The most shameless alchemist in history

Inside the box was an amber necklace, its crimson color smooth, translucent, and very soft. To buy this amber necklace, Grant had burned two years' worth of his family's harvest, which earned him a scolding from his uncle, but he just chuckled at it.

Because he is the future head of the family, it doesn't matter if he spends all this money.

"Ding ding ding... Alright, I'm done too. Ashe, this is your mithril hammer. It looks heavy, but it's actually very light. Even a girl like you can easily lift it. So after we graduate, if anyone bullies you, you can use this hammer to smash them." At the same time, Gru also presented his gift.

“Then, this is for you.” After Grant and Gru, Hanks also handed Ash something: a collection of poems written by a poet Ash greatly admired, an edition from over two hundred years ago.

"Thank you, Gru and Hanks." Ash accepted the hammer Gru handed her and the book of poems Hanks gave her, even though the hammer was very small, only slightly larger than the palm of her hand.

However, it was clearly not as light as Gru had claimed, but thankfully Ashe could still bear it, and she thanked Gru and Hanks.

"Oh? Ashe, and the gift I gave you..." Grant thought Ashe would be especially grateful to him, because of the three gifts, the amber necklace he gave was undoubtedly the most valuable, and what girl doesn't like a pretty necklace?

“Grant, I can’t accept the necklace you gave me.” Ashe shook her head slightly, not taking the amber necklace Grant offered, her expression very cold.

"Can't accept it? Why?" Grant was greatly surprised by this result. He originally thought that Ash would be very happy after receiving it, but he did not expect this outcome.

"There's no reason why, I just can't accept it. I have something to do today and have to leave. I came here today to say goodbye." Ash didn't tell Grant the reason, which made the latter even more confused.

()

795 Gruesi

"Farewell? Ash, are you leaving? But there's still some time before graduation." Hanks was quite surprised. Although he had known for a long time that they would eventually part ways, in Hanks' opinion there should still be some time left, and it shouldn't be so rushed.

"Something happened in my hometown, so I have to go back as soon as possible. Well then... let's part ways here." Ashe said coldly. Although her tone was so indifferent, it was already quite remarkable that she had made a special trip to tell Hanks, Gru, and the others.

"I see. Since Ashe is leaving... I hope we'll have the chance to meet again someday." Hanks felt a little regretful, recalling all the things they had experienced together over the past three years, which had all gone by too quickly.

"I hope we'll have the chance to meet again someday. Well then, goodbye." Ash gently shook her head. In her heart, these three years were unforgettable memories. If she could, she would like to see these friends who left such deep impressions on her again in the future, but she knew...

Once she leaves the academy, she will have to return to that cold Frost City, and she may never be able to leave that place again in her lifetime.

Furthermore, upon her return to Frost City, she will face an extremely perilous battle. She is unsure whether she can ultimately prevail, and what will happen if she loses the fight? She has no idea.

These are also secrets she keeps hidden in her heart, which she cannot share with Hanks and the others.

Ash left in a hurry. Hanks and Gru watched her go without saying a word, while Grant was shocked. This was not what he wanted to see. He had prepared a lot to say to her, and he had originally planned to invite her to his country.

He had so many plans and such a bright future, but at this moment, they all seemed to have been frozen by the harsh winter.

For the next three years, Grant never forgot the woman named "Aish." He always thought about her until one day, by chance, he learned that Aish was in the Mountain Kingdom. He immediately rushed there to try to see her.

For the past three years, he had been thinking about this day and night. If he still had some concerns three years ago, such as his family, his future, and his prospects, then this time, he was ready to go all out.

He deeply realized that nothing was more important than her. He was willing to give up everything and wanted to see her every day. So when he came to the Mountain Kingdom with this feeling, he was stunned when he saw Aisha with a protruding belly in a newly opened blacksmith shop.

"Aishie? What's going on? What's wrong with you...?" Grant had imagined countless times over the past three years what it would be like when he reunited with Ashie, but none of the countless images that flashed through his mind were like what was happening before his eyes.

"Grant? It's you? What are you doing here?" Ash immediately recognized the young man in front of her. It was none other than Grant, her classmate from three years ago. They hadn't been in contact for the past three years, so she was quite surprised to see Grant.

“Madam, I bought your favorite fruit today… You are… Grant?” Just as Grant was looking at Ashe in shock, a joyful voice came from behind him. Grant was familiar with the voice.

Although the voice wasn't exactly warm and gentle, he had listened to it for three years and immediately recognized whose voice it was.

Even so, Grant didn't dare to turn around for a moment. His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he felt terrified and uneasy. He was utterly incredulous. What was going on? How could things have developed like this? He really couldn't understand it.

"Grant? Is it really you? What brings you to the Land of Mountains? It's so good to see you!" The young blacksmith, who had just entered the room, was overjoyed to see Grant. He put down the bag he was carrying and gave Grant a big bear hug.

In his view, Grant was a good friend he had spent three years with. Although they hadn't seen each other for a long time, he was still very happy to see Grant this time.

“Gru…Aish…you…” Grant clenched his fists. Although it was summer and the weather was scorching, he felt his body was ice cold. He took a deep breath and looked at Ash and Gru with difficulty.

He simply couldn't connect the two people; it was just too unbelievable.

“We got married six months ago, so how did you end up in the Mountain Kingdom? Could it be…” Aisha said calmly. Compared to her cold and indifferent demeanor three years ago, she seemed much gentler now. Even so, she still looked at Grant with some worry.

Although she is currently living a peaceful life with Gru in the Mountain Kingdom, she doesn't know how long this peace will last.

“I…I just came to the Land of Mountains to discuss a business deal, and then I happened to hear that you were here…” Grant tried his best to appear calm as he spoke softly, not wanting Ash to see how upset he was.

"I heard it? Who told you that?" Ashe was particularly concerned about this matter. Obviously, she didn't want certain people to know her whereabouts. But now that even Grant could find her here, what about other powerful people?

"I heard it from Hanks, but I don't know who he heard it from," Grant explained, waving his hand. He hadn't been in contact with Ash or Gru for the past three years, but he had been in frequent contact with Hanks, as he had always been closer to Hanks.

“Then Grant, we’ve finally met, you must stay and have a good time for a few days.” Gru wasn’t a talkative person, but he was very happy to see his old friend.

"No need to stay or anything like that, I have things to do and really don't have the time." Grant shook his head, declining Gru's offer.

“Then stay for a meal. Wait a moment, I’ll go cook now…” Gru turned to go to the kitchen to get busy. Ever since he and Ash got married, he hadn’t let her do housework, even if she insisted on learning.

“Gru, I have to go. I’m so glad to have met you all. I hope you two will live a good life together. I’m leaving.” Grant shook his head, once again refusing Gru’s offer.

He bowed his head, forced a smile, said goodbye to Gru and Ash, and turned to leave.

()

796 went home.

"Hey? Grant, wait a minute, wait a minute, why are you leaving like this?" Gru was quite surprised by Grant's sudden departure. He hurriedly stepped forward, trying to stop Grant. He had to keep him here to catch up, after all, they were friends.

They were friends I'd spent three years with and made so many wonderful memories with. How could they just leave like that?

“Gru, let him leave.” Ashe sighed deeply. She felt sorry for Grant, but also worried about her own future, Gru's, and especially the child in her womb. If even Grant could find out they were here, then what about the people of Frost City…?

"I really miss the old days." Ashe said with a touch of melancholy as she watched Grant's disappearing figure. Her time at the academy was the most carefree time of her life, but those good times are gone forever, which made her feel a little sad.

“But aren’t we doing just fine now? I’ll work hard, earn more money, and support you and the baby,” Gru said, touching Ash’s bulging belly, even though he was just a rough blacksmith with calloused hands.

But when he was with his wife and unborn child, he was infinitely tender.

“What you said is true. We are indeed doing very well now.” Aisha nodded. She knew she couldn’t waste this precious time in melancholy. No matter what happens in the future, or what experiences we may have, at least she and her child are doing well now, and that’s enough.

Grant didn't lie to Ash and Gru. He did come to the Mountain Kingdom to discuss business. However, after leaving the blacksmith shop, he left the country in a daze, abandoning his business. In front of Ash and Gru, he appeared calm and magnanimous, uttering some high-sounding platitudes.

But he simply couldn't accept Gru's marriage to Ash. Gru was an ordinary guy who didn't know anything about tenderness or romance, had no background whatsoever, and was as ordinary as could be. How could Ash choose him? What was it about him that made him inferior to Gru? This was something he couldn't accept, something he couldn't understand!

"This is ridiculous. How could I possibly be jealous of him? It's just that my youth... is dead!" Grant sat on the train, watching the scenery rushing past the window, biting his lip and smiling bitterly.

He had always had a smooth life and had never experienced any setbacks, but he never expected to suffer such a crushing defeat here!

Having left the Mountain Kingdom, Grant decided to forget the past and start a new life. He quickly married a beautiful girl who was his equal in social standing, and he took over the family business. Everything went so smoothly.

Just like his previous life trajectory, one day he learned some news from his friend Hanks, which shocked him. He immediately rushed to the Mountain Country and appeared in front of the blacksmith shop again.

Compared to when he came to the blacksmith shop a few years ago with a sense of anticipation, this time he was extremely angry; you could say he came to demand an explanation!

"Gru, you bastard... what on earth is going on? Where is Ashe? Where is she?" Grant rushed into the blacksmith shop and saw Gru forging iron by the railway. He rushed forward, grabbed Gru by the collar, and questioned him loudly.

“Grant, is that you? It’s been so long.” Gru said expressionlessly. He didn’t feel the joy of reuniting with an old friend he hadn’t seen for many years. His face was ashen, an expression only a heartbroken person would show.

"What do you mean 'long time no see'? I'm asking you, Ashe, where is Ashe?" Grant was furious. Gru's current state was completely different from the energetic guy he remembered.

However, he was already consumed by anger and didn't care about anything else, so he questioned him fiercely.

“Aishie went back to her home,” Gru said softly. In the past, his eyes had always been the clearest and brightest, and he was very serious when he was forging iron. But now, Gru’s eyes were dull and without any sparkle.

“But isn’t her home here? Didn’t you give her a home? Which home can she go back to?” Grant roared angrily. He had already made a concession once before. The last time he came to the blacksmith’s shop, he wanted to say something.

But when he saw Ash's happy expression, he gave up. He left the blacksmith shop on his own initiative. She had her life, and he had his. As long as she was doing well, wasn't that enough?

So he started his life, choosing to forget everything, but after a few years, he found that he hadn't forgotten after all.

“She’s gone back to where she belongs, Grant. You probably already know that, right? That’s what the newspapers are saying. She’s gone back to the throne and become her queen,” Gru said softly, if he had heard some rumors beforehand.

If he chooses not to believe it, then when the newspapers are filled with reports about it, he won't be able to ignore it even if he wants to.

"Of course I know, that's why I'm asking you. Why didn't you keep her here, or rather, why didn't you leave with her? Aren't you her husband? Shouldn't you be together? Aren't you going to protect her? But why are you hiding here forging iron? Are you even a man?"

Grant asked one question after another, venting all the negative emotions in his heart, including resentment, jealousy, and dissatisfaction!

"Do you think I don't want to leave with her?" Gru said with a sad smile. This was an expression that was completely unrelated to him. How could a dull and honest person like him have such emotions?

"What did you say?" Grant seemed not to have heard him clearly and asked blankly.

"Do you think I don't want to go to Frost City with Ashe, or have her stay here to maintain this family?" Gru shook his head slightly, speaking bleakly.

"What on earth happened? What happened?!" Grant guessed that there must be some hidden story. He questioned loudly, which made him feel anxious and his blood was surging.

"Father...Father, are there any guests?" At this moment, someone walked down from the attic shakily. It was a very cute little girl, who looked to be only three or four years old. She walked unsteadily and asked timidly while sucking her fingers.

()

797 Two daughters

“Who is she…” Grant realized he had just lost his composure, and he looked at the little girl, asking in a trembling voice.

“She is my and Ash’s second daughter, named Grufi,” Gru said expressionlessly.

"The second daughter... what about the first one?" Grant asked in a low voice, looking closely at Gruffi. Her features did indeed resemble Aisha's.

“The first one is called Winry. She has already been taken back to Frost City by Ashe,” Gru said, his head bowed.

“But why…” Grant felt a buzzing in his head; he was somewhat confused.

Now that she finally married Ash, shouldn't she cherish it and give her happiness no matter the cost? But judging from the current situation, her relationship with Gru has become a complete mess.

When he saw in the newspaper that the new Ice Queen had ascended to the throne, he knew that Ashe and Gru had reached the end.

"Why? Why so many whys? It just ended up like this without any clear reason." Gru also wanted to know why, he also wanted a reason, but he knew that even if he knew, he had to pretend he didn't.

He didn't want to think about those complicated issues anymore. Even if he figured them out, what could he do? Could he change the status quo and go back to the past? Come on, the past is irreversible, what has happened cannot be changed. He and Aisha are from two different worlds now, and they will never cross paths again in this lifetime!

Memories are like strong liquor, or like poison. They can intoxicate you and make you unable to extricate yourself, or they can be like a rusty, dull knife, cutting away at your flesh piece by piece, causing you to suffer in pain.

"Aishie...Gru...Hanks...These scenes, these people, it all feels like yesterday. My family, my future, my life, when did it all turn out like this? And what have I been doing all this for?"

Grant watched the army depart, and soon this mighty army marched into Winter Valley. By the agreed time, Winter Valley must have already been in turmoil.

He had reason to believe that, taking advantage of the chaos in Winter City, the Southern Front's army could easily storm into Winter City and ultimately win the war. He would stand at the pinnacle of the Snow Kingdom, enter the Winter Palace, and pull the woman bearing the title of "Ice Queen" off her cold throne.

“Yes, I want her to return to a normal life, to free her from the burden of being called ‘Queen,’ and to give her the right to choose a normal life. That’s the reason…” Grant smiled bitterly.

He has painstakingly built all of this over the past decade. He gave up his family, his wife, his smooth-sailing life, and so much else to get to where he is today...

“Ashe is right, and Gru is right too. Why ask so many questions? Isn’t it good as it is now? Right?” Grant muttered to himself, shaking his head slightly as he stood alone in the snowstorm, saying nothing more.

Time is silent, memories are silent, but what about the future? Will it be what he wanted? He really has grown old!

Meanwhile, inside Winter City, a bone dragon suddenly appeared and wreaked havoc on the city. It destroyed large areas of the surrounding buildings with overwhelming force. Ordinary soldiers were no match for it and could only retreat to a distance to regroup.

In the air, the highly mobile Griffin Legion fought against the Bone Dragons. The spears equipped by the Griffin Legion soldiers were imbued with magical properties, making them much stronger than ordinary soldiers.