Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

"You can start living inside the White Raven shop once the procedure has been completed. The top floor will be yours. I'll be leaving now. See you soon."

Agatha was left to her own devices by Eren after he gave her permission. The latter didn't know what he was talking about. But she was sure about one thing. Her master had his fingers dipped in a lot of pies.

Eren met Jacke next and talked about some finer details about his next set of plans. The latter was happy to coordinate with him. Because by now he had realized that Eren was going to be an exceptional potion-master of his generation. It was always better to form cordial relationships now that he was still growing both as a person and as a businessman.

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"Morning, teacher Levine. Congratulations on gaining your regressed ranking status back.

And I might add that you look more stunning than before."

Eren greeted his teacher before congratulating her for regaining her ranking prowess as a Master ranker. The latter hadn't released any of her powers. There was no sign of her mana signature or mana sense.

But Eren could feel that his teacher had gotten more mysterious than before. And he could subtly perceive a faint threat coming from her even when she did not do anything. This was akin to a beast-like perception that mana beasts were blessed with. For example, a wolf will never try to challenge the territory of a lion just because it was lying dormant.

Levine's physical features didn't change much. But now she had a youthful vibe about her. Her skin had regained its lost sheen and shade, looking healthy pink. Her dull hair had regained its shine. And her ample bosoms looked firmer than before.

Eren could see that the Master potioneer had gotten her youth back while extending her already long lifespan. Plus, he knew that this must have been just the beginning of her recovery period. By practising her original B-Rank ranking technique, Levine would turn the clock back on her bodily age.

Levine smiled graciously after hearing Eren's comment before replying:

"Morning Eren. I would have called you out for your glib-tongue if it hadn't been the fact that you have praised my looks even when I had regressed into a D-Rank. As if you knew I was going to get my rank status back. Good.

I have reentered B-Rank. But I'm still quite a bit away from resuming where I had been forced to leave off. *Sigh. Good things take time so I won't complain.

Anyway, are you ready for your lessons? I have so many things to talk to you about. And frankly so short of time. I might have to wrap things up with a few basic points and then give myself enough time to come back to my previous status."

Eren nodded before replying with a solemn tone:

"Of course, teacher. Your ranking journey should be of paramount importance to you. And as your disciple, I'd want you to be at your peak. I'm fine with my basics getting covered for now. That'll also serve as a test for you to decide how much you can teach me at my level."

"Indeed, Eren. I'm glad that you understand potion-making is not as easy as it seems. By the way, you are apprenticed under that lass Marla right?"

Eren was confused before nodding at Levine's question

"Um… yes. You don't have to worry about my apprenticeship schedule with Adept Marla. I'll take care of adjusting my routine as per your lectures."

Levine shook her head before explaining what she was trying to ask:

"I didn't ask because of your schedule. I was wondering to ask how Marla reacted when she found out that you had been accepted as my disciple?"

Eren got even more confused about Levine's line of questioning now. But he answered everything truthfully anyway:

"Well, she seemed shocked but didn't say anything after that. For some reason, she also knew that you were looking for Malva Hibiscus. You know each other personally?"

Levine smiled lightly. She closed the book she was reading and placed it on her desk. Then she poured a tea for herself while replying:

"I can imagine there was a bit of anger mixed with the shock as well. I don't know her as much as her sister.

Marie was or is Marla's elder sister. She served as my apprentice for a while.

Marie wanted to become my disciple. But I had rejected her after seeing her talent. It was better than the average. But it was not enough to make me take her as my disciple.

I had heard Marie had defected and became a cultist later down the line. But I had lost contact with her long before that.

So listening to you being taken as my disciple must not have been a pleasant thing to hear for Marla. I have met with her. She doesn't say it out loud. But she must think that Marie's defection could have been avoided had I taken her as my disciple."

Only now did the realization dawn on Eren. He remembered Marla sympathizing with Renar after he was done torturing him. And he also remembered how Marla had addressed Levine as an old vixen when he had first mentioned the Master potioneer's name to the close combat expert.

Eren's line of thoughts was broken by Marla's next words:

"You seem to be in your thoughts. Don't worry. I don't hold anything against Marie or Marla. Those two sisters were always close to each other. So I can understand my rejection would have put Marla in a foul mood as well.

I remember that lass Marla had an unhealthy obsession for elven ales. And it only worsened when she learned about her sister. Does she still get hammered on those ales?"

Eren could only smile mirthlessly after affirming Levine's guess. As it appeared, Marla had the same idea of drowning her sorrows in her drinks. Marla of now and Eren of the past both were trying to find a cure in booze when it didn't solve anything in reality.

But that realization has never been enough to stop the heavy drinkers anyway.

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AN: Marie has been vaguely mentioned by Marla in chapter 130.