Proving One's Intelligence and Talent.

Chalk scraped softly against the surface of the blackboard as Herta stood on her toes atop a wooden stool, her small frame barely reaching the middle part. Gripping the chalk tightly, she sketched diagrams and notes regarding the connection of elementals and magicules.

Albrecht and Bellum observed her with curious gazes, their interest fiddled with skepticism.

"The connection lies here," Herta proclaimed, pointing at two distinct diagrams—one with the word elemental and another with magicule. "Based on what I've observed, these two entities share a common source."

Her father folded his arms, contemplating her statement.

"That's quite the claim. Do you have any evidence to support it?"

Beside him, the gentleman tapped his chin thoughtfully, intrigued with the concept.

"He's right. I've never seen any research suggesting such a link."

Hearing their words, Herta paused momentarily before glancing over her shoulder.

"I wouldn't have considered it myself if not for something I witnessed."

Bellum narrowed his eyes, curiosity growing stronger.

"And what would that be?"

Herta's chalk rhythmically struck the blackboard as she wrapped up her current note.

"During my time in the garden, I injured my knee," she admitted. "Mama then summoned the elementals to heal my wound. During the process, I noticed these microscopic entities didn't just appear—they responded to the flow of magicules. "

Listening to her narrative, Bellum raised an eyebrow. "Responded? In what way?"

Herta crossed her arms and tapped her foot, reflecting on her memories.

"As Mama directed her mana, the elementals shifted like threads weaving into a pattern," she explained. "They also didn't move randomly. Instead, they do with intent as if resonating with the magicules in the surroundings, which consist of the particles they're both made of."

Albrecht exchanged glances with Bellum before speaking.

"So, you believe elementals and magicules share the same fundamental particle?"

Herta nodded in agreement, stepping down from the platform.

"If that's true, then there's surely something smaller than what current devices can't detect—something that explains why magicules and elementals resonate with each other."

She then gestured to the board, pointing at the center.

"That's where the Solitary Particle Theory comes in."

"Hmm... what an impressive idea," her father remarked. "But if no one's proven it before now, how can you be sure it's more than just speculation?"

Pausing momentarily, Herta ponders before her lips curl into a smile.

"Because I know I can prove it," she replied firmly. "If I modify the device's structural integrity and recalibrate the rune array, it might reveal these elusive particles." 

Bellum leaned forward, intrigued but still cautious.

"And what if you're wrong?"

"Then the particles I expect to see won't manifest," she admitted. "But if I'm right... We could observe a distinct reaction when elementals appear." 

Bellum's gaze lingered on her, thoughtful yet uncertain.

"Even if that would work, proving such a connection would be difficult."

"Perhaps you're right," Herta countered, "but it doesn't mean it is entirely impossible."

The room fell silent for a short moment. Albrecht's expression eased with pride, while Bellum regarded this smart little girl with newfound respect.

"Well, I guess you're—"

"Hahaha!"

Just as the gentleman was about to finish his words, Albrecht chuckled proudly and playfully tousled his daughter's hair.

"She certainly inherited her mother's determination."

"That's not all she's had," Bellum added with a smile. "She's got your sharp wits as well."

Herta brushed aside her tousled hair, her expression unwavering.

"Good," she stated flatly. "That's exactly what I'll need."

-------------------------------------------------

Moments later, Bellum reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a glossy pocket watch, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.

"Oh dear, look at the time—it's getting late."

Albrecht and Herta both glanced out the window, realizing it was nighttime.

"It seems so," Albrecht remarked, crossing his arms.

His daughter nodded, concurring. "Well, looks like our discussion ends here."

Bellum snickered and tucked the watch back into his pocket, picking up his coat.

"I should get going now," he declared calmly. "I'll let Benjamin and Ruan Ling know about our current discussion by tomorrow."

"Oh, is that so?" Albrecht responded, stepping towards the doorway. "I'll see you out."

The gentleman offered a polite nod before following him. As they walked out, Bellum paused momentarily and glanced back, only to find Herta standing by the study's entrance.

"Why are you looking at me?" she asked, furrowing her brows.

Bellum chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing, just fascinated by what you showed today."

After that, he continued walking and left the manor, his footsteps fading down the street.

---------------------------------------------

The next afternoon, an old horse-drawn carriage trundled up the cobblestone path towards the manor. Marlene, noticing its arrival from the window, went outside to greet the vehicle.

"Good afternoon, sir," she politely called the coachman. "May I ask who the passenger is and what business they have with the master of this manor?"

The coachman grunted, adjusting his seat as she shot a grumpy glance at the caretaker.

"A genius fellow from the main district—says he wants to pay a visit to his senior."

"I see," Marlene replied with a nod of understanding. "If you could just hang on a moment, I'll go fetch the master."

The caretaker then turned swiftly and hurried back inside. Moving with purpose, she reached the study, where Albrecht and Herta were quietly working at the table, flipping through notes and sketches.

"What's wrong, Marlene?" Albrecht asked without looking up, still focused on his papers.

"A visitor has come to see you, Milord," she announced calmly.

This time, he raised his head, exchanging a curious glance with his daughter.

"A visitor?" he repeated. "Did you see who it was?"

Marlen shook her head. "Not yet, Lord Albrecht, but the coachman said he was a fellow from the main district."

Setting his notes aside, Albrecht stood and stretched his back.

"Let's see who it is then," he declared, gesturing his daughter to come along.

With some reluctance, Herta placed her parchments away, climbed down from her seat, and trailed her father as they made their way to the manor's entrance. 

Outside, the carriage had stopped before the front gate. Its door cracked open, and a young man in a crisp brown suit stepped out, carrying a box tucked firmly under his arm. The man in question, with fluffy blue hair and innocent eyes, offered a smile upon seeing Albrecht.

"Ah, Sir Albrecht! Good to see you," he greeted, approaching them with a friendly stride.

"Benjamin?" his senior's eyes widen in recognition. "I wasn't expecting you today."

The young man chuckled and shifted the box to his other arm.

"I thought I'd drop by," he explained before turning his gaze to the little girl hiding behind his senior's leg. "And who's this young lady?"

"Benjamin, this is my daughter, Herta Wissenschaft," Albrecht introduced with pride. "Herta, this is Benjamin Lloyd—junior artisan of the Nasca Kingdom."

Lowering himself to her eye level, Benjamin knelt slightly.

"Pleasure to meet you," he greeted warmly.

Herta sized him up with sharp eyes before nodding. "Likewise."

"Ahem," Albrecht cleared his throat. "So, Benjamin, what brings you here?"

Benjamin hoisted the box higher, showing it to them.

"I've brought the components for the new device," he explained. "Sir Bellum briefed me about your daughter's discussion with him, so I quickly prepared these parts to witness her talents for myself."

"Is that so?" Albrecht's gaze hovered on Herta before turning to Benjamin. "Well then, let's all head inside."

He led the way back to the study, where they placed the box on the table. Benjamin opened the flaps, showing various parts—lenses, metallic plates, bolts, and frame—all packed within.

"Now," Benjamin began, placing some tools on the table. "Given that your daughter was wise enough to engage in a discussion with Sir Bellum, I'm sure she's skilled enough to assemble the device. Care to demonstrate that?"

Herta stepped forward, climbing up the chair to examine the components on the table. With a confident smile, she glanced at Benjamin.

"Absolutely."

--------------------------------------------------

Scattering the pieces across the table, Herta activated her unique skill: High Intelligence, and used Thought Acceleration to heighten her mental speed while Analytical Appraisal identified each component's purpose and function.

Information coursed through her mind, cataloging details like material composition, structural alignment, and optimal positioning with transparency.

Visualizing the schematics in her head, she reached for the metallic plates first, piecing them to the frame with steady hands. Bolts followed, locking the structure firmly with a wrench.

Next, she positioned the lenses at both ends of the device, adjusting their tension for proper calibration. She then used a chisel and hammer to carve the appropriate runes on the plates' surface, ensuring each mark was etched accurately.

Benjamin leaned closer, observing her dexterous hands and methodical pace. 

Moments later, Herta placed the final piece and stepped back, presenting the device's stable structure and precise assembly.

"Done and dusted," she declared, confidently placing her hands on her hips.

"Incredible," Benjamin muttered in awe. "No wonder Sir Bellum spoke so highly of you."

"Damn right she is!" Albrecht chuckled with pride. "My daughter's a genius after all."

As his proud laughter filled the room, Benjamin smiled, still marveling at the finished product.

"If it's okay with you," he proposed, "I'd like to take this device and show it to everyone at the workshop tomorrow."

Abrecht hesitated momentarily before shaking his head with a smile. "I'll handle that myself—I'd prefer to present my daughter's work personally."

"Fair enough," Benjamin chuckled warmly. "They'll be just as impressed either way."

Herta smirked in satisfaction. "That's indeed true."

With a polite nod to the little girl, Benjamin collected his coat and turned toward the door.

"I'll be off now," he announced. "Looking forward to hearing the feedback, especially from Sir Bellum and Miss Ruan Ling."

"Speaking of which, how was that woman?" Albrecht asked curiously. "I expected she would visit here and witness my daughter's brilliance firsthand."

"Oh, her," Benjamin sighed. "She's still doubtful about what Sir Bellum briefed us this morning and was second-guessing whether to come. Besides, it would be pretty awkward for her and Theresia to face each other after what happened back then."

Albrecht's expression darkened slightly as he reflected on the past.

"Hmm, I see," he muttered solemnly. "It can't be helped then."

"Don't worry, Sir Albrecht," Benjamin assured. "I'll try to talk to her."

"Thanks," Albrecht replied with a nod.

As the two adults exited, the door closed behind them, leaving Herta alone in the study. She lingered for a moment, pleased with her accomplishment.