"Father."
Ansel interrupted Flamelle's words. He seemed to have no intention of reminiscing with his father, even though they hadn't seen each other for two years, even though he still addressed Flamelle as "Father".
"I have an important matter to discuss with you."
Flamelle paused, then laughed and raised his finger. A cup filled with a pale golden liquid appeared out of thin air in his hand.
He took a sip and said with interest, "It's rare for you to come to me just to 'ask' something, Ans."
Ansel didn't waste words. He stared straight into his father's eyes, which were the same deep blue as his own, and said seriously:
"Have you ever failed in the process of signing a pact head?"
"…"
The alchemist, whose scholarly achievements were unknown to all, was stunned for several seconds.
"Uh… Ans, what did you just say?"
Flamelle rubbed his temple.