Eve gently held Uther’s hand: "Grandfather, you are forever our lighthouse."
Ron watched this warm scene, silently evaluating everything he saw in his heart.
The genuine emotions Uther showed towards his students were a rare sight in the Black Mist School.
There, the student-teacher relationship was more of a transaction rather than a genuine heritage and concern.
Perhaps, a more realistic reason is...
The ordinary apprentices of the Black Mist School are not qualified to be considered as heirs by those lofty Official Wizards?
Beside them, Dale curiously asked:
"Grandfather Uther, have you really lived for a very, very long time? Older than the Sea Siren’s Elder?"
Uther heard this innocent inquiry and shook his head with a laugh:
"The Sea Siren’s Elder is probably at the Morning Star Level, and even with racial advantages can only live for seven or eight hundred years.
And I can no longer remember my exact age, only know that I have witnessed three major reforms of the Crystal Tower and bid farewell to far too many friends and students."
Ron could sense the profound loneliness behind Uther’s words.
For someone like him, who has lived for at least thousands of years, the passage of time brings not only the accumulation of knowledge but also endless farewells.
Becoming a long-lived being might be a coveted blessing for mortals.
But for those who have truly experienced it, it might be an unspeakable curse.
Dinner continued in a joyful atmosphere, and Eve’s cooking was truly astounding.
Every dish was full of color, aroma, and flavor, with shapes and presentations that were like artworks.
Ron tasted a few more bites, having to admit these dishes were not only beautiful but also quite delicious.
"Speaking of which, since coming to the Crystal Tower, your performance really lived up to the ’Treasure Level’ evaluation."
Uther turned the topic to Ron:
"That paper on the Mobile Simulation Device has caused quite a stir in the academic circle."
Ron smiled slightly, maintaining just the right amount of humility:
"It was just good luck that my research direction coincided with the School’s needs.
Besides, my research was built on the foundation laid by predecessors, merely integrating and improving existing theories."
"Luck?" Uther let out a light laugh:
"Young man, I have used authority to read your paper.
The innovative design of the Energy Recycling System, and the unique insights into Soul Fragment stabilization technology are not something that luck can explain."
"You flatter me." Ron responded respectfully, while his heart was slightly moved.
He didn’t expect his paper had already circulated among the higher levels.
This was both an honor and meant that his every move at the Crystal Tower was being watched.
"Your courses are also very popular." The black-haired princess took the opportunity to add with a smile:
"Every time I attend class, it’s a full house, and even some Teaching Assistants and Lecturers come to listen."
"This is mainly because of having a genius student like Her Highness Eve."
Ron skillfully diverted the praise:
"Combined with some innovative teaching methods, it naturally attracts some curious eyes.
I believe what truly draws them is wanting to see why the Princess of the Crown Clan would choose an Apprentice from a Marginal School as a Master."
Uther’s eyes showed an intriguing look:
"No need for undue modesty, Ron.
In a place like the Crystal Tower, being able to receive so much attention and praise is itself a testament to your strength.
You can simplify complex theories to a surprisingly profound and precise degree.
This is indeed a rare teaching talent."
The elder’s gaze turned to Eve:
"But what gratifies me most is that little Eve seems much better. The ’Demon Devouring’ symptoms have indeed been relieved, haven’t they?"
Eve nodded happily, her genuine joy undisguised:
"Yes, grandfather. Master Ron’s grace helped me control the worsening of the symptoms, allowing me to even briefly leave the magic isolation environment, something I haven’t felt in fourteen years."
Uther’s expression softened:
"For an old man, nothing is more comforting than seeing the younger generation heal.
Little Eve’s ’Demon Devouring’ symptoms have troubled us for years, and despite countless experts’ treatments to no avail, we were nearly in despair. But now...we must thank you for being willing to participate in this attempt."
Ron nodded slightly:
"It’s a mutually beneficial collaboration between us.
Her Highness Eve’s knowledge imparted to me is equally precious.
Especially the techniques on refining Spiritual Power control, as well as astrology and history knowledge, have been very helpful to me."
Uther’s gaze carried some profound meaning:
"Since the topic has come to this, how is your recent progress on historical research and astrology?"
Ron could only answer honestly:
"The progress is relatively slow, even with Her Highness’s guidance, to truly grasp the core of these fields likely requires a long time."
"No need to rush."
Uther gently advised:
"These subjects inherently contain deep dangers, requiring gradual progression.
Just like observing the Abyss, staring too long, and the Abyss will gaze back at you.
Anxiety only brings disaster, not breakthroughs."
At this moment, the dessert time after the banquet had just ended.
The half-dragon maid wisely stood up and exchanged a glance with the tree spirit beside her: