Ron noticed that although Cassandra was smiling as she spoke, there was no hint of amusement in her eyes.
"However, I didn’t expect them to marginalize Professor Chester because of this.
I’m not that petty, I wouldn’t deliberately target someone over a minor academic disagreement."
Cassandra’s tone suddenly turned gentle:
"Since you’ve come to plead on his behalf, of course, I’ll give you that courtesy. Blake’s resource supply will return to normal levels."
She waved her hand, indicating for Ron to put away the protective talisman:
"As for this talisman, keep it for yourself. I’m not interested in such trifles."
Hearing this, a wave of caution surged in Ron’s heart.
The "generosity" Cassandra displayed only made him feel a profound sense of unease.
Truly powerful predators often present themselves with seemingly magnanimous gestures.
"By the way, Ron."
Cassandra mentioned another matter, her eyes showing a meaningful gleam:
"I heard you met with Master Vinard today?"
This sentence startled Ron.
Having just returned from the review committee in the morning, the speed at which the news spread indicated that Cassandra’s surveillance network in the Central Lands was far more extensive than he had imagined.
"Yes, my thesis needed his oversight for review."
Ron answered truthfully, "Master Vinard gave my research high praise."
"I’m glad to hear that."
Cassandra’s smile became more sincere:
"Vinard is undoubtedly a master in the academic field. To receive his recognition means your research indeed has value."
She seemed to suddenly think of something and immediately brought up a subject that surprised Ron:
"Speaking of which, I remember giving you an ’Eyes of Time’ before?"
Ron nodded in confirmation, a wave of unease rising within him.
"I know you’re wary that it might have surveillance capabilities of mine, so you’ve kept it sealed without daring to use it."
Cassandra’s voice carried a tone of understanding:
"Frankly, such caution is wise. At our level, any gift could be a double-edged sword."
"But now you have a new opportunity."
She pointed lightly at the ’Eyes of Truth’ talisman with her finger:
"Since Master Vinard appreciates you, you could consult him on how to remelt these two items to create an alchemy device truly of your own."
This suggestion made Ron’s eyes light up.
If he could indeed fuse these two powerful alchemy items, it could surely result in creating an even more powerful and secure piece of equipment.
"That... is indeed a very valuable suggestion." He sincerely thanked her.
As the communication was about to end, Cassandra’s expression became more serious:
"Ron, I know you’ve always been cautious of me."
Her words were direct and sharp:
"Such caution is actually wise, for in the world of Wizards, it’s foolish to overly trust anyone."
"I remember saying that I hope you can grow as quickly as possible."
Cassandra’s tone turned more sincere:
"The stronger you are, the more beneficial it is to me. This isn’t some hidden calculation but an apparent common interest."
She paused, her eyes showing a deep gleam:
"I know you’ve always been wary of me; such caution is wise. In our world, trust is the most luxurious commodity."
Cassandra’s frankness made Ron frown slightly.
"But Ron, there’s something you need to understand."
Her voice grew more serious:
"My investment in you is based on long-term strategic considerations. A powerful wizard is far more valuable than a controlled puppet."
She gazed into Ron’s eyes as if trying to see through his soul:
"Stop those meaningless defenses. What I need is a subordinate who can fight alongside me."
The implications of these words were clear.
On one hand, Cassandra was expressing goodwill and trust;
On the other, she was hinting for Ron to recognize his identity—right now, you’re just a subordinate.
"I will seriously consider your words, Tower Master."
Ron responded cautiously.
"Very well." Cassandra nodded in satisfaction, then turned to her daughter:
"Eve, continue to receive guidance from Ron, but remember my warning—not to undertake any risky attempts. Wait for my return to make the final decision."
"I will, Mother." Eve answered obediently.
"Then, that’s it for tonight."
Cassandra’s figure began to blur in the mirror:
"Ron, take good care of my daughter. Her trust in you... don’t betray it."
With these words, the communication mirror returned to an ordinary crystal mirror surface.
The room fell into a brief silence.
Eve was the first to speak, her eyes full of expectation:
"Mother’s reaction was better than I expected. Although we need to wait for the final decision, at least she didn’t outright refuse."
"Indeed."
Ron nodded in agreement, but his mind was full of thoughts:
"Your mother is more... insightful than I imagined."
He looked at the ’Eyes of Truth’ talisman in his hand, feeling a subtle sense of emotion.
Tonight’s conversation deepened his understanding of Cassandra.
Ron carefully placed the talisman into his spatial bag.
"It’s getting late; I should indeed leave now."
He once again proposed taking his leave, and this time Eve did not insist he stay.
"Then... see you tomorrow, Master."
The black-haired girl’s voice carried a faint hint of reluctance, but more so a look of anticipation for the future:
"Once you and Professor Yutel have discussed the treatment plan, please inform me at the first opportunity."
"Of course."
Ron nodded to her, then left the Jadeite Pavilion accompanied by Franka.
Riding in the autonomous mode of the Crown Clan’s exclusive aircraft, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.
A subordinate, is it? He certainly doesn’t want to be someone else’s subordinate.