Classic Novel
Chapter 558
Nikolai refilled his coffee cup, the rich aroma of freshly brewed java filling the air. “He’s back at the Riverdale Pharmacists‘ Guild,” he said. “He’s preparing for the annual promotion assessment.”
Johnny wasn’t surprised. He had heard the guy was gunning for a Senior Pharmacist title the last time they talked.
With a chuckle, he offered a compliment, “Given his talents, climbing the ranks should be a walk in the park.”
Nikolai shook his head. “The Guild’s got only a spot or two for promotions each year. This time, it’s all in his hands.” “It’s not just luck, though. Skill’s the real deal,” Owen mused, joining in the conversation after a few seconds of thought.
Seeing Owen toss out a rare compliment, Johnny breathed a little easier. He had been given strict orders to cozy up to the Reeves family–especially Dane. Unfortunately, Dane had already returned to the capital.
While it was a bummer, Johnny glanced at the young lady sitting across from him and suddenly felt Dane’s absence might be a blessing in disguise. Without him, they could avoid the potentially awkward conversation about the medicine swap. After all, Johnny hadn’t mentioned his second request for Mirabella to re–examine Owen to the Reeves family.
He refocused on the conversation, nodding in agreement, “Anyone who makes it into the Pharmacists‘ Guild is one in a million.” Hearing this, Mirabella, who had been sitting quietly, perked up. She had some recollection of the Pharmacists‘ Guild. Its standards, as far as she remembered, were pretty average. She scoffed silently.
At that moment, Nikolai turned to her. “Mirabella, would you be interested in joining the Pharmacists‘ Guild? With your skills in potion making…”
Before he could finish, Mirabella bluntly cut him off, “I’m not interested.” Her fingers danced idly on the tabletop, her entire demeanor nonchalant.
Johnny looked up at Mirabella, perplexed. How could she refuse so flatly? Was she unaware represented?
what the Pharmacists‘ Guild
And what was that about potion–making skills that Nikolai had hinted at before being interrupted? Could she be a pharmacist? A pharmacist in her late teens?
The thought flashed through Johnny’s mind, but he quickly shook it off. It seemed improbable. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Nikolai, seeing Mirabella’s disinterest, felt a twinge of regret. But then he remembered her medical expertise and potion–making prowess and figured perhaps the Guild was no big deal after all. Aside from the Guild President, who could hold a candle to her? The others… probably not.
Whether she joined the Guild or not didn’t really matter. She had the backing of the Shepherd family, and with such protection, even with a common background, she had nothing to fear from the prying eyes of other families.
Before long, Asher strolled into the room and took a seat beside Nikolai. He had initially wanted to sit closer to James but thought better of it after the little incident downstairs. Despite his opportunistic nature, he knew that if it wasn’t for his father’s sake, James might not have bothered to show up today.
Pouring himself a cup of coffee, Asher settled in quietly, choosing to remain silent.
Meanwhile, Johnny kept glancing at his watch, his attention elsewhere, as if he had pressing matters to attend to.
Owen noticed his distraction and leaned in, a questioning look in his eyes, “Something up?”
Johnny glanced at Mirabella across the table and lowered his voice, “Mind if I step out for a bit?”
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