Episode 127

Theo thought he had to use his brain to get the facts right.

No, it’s not. He played a supporting role in the research, and the real genius is… his friend Rose Bell.

Although it was the right thing to say, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Somewhere in his mind, a tempting voice kept whispering incessantly.

He didn’t do it on purpose. So, if he just stays quiet like this… he can succeed too. He can be rewarded for all the effort he’s put in so far.

As Theo was feeling miserable but excited by these thoughts, the Dom Industries executive called him. The executive looked at Theo.

“Let me be direct. Would you consider working with our company?”

Theo swallowed hard. His heart started racing, and the back of his neck grew warm. 

The opportunity he had been hoping for his whole life was right in front of him. All he had to do was reach out and grab it.

‘Unlike the Weir Company, this guy doesn’t know. He doesn’t know that Rose was the one who did this research, not me.’

Theo had always bragged about Rose to Weir Company, but this time he remained silent. It was difficult to suppress the excitement and desire that tingled in a corner of his heart.

The man looked intently at the tense Theo and spoke.

“We have something in development on our end these days. It requires a precise calculation of mana energy and friction heat, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Mana has peculiar properties, doesn’t it? Even a slight miscalculation can either result in nothing happening or something catastrophic.”

The man spoke calmly for a while, but the core of the conversation remained elusive.

“When we looked at the invention in question this time, the calculations were incredibly precise. We need Mr. Lixton’s delicacy and adaptability right now.”

Theo froze for a moment and then awkwardly laughed.

‘That calculation was done by Rose.’

His stomach started to churn, and he felt uneasy. 

He wasn’t exactly sure what research was underway at Dom Industries, but he had doubts about whether he would be of significant help.

Theo hesitated for a moment and asked.

“If… um, if we were to work together, which research facility would I be going to? When would the work start…?”

“I believe your Berkley’s assistant contract is until the end of this year, but our situation is a bit urgent. We would appreciate it if you could participate in the research immediately. We plan to establish a lab near the capital.”

“So, it’s not the existing research facility?”

The Dom Industries executive smiled subtly.

“Once this research is over, we can discuss your future location again. We will take good care of your compensation. You can make further adjustments when writing the employment contract, but it’s roughly around this…”

The executive lowered his voice and whispered Theo’s weekly pay, causing Theo’s eyes to widen. It was a significant increase compared to what he earned as a research assistant.

His conscience as a researcher and his ambition as a member of society clashed. He worried that it might become evident that his abilities were not exceptional.

‘But just a few months working here…’

He could earn a substantial amount of money. By saving what he earned here, he could even afford to pursue a doctoral program in the Republic. 

In Theo’s wavering thoughts, the man’s voice faintly lingered in his ears.

“Would you like to work together?”

Finally, Theo nodded his head slowly.

* * *

A few days later, Rose was having a belated lunch with Adela and walking towards the research room together. 

Adela walked gracefully and perfectly beside Rose as she spoke.

“I want to come in first place in the final exams, but it’s not easy. Magic engineering is such a difficult subject. Seniors like you are amazing.”

Adela’s voice and expression were very earnest.

“Don’t worry too much. Ask me anything if you’re confused. I’ll explain it step by step.”

“Thank you. I heard you’re submitting a separate graduation thesis, even though you’re not considering a doctoral program.”

Unless you were considering a Ph.D. program, there was no need to write a separate thesis. However, Rose wanted to conduct as much research as possible while she was still an academic graduate student who could seek advice from professors.

It would all be a valuable experience.

“I’ve got most of it outlined, so it’s okay. Plus, it’s you asking for help. Even if I have to make time, I’ll do it.”

Adela looked at Rose with a meaningful gaze and muttered.

“This is the power of connections.”

“…Huh?”

“My mother is a close friend of Lady Bell, and it’s incredibly fortunate.”

Rose chuckled softly.

“That’s what I was going to say. I feel fortunate too.”

A few weekends ago, Rose and Adela visited the townhouse of Bluewoods. Their purpose was to personally thank Priscilla and discuss matters regarding the family.

In truth, Rose was quite nervous every time she entered the house. 

She owed Priscilla too much, and even now, her family members were staying at Priscilla’s estate. While receiving a few guests might not be a big deal for the Countess, she couldn’t remain indebted forever.

Furthermore, Rose was still troubled by the broken engagement between Bluewood and Conway. Adela seemed unperturbed, but the older members of each family might have different thoughts.

However, to Rose’s relief, Priscilla warmly welcomed her.

“Until the situation is sorted out, Anna will have to stay at my estate, my dear, though contrary to what I feared, Lord Ethan does not appear to be targeting your family.”

For some time now, rumors had been circulating amongst the nobility about the elusive Ethan. Everyone seemed to be puzzled by the fact that the regular session of Parliament was fast approaching, and he showed no sign of returning to the capital.

Then came the rumor that Ethan had traveled to Atwood’s territory to finalize the divorce. Neither Conway nor the Atwood had officially commented, but it seemed to be taken for granted.

“What could have happened to Ethan, who values honor so much? If he continues to stay away from his position until the regular council… the Noble Law revision might even pass. If that happens, Anna won’t have to hide anymore.”

As the leader of the conservative faction, Lord Conway’s silence meant that the political voices opposing the revision of the Noble Law were weakening.

Count Bluewood was always adept at gauging public opinion and maintaining a neutral stance. If the situation continued in this direction, the Bluewoods might also throw their support behind the revision of the Noble Law.

Priscilla mentioned that she was subtly persuading her husband. The Count had initially been displeased with Priscilla’s decision to hide Anna without his consent, but it was already done. 

To avoid any future issues with Priscilla’s actions, it was better for the Count that Anna’s guilt was cleared.

“I acted on my own without my husband’s approval for the first time in a while. Unlike what I feared, nothing major has happened. And with Adela even asking for help for the Bell family, it’s something that can’t be helped.”

The Count was genuinely fond of his youngest daughter, Adela, to the point of indulgence. He would do anything for her.

Rose quietly marveled at the idea that such fathers existed in the world. To her, her father had always been more like a shackle or a burden.

Growing up in a harmonious and affluent family, Adela knew how to ingratiate herself with others. Rose felt a tinge of jealousy, but her gratitude was far more overwhelming.

“I don’t know how I can ever repay Adela and the Countess….”

“You just have to keep being close to Adela like you are now. I heard you won an award in the contest, right? Be a role model for Adela.”

From the Emperor to the Countess Bluewood—Rose had gained allies she could never have imagined. If the amendment passed smoothly in the council, her life would change significantly.

Rose had genuinely come to like Adela. 

At first glance, Adela appeared to be a refined and flawless young lady, but as they spent more time together, Rose realized that Adela was still quite youthful.

When you thought about it, she was barely sixteen years old. The more time they spent together, the more Rose wanted to look after Adela, just as she did with her siblings in Quilts.

‘I’m lucky that it’s Adela.’

It might sound strange, but Rose genuinely felt that way.

As Rose and Adela chatted happily while walking to the research room, they noticed several people in the distance whispering and looking in their direction.

Adela had a serious look on her face, but she was excited to ask Rose about magic technology. She asked Rose with a puzzled voice. 

“Senior?”

“Oh…? Ah, no.”

With an awkward smile, Rose led Adela into the research room. The voices of others whispering continued to echo in Rose’s ears.

“How shameless. Knowing that she’s engaged, how can she act like that?”

“Did Rose Bell seduce Jasper? No way. Leaving Adela and going over to Rose Bell?”

If Rose had not misheard, there were strange rumors circulating within the academy.