In front of the group stood Maria Frost and Jack Adad, two of the most important people in Rho City, a city categorized as a B city, which meant that even in other cities they were not people to be taken lightly.
The woman named Maria Frost was of course the manager in charge of the branch of the moonflower association stationed in this city, the same happened with the man named Jack, he was the manager of the branch of the Chimera association that Franz joined.
And Franz was pretty clear about that after seeing both people's information through their eyes.
Mary Frost
Current Level: Spirit Ancestor (Fifth Grade), Body Warrior (Third Grade)
Spells learned: ?
Skills learned: ?
Jack Adad
Current Level: Soul Ancestor (Fifth Grade), Spiritual Knower (Second Grade)
Spells learned: ?
Skills learned: ?
Contracted beasts: ¿?
Just like with Hans, Franz could only see the level that the two of them were currently at, he was surprised to learn that they were both dual practitioners, however, he was now clearer about how amazing his teacher was if he could practice two paths at the same level.
Feeling a look on him, Franz looked at Jack the manager of the chimera association who looked at him with some interest, he even muttered a few words that made his hair stand on end.
- You can see our kingdoms even though we hide our aura, huh?, interesting –
Maria also overheard Jack's comment making him show interest towards Franz, however, the current issue was more important so she started talking before the main topic was diverted elsewhere.
"Your disciple and my alchemist have gotten into good trouble Hans, the idiots inside are desperate to take the slime touch recipe out of their hands, but that's not the most important thing."
- Oh, then tell me, what's more important than that? Hans asked very curiously.
Maria looked at Hans and then pointed her gaze at Franz and they all did the same too, it was then that Maria asked in a serious voice, devoid of emotion, which made her sound more terrifying.
- Boy, I need you to be honest with me, where did you get the recipe for that potion? Do you know that it is a crime to appropriate recipes that are not your property? –
Under normal circumstances, Maria would have even used her aura on Franz to make him spit out the truth, but she didn't do it out of respect for Hans, although deep down Maria hoped that Hans would be impartial in case Franz turned out to be guilty of taking someone else's property, it wasn't because he wanted to help the greedy stupid people inside the mansion, It was because it wasn't right to cause such a stir about something that didn't rightfully belong to the other party.
Franz already expected to be asked such a question, no, in fact, it was in his first meeting with Ron that he was already expecting it and created an excuse from it, however, it was difficult to say if what he was about to say sounded credible.
- It's true, I don't believe the recipe, as you know - Franz said.
Maria already expected it, no matter how genius someone is, if he doesn't know even the most basic principles of alchemy and magic, then how someone like Franz might be able to create, even if it's the most basic of potions.
But Franz's next words left her confused, the others felt the same way, including Ron.
"You must be joking," said Ron, who was already in a bad mood for having to come here secretly without the press noticing his presence.
- I won the recipe from someone in a bet – Franz said reaffirming his answer without any intention of looking like he was joking and began to explain to the others the description of the man and under what terms he had managed to win the recipe.
His scapegoat was of course Vec Tempestas, the strange man who said nonsense and who almost killed Franz and Nepheli.
- Storms? Are you sure you didn't invent that name? - Jack asked and it was not a surprise because it was not a common name, but the surprise of course was Franz and Nepheli who believed that someone at the height of their teacher could at least have heard such a name somewhere.
- "The master also didn't know who that man was when we asked him and Franz couldn't deduce his level either, strange" - Nepheli thought and continued listening to what Franz had to say in case she needed to talk.
- Yes, well, we didn't believe that such a name could exist either, however, it does exist – Franz said.
Nepheli also retorted and said – That's right, that man forced Franz to play a coin game and then rewarded Franz for his good luck! –
"Oh, now I'm more interested in it," Jack said.
Franz thought he had found a good opportunity to continue excusing himself about the potion when Jack spoke, although he knew that it was difficult to deceive monsters of the fifth rank, he had his master behind him, so he was confident of at least dissuading them for the moment and for that, any doubts that came to him had to be put aside and he had to say as little as possible.
- The man... – when Franz was about to make his last attempt at an excuse, a bearded man dressed in jewels and a black suit interrupted him.
- Enough, any discussion can be left for later, leaving the guests waiting is very rude of you gentlemen and young ladies, the guest of the lord of the city is almost here and you are still here -
With the arrival of the bearded man, the atmosphere became gloomy for some reason, however, the bearded man was unaffected by it and began clapping his hands to hurry those present into the mansion.
- Come on - Hans said encouraging everyone to walk.
- Well, and I was having fun with the boy's nonsense - Jack said who was the most relaxed of the three.
Maria on the other hand stayed close to Franz for a few moments just to ask him - can I assume that there will be no problems later on about the author of the recipe and you will put the name of my association into play? –
- I swear by my soul seal - Franz said cutting off all doubt without the need for further explanation, because for tamers, swearing by their seal was sacred, breaking the oath or lying about the oath would cause irreversible damage to the soul seal.
Maria nodded, at least for now she was satisfied with that clarification and would believe in Franz for the time being.
Franz just sighed, in the end I just need to swear, I sigh because his lousy attempt at an excuse was of no use.
. . . . . .
Inside the large mansion, Franz's group was seated in front of a group of well-dressed people accompanied by numerous attendees.
Tense could be felt in the air and no one said a single word, even the cheerful and chatty Nepheli was serious and quiet.
It was until a few quiet footsteps and a great aura began to come closer, but it felt more like a poor demonstration of power to Franz who had already seen and felt the aura of someone in the fifth grade.
The bearded man shouted to announce the arrival of the man to everyone.
- Guests, I am pleased to inform you that Judge Anderson Star of the Star family is here -
Although some were upset about having to wait for the man to arrive, out of respect for the power behind the man everyone stood up showing their greeting and respect.
The man nodded to everyone present and sat in the middle of everyone to begin the meeting.
- Well ladies and gentlemen today we are gathered here in order to discuss a matter of utmost importance, but before we start I want you to know that I will not let anyone present try to play dirty or I will have to be forced to act - said the man with extreme severity.
Everyone present nodded and agreed at the man's words, none dared to do such a thing or their days in Rho City would be numbered.
- Alright, more words would be unnecessary for people of your status, so let's get to the point, why should the slime touch recipe be given to you for free? – The man said as he pointed at four men with his hand.
Franz was serious when he saw the men, if even with the status of Hans and the two association managers they decided to continue showing themselves, it meant that the power they possessed was not a game.