Incorrect

Translator: Cinder Translations

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"So, your conclusion is that this so-called 'combustible substance' is the key factor causing the change in the properties of steel?"

Paul sat in his office, listening to the report from the chemists. In front of him was an easel-like stand holding a hand-made PowerPoint presentation made of cardboard, with each piece illustrating the researchers' experimental process and data. They removed each card after finishing the presentation to reveal the next.

"Yes, Lord Grayman, the combustible substance is indeed the key material we've been searching for. To prove its accuracy, we conducted experiments where all possible factors in the steel smelting process were set as single variables for comparison, so the results should be reliable."

Wells spoke passionately to Paul, while behind him, Tennyson Fedotov anxiously observed the expression on Lord Paul Grayman's face. He keenly sensed a fleeting disappointment from Paul. Disappointment? Why would the lord show such an expression?

Paul pointed to the presentation cards. "However, I find this so-called 'combustible substance' somewhat unreliable."

"Ah! Lord Grayman, perhaps I should give you a detailed introduction to the combustible substance separately." Wells cleared his throat and began explaining.

"We believe that flame is a physical entity, and the fundamental particles that make up flame are the combustible substance. In fact, the combustible substance permeates the world, including the air around us. Plants absorb it from the air, and animals obtain it from plants, so both plants and animals contain large amounts of combustible substance. All chemical changes related to combustion occur due to the absorption and release of the combustible substance. For example, when wood burns, the combustible substance escapes, leaving behind ashes. Charcoal, soot, and oils all originate from plants, which absorb the combustible substance from the air, making them rich in it."

After introducing the combustible substance, Wells continued with an extended explanation. "In this research, we conducted calcination experiments on metals, generating metal ash. We believe that metals contain more complex components than metal ash, which is the combustible substance. If metal ash combines with the combustible substance again, it will turn back into metal. If we burn charcoal with metal ash, the metal ash can absorb the combustible substance from the charcoal, transforming it back into metal—this is the process and principle of metal smelting. By controlling the content of the combustible substance in metals—using charcoal, ink sticks, and other materials rich in combustible substance—we can control the properties of the metal."

Paul turned to Ladia Setia beside him. "You're a scholar too; what do you think?"

Ladia nodded and said, "I believe Master Wells' deduction is correct."

"Alright then, let me raise a small question. I believe there is indeed a type of 'combustible substance' controlling the properties of metals, but this 'combustible substance' is not what you describe. Or rather, your description of the combustible substance is incorrect."

A slight smile appeared on Paul's lips, making Wells feel uneasy. "You say it's incorrect?"

The lord commanded, "Now find me a piece of metal to weigh, then calcine it, and weigh it again after generating metal ash. If, according to your theory, the metal ash is formed by the metal losing the combustible substance, then the weight should decrease rather than increase, right?"

Wells nodded, "That's correct, Lord Grayman."

Paul winked at him. "Let's wait and see."

His command was quickly carried out, and the experiment began in Paul's office. However, the result astonished the researchers; the piece of iron that generated some metal ash did not get lighter but instead became heavier.

Paul clapped his hands and laughed, "A very intuitive phenomenon. It seems your theory about the combustible substance is incorrect. Although it doesn't disprove the idea that 'the combustible substance controls the properties of steel,' it at least indicates that something was added to the metal after calcination, not less. Based on this error, I have reason to doubt the correctness of the previous theory."

Wells, Tennyson, and the other researchers looked pale and dejected.

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After two more hours of discussion, the alchemists walked out of Paul's office, somewhat dispirited. Ladia Setia remained and said to Paul, "Lord Grayman, I have some suggestions."

Paul raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Let's hear it."

Ladia replied, "From what I just heard, Master Wells and his team seem to be struggling with their current technological means to achieve certain goals. For instance, if the alchemists want to isolate elements from certain compounds, it seems the only method they currently have is burning. According to their claims, if a particular element cannot be isolated, it means the temperature is not high enough. They intended to directly isolate the combustible substance from other materials, obtaining pure combustible substance, and then combine it with metals for detailed research, but they failed—attributing it to insufficient temperature. However, if they burn, the combustible substance will dissipate into the air—of course, based on your earlier experiment, this may be incorrect."

Ladia still referred to the chemical researchers as alchemists, following old traditions.

Paul lifted his head. "And then?"

Ladia spoke softly, "Now, without discussing whether you or Wells are right or wrong, I want to say that I can use certain means to raise the temperature without flame. Perhaps I can help them."

Paul asked, "With your… special ability?"

Ladia nodded, "Yes." Her special ability was, of course, magic.

Without any hesitation, Paul waved his hand at her. "Oh, I appreciate your suggestion, but… it's not possible."

"Why is it not possible?" Ladia asked, confused, her expression slightly flustered as her brow furrowed.

"Lord Grayman, do you also hold the common prejudice against magic?"

Paul shook his head. "I have no prejudice against magic. I believe that after these years of interaction, you understand that I do not see magic as a matter of justice or evil; it is merely a tool."

Ladia continued, "So you're afraid of it leaking out and provoking the church's condemnation?"

"Ah-ha!" Paul chuckled, "Four years ago, I might have been afraid! But not anymore; I have a hundred reasons to deflect their investigation."

Ladia, puzzled, asked, "Then what is the reason for you stopping me from using magic to participate in the alchemists' research? You just said that magic is merely a tool. Since it is a tool, and one that happens to be useful, it should be put to good use."

(End of the Chapter)

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