James Galeheard

Back in the Golden Lion Villa, George was moving in circles.

"What is the matter, sir?", James asked in a soothing voice

George nodded. Perhaps his butler, who was more accustomed to the mundane politics of the city, would be of help. And so George called out the head butler James Galeheard, the loyal old man who had so far served him to the best of his ability, even surprising George. Unlike slaves, James possessed true intellect as well as wisdom that could only be accumulated with age.

"My supporter, Lady Billing, and her father, have been arrested by the Melvinger Magical Society. I already told you that I am an alchemist, and possess tremendous influence in the Melvinger Magical Society. However, losing a powerhouse that I have spent considerable amount of time befriending is a huge setback. They sacrificed criminals"

James nodded: "Hence, you are afraid that as your supporter is trialed, you will be suspected too?"

George nodded, a bit taken aback that James saw through his worries instantly: "Yes. Besides the loss of a convenient supporter, I will receive suspicions since Lady Emma was the one vouching for my membership in the Melvinger Magical Society. Of course, the other acolytes will not say a word due to me being the main supplier of spiritual potions. However, there is a limit to the demand of these potions in peaceful times, and at some point, they will not have an urgent need of alchemist. They will not offend me due to my alchemical skills, but spiritual potions can only help them cast more spells in battles, but in peaceful times, they won't be in dire situations where they need to use them. Due to the cost, they won't feel the need to make a stock either"

James smiled: "What is your goal in Melvinger City? Surely a man with tremendous skill like you will not be satisfied with just becoming the Golden Lion Villa Owner and a simple member of the Melvinger Magical Society? From what I have understood, you possess tremendous potential, both as a knight and an alchemist"

James was a terrifying man. Despite being a normal human being, he knew much more than the average knight when it comes to the world of magic and the melvinger magical society.

George nodded: "I wish to create a faction in the city. There are three forces in the city as of today: The nobles, the Melvinger Magical Society led by the Mayor, and the Underworld. The nobles, however, are far from being a united force. Because of pride and ambition, they do not stick together, and in spite of having three Grand Knights, they are actually weaker than the Melvinger Magical Society which possesses dozens of knights in the Dragon Pavillon as well as the city authority. As for the underworld, I just know that it is controlled by gangsters from the outer area of Melvinger City"

James nodded: "Actually, the reason why the Underworld has survived for so many years in spite of great powers being against its activities is due to the 'gangsters', as you mentioned. However, they are not regular humans. They are neither knights, nor acolytes. Living in the sewer, and bathing in waste over the decades brought them terrifying diseases and mutations. The leaders of the underworld are said to be closer to magical beast than human beings"

George titled his head. It was the first time he had heart about it. It must be said that the Underworld almost never interacted with the inner city or the core city areas. It was worth investigating. Perhaps George would find subjects worthy of research there.

"My aim is to create another faction. A medicine hall and a force that would be able to contend with the three existing faction, and ultimately surpass them all. I am to receive nearly two million gold coins from the bets I have made, and possess the skills necessary to open a medicine hall. I will create potions and apply treatments to the injured for a significant price, and I will form subordinate alchemists to help me in the refinement of medicine"

James smiled: "I thank you for the trust you have blessed me with. But it appears that your current predicament and your ambition do align"

George was confused. The loss of the Billing Household support was exactly what would prevent him from creating an economic empire in Melvinger City! Without a noble household vouching for his business, it would take years before George would be able to make a reputation for himself. Although the competition was very small, it is not like there were an infinite number of diseases to cure in this city, and there were few injuries besides half-dying mercenaries coming back from monster subjugation.

James revealed a wise and terrifying expression: "In order to further increase the demand of spiritual potions and a medicine hall, you need Melvinger City to be in danger. It seems like creating a war will solve all of your problems"

"..."

This was a terrifying suggestion.

George nodded in understanding: "James...Who are you, really?"

[Beep! Scan complete]

[Name - James Galeheard | Status - Healthy | Title: Head Butler | Age: 55 Years Old

Attributes :

Strength - 1.8 | Dexterity - 0.9 | Vitality - 1.3 | Spiritual Force - 0.8

Description: The Head Butler of the Golden Lion Villa, born and raised in the inner city. Although he has no martial talent, James has trained with the sword since a young age, and even fought in the orc siege thirty five years ago, serving Melvinger City]

"Take out your hand, James"

James obeyed and bowed slightly as he extended his palm.

Following this, George used some finite amounts of magical power through James' body. It was a very small amount, and it was used as a method to estimate James' magical talent.

[Beep!]

[Magical Talent Prying Method has been initiated...]

[Analysis of James Galeheard's Talent in progress...]

[13%...]

[45%...]

James had proven his worth over the past month. However, losing such a loyal subordinate would be a shame. If he wanted James to continue to help him, George would need him to become stronger, more erudite still, and younger. James was almost a preparatory knight. He had served as an infantry soldier and never once skipped his sword training. Although he was not excellent, he was above average, especially when you considered his lack of mentor and breathing technique.

Had he been born in a noble household, his perseverance would have allowed him to become a knight already.

Unfortunately, training James to become a knight would prove inefficient. Even though Grand Knights possessed a lot of strength, there was no guarantee that James would be able to reach this realm due to his old age. Rather than a path that is highly related to one's physical age, George would like James to walk the path of truth.

And, having an acolyte-level subordinate would allow him to possess more influence in Melvinger City still.