Merlin's demand left everyone in awe, and their eyes were fixed on the Elven Princess, who was barely suppressing her fury. The Princess responded to Merlin's absurd request with a thinly veiled hint of sarcasm, stating "You must be quite the jester, Mage." Her expression, however, conveyed her desire to maintain the sanctity of the event, even if it meant keeping her anger in check.
"Although I like joking, I am not currently doing so. Why do you believe I will pass over my years of research on some alchemical items? Nothing in this world is free, Princess, and I will only accept an equivalent fee if you want me to hand up my discoveries to you." Merlin stated with a poker expression.
