147: A White Ticket?

Outside Sirius Castle, Allen strolled casually toward the city gate, and the potions blocking the way immediately cleared a passage. When Allen reached Elena and the other six individuals, he addressed them: "Let's go, enter, and take a rest for a while."

Then, he glanced at Bruce, who had just introduced himself: "Please, everyone from the Potions Guild, welcome to Sirius City."

After Allen finished speaking, he led the way inside.

Elena and Bruce swiftly entered Sirius Castle accompanied by numerous apprentices and junior potions.

This time, there were quite a few potions and potion apprentices. Apart from fewer than ten formal potions, the rest were apprentices.

Allen had no dissatisfaction with this. As long as there was talent, it was impossible for them not to progress under his influence!

"Grandpa Edward, have the servants prepare some black tea and dessert. I need to entertain our guests," Allen instructed the housekeeper Edward as they entered the main castle of "Seven-Five-Three" Wolf Castle.

"As you wish, my lord," Edward responded respectfully. Soon, servants brought in numerous chairs to the living room, ensuring everyone had a seat.

As an earl, his main castle was huge, and the parlor was specifically designed to accommodate such a gathering of guests.

Allen settled into the main seat and sipped black tea, furrowing his brow slightly. He considered adding some lemon juice and sugar to the tea. Did it taste like iced black tea on Earth? Well, he could look into that matter later.

"Lord Earl Allen, thank you for your hospitality, but I believe you know the purpose of our visit. Frankly, I don't think we should waste time drinking tea," Bruce said with a slightly wry smile, eyeing the young man leisurely sipping tea in front of him. Though anxious, Bruce felt helpless.

After all, the method to rapidly advance potionist apprentices, even to the official level, was currently known only by the master. The timing of their verification solely depended on the other party's disposition.

Allen raised an eyebrow upon hearing Bruce's words. "President Bruce, I understand your impatience, but I am here, right? As long as I'm here, sooner or later, you'll personally experience and verify my ability to train a potionist, won't you?"

Allen's tone was calm. He possessed the aura of the potionist profession bonus, yet it didn't mean he was willing to use his abilities to train potions from other factions, or that these potions would immediately owe him their allegiance and gratitude.

While many potions were present, how many would truly remain loyal was unknown. Allen didn't want all the potions he cultivated to leave abruptly, rendering his efforts meaningless.

He intended to make the terms clear upfront for the benefit of everyone. Otherwise, did they truly believe that Sirius City was the sanctum of potions?

"You're right, I'm impatient. This concerns the development and prosperity of the entire potion world," Bruce admitted, attempting to suppress his restlessness and anticipation.

Allen nodded approvingly, acknowledging Bruce's concentration as a branch president.

"Well, since you all seek benefits here, then you understand the fairness of this world. If you seek gains, would it not require a price?" Allen spoke calmly.

At these words, all the Potions and Potion apprentices snapped out of their initial excitement and elation.

Yes, the world was fair, and to gain something, they must pay a price. "Lord Count, please, elaborate on what we need to do," Bruce requested after a brief pause.

"Very well, I won't beat around the bush. To acquire my method, you need only do one thing."

Allen smiled, "Pledge your loyalty to me and never betray. I guarantee full support for your growth—becoming junior, intermediate, and senior potions will not be an issue." Allen's statement caused an uproar in the living room. "What? Pledge allegiance!"

The other apprentices showed little reaction. They lacked the noble status of potions and held minimal worth, even pitifully low. No noble would accept their allegiance.

For apprentices, this was an opportunity to transform into real potions. A good deal indeed. Yet, for actual potions, it was a bolt from the blue…

"My lord, even though you're an earl, our relationship with you is only mutually beneficial. To pledge allegiance? That's impossible!" "Don't you dare say such things, even to the marquis?"

Potions were known for their noble and aloof demeanor, shaped by the rarity and significance of their profession.

How could they possibly swear allegiance to Allen? "In that case, you may leave," Allen calmly instructed a few junior potions. "What did you say?!" Several potions' expressions changed.

Bruce's expression shifted slightly.

"For the rest, who is willing to pledge allegiance?"

Allen inquired about the large group of apprentices.

"I am!" "Count me in!" "I will!"

Soon, these humble apprentices raised their hands, willing to comply.

Satisfied, Allen nodded. "Very good. Someone, guide these gentlemen to the potionist's quarters."

He called for Elena to accompany them.

Eventually, only Bruce and the junior potions remained in the living room.

Allen addressed Bruce with a smile, "President Bruce, do you have any other business? If not, you may leave. I still need to converse with those lovely apprentice gentlemen; after all, they are the future Potions."

Allen's words caused discomfort among those still present, particularly Bruce, whose mouth twitched.

He looked at Allen, the young, overbearing Count who didn't take them seriously at all!

"Damn it! Earl Sirius, you'll regret this! We represent the Potions Master Guild. If you have mastered the method to train potions, you should contribute so everyone can benefit instead of being selfishly possessive!"

An expression of displeasure crept onto a junior potionist's face as he spoke indifferently. He