Alchemists do not need self-cultivation

As she received the paperclip, she glanced at Darian's magazine—the one featuring the teddy bear from the auction. This meant she wanted to exchange it for the teddy bear Darian had seen. The "other gift" she mentioned earlier was probably the illusion book she had in her bag…

"Honestly, there should be a limit to spoiling children..."

"Isaac, what are you saying?"

“It’s nothing.” Isaac shook his head. “By the way, Hugh, do you know Mr. Ferron?”

He clearly remembered that the teddy bear that Dalia had been eyeing was ultimately bought by Ferron at a high price.

“The collector Ferron? He’s a well-known collector in the area, a profit-driven person. I rarely deal with people like that.”

You could tell from Hugh's tone that he didn't like this person.

Where does he live?

"Ten kilometers east of here is his estate."

"Understood. Park the car here for a moment, I'll leave now."

"what happened?"

"Separating to search might be faster."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Hmph~ Hmph~"

Camilla was humming a song as she walked toward the manor, seemingly in a pleasant mood, as if she were about to achieve her goal.

"Miss Karns, so you've been here all along."

"Oh, Isaac, so you're here. Where's Fran? Isn't she always sticking to you?"

“This girl always talks nonsense, so I’m not bringing her out today,” Isaac said, walking up to Camilla. “Are you planning to trade the Phantom Book for that teddy bear?”

"Hehe~ Did you find out? As expected of an alchemist." Camilla said playfully, sticking out her tongue.

"So, are you going to Ferron's mansion next?"

"of course."

"What did you get in exchange?"

“From the very beginning, I traded paperclips all the way to a broken pocket watch, then the broken pocket watch for a pen, and now I’ve got a crystal!” Camilla said with a smile, holding up the sparkling crystal in her hand. “We’ve come this far, so let’s use this crystal to trade for that plush toy.”

"...Just to be on the safe side, let's go together."

"Okay, but what are you doing here when the deal is about to end?"

"If the deal goes through, I'll take a look around."

"What if the deal doesn't go through?"

"I'll teach you how to get something for free."

Chapter 1023: No one understands equivalent exchange better than me

The reception room was filled with the aroma of tea.

Beside the inlaid coffee table, long benches were scattered about. Inside the antique cabinet were several high-priced handicrafts, as well as imported dolls arranged neatly.

In front of a middle-aged man dressed in gentlemanly attire were a blonde girl and a dark-haired man.

"Miss Karnes, and Your Excellency the Great Alchemist, it is an honor to have you grace my humble abode with your presence." The gentleman greeted the two with his signature smile.

He is the collector Ferron, whose room is filled with all kinds of valuable collectibles.

“I understand the general situation. Miss Karns, do you want that German-made doll that I recently acquired at auction?”

"Yes."

Camilla smiled and nodded, then took a crystal from her pocket and placed it on the table.

"I wonder if this exchange would be acceptable?"

"It's a very beautiful crystal; it should fetch a high price at auction."

"So you're agreeing?"

“No,” Ferron laughed. “My collection isn’t measured by price.”

"What do you mean?"

"The so-called law of one price is nothing but an economist's fantasy. Because in reality there is something called disparity. There are wealthy people with millions of pounds in their pockets, and there are poor people who would risk their lives for a shilling. For a traveler in the desert, parched and thirsty, a cup of water is worth far more than the same weight of gold."

Camilla smiled upon hearing this, as if she had anticipated this outcome.

"You mean happiness varies from person to person, right?"

“That’s right, Miss Karnes understands romance very well.” Ferron snapped his fingers. “What I’m trying to say is that the concept of equivalent exchange simply doesn’t apply. It’s impossible for you to exchange the doll I bid on for crystals.”

Then, his gaze shifted to the collection displayed in the cabinet: musical instruments, teapots, foreign dolls and toys, and old books.

"What you're asking of me is one of my most prized possessions, more valuable than life itself, beyond monetary price. Even just a glimpse of it—can you make me let it go? What price are you willing to pay, Miss Keynes?"

According to the principle of the Book of Equivalence in Camilla's possession, if this collection is truly as precious as life itself, then Camilla must give up her life or something of equal value to her life.

Isaac smiled slightly after hearing Ferron's words.

“Mr. Ferron, I have great respect for your passion for collecting, which I greatly admire.”

"I am extremely honored to receive your praise."

"Then allow me to make an offer."

Isaac patted his pocket and placed a coin on the table.

"...one shilling?"

One pound was equal to twenty shillings. Given that the First World War had just ended and Europe was experiencing hyperinflation, one shilling was only enough for a poor person to eat a few meals.

For a wealthy collector, a pound sterling might not even be of much interest, but Isaac's act of pulling out a shilling clearly had a hidden meaning.

"Yes, it's one shilling."

"Sir, are you joking?"

“Of course not. As you just said, for an ‘equivalent exchange’ to be valid, both parties must offer something they consider to be of equal value.” Isaac smiled, his eyes narrowed. “Since you say that teddy bear is something you consider your life, then this shilling is something I consider my life. The exchange can be made.”

"...You must be joking. How could a great alchemist like yourself possibly be interested in a mere shilling..."

“This is all the money I have on me,” Isaac laughed.

He wasn't lying; Isaac did indeed only have one shilling left as legitimate currency, the rest of his money was diamonds and gold.

"But... how can you say it's just a shilling..."

Ferron smiled wryly, looking at Isaac's serious face, he couldn't say anything for a moment.

Isaac's name is very well-known in their circle. Not to mention that offending him might get you killed, even if Isaac doesn't take action himself, there will be a bunch of nobles who want to curry favor with Isaac willing to do it for him.

Seeing Ferron's unspoken predicament, Isaac suddenly beamed: "Look how nervous you are. I was just kidding. I don't actually need the money."

"Hahaha, I thought so too." Ferron smiled apologetically, but also breathed a sigh of relief.

"Since you're talking about life, I wonder if this thing is acceptable."

As Isaac spoke, he placed a gem that emitted a scarlet glow on the table.

Ferron's eyes widened when he saw the gem.

As a collector, he has a very discerning eye. This gemstone is unprecedented in both its luster and texture, and it is truly priceless without exaggeration.

"This is?"

"Those who have heard of the legends of alchemists should know about the Philosopher's Stone."

"The Philosopher's Stone!? That legendary stone that can turn stones into gold!?"

"Yes."

Isaac picked up the Philosopher's Stone and aimed it at the teacup in front of Ferron. In a flash of red lightning, the teacup's material changed from ceramic to gold.

"This...this..."

"Using this as an exchange shouldn't be a bad deal for you," Isaac said with a smile.

"Of course! Of course! This is simply..."

"Wait a moment!"

Seeing Ferron's greedy expression, Isaac spoke up to stop him.

He then placed the shilling he had just received next to the Philosopher's Stone.

"You may choose to take either the shilling or the Philosopher's Stone."

"Huh? Then I'm sure..."

“Don’t be so quick to say yes,” Isaac chuckled. “You just said that the doll is ‘something equivalent to your life,’ so I took out the Philosopher’s Stone because it represents a life.”

"Of course."

"The problem lies in whether that doll is truly equivalent to your life," Isaac said, his expression suddenly changing.

The sharp look in his eyes sent a chill down Ferron's spine.

“I am an alchemist, and no one understands ‘equivalent exchange’ better than me. If this thing is truly equivalent to your life, then take the Philosopher’s Stone. If you have deceived me and this thing is not as important to you as your life, then…”

Isaac rose from his seat and looked down at the tense Ferron.

“I will take your life because I must take something of equal value for it; that’s called ‘equivalent exchange’!”

"..."

Camilla sat to the side, sipping her tea and watching the situation unfold.

After hearing Isaac's words, Ferron trembled slightly. He didn't think he could fool the alchemist opposite him.

After a moment's hesitation, he sighed and reached out to take the shilling from the table.

Chapter 1024: Fame and Reputation

Are you sure?

“It’s confirmed.” Ferron said with a wry smile, “This item is indeed valuable to me, but it can’t be worth my life. One shilling from you would certainly suffice.”

"Finally, you're telling the truth? But it's definitely a loss for you to exchange a shilling for the expensive teddy bear you bought."