Robb thought for a moment, then stood up and lightly patted Andrey on the shoulder.
"Don't look so dejected. I've never seen the mighty Thirteenth Prince look this miserable."
As he rummaged through his cabinet, he added with a smirk, "If those starry-eyed noble girls back in the capital saw you like this, they'd be heartbroken."
Andrey chuckled despite himself.
"Don't remind me of those meaningless social events—all fake smiles and empty flattery."
But the gloom in his eyes faded just a little.
"Here, take a look at this."
Robb pulled out a delicate crystal vial filled with faintly glowing crimson liquid and tossed it to Andrey.
Andrey barely caught it.
"Hey! Watch it! This isn't a game of catch."
He held the bottle up to the light, curious.
"What is this? Smells a bit like… liquor?"
"Ha! If this were liquor worth five magic stone shards a bottle, I'd have opened a tavern by now," Robb laughed.
"It's a blood vitality potion—something I made under Madam Elena's guidance just yesterday. It's specifically designed for knight training."
Andrey's eyes lit up.
"You're kidding? I've heard of this—it's impossible to buy in the open market!"
He inspected the liquid more carefully.
"Wait… you can make something like this now? That's insane! From a sixth-tier washout to this—you're like a completely different person."
"C'mon, don't make me sound like a monster."
Robb pulled out a few more vials in different colors and laid them out on the table.
"These are all my recent 'masterpieces.' This blue one stabilizes mental fluctuations, the green one soothes meridian irritation…"
He picked up a clear vial and gave it a shake.
"And this baby? It boosts breathing technique efficiency by 30% at least."
Andrey reached out, only for Robb to smack his hand away.
"Hands off. These are collector's items—each bottle goes for around ten crystals."
"You weren't this stingy before," Andrey mock-complained, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is it really that effective?"
"Wanna try it?" Robb raised an eyebrow.
"Take one bottle home—it'll skyrocket your breathing technique."
Andrey blinked, feigning caution.
"Alright, what's the catch? We're friends and all, but my ass is not for sale."
"Oh screw you!" Robb barked a laugh, nearly punching Andrey off balance. "Man, you really grew up in the royal court, huh? Paranoia comes standard."
After stashing the vials away, Robb's tone suddenly turned serious.
"By the way, Madam Elena said that now that I've broken through, she's going to teach me a gem-tier meditation technique."
Andrey's smile froze.
"You what? Gem-tier?!"
He looked at Robb like he'd seen a ghost.
"Seven hells… She actually has one of those? I thought those were strictly hoarded by the academy!"
"She gave me a condition," Robb shrugged. "I have to collect some rare materials. Not easy stuff. But it's worth a shot."
"Robb," Andrey said, stunned, "I'm starting to regret writing you off as just some spoiled brat. If I'd known you had this kind of potential…"
"Don't dwell on it." Robb waved it off, thinking back to the times they'd gone drinking and gotten into trouble together. "Back then, I really was a piece of work—just booze, whores, and zero ambition."
They both laughed, the tension breaking like morning fog.
"But seriously," Andrey said suddenly, locking eyes with Robb, "If you can really help me get through this… I'll become your knight. Your personal combat guard."
Robb raised his eyebrows mid-sip.
"You're serious?"
"I've never been more serious." Andrey's gaze was firm. "I'd rather follow a friend I trust than be some deranged woman's sex toy."
He gave a self-deprecating laugh.
"Back home, I'm already considered a failure. But I've got real talent as a knight. If I follow you… at least I get to keep my dignity, right?"
Robb put down his cup, his tone just as serious.
"Then I won't go easy on you. Here's some advice—focus everything on becoming a full knight."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it." Robb tapped the table with his finger. "If you break through and become a formal knight, even your royal relatives will have to treat you with respect. A full knight has independent standing in the kingdom."
Andrey's eyes lit up with hope.
"You're right! Formal knights are recognized as free agents—even the royal family can't just boss them around."
"Exactly." Robb grinned. "I'll supply the potions, you focus on training. Win-win."
"Hold on…" Andrey looked skeptical. "You mean your potions? Those aren't cheap, you know."
"You gather your own materials. I'll cut you a deal on the processing fee," Robb winked, patting his coin pouch. "Friend discount. Just slightly below market price."
"You bastard!" Andrey laughed. "You've really turned into a businessman. But…"
His expression grew serious.
"Deal. I'll gather intel and materials for you, help with errands and fights when needed. You help me train. Fair and square."
"Deal." Robb held out his hand.
Andrey gripped it firmly, both men smiling.
"Partners!"
"By the way," Robb suddenly remembered, "This Cynthia you mentioned—is she the one always in purple, with a southern accent?"
"You've met her?" Andrey asked, surprised.
"Not really," Robb said with a sly grin. "But I did hear Madam Elena mention her. Apparently, she messed up one of her own potion recipes recently—almost poisoned herself."
Andrey's eyes widened.
"You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Robb shrugged. "Madam Elena even muttered something like stupid bimbo with big boobs and no brains."