Chapter 13 - Enthusiasm

Cedric watched the child disappear down the street after he received few explanation from him. His brow furrowing in thought. The Festival of Flasks—he had nearly forgotten about it.

It was one of the most anticipated events in the Javavia Kingdom, held every spring to celebrate the town's rich tradition of potioneering. This year, it would be held in just a month's time.

Every town will held this festival. And each town will have their own champion potioneer.

The Festival of Flasks was no ordinary fair. It was a grand celebration that brought together the best potioneers from across the town and villages.

Stalls lined the streets, showcasing an array of vibrant elixirs and concoctions, each more wondrous than the last. There were demonstrations, competitions, and, of course, the prestigious Flask of the Year contest.

Winning this contest was a mark of honor, a recognition of skill and creativity that could propel a potioneer to new heights of fame and success.

Cedric had attended the festival many times before a spectator. He recalled the bustling crowds, the colorful banners fluttering in the breeze, and the intoxicating mix of scents from the various potions on display. It was a time of camaraderie and rivalry, where potioneers shared their knowledge, marveled at each other's creations, and pushed the boundaries of their craft.

This year, however, felt different. He will be attending the festival not as a spectator but as a contestant.

With the recent surge in popularity of The Fated Liquid Cedric felt a weight of expectation.

The townsfolk would surely be looking to him to present something extraordinary, something that would outshine even the most spectacular creations of his competitors.

Cedric glanced over at Tom, who was now scrubbing the floor with determined vigor. A smile played at his lips. Perhaps this festival would be the perfect opportunity to teach his eager apprentice the finer points of potion-making under pressure. Together, they could create something truly remarkable.

An excited smile appeared on Cedric's face. He moved back to his workbench, picking up his trusty notebook. Flipping through the pages, he reviewed the notes and sketches for ideas.

He needed to come up with something innovative, something that would capture the imagination and admiration of the festival-goers. But he also wanted it to be safe—no glowing green skin or three-day naps this time.

As he flipped through the pages, Cedric's eyes sparkled with the untapped potential of this books. There's must be something that is extraordinary, yet not humiliating or dangerous.

He was so absorbed in the book that he didn't notice Tom hovering nearby, curiosity practically radiating off him.

"What are you reading there, Master Cedric?" Tom asked, leaning over the counter with wide eyes.

Cedric, momentarily startled, looked up with a slight frown. "It's, uh, just an old book, Tom. Something I'm looking through for ideas for the festival."

Tom's curiosity was far from satisfied. "What kind of old book? Looks really ancient. Is it a recipe book? A journal? A spellbook? Oh! Is it a diary of a famous potioneer?!"

Cedric sighed, trying to keep his focus on the book.

"It's a potion recipe book, Tom. Now, can you get back to cleaning the shelves or preparing the ingredients? We've got a busy day ahead," Cedric said.

But Tom was relentless.

"What kind of potions? Are they hard to make? Can I help? Have you made any of these before? What's that one you're looking at right now? It looks complicated!"

Cedric pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Tom, it's just a book with some… advanced recipes. Nothing you need to worry about right now," Cedric said with a smile.

Tom's eyes lit up even more. "Advanced? Like, super powerful potions? Can they make you fly? Turn invisible? Breathe fire? Walk through walls?"

Cedric couldn't help but chuckle at Tom's enthusiasm, though it was starting to grate on him.

"Yes, Tom, some of these potions are quite powerful. But they're also very dangerous if not made correctly. Now, please, go check on the cauldrons."

Tom, undeterred, leaned in even closer. "So, the potion that can make the adventurers speak to birds, and the three combined effects are from this book?"

Cedric finally closed the book with a firm snap and looked at Tom with an exasperated smile.

"Yes, this is the book. Tom, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but you're asking a lot of questions. We'll look at some of these recipes together later, alright? For now, let's focus on the tasks at hand."

Tom grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Master Cedric. I'm just really excited about the festival. I want to help make something amazing."

Cedric's expression softened. "I know, Tom. And we will. Now, let's get to work. We've got a festival to prepare for, and who knows? Maybe we'll find something in this old book that'll make a real splash."

Tom nodded eagerly and hurried off to his tasks, his mind buzzing with the possibilities.

Cedric watched him go, shaking his head with a chuckle. He knew the days leading up to the festival would be full of challenges, but with Tom's boundless enthusiasm and their shared passion for potions, he was confident they'd create something truly unforgettable.

Even though he will make a mistake later, Cedric knows that he is a powerful mage so he will use his magical power if the situation going south later.

"Haha, what will possibly going to happen? Everything is going to be alright." Cedric nodded to himself. Not knowing that he just jinxed himself.

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