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Chapter 539: Kritonia

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Holding Natasha in his arms off her feet, Lucien walked to the guest room at the end of the corridor calmly. With such a posture and such softness in his hands, he was quite satisfied and could not cover his smile even though he could smell nothing but stinky blood and sour poisons.

Natasha, on the other hand, felt rather complicated. Her self-perception and her previous experience both suggested that she was a brave knight, but now that such a brave and firm knight was hugged by Lucien in such a way, she felt indescribably weak and ashamed. However, Lucien was the one who was hugging her. His heartbeat, his smell and his chest were all so familiar and made her feel warm and sweet. Therefore, she was both delighted and embarrassed, and she tried not to reveal her feelings on her face in case Lucien made fun of her.

While she felt uncomfortable and yet she did not want it to end, it did not occur to Natasha that she was also wearing a smile until Lucien stopped at the door of a guest room.

"Duke James' guest rooms have divine power circles, too?" Lucien was more or less surprised.

Natasha tried to shift her attention from her current awkwardness and looked at the room. "The few guest rooms on this floor are for the entertainment of the royal family and other major nobles. So, the divine power circles are independent from the overall defense of the manor, giving the guests a private, secure space."

As she explained, she saw that Lucien opened the door with his spiritual power and walked in.

The guest room was rather spacious, with a living room, a bedroom, a library and other facilities such as a piano and a bar. After Lucien closed the door and activated the divine power circle, the whole room was suddenly separated from the manor. Quiet and tranquil, it seemed like a private space that belonged to them.

Natasha knew that Lucien was being cautious. He could not be distracted when he guided her to use the Health Belt. They would be in major trouble if the divine power circle was not activated and an enemy attacked them.

Suddenly, she felt something soft, comfortable on her back and realized that Lucien had put her on the velvet bed and was staring at her attentively with her black eyes.

In a low voice, Lucien said, "Just now, you…"

Before he finished, Natasha interrupted Lucien and smiled, "No thanks are needed between us. It was my faith of protection as a knight and a wife. If it were you, I believe you would've done the same. I was quite shocked when you stabbed your hand into your neck."

Without being shy or retreating, she spoke of the word 'wife' frankly.

While talking, she extended her right hand and grabbed Lucien's, passing the gentle warmth into Lucien's heart.

There was no need to say or do anything. Lucien held Natasha's right hand tightly and sensed the eternal warmth between the two of them. Then, looking at her in the eyes, he lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Natasha blinked and slowly closed her eyes, relishing the kiss and not loosening her right hand.

Everything was slow and gentle, but it was even more exhilarating than passion.

After a while, when their lips were separated, Natasha's eyes were clear again. She said with a smile, "Hurry and suppress 'Helpless Kiss' for me…"

"I'm going to help you suppress 'Helpless Kiss'…" Lucien smiled and said at the same time. Then they both stopped and looked at each other with a smile.

"Hurry. If our recovery is delayed because of romance, and we are killed by subsequent enemies, it will be on the top ten most stupid ways to die in Allyn." Natasha recognized the situation as keenly as before.

Lucien chuckled, "There shouldn't be any subsequent enemies." Had he not received Fernando's secret message, he would've helped Natasha suppress the poisons earlier, but the truth was, it was not easy to come by Her Majesty when she was weak.

Natasha raised her eyebrow. "Granny Hathaway and the Lord of Storm came?"

She believed that Lucien came to the private party with certain preparations. Therefore, she thought of 'reinforcements' the moment Lucien said it.

"Let's talk about the details later. I'll help you recover first." Lucien nodded. Considering that Duke James would inform 'Heart of Time' to come after processing the spot, he could not stay long. So, he helped Natasha suppress 'Helpless Kiss' with magic such as 'Poison Neutralization'.

Natasha focused her attention and began to gather her willpower. After a minute, a sharp and cold brilliance beamed out of her eyes.

Seeing that, Lucien spread his spiritual power to Natasha through their right hands that were still crossed, guiding her to pass the magic barriers of the Health Belt. Then, he erased his own mark.

Natasha was slightly surprised, but she did not have the time to consider at such a moment. She hurried to leave her own mark in the pivot.

The Health Belt around her waist emitted a gentle glow. As its passive ability was activated, the dark green gas spread out and disappeared.

After a dozen seconds, Natasha waved her left hand and said in complicated feelings. "Being weak is a terrible feeling."

Then she looked at Lucien. "Why did you erase your mark?"

"I have the Congus Ring with me. The effect of the Health Belt is redundant for me, and you don't have an item that protects you from poisons, diseases and negative energy." Lucien said with a smile.

While the royal family of Holm was rich, and Natasha had a granny who was a grand arcanist, the senior-rank items, especially those with special effects, had always been rare. Therefore, although Natasha had equipment that could prevent poisons, it was not as good as the Health Belt.

Having regained her strength, Natasha cleaned the blood on her and teased him, "What a precious gift. You truly deserve to be called a 'moving treasury', Mr. Evans."

It was what Grunwell said just now.

"You're my wife and my queen. Nothing is more precious than you." Lucien realized that he might be talented at sweet talking after all.

Natasha chuckled and enjoyed what Lucien said, but she intentionally said, "You picked three items from Mr. Rhine's place. Except for the scroll that you used yourself, you offered the other items to me. Your adventure proved to be for nothing."

It was then that Lucien realized that the items he got from Mr. Rhine's treasury had been mostly offered to Natasha. However, it was definitely worthwhile as long as she was happy. Mr. Rhine was really a good man. When could he offer an opportunity to pick another item from his treasury?

"Right, did you have something you want to say?" Natasha was also relieved after knowing that Hathaway was around. She almost forgot to ask.

Lucien cast another spells cautiously in case of snooping. Then, he spoke to Natasha via the telepathic bond. "Sard was the one behind the curtain. He wanted to…"

There was no need to keep it a secret from Natasha. As the queen of Holm, she would be involved in the matter sooner or later. Besides, her tendencies were rather obvious.

"I don't trust Sard. He has been too mysterious and unpredictable." Natasha offered her opinion.

Lucien nodded. "Nobody knows what he got from the World of Souls. It's not easy to infer his real purpose. We have to be prepared that he has great schemes."

"His Excellency Kritonia was attracted to him… What's the result of your necropsy?" Natasha asked solemnly.

Lucien thought for a moment and confessed, "The necromancers of the Hand of Paleness knew a lot about cells. Based on their knowledge system, they found out the age of the prince when he passed away. Although there's an error of about half a year, it is doubtless that the prince's actual age when he died was two to three years older than the age he should've been. You can ask Hathaway for more details."

The test result was too important to be delivered through electromagnetism messaging. Lucien joined the party and met Natasha partly to forward the message, too.

Natasha listened and sighed in sorrow, "I find Sard even less trustworthy…"

Then, she calmed down and smiled like a real queen. "Rest assured. I will not be impetuous. It takes tricks and plans to crush the enemy in a head-on clash. I'll cooperate with them until the lands are separated. Then, I will bring Kritonia to trial for his crime. He will have no support."

After learning the cause of her family member's death, she made up her mind. Sard couldn't have done it on his own. The pope and the Grand Cardinal must've given their help.

"The Congress and I will be on your side." Lucien touched Natasha's hair, which made her slightly uncomfortable. She intentionally changed the subject, "Right, Lucien, I'll tell you a secret…"

Hearing the secret in the telepathic bond, Lucien smiled. "This is great. I feel relieved."

Pausing for a moment, Lucien walked to the window and observed the nobles who were almost about to riot. "Kritonia will be informed very soon. It's inappropriate for me to meet him. I'll leave now. Don't be scared when you face him. Her Excellency Hathaway is around and observing everything."

"Okay." Natasha suddenly put on a naughty smile. "There should be a few more minutes. Lucien, my strength is not entirely back yet. Help me take off my clothes and put on new ones."

Her hunting suit was transformed from a senior-rank knight suit. She couldn't have resisted Grunwell as long without it, but under the corrosion of curses and poisons, the suit had been completely ruined, with cracks and holes everywhere. Thankfully, she had a few more senior-rank helmets and knight suits after inheriting the throne, so she opened the storage bag and took out a knight suit that had been transformed into a purple long dress, as well as lingerie, silk stockings, etc.

Lucien's heart raced, and he breathed heavily, "There's no time…"

"You are overthinking. I asked you to change my clothes for me exactly because there is no time." Natasha said in a delightful smile, "This is a 'reward' for you hugging me a moment ago."

Lucien's smile was immediately frozen.

...

In another chamber where Duke James had turned on the divine power circle, Natasha arrived with her purple long hair tied again. The vague redness on her face still hadn't faded away.

At this moment, Duke James directed a grey-haired old man to enter the room. Inside his azure eyes, an ever-surging river of time seemed to be running.

"Your Majesty." Kritonia bowed in a heavy mood. "Duke York must be severely punished for his involvement in the assassination against you, but considering that he merely observed but did not participate in planning, and considering the loyalty of the Kritonia family for hundreds of years, please show him some mercy. The Kritonia and me will protect you even more loyally."

He had already gained the confession from David. Therefore, he had come to Natasha to plead guilty and seek compromises and exchanges.

Natasha said solemnly, "If I compromise and back off about someone who intends to kill me, wouldn't it be telling everyone that they are free to kill me because they wouldn't be punished whether they win or lose? I don't think I can survive for long in such a case."

Kritonia was about to talk, only to be stopped by Natasha's gesture: "So, York and Barady must die!"

"As a punishment of treason, the Barady family, who initiated the assassination, will lose their title and their fief lingdi. As for the Kritonia, since only York was mildly involved in it, he will be punished but his family will be unaffected."

"Kritonia, what do you think of such a decision? I don't think there is only one grand knight in your household, is there?"

Easy compromises without principles would only make the compromises worthless.

Chapter 540: The Solemn Queen

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Kritonia raised his head, only to see Natasha standing straight intimidatingly against the light, making everyone forget her gender and her beauty.

He narrowed his eyes. Even though he did not release any pressure actively, he was still giving off an oppressive air having been a legendary knight for hundreds of years. Duke James, who was protecting Natasha, couldn't help but move his eyes away, but Natasha looked back at him without wavering.

After ten seconds, Kritonia said in a low voice, "That's an excellent decision, Your Majesty. I agree that anyone that violates the basic order of the nobles shall be punished, but I hope that Your Majesty will allow me to take care of York in person. I do not want him to embarrass the family on the gallows."

"That's understandable." Natasha looked gentler, but the exhaustion no less than that of after a fierce battle with a radiant knight of her level rose in her body. "Also, I would like the shift change of legendary knights to be advanced. I hope that Winston can take your shift as soon as possible, so that I can be familiarized with both of you the two excellencies sooner."

Kritonia understood that it was her conditions of the deal. Also, he knew that Natasha wouldn't trust him for the time being after such an incident. He nodded and said, "I'll swap with Winston and watch over the colonies in the alternate dimensions after I escort you back to the Nekso Palace. I will live up to your trust, Your Majesty."

"You are a legendary hero who founded the kingdom, Your Excellency. I'm confident in you." Natasha encouraged and reassured him. "I'll leave Duke York to you. His heir will be your decision."

Kritonia pressed his chest with his left hand and bowed deeply, "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I'll escort you back to the Nekso Palace first."

Now that the Heart of Time had come, the poisons in Camil, Russell and the rest of them were soon relieved. Kritonia also 'successfully' found evidence from 'Primous', proving that he was the 'Cursed Angel', who ranked fifth among the night watchers.

After she returned to the Nekso Palace, Natasha spoke to James and his partners, "Duke James, would you please invite Duke Solefen to come? Also, block the message and convene the Parliament of Nobles an hour later. Duke Russell, please watch over Count Barady in case he runs off and check to see if York is really dead."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Duke James and the rest of them answered sincerely. A distinguished knight was always admirable, especially one who stayed to resist the enemy when she could've run away.

...

Inside the Parliament of Nobles in the Nekso Palace.

Count Barady walked in with Duke Russell gloomily. He merely nodded at the nobles who greeted him warmly, his usual manner gone.

"Russell, can you tell me why Her Majesty is summoning the nobles? As I recall, the one-month mourning period is not over yet. Is she breaking her promise?" Count Barady spoke to Duke Russell.

He knew that Natasha was going to James' private garden, and that the Duke and Grunwell would take action. Therefore, he had a bad feeling when he was informed that Natasha was convening a meeting of the nobles. However, Duke Russell, a level-eight radiant knight, had come to his house to invite him and was keeping him company. He couldn't even run even if he wanted to hide or escape, and so he had to come in fear.

He kept telling himself that it was fine. He merely fermented the hatred in David's heart and introduced Grunwell to him. He never asked him to kill Her Majesty. He couldn't be blamed for introducing two people to meet each other in a private dinner, right?

Seeing that Duke Rex's eyes moved over, Russell understood that he had fulfilled his responsibility and therefore returned to his seat with a smile.

"Why did you come with Russell? Do you know why the queen convened a meeting? This is in violation of the one-month promise." Rex had a bad feeling, too, as if something horrible had happened.

Count Barady shook his head. "I have no idea. Where is York?"

Duke Rex frowned. "I didn't see him. Isn't he always the earliest? Did something happen to him? In that case, His Excellency Kritonia's fury will burn everything."

Duke York had always come early to the meetings in the Parliament of Nobles to visit 'Heart of Time' first.

Realizing that York did not come, Count Barady looked even more awful, but he also had a plan to save himself.

Since it was a temporary meeting, many nobles who were not in Rentato failed to come. Only two thirds of the members were present.

Sensing that Natasha had arrived, Rex left his seat and walked to the dais up ahead, knocking the mallet.

After the knock, the hall fell quiet.

"Welcome Her Majesty." Rex turned around, his black cape floating.

Natasha walked in slowly in a black long dress, followed by Camil and a team of knights.

The moment they entered the hall, the knights split and 'guarded' the seats in the ground hall.

The one in the lead was a calm gold-haired man. Count Barady recognized that it was John, the knight that Queen Natasha brought from Aalto. The others were the Violent Knights from Aalto and the new knights who pledged loyalty to the queen. More than fifteen of them were grand knights. Plus Camil, they were much stronger than a medium knight group.

Not knowing what happened, the nobles whispered to each other. Everything suggested that something great was going to happen.

Also, they were shocked that the queen had earned the allegiance of so many grand knights and knights in only one month. The Sword of Truth's Knights had been adjusting under Natasha's command and were most trustworthy.

It meant that she already had the strength to defend her crown.

Natasha knocked the mallet, silencing the hall where hundreds of flies seemed to be humming.

Then, she looked around and declared 'furiously': "This morning, I suffered an assassination attempt."

"What?" The nobles exclaimed. It was a taboo to assassinate one's liege in the first place, not to mention killing the queen in no more than one month after she was crowned. That was challenging the order of the nobles.

Rex was stunned first. Recalling York's absence and Barady's absentmindedness as well as their hints, he immediately burst into fury and glared at Count Barady. Idiots! You can go to hell if your evidence has been found!

At this moment, Count Barady calmed down and turned a blind eye to Duke Rex's fury, considering how to minimize his punishment.

Natasha knocked the mallet again and said, "The assassins were Count David and 'Cursed Angel', who ranks top the fifth among the night watchers. Duke James, Duke Russell and Count Henson can prove that. His Excellency Saint Sard can prove the identity of 'Cursed Angel'."

The hall fell silent again. The nobles found it hard to understand why David, who always favored the Congress of Magic, conspired with the night watchers, but they soon realized that it was all because of desire!

"The night watchers dared to assassinate the queen? The Church is more and more outrageous!"

"I believe that such actions must be contained, or it will be our turn soon."

"Contained? All the Church ever did was to apologize and then to forget their apology! Perhaps our balance strategy is a mistake!"

The nobles discussed angrily, as Natasha expected. The Church could've denied Grunwell's identity, if somebody other than Sard were the Grand Cardinal of the Holm parish.

"Your Majesty, such a crime must be punished! Hang David, burn Grunwell, and ask the Church to compensate!" The nobles, regardless of their sides, offered similar opinions.

Natasha nodded. "They shall be tried fairly, but I've summoned the meeting today because Count David confessed that he was instigated by Count Barady with Duke York's involvement."

The noise stopped again. All the nobles were shocked save the few who knew about it in advance. Both Duke York and Count Barady were bit shots in the Parliament of Nobles. There would be a major shock now that they were involved. Also, 'Heart of Time' was behind Duke York after all.

Thinking about that, they all looked at Count Barady and prayed that it was not true. The kingdom could not afford a civil war.

Rex, on the other hand, glared at Barady in fury. A reckless fool!

Count Barady slowly stood up. "Your Majesty, I deny the accusation against me. I would like to confront David. I never instigated or hinted him to assassinate you. Duke York is as innocent as me. You can ask him, too."

He associated himself with York, hoping to minimize his penalty with the influence of 'Heart of Time'. Besides, indeed no evidence of instigation was left.

"I've asked someone to invite Duke York." Said Natasha calmly, which made Count Barady ill at ease. "Your Majesty, I would like David to confront me in front of all nobles."

Natasha waved her hands, and a knight pushed the shackled David in.

"Hahaha, Barady, you still want to deny it? It was you who fermented hatred in my heart. It was you and York who taught me how to kill the queen." David laughed crazily, causing a great scene.

Count Barady smiled. The crazier, the better. As long as he linked himself to York, there would be a great chance that he could get away with it. "Would you please tell them how we instigated and allured you?"

David was stunned. Unable to think of any convincing speech, he made up a few lines according to the prior confession.

Barady raised his voice, "Your Majesty, he is lying! We never said such things! I would like a cleric to test the veracity of his words!"

He believed that he never said anything that was punishable. He was confident of himself!

Looking at Natasha sincerely, Count Barady said, "Would you please repeat your acquirement of his confession, Your Majesty? I'm angry about David's setup."

He put on a smile.

At this moment, another knight walked in and fell on one of his knees, "Your Majesty, Duke York has killed himself. This is his confession letter, which described Count Barady's doings in details."

The hall burst into whispers again. It was a totally unexpected change.

What? York killed himself?

What about the Heart of Time?

Why did he confess?

Count Barady collapsed on his seat, his brain too muddled for him to hear any voices or see anything.

It shouldn't be like this! It shouldn't be like this!

Natasha knocked the mallet and announced calmly, "Based on valid proof, Count Barady is found guilty of treason. He will be hanged, his title and his fief lingdi renounced…"

The nobles listened to Natasha sentence in confusion: "… His fief will be divided into five parts. The largest part will go to the royal family, and the other four parts will be bequeathed to Duke James, Duke Russell, Duke Henson and Countess Camil for their successful prevention of the assassination…"

"… All members of the Barady family will be deprived of their titles. The main members will be exiled to the northland…"

"Duke York confessed before he killed himself, and he was not the mastermind. His family shall not be punished…"

The cold and grave voice echoed, soaking the nobles in sweat. That was a real great noble that was backed by a legendary knight!

In the past, Natasha was merely a talented level-seven knight and a lady with unparalleled beauty in their eyes. But after the verdict, as the Heart of Time backed off and the great nobles collapsed, Natasha had truly evolved into an intimidating queen in their minds!

Rex shook his head at Barady's collapse. Now that the queen boldly convened the meeting, it meant that deals and compromises had already been made in private. Your destiny was already fixed. However you defended yourself, any noble with keen eyes could tell that something was not right when David made the confession. As long as the clerics or the neutral nobles interrogated you, they would get more convincing proof, which might involve other people.

However, he found Barady's dying struggle understandable, too.

...

After Lucien returned to Allyn, he was summoned by Fernando immediately.

"Considering your ability of inviting dangers, I've decided to talk to Douglas and ask him to get the improved 'Life Hiding'. Think about which body part you can get rid of first." Fernando spoke straightforwardly.

Lucien looked at himself. His left fingers were certainly not an option, as they would nullify 'Life Hiding', and a missing right finger would affect his spell-casting and his piano-playing. Therefore, he said, "The little toe on my left foot."

Then, Lucien thought of a critical question. "Master, do I need to pay for it?"

"Do you want me to pay for it?" Fernando replied, not in a good mood. He had to make other sacrifices just to let the Hand of Paleness agree to offer the ritual magic.

Chapter 541: Felipe's Surprise

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Crows seemed to be flying before Lucien's eyes as he envisioned his bankruptcy. Although he had earned copious revenue from the technological investment in the Mineral and Harvest Company, the Gift from Elements Company, etc. he had devoted all his money to the construction of the magic tower three months ago and could barely make ends meet. He found his way back to the community of 'magnates' from the arcana point rewards for the new alchemy, the supplementary rewards for the light quantum hypothesis, and his annuities, but there was still a major gap between it and an improved ninth-circle ritual magic.

The Congress' favor on materials, drugs and magics was barely useful on the matter. The Hand of Paleness would be showing him enough respect if they did not charge him more.

Therefore, Lucien seriously considered applying for loans from his teacher or the Holm Mineral Union Bank.

Then, his monocle suddenly turned hot.

"Lucien, I just ended the meeting in the Parliament of Nobles. I sentenced Count Barady to death and deprived him of his title…" Said Natasha excitedly. She certainly did not have any mercy on the mastermind who caused such injuries to Lucien and herself.

Holding back the pain of imminent bankruptcy, Lucien smiled, "Any noble who plans to assassinate you in the future will have to think of what became of Count Barady before they act."

Natasha told him what happened in the parliament and her talk with Kritonia. Then, he said, "I've divided Count Barady's fief into five parts. One part is for Aunt Camil as 'compensation for shock', three parts will be used to appease Duke James and his lot, and the last part is supposed to be yours. However, since you cannot appear in public right now, I've collected it in the name of the royal family, but I'll give them to you in private. That's your fair share. You are not allowed to refuse it."

Lucien was immediately shocked. With a smile, he blurted out, "Natasha, I love you."

It was the most unexpected windfall and more than enough to pay for the improved 'Life Hiding'. There would even be plenty of money left.

"Huh?" Natasha did not expect such an answer at all. She was somewhat lost.

Lucien did not lie to her and told her the things about the improved Life Hiding.

"I'll be much more relieved… I didn't know that you were also a 'money grubber'. Thankfully, I am a queen and the future duchess." Natasha chuckled and said, "It's a pity that a knight has to maintain the solidarity of body, blood, soul and willpower before advancing into legendary. I cannot use such a method as the last life-saving measure. A knight's path is destined to be an arduous and difficult one."

The Violet family had one legendary knight, and the Hoffenberg family had one too. Natasha was much more experienced than regular knights about their advancement.

Lucien knew a thing or two about that, too. Had it been otherwise, 'Body Controller' Ramiro's ability of massive proliferation wouldn't have been his unique skill.

Ending the conversation, Lucien discovered that Fernando was looking at him with a smile. He asked, "What's up, master?"

Fernando smacked his lips. "How great it is to be young, and how great it is to have a queen as your partner."

Lucien changed the subject rather awkwardly, "Master, does the improved Life Hiding have to require a limb part?"

It was a unique ritual of the Hand of Paleness, and Lucien was unaware of the details. He only knew that the original version of Life Hiding did require it.

Fernando glared at Life Hiding. "If I knew so many details, I would've developed it myself. All I know is that the original Life Hiding can only use one part of the body. You will stay in Allyn for the next few days. After the ritual of Life Hiding is done, you can go wherever you want."

"Starting from the next month, there will probably be more discussions regarding the Oliver transformation. We need to direct them to discover the relativistic effect. Hopefully, we can present your special theory of relativity to Douglas in two to three months."

"As you wish." Lucien had no objection. The most important task right now was to construct magic models to make himself a fairly strong level-eight sorcerer. His next goal would be 'Magic Reverse', a seventh-circle that he had been dreaming about for a long time.

...

In his office in the Atom Institution, Lucien was reading the papers that his students reviewed and revising the final comment now and then.

Rock walked in exhaustedly with a journal and dozens of resumes. "Lucien, the second round of interviews is over, and the final interviews will be held in three days. See if there's any problem."

Lucien browsed through the resumes and smiled, "Not bad. There are a couple of middle-rank sorcerers. You check them first and ask the Affair Committee to conduct background checks. I'll test them during the final interviews, too, in case of spies from the Church or other organizations try to sneak in."

Since it was a public recruitment, from the smokingly popular Atom Institution, those spies would've been unqualified if they did not try to sneak in one way or another. Lucien dared not be careless at all.

Rock agreed. "The Church's infiltration is too good. After all, there are many sorcerers in the Congress who are not having a thriving life."

Then, he thought of something and, handing the journal to Lucien, said in a low voice, "Did you know? His Excellency Oliver and Lady Florencia are divorced."

Lucien picked up the journal, only to discover that it was 'Allyn Impression', a journal of gossips. He found the article and shook his head, "In such a case, all the seven grand arcanists of the Congress are now single. How hilarious and heartbreaking."

After discussing the gossip for a while, Rock rose and walked out in satisfaction. The moment he opened the door, he saw a graceful middle-aged man who was wearing a wig.

"Mr… Mr. Oliver…" Rock's face turned face, for he had spoken evil of the man a lot just now.

Oliver nodded and passed Rock, closing the door of the office.

"Lucien, this is my play. Check it out." Oliver glanced at the 'Allyn Impression' and said calmly.

Lucien picked up the play and skimmed through it. His lips twitched as he read on, and he almost suspected that Oliver was another buddy from Earth, because it was very similar to Andersen's The Little Mermaid. Thankfully, the ending was entirely different.

In Oliver's play, a handsome prince happened upon a mermaid princess on the ocean. The two of them fell in love. The mermaid princess abandoned everything else, swallowed potions to get rid of her tail, and returned to the prince's country as a beautiful girl. They swore to live together forever, but the prince fell in love with another princess later, which devastated the mermaid and forced her to return to the ocean.

As time went by, the prince recognized his heart and realized that the mermaid girl was the one he loved most. Therefore, he set sail every day and called the mermaid girl's name, only to get no response. Days passed, and the prince finally died of sorrow. Near his death, his mind made him see the mermaid princess walking toward him, so he put on a sweet smile.

"Very tragic…" Lucien did not know how to comment on it.

Oliver sighed. "Only a tragedy can move a lady and save a marriage."

Lucien felt a toothache and couldn't help but observe, "Mr. Oliver, I'm really confused about something. Why did you betray your marriage and hurt Lady Florencia again and again when you were in love with her?"

Oliver said solemnly, "Lucien, you don't understand. I'm serious about every relationship. I dedicated my soul and my heart to them. My love was as scorching as fire. It was exactly in such love that my inspirations burst out. I achieved many of my results from there."

"I love every one of them, but I love Florencia most."

Lucien did not know how to react. After hearing Oliver's self-analysis, Lucien clapped hands for every lady that left him.

After only several seconds, Lucien overruled his previous decision to adapt the opera for Oliver. If Florencia demeaned herself by forgiving Oliver again, that would be her business, but he shouldn't be Oliver's accomplice. His conscience would be guilty if he worked on the opera.

Therefore, weighing his tone, Lucien said, "Mr. Oliver, I'm truly sorry. Her Excellency Hathaway and His Excellency Morris do not want me to write an opera for you, and they…"

Lucien left his sentence unfinished, with a 'you know what I'm talking about' look on his face.

Briefly stunned, Oliver heaved a long sigh. "I understand. They are the seniors of the Hoffenberg family. Lucien, I hope that I can cooperate with you on other operas in the future. The best librettos deserve the best musician."

After seeing Oliver off, Lucien closed the door, not wanting to meddle in the family business at all. After all, Hathaway's impression of Oliver had been terrible for a long time. She wouldn't say anything even if Oliver went to ask her.

After pushing it away, Lucien had to learn the creation of operas himself. Thankfully, he had many classics in his head for reference, and he had selected 'The Valkyrie', the second part of 'The Ring of the Nibelung', written by Mr. Wagner.

Of course, in order to make the opera that was based on the folklores in German and north Europe fit for this world and Natasha, Lucien had to make fundamental adaptations, which could almost be called recreation.

...

The second day after Oliver's visit, Lucien received a message from Fernando and knew that the ritual was good to go.

On the thirty-third floor of the Allyn magic tower, inside an empty hall…

Lucien saw Felipe again, who looked as pale and sick as before.

"This magic is improved based on his studies on cell memories. With his cooperation, my odds of success will be higher." Fernando admitted frankly that he had never performed the improved Life Hiding before, and the Lord of the Undead would certainly supervise the ceremony for Lucian.

Felipe looked at Lucien, finding it hard to believe that his master had failed to kill the guy multiple times and even got killed. However, he would not speak of those things in front of Fernando. Instead, he nodded, "Your magnifying magic based on the nature of light is good, but it's far away from the effect you promised."

His magic level had been improved to the seventh circle, which was rather fast actually but poor compared to Lucien. His arcana level was close to level seven.

Lucien said solemnly, "Improvements have to be made step by step. Rest assured. I will not abandon the studies."

Lucien never had the courage to work on the experiments on the electron diffraction. He planned to wait until he digested the harvests brought by the special theory of relativity and the Silver Moon.

Then, Lucien asked the question that he cared about, "Felipe, can the improved Life Hiding only use a limb?"

Felipe said coldly, "Hair and teeth do not contain blood and are useless. Don't try to keep yourself safe without affecting yourself. Are you such a greedy and insane man?"

He never hesitated to mock Lucien when there was a chance.

Lucien frowned. "What about the viscera?"

Felipe sniffed. "They work, but what's the point? Even the radiant knights cannot sustain themselves a long time when part of their guts are missing. The parts cut by Life Hiding cannot be regrown, not even with Body Transformation. Stop fantasizing about the unrealistic things."

"So you mean, the viscera do work?" Lucien was relieved. "I request to use my 'intestine' in a certain part."

Felipe looked at Lucien, somewhat stunned, as if he had never seen anyone as stupid before. "Are you sure? I won't compensate for your losses if the ritual fails."

"I am sure." Lucien calculated and realized that he could afford two rituals. Therefore, he might as well have a try.

Half an hour later, Felipe was stunned as he watched Lucien leave with 'amulet of life' in a light mood.

"He is absolutely fine when a section of his intestines are gone…"

"He is indeed a monster…"

Chapter 542: Terms of Cooperation

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

On the 33rd level of the Allyn magic tower, Lucien followed the Lord of Storm to his library.

In the empty corridor, Fernando eyed Lucien thoughtfully, "What intestine did you take out? Why were you not affected at all?"

While he was also good at Necromancy, it was a class where the knowledge of the ancient Magic Empire lingered and therefore had a completely different development from that on Earth. Regarding the inflamed and pathological organs, all that needed to be done was medical skills and magic potions. No surgeries were required at all.

In terms of dissection, the necromancers focused on the relationship between different organs and diseases to develop new magics of curses and diseases, or to lower the requirement of similar magic in the past. As a result, their categorization of internal organs was rather vague. Epityphlon and cecum were both regarded as intestines without being distinguished accurately.

"I have named it epityphlon. I discovered it when I dissected and studied Grunwell's body recently that even though this section of the intestine was cut off and his recovery ability was suppressed, there was no negative effect at all. That is to say, this part was barely of any use." Lucien offered a reason that he had decided a long time ago. After all, his teacher knew very well that he recently had a level-nine dark knight as an experiment material.

As for the influence on immunity, it was little to none for a knight.

Fernando croaked, "It is not entirely useless. At least, it can be used as the main material for the improved Life Hiding."

He showed no objection to Lucien's dissecting Grunwell but said affirmatively, "It's high time that you worked on blood powers. That's a useful supplement for soul studies. Many life-extending rituals in the future will require knowledge in that aspect as the foundation. You wouldn't want to turn into a lich, would you? Or do you want Natasha to die much earlier than you?"

"A knight cannot be transformed into a lich. They'll be scourged by negative energy even though they turn into death knights. Therefore, there are few legendary magics that can extend her life. As far as I know, there are no more than five of them with a remarkable effect of more than a thousand years. Without an excellent understanding of Necromancy, you wouldn't be able to host the rituals even if you are at the peak of legendary. You couldn't ask for Vicente's help by then, can you?"

"Isn't there still you, master? You hosted the ritual of Life Hiding just now." Lucien remembered it in his heart and complimented his teacher with his mouth.

Fernando replied impatiently, "That little girl has the potential to advance into legendary. When she needs to extend her life, chances are that I will already have perished while I am exploring the truths of the world. Also, the materials that the five legendary magics require are all extremely precious. For example, 'Blessing of Dragon', with which my life was lengthened, requires the blood and bones of a primordial dragon as the main materials for the ceremony. At that time, I worked with Hathaway and asked for Douglas' help before we finally hunted a primordial red dragon. You barely have any chance to get one."

"A legendary primordial dragon…" Lucien realized that it was terribly difficult to obtain such materials. Every dragon had horrifying physical defense in the first place, and their magic power grew with their age. A legendary primordial dragon would be as good as a legendary sorcerer in the ancient Magic Empire in terms of magic expertise.

More importantly, there were no more than seven primordial dragons that were still living. They were all important elders in the Dark Congress and certainly not counterfeits such as the Dark Dragon Lord.

Fernando ignored Lucien's shock as if he were a monster but simply went on, "Therefore, if you can't find suitable materials, you have to find a way to create a new magic ritual, which requires a profound knowledge on Necromancy. Do you think that Hathaway didn't try to extend Patrick's life? But he was too weak both physically and spiritually, and none of the existent rituals could help him greatly. Hathaway was not good at Necromancy and could not create a new ritual based on the actual circumstances… I knew no more than she did, either."

He didn't mention the Lord of the Undead, because Vicente was obviously not going to help Hathaway.

"Got it." Lucien nodded solemnly but was not too anxious. Natasha and he were still young. They should focus on improving their levels and advancing into legendary, and they could consider life extension later.

As he spoke, Lucien asked curiously, "Master, how many years of life can your 'Blessing of Dragon' give you?"

Fernando replied cockily, "Depending on the quality of materials, the host's understanding about the soul and the body, and certain unknown factors, the ritual adds two to five thousand years of life, and it can coexist with other life rituals. At that time, Hathaway and I both extended 4,700 years."

That was close to the best one could expect. No wonder he was so satisfied. Lucien thought to himself and continued asking, "What about the other legendary sorcerers? Those who are not transformed into liches?"

"I don't know much about other people because it's sort of a secret. I only know that Douglas made a deal with the Elves and used 'Nature's Gift' with the fruit of an elvish tree that yields once every ten thousand years, and that Brook hasn't extended his life with any legendary rituals yet." Fernando opened his library.

Brook was no more than two hundred years old. With his legendary expertise and the regular magic rituals, his life could already be lengthened to a thousand years, so he was not desperate to increase his longevity. Fernando, on the other hand, was different. Both Douglas and he were sorcerers who grew up in the ancient Magic Empire. They were already more than a thousand years old. Hathaway shared the ritual materials by the way because she collaborated with them.

His curiosity satisfied, Lucien smiled, "Master, I'll return to the magic tower and put the 'amulet of life' in the key area for protection."

While the amulet of life was not as critical as a lich's phylactery, and he wouldn't be killed when the item was destroyed, Lucien dare not be careless because he traded half of his possessions for it.

Fernando became solemn and hinted Lucien to walk in.

After Lucien entered in confusion, he closed the library, turned on the magic circle and said, "The Highest Council has passed the motion to cooperate with Sard. They also met him in secret yesterday and signed a magic contract with him respectively."

"Every one of them? What requests did he propose? What's his promise?" Lucien mentioned how mysterious and queer Sard was to his teacher before. He turned solemn, too.

Fernando invited Lucien in exactly because he wanted to hear Lucien's opinion. He spoke frankly, "Every member of the Highest Council signed it. As per Sard's request, we the sorcerers asked for the fairness of the Lord of Hell, and he swore to the God of Truth with his Heart of Faith, before we signed the contract."

Generally speaking, ordinary magic contracts did not work on legendary sorcerers. After all, the devils and other mysterious creatures who supervised the magic contracts risked being captured by the legendary sorcerers as experiment materials. They were highly incapable of supervising such contracts and punishing the violators. Therefore, the magic contracts of such a level were mostly supervised by the nine dukes of hell, or sworn to the Origin of Magic.

Because the Origin of Magic was unpredictable, the restraint of the latter contracts had been questioned. Some people's cognitive worlds collapsed because they violated their vows, but some were as healthy as before. Although it was accepted that they used wordplays in their vows, Sard obviously did not intend to take the risk and therefore demanded the supervision of the Lord of Hell, who was a demigod. His oath based on faith, on the other hand, was an absolutely effective restraint on the clergy.

"The Lord of Hell… Is he going to meddle in this too?" Hearing reference to the terrifying big shot, Lucien couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Fernando smiled, "If it were before, he might intervene in secret. Schemes are his favorite. However, he was just ambushed by Silver Moon Alterna recently and lost an important projection under your 'Eternal Blaze'. He might be unwilling to take the risk. The Silver Moon, on the other hand, is basically recovered and watching over us in the sky. He may be unable to defeat Douglas even if he casts a projection here."

"That great prophet and Angel King are likely to be played by Sard himself to manipulate the radical clerics and night watchers, but he never admitted it."

'Watching over us in the sky' was a common metaphor in the magic world to indicate Alterna's attention.

"What's your vow and what's Sard's promise?" Lucien asked the key question again.

Fernando nodded slowly, "The contract stipulates that, until Sard breaks his promise or attacks any sorcerer of the Congress of Magic not in self-defense, we cannot attack him. Also, until his new church jeopardizes the Congress, we cannot suppress their development. Furthermore, he will enjoy the priority preaching rights on every colony of our alternate dimension that we will obtain."

It's a reasonable summary of Sard's desire and also seems to imply his sincerity for the cooperation… Lucien thought to himself.

"The promise he made was that today one year later, he would leave the Radiance Church and let the Congress take over the massive transmission magic circles and divine power defenses inside, which is even better than him shutting down the transmission magic circles himself. Also, he will ask the Grand Cardinals of the other four churches to do the same. Those who are not enchanted by him will be ambushed by us under his cooperation." Fernando looked at Lucien and said, "With your understanding about Sard, is there a problem with this?"

Lucien shook his head. "I only know that he had been keeping my relationship with Natasha a secret to the pope, which befits his purpose right now. I don't see any loopholes yet, but none of us know what he got from the World of Souls, and we have to be prepared for other changes."

Fernando did not say anything more and simply reminded Lucien, "Forward the issue to Natasha and ask her not to mention anything about this in front of Sard. She can give connivance and cooperate in secret, but she must not leave any textual or vocal evidence, so that there will still be chances for us to make a comeback."

"Master, are you suggesting…?" Lucien was more or less surprised.

Fernando nodded solemnly, "Before you calculate your victory, you have to be prepared for an utter defeat."

The South Church was very powerful. It had 24 legendary experts and one demigod by itself. As for the countries attached to it, even without Holm and other countries beyond the Storm Strait, there were still thirteen legendary knights. It was the well-deserved greatest force. While the Congress of Magic had been flourishing, there was still a major gap between them, and competing with the Church was definitely full of dangers.

"I'm getting nervous because of you, master." Lucien breathed heavily, "Then, should we postpone the paper on the special theory of relativity for a year? We cannot afford any accidents in such a critical period."

Fernando shook his head. "Since we did not foresee that Sard would ask for cooperation so soon, we already raised Oliver's transformation formulas. Even without our guidance, considering the vogue and the progress of arcana studies, some arcanists will discover it on their own in half a year at most. So, it is unnecessary for us to keep it a secret. All we need to do is to tread more lightly."

Chapter 543: Identification

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Halfway through the Month of Fire (July), sweltering air had already swept across Rentato and Allyn, making it impossible for many people to go to sleep. They could only enjoy brief peace under the cool breeze in the morning.

However, in the cool morning, some thirty people, strangely, gave up the chance to sleep, and waited outside of the Allyn magic tower.

They were of different genders and ages. Some were wearing double-breasted suits, some were in the most common magic robes with capes, some were covered in well-cut long dresses, and some were simply donned with a white shirt with a regular waistcoat. The only thing that they had in common was the anxiety and hopefulness on their faces.

Having lost the apprentice's robes which could reduce heat, Lowi had passed a few rough days. Since he was also staying late for studies, his face was pale, and he couldn't have looked more haggard.

He observed his 'competitors' around him, greatly pressured. Of the almost forty people, only ten were apprentices. The others were formal sorcerers and level-one arcanists. Some were even middle-rank sorcerers.

"The fact that I passed the previous exams and interviews suggests that I have shining parts, too. I cannot lose my confidence." Lowi encouraged himself. Then, to relieve his anxiety, he asked the few sorcerers and apprentices nearby, "What do you think Mr. Evans' questions be in his interview? Will it involve the new alchemy?"

One male apprentice, who was mumbling something nervously, turned a deaf ear to him and continued his final preparation. Two sorcerers looked at Lowi and, upon noticing the apprentice badge on his chest, turned their heads away, resuming their own conversation.

A female sorcerer whose round face was like an apple was stunned for a moment. Then she smiled, "I don't know. Mr. Evans was not involved in the previous exams and interviews. The questions given happened to be within my research field. I'm rather nervous right now, because I haven't understood many concepts in the new alchemy. What were the questions for you during the interview?"

She wasn't pretty, but her smile was amiable and made whoever saw it feel warm.

Lowi thought for a moment and repeated the few questions about elements and electromagnetism that Jerome asked him. In the end, he asked, "What about yours?"

"Right, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Erica." The round-faced lady repeated her questions during the interview and exchanged their experiences, speculating what Mr. Evans would focus on asking today.

Seeing that, a few sorcerers and apprentices nearby joined their conversation.

Not far away, Blake smiled at Alfalia, who had the typical features of Holm. "Do you want to go over and listen to them? Their experience may be of use soon."

Alfalia replied with a casual smile, "Alright, but I find it odd that the final interview hosted by Mr. Evans is set at nine in the morning. The Allyn magic tower is only just opening at such a time. For the interviewees, we have to wait outside in advance for the meeting."

"Maybe this strange request is meant to test our punctuality and obedience. After all, we are expected to be apprentice-level assistants, not arcanists with independent research programs." Blake thought for a moment and analyzed carefully.

Looking at the magic tower that rose to the sky, Alfalia nodded softly, "I think so, too. Mr. Evans is definitely not one of those people who enjoy torturing the interviewees. His request must have deeper meanings."

On the eighteenth floor of the Allyn magic tower, Lucien, with Rock, Jerome and his students, stood next to the window and looked at the interviewees down below.

Hearing the scene forwarded by Sprint, Rock smiled at Lucien, "Why do I feel that you do have fun torturing the interviewees?"

While talking, he turned his eyes to the poor students such as Annick. Under the torture of Lucien's 'Arcana Build-up School', while their arcana and magic expertise soared, they had always been gnashing their teeth.

Heidi nodded her head quickly. Her teacher was a 'devil' who loved tormenting them with abundant exercises and profound knowledge.

Lucien coughed, "This is to observe their real personality and their ability in daily communication. They are here as apprentice-level assistants. Only if they are good at both aspects can they be melted into the institution sooner and take over the chores for you."

"Fair enough. Those who are too arrogant to communicate with the lesser minds are unsuitable for the institution." Jerome agreed with Lucien's opinion. Then he asked curiously, "Will the assistants we recruit also become your students in the future?"

Sprint and the rest of them immediately focused their eyes on Lucien, wondering about their teacher's answer.

Lucien shook his head. "Six students are already too many. I have my own magic studies, arcana research and daily life. I can't teach more students. If you find any of them promising, you can direct them yourselves."

It was a shared attitude of the senior-rank arcanists, who would rather focus their attention on only a fixed number of students, unless some of the students perished, or they encountered a rarely-seen genius. Also, the students of such high-level arcanists enjoyed their halo in the first place, and their behavior represented their teacher. If there were too many of them, there would also be unnecessary incidents.

Katrina and other students were relieved. Although they were kind in nature, they did not really look forward to new classmates, because it meant that the time their teacher spent on them would be reduced.

Nine o'clock soon came, and Lowi as well as other interviewees entered the magic tower with trepidation, reaching the Atom Institution in the lift.

"You can go in together. Before the final interview, there will be a magic contract for you to sign." Rock was waiting for them outside of the Atom Institution with a very genuine smile, because the troubles would be over very soon. There was no way that he would ever take such a mission again!

"A magic contract? What's that?" Asked a middle-aged, slightly-fat sorcerer in confusion.

Lowi recognized that it was Mr. Issac whom he talked to just now.

Rock replied with a smile that he thought to be charming. "The Atom Institution explores the cutting edge of the elemental field. A lot of secrets are kept here. Therefore, I need everyone to sign a confidentiality agreement. Also, since Evans is a grand-arcanist-to-be and a target that the Church and other forces are desperate to get rid of, the other arcanists of the Atom Institution have unfortunately become collateral targets, too. Therefore, to avoid assassins, the new hires have to sign a relatively rigorous magic contract."

"Rigorous…" Alfalia and the rest of them became solemn. Although they could understand the Atom Institution's decision, rigorousness still made them worried.

Issac frowned. "I hope that the magic contract is not outrageously rigorous."

Rock smiled. "Rest assured. You will not be treated as slaves. Only those with ill intentions will feel uncomfortable."

Lowi couldn't care less about the contract. He only wanted to enter the Atom Institution and study under Mr. Evans. For him, anything was acceptable as long as he did not have to sell his soul or his body.

Under Rock's direction, the interviewees entered the Atom Institution's conference room.

Lowi, Blake, Alfalia and other apprentices and sorcerers, unable to contain their curiosity, peeped respectfully and excitedly at the two sorcerers who were already seated.

That was Mr. Jerome, whom they met before, and… and this should be Mr. Lucien Evans, right?

In Lowi's eyes, it was a young man with a dense black hair and an unbelievably handsome face. However, his black eyes that seemed to contain countless mysteries and his confident, casual smile made everybody completely overlook his face. Lowi had no doubt that he was a formidable sorcerer and a wise arcanist.

"Good morning, Mr. Evans.' Led by a few sorcerers who met Lucien before, Lowi and other interviewees greeted him.

Lucien nodded and hinted for them to be seated. Then, with his eyes even deeper, he pointed at the parchment papers on the table and said, "These are the magic contracts you need to sign. They will be guaranteed by the duke of the first level of hell, and violators will be punished by him. Take a look now. We will begin if there isn't any problem."

Hearing Lucien's words, all the sorcerers and apprentices grew nervous for some reason. Then, they picked up the contracts and began to read in silence.

Suddenly, Issac stood up, blushing. "What kind of contract is this? This is purely a one-sided slavery contract!"

"Whoever exposes anything about the Atom Institution or Lucien Evans, intentionally or unintentionally, and in whatever form, will be captured by Agostinho, duke of the first level of hell!"

"… Their mind will be completely opened. Whoever has the thought to hurt Lucien Evans or other arcanists in the Atom Institution will immediately be detected by Agostinho!"

…

"This contract is more than rigorous. We are not regarded as human beings at all. I will not sign it or participate in the interview!"

While he complained in fury, three sorcerers and apprentices followed him and stood up, despising the contract in excitement.

Issac was about to leave, only to discover that Lowi, Blake and the rest of them were looking at him strangely. He was disappointed, "Do you have any backbones? Are you going to sign such a contract?"

Lowi scratched the back of his head and asked in confusion, "Mr. Issac, that's not the contract that we are reading."

"What?" Issac was stunned.

Lucien opened his mouth. "Those magic contracts have been processed with 'Implicit Words', a eighth-circle magic. Whoever sees it will be grabbed by ten times of their horror, and the content of the contract will change accordingly. What is it that you are scared of?"

"No, no!" Issac and the rest of them shook their heads palely.

Lucien looked at the door of the conference room. "There's no need to answer my question. Explain it to the Affair Committee. Thompson, thank you for your trouble."

Thompson walked in and brought away Issac and his fellow complainers.

Rock asked in the telepathic bond curiously, "Why were they scared? Such unequal contracts do not entail any restraint at all."

"The hint has been started when you told them the arrangement outside. Also, what I said before stressed that Agostinho will guarantee the contracts but neglected the specific consequences. In the meantime, I hinted that we would sign the contracts if there was no problem, not after the interview. Through the multiple hints and my 'Image Creation', they were already convinced of the authenticity of the contracts." Lucien explained briefly. "It's easy to identify a sorcerer who believes in the God of Truth, but it's hard to resist a spy who sells secrets and partners for money and materials."

While Lowi and the remaining interviewees looked at him in shock, Lucien smiled, "Now, read the real contracts first. They are not too harsh. If you are willing to take it, we will begin the interview."

After reading the new contract, Lowi and the rest of them all agreed to sign it if they passed the interview. Then, they looked at Lucien with expectation and anxiety, wondering what his questions would be.

Mr. Evans, please don't ask us about the new alchemy. I don't know anything about it. Lowi and other apprentices begged in their hearts, because they only understood the general model and concepts of the new alchemy.

Lucien smiled rather delightedly, "Everybody, tell me why you want to enter the Atom Institution."

"Then, tell me your shining points and your drawbacks, as well as your plan for your life."

Huh? What is that all about?

Alfalia, Blake and all the other interviewees were bewildered.

Chapter 544: Violin

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After the interview, Lowi and other interviewees left the conference room with weird looks. The knowledge in the atomic field and the tricks of control magic circles that they prepared in advance proved to be of absolutely no use. Mr. Evans' questions were unimaginably strange. Did they need to confess their life plan? Wasn't it all about advancing from level one to level two, from level two to level three, and so on?

However, such a simple answer was obviously not going to satisfy Mr. Evans. Therefore, every interviewee added certain parts that they believed to be helpful. For example, Alfalia talked about her goals in her knowledge system, and Blake introduced his plan to return from the Solar Islands to Allyn. Many people also put the Atom Institution in their life plan.

The moment he recalled how he introduced himself early on, and that he somehow added finding his love to his life plan, Lowi felt that his face was burning and dared not look at his fellows, fearing that he would be mocked. For him, it was a most shameful interview.

The other people were more or less the same. Just now, many interviewees told their poor pasts in the spur of the moment, hoping that it would earn sympathy, but now that the interview was over, they only regretted that they could not take off their clothes and cover their heads.

Rock said with a rather sunny smile, "Wait ten minutes here. Lucien will make a decision soon."

Such an usual interview was rather fun for him, especially when the interviewees expressed themselves unskillfully.

Hearing Rock's words, Lowi was no longer embarrassed. As Rock entered the conference room and shut the gate, their hearts beat faster and faster and louder.

Dum. Dum. Dum. Lowi felt that he had to say something, or he would pass out from anxiety. He opened his mouth and asked, "Erica, who do you think Mr. Evans will choose?"

Lowi was scared by himself after he spoke. He never thought that his voice could be that dry and hoarse.

Erica said in a low voice, her nose flapping, "Everything is superfluous right now. We have shown what we have."

Not far away, while Blake was nervous, as a man who advanced into a formal sorcerer on the harsh islands, he remained calm on the surface. He said to Alfalia in a rigid smile, "I think you have a good chance. Your performance was good.'

Alfalia replied with a shallow smile, "Stop talking like that. You'll make me look forward to it more. The more hopeful one is, the more disappointed they tend to be."

She spoke casually, but she clenched her hands at some point.

In the suffocating atmosphere, the gate was opened again. They raised their heads and looked at Mr. Evans both expectantly and anxiously.

Lucien smiled, "You are all very remarkable and full of potential. However, the Atom Institution only needs ten assistants right now. Therefore, I have to make a rather tough pick to select those who better suit our needs. The first candidate, Mr. Balterley."

The middle-aged man, who was Lowi's teacher in school, waved his fists in excitement, but as a second-circle sorcerer, he managed to retain his manners.

"The second candidate, Alfalia." Lucien warm voice found its way into Alfalia's ears.

Not realizing what happened, she raised her head and looked at Lucien in bewilderment, only to see that Lucien nodded at her with a smile.

It was not until then that she realized she had been picked by the Atom Institution. Her blue eyes were suddenly filled with water.

Such a success had been earned fair and square, without bribery of money and materials, without the trading her body and feelings, but solely with her magic and arcana abilities!

For Alfalia, who had to leave Allyn for certain reasons, it was a hard-earned affirmation. She covered her face with her hands, not showing anybody her brief weakness.

Hearing Mr. Evans' announcement and the exclamations around, Lowi became more and more excited. He held his breath subconsciously. Mr. Blake passed, Erica passed, and two apprentices he knew earlier also passed, but why wasn't he chosen?

"The tenth candidate, Lowi."

Lowi felt that stars were floating before his eyes, and he almost tripped over himself. Intense joy and excitement burst out like a volcano, leaving his head swooning and his eyes wet.

"Don't pass out. If you are unwell, I'll consider a refund." Lucien talked with humor that nobody could get.

But in Lowi's eyes, it was as pleasant as an elvish song. He hurried to say, "No, no, Mr. Evans. I'm in perfect health!"

Everything in his eyes became lovely all of a sudden.

After asking Jerome to settle the ten assistants, Lucien left for the Affair Committee, intending to check up on Thompson's interrogation.

"They have confessed. Two are spies of the South Church, one is associated with the North Church, and one was allured by an intelligence worker of the Holy Heilz Empire. They were all promised that they would be heavily rewarded if they sneak into the Atom Institution, and they will be paid for every piece of intelligence they provide about the institution or yourself later." Thompson handed the files to Lucien and asked confusedly, "Why does the Holy Heilz Empire care about you? Isn't the Church the leader in dealing with sorcerers?"

Lucien brushed his eyebrow. He sabotaged Rudolf II's plan in the alternate dimension, and he was obviously connected to the Silver Moon. How could the guy not pay attention to him? But of course, the top secrets of the Highest Council was not for Thompson to know.

Skimming through the files, Lucien's eyes were finally frozen. The image of the night watcher who hired Issac was so familiar.

"Minsk… Juliana…" Lucien recited the two names.

Lucien knew that something was wrong with Amelton when Rhine was projected into the joker's dream. He also learnt the identities and looks of the few night watchers that hung around with the joker.

That wasn't supposed to be a problem. Lucien had met Lend before, and it was perfectly normal for them to be relocated together with Amelton. However, according to Issac, the two night watchers had been meeting him in turns since three years ago, hoping that he could reach Lucien. That is to say, Sard had been preparing for this three years before he became the Grand Cardinal of the Holm parish.

"No wonder he kept the things between Natasha and me a secret. But it was such a long plan. Was he so confident that he could be deployed here?" Lucien was more or less confused. Then he spoke to Thompson, "Tail the two night watchers but do not get rid of them yet."

"Also, ask the magi to protect John's family in secret. Don't let them know, and don't burst into conflicts with the guards that Natasha deploys."

The two night watchers hated his guts. Lucien was worried that they might go out of control at some point.

"Okay." Thompson was more and more polite to Lucien. Not just his positional change thanks to 'new alchemy', the improvement of his magic capabilities alone had already foreshadowed the next legendary sorcerer.

...

On July 30, Queen Nekso Palace, having been through an assassination sponsored by the conservatives, reached the royal magic tower of Holm and declared that she would have dinner and celebrate her birthday with the seniors of the royal family here, and that she would not return to the Nekso Palace until the next day.

Considering that Duke James and Duke Russell must be furious after the assassination, the conservatives did not object to the plan.

As night fell, Natasha, who was celebrating her birthday with members of the royal family in the magic tower, left under the excuse that she was going to meet Hathaway.

Lifting her dress, she rushed to Lucien's office like a charging knight.

She was about to knock on the door, but the door opened on its own. In the meantime, the pleasant sounds of a piano echoed inside, rippling out beautifully and refreshingly. The whole room was immediately enshrouded in a dreamy and romantic atmosphere.

Natasha closed the door quietly and looked at Lucien whose fingers were bouncing on the piano. He was wearing the black formal attire that he usually wore in Aalto, and his face was gentle and devoted. His eyes that looked back at her now and then were so deep that it could almost attract souls.

Lucien, on the other hand, suddenly felt amazed. Natasha was not wearing a deep-color dress today, as she usually would, or a knight suit and armor. Instead, she was in a white long dress with simple laces, as well as gloves and silk stockings of the same color. Her tied hair and her broad-edged hat made her look like a bride that had just barged in. There was additional pureness and freshness in her violent glamor.

The room was arranged in a similar way to last time. The only exception was the flute, oboe, cello, brass, violin and other musical instruments around the piano, as if the orchestra had been there but was gone all of a sudden, leaving their equipment behind.

Looking at Lucien in the eyes and listening to the delicate music, Natasha found her previous agitation all gone. She approached Lucien with a smile and stopped next to the ground table.

She knew that it was 'A Poem For Natasha', the piano verse that Lucien prepared last time. However, they were so passionate after figuring out what was in each other's hearts last time that they completely forgot about it. When they talked about it later, Lucien postponed it to her birthday.

The notes filled the room like flowing water, rising up and down gently and comforting her mind. The romantic tunes and rhythms echoed in their eyes.

After Lucien was done playing, Natasha clapped her hands and was about to hug her knight.

However, Lucien shook his head with a smile, hinting that there was another episode.

"This is the birthday gift for you."

Lucien picked up the flute and played a rhythm that was different from anything in the past and sounded like a bird song.

When the flute song was just ending, the oboe flew to him on its own and presented the scenery of spring.

Natasha looked at Lucien in confusion. That was a music style she had never heard before. Was it his new creation?

Lucien got the violin in his hands at some point. Staring at Natasha, he played a poetic melody.

As the gentle sound from the violin entered Natasha's ears, her mind seemed to have been hit by something. The music was so beautiful and romantic, and yet it seemed to contain vague sorrow that invited empathy.

It was different from any music that Natasha learnt in the past, but it was so touching and astoundingly beautiful that Lucien seemed to be telling the love in his heart.

The best music had no differences in styles. Looking at Lucien who was playing the violin gracefully, Natasha was captivated by the rhythm.

Chapter 545: One Man's Orchestra

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After the gloomy melody, a cello appeared before Lucien, who turned it around delicately and played music that was as profound as a man's voice. The violin, having lost support, simply floated in midair.

Enshrouded in the romantic atmosphere weaved by the conversation of the mellow cello and the soft violin, Natasha recalled her first encounter with Lucien. Because of a Symphony of Fate, the two of them were first connected, and because of their mutual interest in music and Lucien's humor and delightful self-embarrassment now and then, she gradually became his good friend, which allowed her to discover his advantages other than music. He was calm, gentle, smart and fun. There was no pressure to hang around with him, and she could be herself freely.

Those were the days that were as beautiful as the spring of April. Perhaps, it was in their deepening relationship that she gradually forgot Lucien's gender. Their love sprouted for the first time.

In the easy and pleasant melody, musical instruments behind and next to Lucien echoed on their own with his violin.

Those musical instruments seemed to be given their own souls and gathered into the concert of an orchestra. It was also as if many transparent musicians were playing together with Lucien.

Thanks to magic, Lucien's solo performance sounded like a minor orchestra.

The soft violin and the magnificent cello 'stood' together again. The deep feelings and the reluctance to say goodbye surfaced in Natasha's heart clearly. That was the farewell after their life-and-death escape and their support for each other. Lucien was about to leave Aalto for Holm. She believed that they would meet again, and she knew it was in the best interests of Lucien, so she let him go generously, but she still found herself missing him although they hadn't been separated yet.

Perhaps it was at that time, when Lucien carried her through the dark forest determinedly, that their friendship transformed. However, because of the pain that Sylvia brought her and her negligence, she merely regarded their feelings as those between two good friends.

From the brass instrument, a creepy, rigorous melody spread out. Grief, fear, panic, sorrow and other feelings flowed out while the violin was competing with the allegro in the band. Natasha seemed to have sensed Lucien's hesitation and agony after he realized that he fell in love with her. She also recalled her suffering back when she was in the abbey. The sole comfort for her at that time was the letters from Lucien. However, having walked further and further down the path of magic, and having disgraced the Cannon and the Doctrines again and again, he seemed unable to even keep being a good friend to her, a devout believer and the future duchess.

The violin let out resolution and anger. Natasha seemed to have heard Lucien's sigh when he made up his mind, and remembered how she treated Lucien as her best friend just like before, overcoming her psychological barriers. However, the pressure from the Church, the duchy, her father, the Violet family and the citizens cast everything into shadow again. They raged like storms and presaged the possible tragic ending.

In retrospect, Natasha realized that she had regarded Lucien as the most peaceful and gentle part of her mind since then, but her perception was enveloped by the mists of her habits back then.

Lucien continued playing the violin, and the cello began to play itself while nobody was around, as if it were listening to the violin's subtle confession of love. Then, Lucien turned to the cello, and the violin started to play on its own, as if the time had come for the gentlemen to tell his feelings and for the lady to listen.

It reminded Natasha of the beautiful scene when they met again in Holm and finally told each other their feelings towards each other. It was sweet and warm, but the lovely memory did not last when the melody turned hasty and sharp. The situation in Holm, the danger one year later, and her worries for her father who was far away in Orvarit all turned into rapid notes that constituted a grievous scene. The melody that feathered the wonder of love emanated the sorrow that could make souls cry in such an atmosphere.

Natasha had seen such devastation before, but her emotional experience with Sylvia was not as deep. The moment she thought that Lucien and her would end up like this, she felt that the music whose sadness reached her soul was speaking for herself. She clenched her fists and vowed to break all the obstacles.

But what if her father was the obstacle, and it was a helpless choice for Lucien's safety?

Obstacles were not so easy to be broken!

Natasha's face was somewhat twisted while she struggled in her heart. As her sorrow reached the summit, she finally took a step. Any difficulty could possibly be resolved, and giving up meant that they would never see the dawn. At such a moment, she could only press forward and try to resolve the difficulties until she died!

As if moved by her determination, after the intense grief, the flutes played the soft, splendid melody again together with the harp. Natasha seemed to see the view of Mountain Paradise where all pains were gone and only happiness was left. In the end, the violin began to play the thematic melody in solo again.

This time, there was no more vague sorrow, but only comforting beauty.

Such an atmosphere was like two hands that still held each other after all the vicissitudes of life, the warm eyes of understanding after all the difficulties were overcome, and two butterflies that danced with their dreamy wings around each other after breaking away from the thick cocoons that shackled them.

The music stopped, but the melody still lingered, awing everything into silence with its beauty.

"I have never heard such a music style before, but it is also the most beautiful violin melody I have ever heard. Thank you for your birthday gift, and thank 'Lucien Orchestra' for their performance." A long time later, Natasha finally said hoarsely, "I like the final part best. It seems to have sublimed the whole music."

Half a month ago, after much deliberation, Lucien selected The Butterfly Lovers' Violin Concerto 1 , which was composed by Mr. He Zhanhao and Mr. Chen Gang. While it was a tragedy, the 'Turning Into Butterflies' part represented beautiful hope, and he could express his feelings with it after slight adaptation. It was also fit for the conditions between himself and Natasha.

Putting down the violin, Lucien stood and bowed, "I'm honored that you like it."

"I noticed that you used a lot of different tricks when you played the violin. For example, sometimes you only used two strings." Natasha walked to Lucien's side with a smile and pulled him back to the table. Seeing that he was about to explain, she hurried to hint that it was unnecessary and simply went on. "It's not easy to see you play the violin. Its charm is entirely different from that of the piano. However, it is not the time for this right now. The music just now let me scrutinize our relationship in retrospect. I find it hard to hold back my feelings. I only want to have you and feel you."

Lucien smiled, "It's your birthday today. You'll be the queen."

Naughtiness beamed out of Natasha's smile. "Is that so? Excellent. That's what I want, too. Since today is my birthday, I'll take the lead of everything. You can only accept and cannot take any action until I tell you to. Do you understand?"

Lucien was about to reply, when Natasha added, "Rest assured. I won't cross your boundaries. In fact, I tried to transform you into a girl exactly because I wanted to 'care for' you. Your current status will do. There will be even the additional feeling of conquest. Would you like to cooperate with me?"

Lucien smiled. "You are the queen today."

Natasha chuckled, "For me, music is an excellent birthday gift, but there is only one best birthday gift, which is you."

While talking, she picked up a piece of cream from the table and smeared it on Lucien's throat, before she licked it. When Lucien tried to hug her, she stopped him: "Don't move. Follow my commands."

...

The messy velvet quilts covered their naked bodies, and the air of love filled the room.

Lucien felt lucky that he had changed his bed to a magic bed, which saved him from another collapse experience. Natasha, on the other hand, was like a kid who was occupying her favorite toy. She tied Lucien up with both hands and legs as she breathed steadily sound sleep.

"She had been taking the lead the first couple of hours. She must be exhausted." Lucien's right hand was under Natasha, so he extended his left hand and eased the vague worries on her face.

Suddenly, Natasha opened her eyes and said in a daze, "It's already dawn? I fell asleep."

"Not yet. Sorry for waking you up." Relied Lucien gently.

Natasha put on a brilliant smile. "That's great. I didn't plan to sleep at all. It's probably going to be half or one month later before we meet again. How can we pass the night sleeping? Even random talking is better than that!"

Lucien smiled, "Not a problem. Right, I've been confused about something. Why is Sard not worried that the pope will notice what he is doing?"

Lucien did not find it inappropriate to discuss such matters on such an occasion, and Natasha felt nothing wrong, either. Continuing using Lucien's right hand as her pillow, she said, "Because I am the queen of Holm."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Lucien was puzzled.

Natasha smiled, "That's a secret way that the pope checks the major parishes. After the schism of the North Church, the pope discovered that some northern nobles had detected anomalies a long time ago but they were killed when they tried to report the issue. Henceforth, emperors, kings and duchies have been given ways to directly contact the pope. Once the Grand Cardinal behaves inappropriately, they can report it to the pope."

She stopped calling the pope as His Holiness.

"Perhaps, other nobles and night watchers can reach out to the Church in secret, too, but the right to talk to the pope should still be a royal prerogative. I certainly would not report to the pope that something wrong is going on in my kingdom, so Sard is not worried at all."

"That explains a lot…" Lucien nodded. Then he recalled something else. "Sard's goal is unclear. In case of accidents, give the structure of the divine power circles in the Nekso Palace to me when you have a chance. I'll try to improve them. Then, you'll ask Richard to change them accordingly, so that Sard will not control the defense of the Nekso Palace all of a sudden."

Natasha was stunned, "You are going to improve the divine power circles?"

Wasn't it supposed to be the clergy's job?

Lucien smiled, "You forgot what happened before? For a sorcerer, the greatest difficulty to improve the divine power circles is that they may accidentally cut the power source of such circles. After the incidents with Ell and Francis, I am already able to identify the central part that distributes energy and make unrecognizable changes on other parts."

Besides, he also had 'Sun's Corona' as a reference.

"You're more and more capable now. I'll give the structure to you when there's a chance to." Natasha teased Lucien.

...

After another half night's lingering, Natasha put on her dress and left affectionately when it was dawn.

Lucien, slept for another half day, then returned to Allyn in a pleasant mood but unsteady feet.

"Master, Arcana and Magic have been published in advance. The discussion is rather heated." The next day, when Lucien walked into the Atom Institution, Heidi and other students greeted him with the journal, asking half in confusion and half in excitement, "But why isn't your paper published? The guys who are in favor of the wave theory all claim that you… you have recognized the reality."

Chapter 546: Theater of Destruction

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Looking at the infuriated Heidi, Lucien smiled. "What's to be angry about? So many arcanists of the elemental school share my opinion. Why do I need to waste my time on a worthless paper? Such a hypothesis which uses the result as the premise, until it is proved by experiments, can only be used for mathematical and methodological reference. Did any arcanist write a rebuttal?"

Annick browsed through the journals and shook his head. "None of the five grand arcanists published any papers. Mr. President and the Lord of Storm, on the other hand, discussed the transformation formulas' application in the Douglas system under different frames of reference."

"Mr. President published a paper?" Since he did not review it, it was the first time Lucien heard about it. He took over Annick's 'Arcana' and began to read.

Douglas had obviously noticed Oliver's paper last month but was not as upset as the senior-rank arcanists, because it only offered a theoretical explanation and the corresponding transformation formulas. No experiment results or phenomena could prove the theory and explain the light-speed experiment. Instead, Douglas was more interested in the transformation formulas, as the transformation formulas in the past were rather inept after the Brook electromagnetic system was established.

Reading Douglas' paper, Lucien nodded his head. This was the best he could expect. After Mr. President studied the major part of the paper, with his understanding of the electromagnetic system, he would soon recognize something and gain certain preliminary insights. Only in such a case would he not be faced with the special theory of relativity without any psychological or knowledge preparation.

As Lucien read the paper in silence, Heidi murmured, "I know that you are unwilling to demean yourself by discussing such speculative papers, but the arcanists who support the wave theory think otherwise. They believe that you have been hit by the paper and realized your bigotry in the past, and that's why you quietly backed off and did not argue. This is a sign that the wave theory is making a comeback."

By 'comeback', she meant the problem whether or not 'Ether', the medium through which waves were transmitted in the vacuum, existed.

The few students were rather excited about the wave theory advocates' slanders against their teacher. It seemed more insufferable than themselves being humiliated.

"What's their opinion on the photoelectric effect and the Brook scattering experiment?" Lucien was holding 'Arcana' and 'Magic' in his hands. Obviously, the arcanists that they knew and were in touch with couldn't have published any papers in the two journals.

After he blew up a tremendous amount of heads with the light quantum hypothesis and won the Silver Moon Medal, the arcanists who persisted in the wave theory clinging to the classic experiments stayed far away from Lucien in fear. As a result, he could only learn their progress through journals.

Sprint snorted, "They attempted to construct more complicated wave models to explain the photoelectric effect and the scattering experiment, but that's only for discussion and of no actual value. They almost didn't pass the review."

"Then what are you angry about? Besides, can the particle theory explain the classic experiment images?" Lucien smiled, rather amazed by the wave theory supporters' efforts. However, their efforts were destined to be in vain due to the lack of theoretical guidance.

Heidi found her teacher's casualness very perplexing. "But they are vilifying you, aren't they?"

"They'll be slapping my face only when they present detailed experiment results." Lucien focused his attention on the two journals. He realized that after he proposed the light quantum hypothesis and Mr. Brook proved it, the supporters of the particle theory were soaring in number. Many arcanists had changed their opinion and believed that light could be a very strange particle.

However, since the classic experiments still could not be explained with particles, the supporters of the traditional wave theory, after the intense shock at the beginning, got back on their feet again. On 'Arcana' and 'Magic' of this issue, Joaquin, Pesor, Tina-Timos and other senior-rank arcanists all expressed their acknowledgment of Oliver's paper, but they prudently maintained that experiments should be devised according to the theory in order to prove it, and that they should not trust it too much until then. That was a good lesson that they had learnt after Lucien's consecutive revolutionary papers.

Based on the experience from Earth, Lucien knew that the War between Wave and Particle would be long and involve the mysteries about the nature of this world. Therefore, he did not find it strange at all.

Her teacher's attitude calmed Heidi down. She asked curiously, "What's your paper this month, master? I saw you working on it before."

"An essay on tensor analysis. It has been published in 'Nature'. You should read it sometime." Lucien replied, without bothering to raise his head.

Annick, Katrina and other students all looked awful. It had been three years since 'Nature' was established, and it was gradually known as 'the most abstruse journal in history'. Even the advanced arcanists who were adept at mathematics and logic were often too overwhelmed to understand what the papers on it were talking about. The series of papers that their teacher and Mr. Levski worked on in regard to Evans Geometry, in particular, were the best tools to help them go to sleep at night.

Noticing the silence, Lucien raised his head and looked at him with a vague smile, "Only with a good knowledge in mathematics and logic will your future studies on arcana and magic be easier. Do you need to be fortified in that aspect?"

"Haha. Master, I just recalled that I still had an unfinished experiment. I'll be on my way. Take your time reading your paper. I'll go find Alfalia." Smiling, Heidi spoke as she backed to the door.

Alfalia had been assigned to her as her assistant.

With Heidi as their example, the excuses such as arcana experiments and magic analysis and construction surged out of the mouths of the students. After only ten seconds, Annick was the only person left in the office.

Lucien looked at Annick, finding it weird, "Do you not have any unfinished experiment? Or do you really want me to give you more lectures on mathematics and logic?"

Annick scratched his head and said in a low voice, "Master, my plan was to read the journals…"

Lucien lowered his eyes, only to discover that Annick's journals were in his hands.

Lucien was finally able to read and learn the papers after the steel golem delivered his journals from the Review Board. He realized that, because Oliver's paper was too dazzling, the journals were filled with discussions about it. Other articles were the achievements in other fields or improvement in magic. The heuristic paper that Annick and Sprint proposed about the contradiction between the theoretical performance of the cyclotron and its actual performance received absolutely no attention.

That's not going to work. Lucien thought for a moment and took out a piece of paper. Picking up the quill, he wrote: On the Problems in the Application of the Cyclotron.

...

Inside the 'Theater of Destruction', collapsing and perishing stars were everywhere.

In the dark, terrible end of the world, certain brightness spread out gently but firmly. It seemed to be the last symbol of civilization.

As one approached it, they would discover that the shimmer was from a high-rising magic tower that was full of artistic air. Every window was ablaze with lights.

In the library, Oliver, whose magic robe had been changed into a sloppy pajama, was holding his quill haggardly and smoking his tobacco pipe, unable to write a single word for a long time.

His eyes were filled with the zealotry typical of artists. He seemed to have ignited and dedicated all the feelings in his heart to this long poem of love.

Suddenly, the tower guard's pleasant voice echoed, "My lord, Mr. President has come to visit."

Oliver put down his quill, frowning. A 'poet' and 'playwright' whose inspiration was disrupted tended to be agitated. He violently pushed the paper on which the love poem was written to a pile of paper on his desk, clearing an empty space. Then, he took a few deep breaths and resumed calmness on the surface. Finally, he rose and greeted Douglas at the door of his magic tower. In terms of both seniority and prestige, Douglas deserved his full respect.

Soon enough, Oliver led Douglas back to his library. Rubbing his eyebrow, he asked, "Mr. President, is there anything I can help you with? I'm not in the best mood recently, and there's something urgent I need to accomplish. I won't be away from Allyn for now."

It was a subtle refusal of being sent out for missions, which was also a privilege for the grand arcanists.

Douglas smiled. "You can stay in Allyn and study the Douglas. There are no missions that require your help. I'm here mainly to discuss the application of transformation formulas with you. Have you seen my paper on 'Arcana' today?"

He, too, was aware of Oliver's recent divorce, and naturally did not assign any mission to him.

Oliver was more or less relieved. "The transformation formulas? I'm glad to discuss it with you. Fernando and I had so many unresolved problems."

"You discussed it with Fernando?" Douglas found it strange.

Realizing his mistake, Oliver hurried to explain, "You know that Fernando is adept at many fields. He is a great partner to discuss with. I communicated with him before I submitted the paper."

Douglas nodded in approval and sat on the opposite side of the desk. "Let's discuss this problem."

As if he felt that oral description might be too difficult, he took up another quill on the desk, drew a piece of paper, and was about to write the problem down.

On the paper, however, were a few lines of beautiful and affectionate poetry. Douglas shook his head and apologized, "Did I interrupt your creation?"

While talking, he put the paper of poetry back to where it used to be and drew the pile of paper that was below it at the beginning. He thought that the paper down below was blank.

Still in a trance, Oliver was about to say that it was alright because he already had insights and he could continue his work in a right mood later, but all of a sudden, his eyes widened and he turned around like a wild storm, shouting, "Not that paper!"

Douglas avoided Oliver's robbing out of instincts and looked at the paper in his hands, feeling it strange, only to catch the title on it that was in a very familiar handwriting.

"On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies and Mass-energy Equation"

Oliver's face immediately turned gloomy. The destruction in the cosmic theater out there seemed even more horrifying and dark.