The originally stable supply of resources also encountered various ’unexpected’ delays.
At the same time, those scholars supporting the conquest policy received unprecedented resource support."
His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, each tap resonating like a heartbeat:
"At first, I thought this was just a coincidence, but as time went on, I realized this might be a... response to my public questioning of the conquest policy."
"I’ve been marginalized."
Chester’s voice carried deep helplessness:
"Those young scholars who used to seek my advice are now avoiding me.
The originally stable cooperation relationships have started to show various issues.
Even my family has begun to face pressures from all sides."
He took a delicate sandalwood box from his bosom, his fingers gently caressing its surface:
"This is the ’Eye of Truth’ talisman passed down by the Blake Clan for five generations."
The box was carefully opened, inside lay a talisman with a simple design.
It was a deep blue crystal about the size of a thumb, with something seemingly rotating slowly inside, emitting mysterious and powerful magic power waves.
"I want to give it to you as a... gift of apology and reconciliation."
Chester’s voice became even more sincere:
"At the same time, I hope you can convey my regret and... newfound understanding of the conquest policy to the Tower Master."
Ron quietly gazed at the talisman, activating "Extraordinary Recognition" to feel the power within.
This was indeed an extremely precious alchemy item, possessing significant historical marks.
Chester being able to bring out such a family heirloom showed he was truly at the end of his rope.
However, asking him to directly plead with Cassandra might be a bit too...
"Professor Blake, I must be honest with you."
His tone became serious:
"I don’t have the kind of influence you imagine with Cassandra Tower Master."
Chester’s expression instantly grew pale at this statement.
"Our relationship is mainly established through Her Highness Eve and Professor Uther as intermediaries."
Ron continued explaining, completely indifferent to the other’s extremely unpleasing expression:
"Besides that, there might be factors involving my mentor, Lady Allen. But direct communication is actually rare, we’ve only met a few times in total."
"As for Frederick’s matter..."
He deliberately paused for a while, letting Chester digest this information:
"It was just a coincidence. At that time, Cassandra Tower Master was leaving the Main World and asked if I had any recommended researchers, I took the opportunity to suggest his name."
Chester’s face became even paler, the fire of hope in his eyes rapidly extinguishing.
"And now, asking me to proactively plead for you..."
Ron’s voice became more direct:
"I can’t be sure how she would think, and frankly, I feel like doing that would be too self-important."
These extremely sincere words hit Chester’s heart like a heavy hammer.
Despair began to spread in his eyes, as if the last life-saving straw was also cut off.
"But..." Ron shifted his tone:
"I can help you deliver this apology and gift to Cassandra Tower Master."
This sentence rekindled the fire of hope in Chester’s eyes.
"I can’t provide any guarantee about her final reaction."
"Meanwhile, to avoid unnecessary misunderstanding, I will try to keep myself out of this matter."
Chester’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.
Despite being far from his initial expectations, there was at least a glimmer of hope.
"I understand." All he could do was nod:
"Even so, I am very grateful that you are willing to help me. Under the current circumstances, this is better than I anticipated."
Chester paused for a moment, then took out a bag full of magic stones from the spatial bag.
"Here are fifty intact magic stones."
He gritted his teeth but spoke with unusual seriousness: "Please make sure to accept them, this is my personal token of thanks to you."
"Even if the plea ultimately fails, you don’t need to return them, Chester Blake keeps his word."
"Moreover..." Confidence reignited in his eyes:
"If you ever have questions related to Enchantment or Alchemy, feel free to consult me.
Although I might not be... keen in politics, I consider myself to have a standing in Central Lands in terms of academic ability."
Ron looked at the magic stone bag in front of him, conducting a quick cost-benefit analysis.
Fifty intact magic stones, this was definitely not a small amount.
Moreover, establishing a cooperative relationship with a seasoned scholar like Chester would greatly benefit his future research.
"Then I shall accept it."
He nodded and accepted this token of appreciation: "I will find an opportunity to deliver your apology and gift to Cassandra Tower Master as soon as possible."
Upon hearing this response, Chester showed the first genuine smile of the night.
Although the path remained unclear, at least he had taken a crucial step forward.
The two subsequently exchanged views on several academic issues.
Chester indeed demonstrated the level a seasoned scholar ought to, his understanding of Alchemy and Enchantment was deeper than Ron had anticipated.
Especially concerning the theoretical basis, his knowledge accumulation was quite solid.
"Living machinery fusion... this is certainly a frontier field."
Chester’s tone turned professional:
"The key is to find a balance between biological entities and mechanical constructs, keeping mechanical precision while maintaining biological activity."
"Do you have any specific suggestions?"
Ron inquired, showing keen interest in such professional exchanges.
"I suggest starting with the blood circulation system."
Chester pondered for a moment before continuing:
"Blood is the most important information carrier in a biological entity. If the mechanical part can perfectly integrate with the blood system, it will achieve true living machinery integration."
This professional expertise elevated Ron’s assessment of Chester further.
It seems this traditional scholar, despite lacking in political acumen, was indeed not boasting in terms of academic ability.
An hour later, the conversation between the two was nearing its end.
"Thank you for your help tonight, Lecturer Ralph."
Chester stood up, ready to take his leave: "Regardless of the outcome, I will remember your kindness."
"Of course, Professor Blake."
Ron also stood up to see his guest out: "I will process your commission as soon as possible."
After seeing Chester off, Ron stood alone in the reception room, contemplating everything that took place that night.
The cooperation proposal from the Storm Clan, Chester’s plea for help, and the goodwill released by those ancient clans...
All of these reminded him that his influence and status were growing at a speed beyond expectations.
But at the same time, he realized the complexity behind this growth.
In this world full of danger and opportunity, every choice could lead to unexpected consequences.
"The game of power..."
Outside the window, the night view of the Central Lands was radiant and mysterious.