While the elder was listening to Knave at the start he felt quite satisfied with Knave's dialogue but when he heard, that the kid had to ask his sister before accepting him as his master he was stunned as he had not expected this kind of outcome.
Even though he was quite appreciative of the kids thinking, as he still had the mentality to ask his elder sister before taking such a decision as it showed that he respects his elders but now in this kind of situation it indirectly seems like the elder was being rejected, which would make elder Fryer lose face.
Seeing that the situation was going to get tricky the elderly professor at the side came up with a solution, "Knave, why don't you tell me your sister's name so I can call her over?"
"Sir, my sister has taken a mission and went out so she won't be able to come."
Knave answered truthfully.
Hearing his answer even the professor was out of suggestions but just as he was expecting the situation to go downhill the elder Fryer at the side started to laugh and said, "Hahaha!! Ok, kid, we will wait till your sister returns from her mission and then talk about apprenticeship but till then you will be my assistant and help me in the alchemy process, any problems with that?!!" Elder Fryer asked looking at Knave while smiling.
"Of course not elder!!. I would be happy to be your assistant and try to help in every possible manner" Knave said while bowing his head while inside he was quite relieved, as he had not only has his reason been still accepted without any problems by the elder but he could still start practical alchemy learning.
"Good, so from tomorrow onwards every morning you have to come to my alchemy room on the 4th floor of the cultivation tower to help me during my practice, as for your remuneration how about 4 spirit pills every week, that should be enough right?" the elder asked sarcastically as this payment was just a cover-up, he would give him as many pills as he wanted.
"It's more than enough, Elder!!" Knave was over the moon right now, even though Vanessa had left him with 20 to 30 pills before she left he would be able to finish them in one month itself so he was worried about his speed of cultivation but with this extra income he would be able to keep up with his speed and once he learns how to make the pills himself he wouldn't have to worry about either pills or spirit stones.
"Good, then I will meet you tomorrow at 9 am in the room also!" saying so the elder tossed a red token towards Knave that he caught, " that is the token which is needed to enter my alchemy room don't forget to bring that, so Goodbye kid" saying that the Elder Fryer went out of the room, leaving Knave and the professor in the room.
Looking at elder Fryer's departing figure the professor gave a small now before looking at Knave and said, "You are in lick kid as Elder Fryer is known to be quite moody, not even the principal can get him to work if he does not want to but even after almost getting rejected by you not only did he not lose his cool but still tried to recruit you, if you can become his disciple after your sister returns than your bright future is almost set in alchemy, at that time even I might have to ask for your help don't forget about this poor elder at that time okay!!" the elder said sarcastically. Even he didn't know how long it would take for Knave's alchemy to become good enough to help him.
"Of course I won't forget your help Elder!!" Knave said.
After chatting for some time with the elder, Knave commenced on his way towards the dining hall to finish his lunch to continue with his daily schedule, he knew that from tomorrow onwards his schedule would have to change based on what Elder Fryer has planned but whatever it might be he will face it tomorrow as now it's time for some tasty food.