walking dizzily along the long queue of refugees. What was happening? He was stunned for a moment, then couldn’t help walking over to wave his hand in front of her face; when there was no reaction, he had to pat her forehead—
Frey was startled and jerked awake: "What, what are you doing!" When she saw it was Brand, she couldn’t help showing a gritted-teeth expression: "Brand! Where have you been? So many people have come; I’m almost overwhelmed!"
Her voice grew smaller and smaller; it was more like she was feeling deeply aggrieved rather than complaining. Brand had tasked her with leading these refugees, and she had done her best, but with the ever-increasing number of refugees over the past day, she was feeling exhausted. In fact, just like Brand, she hadn’t closed her eyes in days. Moreover, compared to Brand, her pressure was much greater.
Char and Tama, seeing Brand talking to Frey, tacitly took a step back and continued their previous discussion. As for what was going on between this young man and the ponytailed girl, they chose to ignore it.
As the saying goes, the onlooker sees clearly. Brand, entrenched in the situation, completely failed to notice Frey’s special dependence on him—though the young mage followers were keen to watch the drama. As for Tama, the honest middle-aged alchemist thought that this young lady was the fiancée of this young noble.
"Haven’t you slept yet?"
"With so many people, how could I find the time? Brand, do you know? It seems like the White-maned Knight Order was defeated. Earlier, we received many soldiers retreating from the Sharp Stone River Valley. They say many people died..."
Rubbing her eyes, which were as red as a rabbit’s, Frey said with some dissatisfaction.
Brand was startled. This silly girl wouldn’t think she could handle everything on her own, right? He couldn’t help but touch his forehead: "You don’t think you can do everything yourself, do you?"
"What, what should I do?" Frey stared at him blankly.
"Aren’t there Reto and Uncle Mano? If things really get out of hand, you should promote some people from among the refugees, give them some power, and let them help you, right?" Brand thought this ponytailed girl was really stubborn.
"Ah, why didn’t you say so earlier!"
Brand tapped her forehead: "It’s not my fault; it’s because you’re too foolish."
Frey’s face turned red instantly as she pushed his hand away: "I’ll talk to you later—" After saying this, she turned around and ran away as if on fire, leaving only a whirlwind. Watching her bouncing ponytail, Brand couldn’t help but shake his head and smile.
"How about it?" As soon as Frey left, Char came up from behind, grinning.
Brand picked up the water bag, slightly stunned: "What about what?"
"Frey, she’s a pretty good girl, kind-hearted and seriously endearing. Can’t you see it, Lord? She actually likes you," said the young mage follower.
Brand had just tilted his head to take a sip of water when he couldn’t help but spit it out.
"I said, Miss Roman and Miss Frey—this is a big problem for you, Lord."
Brand spent the entire afternoon carving out a proper container, as it was his first alchemy work, and he insisted on completing the base of the White Stag by himself. However, after ruining several pieces of fir, Brand quickly realized the gap between dreams and reality.