Chapter 125

Chapter 125

William stood rooted to the spot, clearly not expecting Lorant to give such an answer: "But... wait, do you think there's something wrong with my idea?"

He was somewhat puzzled, thinking that perhaps his explanation had been unclear, leading Lorant to miss the importance of it.

Otherwise, why would he refuse?

But Lorant certainly understood. He not only heard it clearly but also believed that if such a pet really existed, this line of research might be correct.

However, the fact was that no such pet actually existed.

Lorant's pets were not bred at random; with the compendium, he had complete confidence in every type of pet he owned.

Of course, Lorant did not want to explain this to William.

In reality, even if the floating octopus today was indeed the problematic pet he described, Lorant would have made the same choice as now.

His feelings towards William were complex.

From the results, William not only provided some technical assistance when the Animal Pet Shop first started, building a powerful land of ice and fire for the Liuli Ice Flame Dogs to play and improve their abilities at his own expense.

Moreover, during the beast tide, he stayed in the pet shop, although he was guarding the hatching process of the Windbreaker Horses in the warehouse, he also expressed that he would step in if truly needed.

Additionally, the defensive arrays of the pet shop and Lorant's earliest portable defense set were both provided by William.

The Liuli Ice Flame Dogs could smoothly gain recognition from the Congress of Magic, thanks in large part to William's help.

However, William also brought a considerable amount of pressure to Lorant.

Perhaps that pressure was not intentional; his intentions were not to force Lorant into anything. But as William, a powerful mage nearly at the semi-legendary level, while Lorant was just a powerless ordinary person.

Mages are among the most indifferent to ordinary people among all professions.

They have no creed to bind them, no knightly oaths, they act on a whim, following the law of the jungle, believing that the strong have the right to control the fate of the weak.

If someone were to make a statistic, they would find that the number of ordinary people killed by mages each year is several times higher than those killed by other professions.

Of course, this does not mean that knights or priests are halo-topped little angels.

Any ordinary person who angers a professional has the potential to be killed outright.

Even knights have stories of massacring entire villages.

Professionals and ordinary people are like heaven and earth; they stand high above, even feeling that their gifted selves and the withered, small humans are no longer of the same race. In such a situation, how could ordinary people gain respect from professionals?

It's almost impossible.

Just like William, does he need to seek Lorant's approval to study the Liuli Ice Flame Dogs?

Even if those little creatures belong to him because he bred them, what difference does it make?

He needs a land of ice and fire to study the Liuli Ice Flame Dogs, so isn't it natural for Lorant to provide the venue?

If he wants to study the Windbreaker Horses, he should naturally stay in the pet shop warehouse to observe the entire process.

In William's mind, he has always thought this way.

He doesn't feel that his actions are inappropriate.

This is his daily life; if Lorant were replaced by any ordinary person or low-level professional, he would still act the same way.

A smooth sailing life has never taught William how to treat others equally.

Especially when it comes to his professional field, the usually friendly mage becomes domineering without realizing it.

William doesn't see any problem with himself, but for Lorant, no one likes constant yielding.

No one likes constantly comforting themselves.

Hmm, the land of ice and fire is beneficial to me too, don't worry about it.

The research results of the Liuli Ice Flame Dogs can be added to the compendium, so don't overthink it.

The Windbreaker Horses need care, don't they? Having him around saves me trouble!

Lorant is like an ostrich, burying his head in the sand, trying to brainwash himself.

Only then can he feel better and continue to face William with a good attitude.

But he knows very well that he hates this feeling.

Lorant is a strong-willed person in many aspects, but he is also a mature adult, worn down by life.

Doesn't he know how uncomfortable he feels when agreeing to these things? But he has no choice; he must endure.

In that situation, offending a powerful mage who leans towards him would be detrimental to Lorant in every way.

So he chose to bear it, silently comforting himself, even discovering Little Qing's abnormality but not daring to speak out for fear of William taking it away, only secretly carrying it out to give to Lancelot.

But if given the choice to be willful, how many would choose to endure?

Even bound by the soul of an adult, the parts of him that belong to a teenager have never died.

Without the Ghost Spider as his trump card, even with Dream Weavers and other pets continuously elevating the status of the pet shop, Lorant would not dare to refuse William's demands until now.

Refusing William's demands would result in two possibilities: one, William and the pet shop falling out, or two, both parties coexisting peacefully.

Lorant dared not bet on the probability of the latter, because even if it were just one percent, he could not afford the cost of falling out with William.

Now it was different. After Lorant looked straight into William's surprised eyes and spoke his refusal word by word, he felt refreshed and invigorated.

A part of his soul that belonged to the young man was filled with enthusiasm.

He felt much more comfortable all over.

"No, William, you haven't understood my meaning," Lorant calmed down the emotions he couldn't suppress, slightly lifting his chin: "It has nothing to do with your guess. I don't intend to entrust anyone else with the research on animal pets."

"Especially the floating octopuses. I know them better than anyone. They don't need to be studied."

William opened his mouth, at a loss: "But..."

He had never faced such a situation; it had never appeared in his life, not even once.

William thought seriously again with his way of thinking: "Hmm... Have you entrusted these studies to the Beast Tower? Lorant, maybe I'm not as specialized as the Beast Tower, but I can assure you that my ideas will definitely be useful!"

"I'm not against collaborating with the Beast Tower either. Really, Lorant, please think about it carefully."

Even now, William was still fixated on the issue of research.

Lorant felt a bit discouraged looking at the great mage, unsure why he was having this silent conflict with someone whose mind was as simple as a single-celled organism.

After talking for so long, William might not have even sensed the rejection and firmness in his words.

It was like throwing a flirtatious glance at a blind man.

The problem with William wasn't something that could be corrected overnight; he was just that kind of person.

Lorant wasn't arrogant enough to insist on changing William's attitude. He only changed his own approach towards William. From now on, he would no longer easily compromise with anyone.

Lorant's stance didn't waver in the slightest: "William, this isn't about who conducts the research. I believe I've made myself very clear. The floating octopuses will not be subject to any research. And if you come up with any research directions in the future, you can tell me directly."

"If I find the research feasible, I will notify you and connect you with the research team at the Animal Pet Shop."

"I plan to form a team of scholars similar to the Mage Tower to specialize in research related to animal pets."

"In the future, this type of research content won't trouble you anymore. As for the research you're currently working on, of course, you can continue, but the Animal Pet Shop will no longer provide any support."

William blinked, his mouth slightly open, momentarily speechless.

Lancelot sighed silently: "William, how about this? Go back and tell Todd your ideas, and let Brother Todd handle the communication with the Animal Pet Shop."

He was somewhat helpless with his teacher and could only direct him to Todd, who was nominally the eldest disciple but actually the head steward.

Let professionals handle professional matters; everyone would be much more relaxed.

"Oh, oh..." William nodded blankly. Just then, he seemed to see a shadow of his senior brother Quinton in Lorant, a similar aura that left him momentarily dazed.

William couldn't help but think of what Lorant looked like when he first met him.

When did Lorant start to change gradually?

Before he could figure it out, a female voice came from outside.

"Little Lorant!" Jacqueline, dressed in a deep purple robe, lightly pushed open the side door of the living room: "I just heard you talking about the Beast Tower? What's going on?"

The moment she stepped out of the teleportation array, her baby had already relayed this information to Lorant's mind, so now Lorant calmly greeted her: "Good evening, Aunt Jacqueline. Don't worry, we were just chatting casually."

Jacqueline's arrival clearly startled both William and Lancelot. The reason was simple: until she spoke, neither of them had noticed anyone at the door.

"Well, although I suspect you're hiding something from me, it's probably better not to pry," Jacqueline smiled and winked at Lorant: "Otherwise, you might change your mind and refuse to share the breeding methods of the bamboo lanterns with me."

As she spoke, she sat next to Lorant with a smile: "It's so hot outside, Little Lorant. Can I have a glass of iced juice?" The female mage, with her lolita face, softened her voice as she spoke to Lorant.

Lorant found it almost impossible to refuse such an Aunt Jacqueline. Honestly, the old witch's pouting was too terrifying.

"Of course, of course, no problem, Aunt Jacqueline. Do you want double honey like before?"

"Yes, please!" Jacqueline sent Lorant off to the kitchen with a smile. She had already figured out Lorant's nature, knowing that he was a stubborn child who responded to softness rather than toughness. As long as it wasn't a matter of principle, this child would usually be moved by a little show of weakness.

"Master Jacqueline, good evening."

"Good evening, Aunt Jacqueline."

After Lorant left the living room, William and Lancelot finally had the chance to greet Jacqueline.

Jacqueline's gaze swept over Lancelot indifferently, not saying anything about his calling her aunt along with Lorant, which she tacitly accepted.

"Hmm, good evening, William." Facing William, Jacqueline's attitude changed noticeably, her voice and expression less warm, appearing particularly aloof: "What brings you here? Has the Evocation School decided that the Beast Tower is already in decline?"

Her opening remarks were confrontational, and even someone as thick-skinned as William could clearly hear the obvious hostility.

But William could only give a forced laugh in response: "How could that be, Master Jacqueline? I can't speak for the Evocation School. I'm only here because Lancelot is my student."

"I just remembered I have some business to attend to. Brat, I'll leave first. Tell Lorant that Todd will come to discuss the experiments later."

Under Jacqueline's cold gaze, William quickly found an excuse and hurriedly left the Animal Pet Shop.

Jacqueline didn't feel anything was amiss. The Animal Pet Shop was now under the protection of the Beast Tower, and the role of the Evocation School had long been replaced. In the mind of the great mage, those people should stay far away from the Animal Pet Shop!

Naturally, she had no good face to show William.

She was one of the top mages in the Congress of Magic, and even William had to choose to retreat obediently in front of her.

When Lorant came in with the drinks, he saw William fleeing in disarray and looked at Jacqueline in surprise: "Aunt Jacqueline, what happened?"

"Hmm? What do you mean? Didn't he have something to do?" Jacqueline put on an innocent look.

Lorant couldn't help but laugh: "Oh! Aunt Jacqueline is really amazing. William immediately had something to do as soon as you arrived!"

He found it somewhat amusing. Although he had left the living room, everything here was still under his surveillance, so naturally, he knew about the grand mage's menacing appearance just now.

Lorant didn't find anything wrong with it.

Since mages followed the principle of the strong ruling, wasn't it only natural for William to yield when facing the more powerful Jacqueline?

Just like how he himself had acted in front of him before.

The rather vengeful Lorant thought to himself.

Jacqueline snorted coldly, putting on an angry act, then smiled indulgently at Lorant and patted the young man's arm: "What? Do you want to mock your aunt for being an old witch?"

"How could I? I think you look particularly cool this way." Lorant smiled, knowing very well that Jacqueline's confidence stemmed from her own strength, which no one could envy.

But he wasn't far behind either. Lorant believed that one day he would also reach this level.

"The actions of the Evokers have not been few behind the scenes. Our retreat once might have given them an illusion," Jacqueline's face turned cold when she mentioned the Evokers: "But don't worry, little guy. Just do what you normally do. If anyone tries to play tricks on you, I'll make the Congress of Magic remember my name from a hundred years ago."

The young mage spoke these words with a murderous aura, looking somewhat middle-schoolish at first glance.

But both Lorant and Lancelot completely believed that she was not speaking empty words.

The title 'Cruel Sorceress' was still respected by no one in the Congress of Magic, even after a hundred years.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Jacqueline turned and took Lorant's arm, smiling at the young man, all traces of her previous tough talk gone.

"Little Lorant, I've completed your commission! When will you give me the agreed-upon reward?"

When Lorant learned that Jacqueline had come to the animal pet shop, he already had a good idea, but hearing her say it still filled him with pleasant surprise: "Really, Aunt Jacqueline! You found a way to preserve the energy flowers produced by the Flower Spitter?"

Jacqueline raised her eyebrows proudly and waved her hand; a large bamboo tube flew over from outside: "Of course, who do you think I am!"

"Take a look at this."

She handed the Flower Spitter to Lorant.

This large bamboo tube had a thick crystal ring attached around its middle section by Jacqueline.

The crystal ring was so large and heavy that it made the Flower Spitter struggle to balance itself, swaying from side to side as it tried to maintain its footing by hopping.

Lorant skillfully shook the Flower Spitter and received a small fluffy flower.

He rubbed the fluffy flower in his hand, finding no difference in texture compared to before.

Seeing this, Jacqueline explained: "This is a specialized device I designed for the Flower Spitter. It contains three energy solidification arrays and two things I doubt you'd understand, which are my own creations specifically for exotic beasts."

"But it seems to work on pets too, and rest assured, it won't harm this little creature."

"It does exactly what you wanted: the small flowers spat out while wearing this device will not dissipate."

"However, the device consumes a lot of crystals. It takes one third-grade exotic beast crystal to produce about ten flowers. But since the energy in those crystals is used to maintain the shape of the flowers, it's not really wasteful."

Jacqueline introduced it seriously.

As she spoke, she watched Lorant's expression, unsure if he was satisfied.

Jacqueline felt a bit guilty, thinking the device looked too crude and the energy consumption was indeed quite high.

If she had more time, she might be able to reduce the energy consumption a bit more, but limited by the arrays, it wouldn't be much.

After confirming this, Jacqueline decided to bring her results directly to the animal pet shop.

She wanted to see if Lorant could accept such a device, and if so, she could fine-tune the energy array issues later.

At the moment, Lorant could feel Jacqueline's intense gaze, but to be honest, he was conflicted.

The high consumption of the device made him reluctant to use it for mass-producing 'cotton.'

At such a cost, 'cotton' would end up being a mere trifle.

The cost of such cotton would exceed ninety percent of materials made from exotic beasts, making it an extravagantly expensive ordinary fabric with no special functions.

What he wanted was for Jacqueline to directly modify the Flower Spitter, not create an external device.

While this did partially meet his requirements, it felt like they were taking two different paths.

If the Flower Spitter were modified, he could try to stabilize the unique trait through continuous breeding, forming a separate pet category.

But now, it seemed more like a one-time deal.

Lorant thought carefully and decided he couldn't accept this. He shook his head: "I'm sorry, Aunt Jacqueline, although this device is effective, ... to be honest, it's far from what I wanted. If possible, please think of another way, preferably by modifying it itself."

Jacqueline's ears drooped in disappointment. Her cherished breeding path seemed to be a distant dream again: "Alright, then, I'll go back and think of another way?"

"Yes, thank you for your trouble."

Jacqueline took the Flower Spitter and prepared to leave dejectedly. Just then, Lancelot, who had been examining the small flower Lorant had just rubbed, suddenly spoke up: "Please wait, I think there might be another solution?"

He examined the small flower closely, then pulled something out of his pocket and muttered some words. Soon, a green light blossomed between his fingers holding the flower.

It was a vibrant color, representing the presence of life.

Lancelot was performing a small magic spell to detect life force, proving that the small flower remained alive after being separated from the Flower Spitter.

That meant it could continue to the next stage of its life cycle.

For example, it could bear fruit.