Most alchemists desired recognition for their research and scholarly work, hence their enthusiasm for publishing books. So it wasn’t that they didn’t want apprentices; it was simply that they couldn’t find suitable candidates.

Now that Maria was offering to arrange apprentices for them, they were naturally enthusiastic. Even Master Agricola expressed a desire to select a few talented students—not just one, but several. This demonstrated how keen they were.

However, the matter of apprenticeships couldn’t be rushed. The immediate task was to settle them in.

“The new research institute isn’t finished yet, so for now, you’ll have to make do with the tower.”

Maria had designated the new collective alchemist...