Gareth looked at Ron thoughtfully:
"If Professor Blake is requesting a meeting on his own initiative, it seems that Lecturer Ralph’s influence has reached a considerable height."
His voice carried a prophetic sense of mystery:
"Perhaps this is destiny’s arrangement. Some people are destined to become the darlings of the era, while others... can only struggle in the tide."
About half an hour later, the door of the dining hall was opened again.
Chester Blake’s figure appeared at the entrance.
His attire tonight was extremely formal, with a meticulously maintained deep blue scholar’s robe, and the Blake Clan’s emblem emblazoned on his chest.
But upon close inspection, one could notice slight dark circles under his eyes.
There were also ink stains on his fingers that he forgot to clean, evidently he had come in quite a hurry.
"Sorry to disturb everyone’s enjoyment."
Chester bowed to everyone, his voice trying to maintain calm, but Ron detected a hint of nervousness in it.
"Professor Blake, no need to be so polite, please take a seat."
Caius warmly beckoned, while signaling the maid to prepare tableware for Chester.
Chester sat down on an empty chair, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally resting on Ron.
That gaze was complex and fervent, as if looking at a rare treasure.
"I’ve long admired Lecturer Ralph’s name."
His voice carried a sincere respect: "Your achievements in Abyss research astound us... traditional scholars."
"Professor Blake is too kind." Ron replied politely.
When the clock pointed to nine-thirty, Caius timely announced the end of the gathering.
"Tonight’s gathering will end here, thank you all for attending."
He stood up, saluting everyone:
"I hope tonight’s exchange can lay a good foundation for our future cooperation."
The guests began to take their leave.
As Frederick left, he once again expressed gratitude to Ron, also stating that if he needed any help, he could contact him at any time.
Finally, only Ron, Chester, and a few members of the Storm Clan were left in the dining room.
"Lecturer Ralph, I have prepared a quiet reception room."
Caius guided the two to a door on the side of the dining room:
"You and Professor Blake can talk privately there, we won’t disturb you."
......
Chester sat on the sofa, hands clenched tight, his knuckles pale from the force.
"Professor Blake, what brings you to me?"
Ron took the initiative to speak, getting straight to the point.
Although he had roughly guessed the other party’s intent, he preferred the other person to say it themselves, so he could better gain the upper hand in the dialogue.
Chester took a deep breath, seemingly organizing his words.
His fingers unconsciously rubbed the document folder on his knee, which was one of the "chips" he brought tonight.
"First... I must apologize to you."
His voice was a bit shaky, with a hint of remorse in his eyes:
"A few months ago, at that academic review meeting, I displayed an... extremely inappropriate questioning attitude towards your research proposal."
This sincere apology took Ron by surprise.
In the wizards’ cognitive framework, admitting mistakes often meant a loss of prestige, especially for an old scholar like Chester.
"An academic review should be strict and cautious."
Ron’s response was calm: "Questioning and challenging are necessary steps, Professor Blake, I understand your attitude back then."
"No, you don’t need to make excuses for me."
Chester shook his head, his expression turned more painful:
"I recently studied your paper on the Chaos Adaptation Training System in depth and must admit... it’s one of the most innovative studies I’ve seen."
He took out a thick review report from the document folder, his hands slightly trembling:
"As a member of the academic review committee, I’ve already given it the highest level of recommendation, but this cannot make up for my previous shortsightedness and foolishness."
Ron took the report and quickly browsed through it.
Chester’s evaluation was indeed very positive, even excessively complimentary.
This huge contrast made him realize that the other party’s visit tonight was definitely not just for an apology.
"Besides the apology, is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
He asked directly, his gaze calm yet sharp.
Upon hearing this question, Chester’s body visibly stiffened.
He was silent for a long time, his facial expression constantly changing, as if undergoing a fierce inner struggle.
"I..."
His voice became weaker, each word seemed squeezed from deep in his throat:
"I would like to request your help."
After saying this sentence, it was as if Chester had exhausted all his strength, he appeared listless.
As the patriarch of the Blake Clan, as a senior Associate Professor of the Crystal Tower, he never thought he would have a day when he would ask a young junior for help.
But the harsh reality left him no choice.
"What kind of help?"
Ron did not show any surprise, he simply asked calmly.
"I hope... I hope you can intercede for me in front of the Cassandra Tower Master."
Chester’s voice grew smaller, deep despair showing in his eyes:
"I know this request is presumptuous, but indeed... I really have no other options."
He began to detail his current difficulties, with a voice carrying increasingly evident bitterness:
"Since that conquest policy presentation, the research projects I’ve applied for have been frequently ’technically’ rejected.