"I heard from Vinard that your performance left a strong impression on him?"
"Indeed, I received a favorable evaluation."
Ron briefly reported the results of the review:
"The journal ’Deconstruction’ has recommended my work, along with additional research funding."
"Excellent! This means the academic community is beginning to truly recognize your abilities."
Uther’s voice carried a sense of relief:
"But remember, reputation is both an opportunity and a burden. The more attention you receive, the more cautious you must be."
"I understand, Professor."
"Also, young Eve asked me to remind you not to forget your promise to her when you return to the Central Lands. Visit her when you have the time."
Ron smiled; he actually had time now. He had been quite busy these days and almost forgot about Eve.
.........
As the sun set, the Jadeite Pavilion appeared like a jade sculpture under the glow of the evening glow.
The Protective Runes covering the surface of the building emitted a faint green light at twilight.
Intertwined with the surrounding magic light bands, they formed a serene and beautiful scene.
When Ron stepped onto the familiar stone path, he sensed the multiple Magic Barriers covering the pavilion quietly adjusting.
The intricate rune network recognized his identity and automatically granted him passage.
He felt the subtle changes in the magic concentration in the air.
The closer he got to the pavilion, the thinner the magic became until it was completely isolated by an invisible barrier.
At the entrance, Franka remained as serious as ever.
The Half-dragon maid seemed visibly relieved upon seeing him.
"Lecturer Ralph, Her Highness has been waiting for you since she woke up in the afternoon."
Franka’s voice remained cold, but an underlying urgency was clear:
"Her condition recently... is much better than usual. I think it’s all because of your presence."
Ron nodded in acknowledgment and followed Franka through the familiar doorway.
As he stepped inside the pavilion, he immediately felt a peculiar quiet.
In the reception room, Eve was sitting by the Crystal Table.
Today she wore a light purple silk gown, her black hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulders.
Eve’s complexion was much improved since their last meeting.
Her face, once paled by long-term illness, now had a healthy, rosy hue.
"You look somewhat fatigued, did you just finish some important work?"
Eve keenly perceived the subtle fatigue in Ron’s expression, her amethyst eyes showing concern:
"I’ve asked Franka to prepare your favorite Calming Tea, along with some snacks to alleviate mental fatigue."
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Your Highness."
Ron sat in the chair opposite her, sensing the pavilion’s unique tranquil atmosphere:
"Today I did experience some quite mentally exhausting tasks, but they are now taken care of."
Franka had already entered with a tray.
The Half-dragon maid quietly poured Ron a cup of Calming Tea at the right temperature before retreating silently to the corner of the room, ready to serve at any moment.
"Master, are you well in the Central Lands?"
Eve sat back down, her body slightly leaning forward, showing her focus on the topic:
"I hear your courses are very popular, even some Official Wizards come to audit them.
And now with your New Star Plan position... have these changes brought significant pressure upon you?"
Ron gently sipped the tea, feeling the calming ingredients at work within his body.
"There is indeed pressure, but it has also brought more opportunities."
His voice was calm and honest:
"An elevation in status means more resources and influence, which is helpful to my research."
"That’s good..."
Eve’s eyes showed relief but were soon replaced by new concerns:
"I heard you’ve purchased a residence in the Central Lands?"
This question caused her voice to lower slightly, carrying a cautious probe.
"Yes, the Storm Clan provided me with a nice place."
Ron noticed the fleeting disappointment in Eve’s eyes but answered truthfully:
"Considering the convenience for work, having a stable residence in the Central Lands is necessary."
"Of course... of course, it’s necessary."
Eve worked to maintain a smile, but the disappointment in her voice was hard to completely conceal:
"I just... I just thought if you were willing, the Jadeite Pavilion always has a room kept for you. The environment here is beneficial for mental recovery, and..."
She paused, a near-hungry light flashing in her amethyst eyes:
"And when you’re here, I always feel my condition improves. Perhaps it’s because of the pure Favor aura you have."
The meaning behind these words was quite clear already.
"I understand your thoughts, Your Highness."
Ron replied gently:
"Since I’ve already settled on a residence, it’s not suitable to change casually. However..."
Seeing the dimness in Eve’s eyes, he adjusted his tone:
"If you need, I can increase my visiting frequency. After all, our knowledge exchange is ongoing, and I genuinely want to help resolve your Demon Devouring issue."
At these words, Eve’s eyes immediately brightened.
"Really? You’re willing to visit more often?"
Her voice carried uncontainable excitement, even trembling slightly:
"I... I understand you’re busy, but if possible, even coming once more a week would be a great favor to me."
Eve’s reaction further confirmed Ron’s judgment.
The girl’s dependency on him had already surpassed a normal mentor-student relationship.
"Speaking of the Demon Devouring symptoms..."
He shifted the topic while observing Eve’s response:
"How is your situation now? From the surface, it seems much improved since I first came to the Central Lands."