The Female CEO's Personal Bodyguard

Chapter 2547: Sparring First, Friendship Foremost—Yeah, Right!

In the grand and opulent banquet hall, everyone exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats.

Carson Flores was merely a retainer of the Valentine Family. Even though he was to play an important role in this event, he was still just a retainer.

Crispin Valentine, Cyprian Valentine, and other key figures of the Valentine Family, along with Darius Aarav and others, were seated at the head table, while Carson was placed at the second table, accompanied by members of the Aarav Family, though clearly of much lower status.

The host family arranged seating according to the status of the guests, leaving no room for doubt.

Carson took his seat, drank wine, and ate meat, not speaking much.

Suddenly, a sharp gaze fell upon him from behind, fixing on Carson.

Sensing this, Carson turned around and saw an elderly, white-haired man looking down at him, his eyes harboring a hint of hostility.

Carson turned back and asked Delwyn Aarav, who was sitting at the same table, "Who is that, and why is he staring at me?"

Delwyn, slightly embarrassed, explained, "That’s Eamon Aarav, a high-order alchemist."

An alchemist of the Aarav Family?

Carson suddenly understood, "He represents the Aarav Family?"

Quenric Warrenwen nodded, "Yes."

This matter had been openly discussed and was no secret, so there was no need to hide it.

"That explains it."

Carson nodded and didn’t say more, turning back to continue eating.

Seeing Carson’s calm demeanor, Delwyn became curious, "I heard Fellow Roth only recently joined the Valentine Family?"

Carson replied candidly, "Yes."

Delwyn complimented, "Fellow Roth joined the Valentine Family not long ago, yet you are already highly regarded by the Family Head, with a bright future ahead of you."

Carson offered modest words and continued eating, making it inappropriate for Delwyn to pry further.

Midway through the meal, someone whispered in Carson’s ear, "The Family Head has instructed you to compete with the other alchemist, please follow me."

Carson was already prepared. He put down his chopsticks, offered an apologetic smile to everyone, and stood up to leave.

The eyes of those at the head table collectively turned towards Carson, causing his heart to race a bit.

For Crispin Valentine was staring directly at him.

Carson walked to the head table with a calm demeanor, ignoring all the gazes fixed on him, and said solemnly, "Family Head!"

Cyprian Valentine smiled and said, "Eamon Aarav of the Aarav Family has exceptional talent in the Alchemy Dao. You are an outstanding alchemist of our Valentine Family, with unlimited potential. Take this opportunity to seek his guidance... Hmm, don’t worry about winning or losing; focus on the exchange, with friendship first."

Friendship first?

Carson sneered inwardly but respectfully replied, "Yes, Family Head."

Then he bowed to Eamon Aarav, who had already approached him, "Fellow Aarav, please guide me."

Eamon Aarav, an elder of considerable age in the Aarav Family and experienced in alchemy for many years, couldn’t help but feel condescending seeing such a young opponent.

"Of course, Fellow Flores is so young yet has stood out in the Valentine Family, representing them, which must mean you are extraordinarily capable..."

Eamon Aarav’s words carried an air of seniority, with a subtle hint of disparagement towards the Valentine Family, implying their lack of talent.

They had, of course, researched Carson Flores’s background. Merely a talented but underappreciated loose cultivator, he was recommended by the Valentine Family’s Suffering Pray Sea liaison, Kaldren Stanford, after being exiled there, subsequently entering the Valentine Family and rising quickly.

Because of this, Eamon Aarav didn’t take Carson seriously; he didn’t believe Carson could defeat him.

They thought the Valentine Family simply despaired of victory, sending this young apprentice instead of Kairon Howard, the Alchemist Garden Steward, so losing would be excusable, wouldn’t it?

His talent was notable, but being young, a loss could just be a learning opportunity, which wouldn’t disgrace anyone, right?

Didn’t Cyprian Valentine just mention Carson seeking Eamon’s guidance?

What nonsense about focusing on the exchange and friendship first—they wouldn’t pursue victory if they had a chance, right?

A 20% share of the Heavenly Secret Profound Divine Water is no small amount!

Faced with Eamon Aarav’s arrogance, Carson didn’t get angry. Instead, he calmly cupped his hands and replied, "Roth’s skills in Alchemy Dao are limited and not considered outstanding in the Valentine Family. I can’t represent them. It’s just that the Family Head kindly gave me this opportunity to see more of the world, to progress through the exchange, nothing more."

Eamon Aarav was taken aback, unable to maintain his arrogance at that moment.

To show off, one needs an audience to respond.

He hadn’t even gotten started, yet the opponent already backed down. How could he continue?

Given the good relations between the Aarav and Valentine Families, it would seem oppressive and disrespectful to press the issue aggressively.

Eamon Aarav ignored Carson and turned to ask, "Valentine Family Head, how shall we compete?"

Cyprian Valentine was prepared and smiled, "Let’s each put forth an elixir formula for the other’s alchemist to comprehend and practice. In five days, the one who first comprehends and produces a finished product wins. If both succeed, the one with higher quality wins. How about it?"