After Luis' explanation of Multiplier Potion, Alicia's eyes widened in shock and her mouth agape.
"Twice the growth in cultivation?! Then, coupled with your gravity training, wouldn't the growth be even more astounding?!"
Upon seeing him nod, Alicia couldn't help but take a deep breath in amazement. Then nodded in understanding.
"No wonder you want her to be on our side so much. If she can create something so amazing, like a Multiplier Potion, her talent is incomparable."
"Yeah, but her formula is still incomplete. Which is why now is the perfect time for us to bring her to our side," Luis said, while leaning on the couch a little and because of his movement unknowingly, his hand pulled Alicia closer to his side.
Alicia observed him with a flat expression but didn't resist his 'inadvertent' actions and leaned against him, finding a comfortable position. Then she started asking all her doubts.
"What if she fails? Won't our efforts be in vain? Can't we just recruit her after she completes her formula? Then there will be no risk involved."
Luis smiled upon finding no resistance from her and became even bolder, wrapping his hand around her and closing her in his embrace. Then explained to her in a patient tone.
"You are thinking things too simply, Alicia. Once her formula is complete and the news comes out. All the powerful organizations and major forces will come after Rura like hawks. Some with the purpose of recruiting and others to exploit her. Whatever happens, we are bound to face a lot of competition in such a situation. That's why recruiting her in advance is necessary."
"Next, even if she fails. It wouldn't be too big of a loss for us to recruit an alchemist with S-grade talent, right?"
After hearing this, Alicia also realized things much more clearly and agreed with his decision to recruit her in advance.
"Even after completing her formula, she is bound to face so much risk and now you are going to put even more pressure on her using Thomas." Alicia sighed, then stretched her head to look at him and smirked with a playful expression. "Your actions are so much like a scheming villain attacking an innocent girl who is struggling hard to be independent."
When he heard this, dark lines appeared on his forehead, and he retorted. "I am not a villain, okay?! If it's just recruiting her, I still have many ways. However, what I want is her complete loyalty."
Alicia stopped teasing him and said with a serious expression. "I find it hard to achieve."
Luis nodded, knowing very well why Alicia would say this. So, he said with a calm expression. "According to her personality analysis, done by Lily. Helping her at her worst time and making her indebted to us is the best way to get her loyalty in the primary phase. Then we can use other means to ensure her loyalty."
"You already have it all planned, huh?" Alicia said in surprise. Then she thought of something and asked. "By the way, what's her situation with the Wayne family? Before you told me she wanted to escape from that family, but why?"
"Right, I haven't told you anything about her situation yet, have I? Let's start from the beginning." Luis uttered with a thoughtful expression. Then he started his explanation.
***
The Wayne Family has been the number one supporter of the Aiverson Royal Family. Since the founding of the Aiverson Empire, a century ago.
Whether it's the former 'Emperor' or the present 'King'. The Wayne Family has been loyal to them for generations.
The current head of the Wayne family, Steve Wayne, had two wives. Martha and Shaily. Each had two children.
***
"..." Alicia was silent as she pressed her lips with a deep expression.
A few seconds later, she looked at Luis and said with a firm expression. "Luis, I want to help her."
"You sure? It's not our business to meddle in."
"Hmph, less nonsense. I know you also want to help her."
"Hehe, you got me. So, now do you think a person like her deserves your genuine friendship?"
"If what you said is true. Then I think it's possible."
"Good, but don't forget. Our primary purpose is still to recruit her and for the latter things we can do in due time."
"Yeah, I know," Alicia said with a smile. Then she thought of something and asked, "So now you plan to support her when Thomas sends her family an engagement proposal? In desperation, she will readily agree to become your subordinate."
"Not quite." Luis shook his head and said, "I can't answer you now, but you will understand everything when you see it with your own eyes."
"Fine!" Alicia pouted at his rejection and asked, "What do I have to do?"
"You just have to get close to her and become good friends."
"That's it?"
"That's it." Luis nodded in affirmation.
"Hmm, I see." Alicia nodded and asked the last question that's been bugging her. "Since that's over, can you now tell me why you involved the student named Alex Stain in all this?"
***
Quiz: Why is the current ruler of the Aiverson Empire a King, rather than an Emperor?
1) The former emperor is alive.
2) The emperor system was abolished.
3) The king doesn't have full control over the Aiverson Empire
4) Other reasons.