Chapter 378: Functional!

"I didn't expect to meet you here, Miss Castillion," Luo Yan said, sighing as he looked into those bright, snowy eyes, knowing he couldn't hide from this. "How has your father been lately?"

Ophelia smiled slightly and said with impeccable etiquette,

"He is as robust as when you left. Also, he asked me to convey his regards when I saw you, saying he misses the times he spent conversing with you... By the way, I feel the same. Every day you were gone, I missed your voice and your smile."

Uh.

Is that really how you use "voice and smile"?

Luo Yan didn't know which book she had learned that from; he only saw Professor Hector, sitting to the side, looking like he was about to burst from holding back his laughter.

"I'm truly flattered, though I don't recall leaving such a deep impression on Miss Castillion—"

"Could you call me Ophelia?"

"That... wouldn't be impossible, but—"

"Thank you."

A satisfied smile appeared on Ophelia's face, her long eyelashes curving like soft crescent moons, her dignified and elegant demeanor rarely revealing a trace of playful relaxation.

Luo Yan didn't know how to respond to that, so he could only shrug his shoulders slightly and take a sip of tea to hide his embarrassment.

At this moment, Professor Hector, who had been watching the show from behind his desk, finally couldn't help but let out a gloating chuckle.

"Haha... youth is truly wonderful."

Seizing the opportunity, he picked up his teacup and gestured with his chin toward the unopened letter on the table, teasingly urging,

"Your Highness, Duke Castillion's personal letter is still lying on the table. Aren't you going to read it first? Don't slight the Duke's good intentions."

Luo Yan glanced at him.

This old fellow was usually straight-laced, but he was actually quite a troublemaker at heart.

He didn't say much, reaching out to pick up the recommendation letter sealed with the bronze seahorse emblem. All the way from the Shengcheng to the Northern Wilderness, Ophelia had kept the letter close to her, and a trace of the young girl's warmth seemed to linger on the envelope.

Luo Yan broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter.

The handwriting on the paper was vigorous and powerful, clearly from the hand of Duke Andre Castillion, who held sway in the Shengcheng.

【Respected Prince Luo Yan,

It has been a long time. I wonder if you have been well lately?

Since your departure over a month ago, the people of the Shengcheng have been filled with gratitude for your generosity and benevolence, hoping you might return to this land bathed in holy light soon.

I often hear the servants on the estate mention that when Your Highness was in the Shengcheng, it felt as though something fresh happened every day, making one unconsciously look forward to the morrow.

Please allow me, on behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, to express my most sincere respect for the contributions you have made to the Shengcheng and the Empire!

Currently, the Holy Temple Knight project is advancing steadily and in an orderly fashion. We have established over a dozen ports along the coast of the Janna Continent, and the opening of the New World is in full swing. Although it is a pity that Hell seems to have set its sights on that fertile land, and a Demon King named Ige is rising on the northern coast, I believe that in the face of the Empire's iron hooves, that bit of a threat is insignificant... not worth your worry.

Additionally, the Bai Lu District project, led by your distant relative, Sir Dantes, is now on the right track.

That Sir uses debt as the axis, leveraging the power of large landowners to prune bankrupt tenant farmers and small landowners. Once the large landowners are heavily in debt, he then uses public opinion, the law, and the traps of debt to prune those large landowners who have lost the protection of feudal jurisprudence, while also teaching the greedy citizens a lesson... This series of land annexation maneuvers is smooth and flowing, simply perfect. It truly opened my eyes!

Currently, the syrup processing base under the Dantes Group has successfully begun construction, and an emerging industrial park with high-quality rum as its core industry is rising on the outskirts of the Shengcheng. The local residents are also enjoying your grace; once the syrup from the New World is transported to the Shengcheng in a steady stream, I believe they will soon be able to live a prosperous life.

Another thing that brings me personal joy is that the Bai Lu District project, just as you promised, has driven the trade volume of Castillion Port with a trend visible to the naked eye! This strategy of using core industries to drive the surrounding areas and conducting intensive production is truly a genius concept! On behalf of the people of Castillion Port, I express my heartfelt admiration for your foresight once again!

Additionally, I heard that Your Highness has recently been invited to become a tutor at the Academy, beginning your exploration of magic and truth. When I learned of this news, I was so surprised I could hardly believe my ears—I never expected you to have such profound attainments in the field of magic.

By the Holy Saint, is there anything in this world you do not know? Please share a bit of this grace with the Castillion family!

Haha! That last sentence was just a joke; I hope Your Highness will not take it to heart. The Castillion family has already received much from the Holy Light. I sincerely wish you success in reviving the glory of the Prince Prince Kelin family, and I also believe that, just as you said to me, you will not enjoy this glory alone!

By the way, my youngest daughter, Ophelia, has long yearned for mysterious magic since she was a child. If she could receive your personal guidance, that would be best! I might not be at ease with others, but if it is you, I am completely at ease!

I entrust my daughter to you!

Your most loyal friend,

Duke Andre Castillion】

Luo Yan slowly folded the letter, his heart clear.

This letter was gratitude and a request on the surface, but in reality, it was a "calculated move" woven by Duke Castillion that was difficult to refuse.

It first used the huge success of the Bai Lu District project to affirm his own contributions in the Shengcheng and the merits of Sir Dantes. Then, between the lines, it pointed out the important role of the Castillion family in the behind-the-scenes links.

Finally, it went straight to the point with the fewest words, using human sentiment as a promise to send Ophelia to his side.

To be honest, what Luo Yan cared about was not the Duke's harmless "scheming," but the "trouble" Ophelia herself brought.

Her sudden appearance would undoubtedly bring uncontrollable variables to the story of "Prince Prince Prince Kelin" that he had carefully woven.

The biggest taboo when stepping on N boats is for all of them to appear in the same port; it looks convenient but is actually full of endless trouble.

This is difficult...

Looking at the "headache" expression on Prince Prince Prince Kelin's face, Professor Hector felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.

So you have days like this too, kid!

Clearly not intending to let Prince Prince Prince Kelin muddle through so easily, he cleared his throat and interjected at just the right moment, sending a "helping hand" to the Duke's daughter.

"Your Highness, recommendation letters are a tradition of our Empire. You are a Prince of the Empire, and Duke Castillion is a pillar of the Shengcheng's Senate. I think since the Duke thinks so highly of you, you should fulfill his wish!"

Using the Empire's princess to "check and balance" the Empire's prince was like using the Empire's spear to poke the Empire's shield. Hector stroked his beard, thinking his idea was genius.

Ever since this Prince entered the Mage Tower, he had either been shearing his wool or leading him by the nose, suppressing him completely in terms of momentum.

This time, he finally got to vent his frustration!

Seeming to notice the flash of distress on Prince Prince Prince Kelin's face, Ophelia, who had been observing him quietly, spoke up considerately, her voice soft.

"Your Highness, please do not misunderstand. I am only here to study magic and have no intention of causing you trouble. If I could just audit your classes, I would be satisfied... If you really do not want to see me, I... can just pretend I don't exist."

Truly a girl of the Castillion house; she vaguely sensed that the relationship between Prince Prince Prince Kelin and this Professor Hector was not as harmonious as it appeared on the surface.

Although she was happy that Professor Hector spoke up for her, she did not want to become a spear in his hands.

By comparison, she would rather become the Prince's shield, making up for his shortcomings... just as her mother silently supported the Duke from behind the scenes.

Alright, alright, playing the "retreat to advance" card, are we?

Luo Yan naturally recognized this move; after all, he had used it plenty of times himself, and it always worked, but he hadn't expected Ophelia to have learned it and used it on him.

He didn't know who had taught her.

Looking at Professor Hector, whose corners of his mouth were struggling to stay down, Luo Yan sighed and said,

"How could that be? Miss... Ophelia, even if I could ignore Professor Hector's existence, I could never ignore someone as beautiful and moving as you."

Completely not expecting Prince Prince Prince Kelin to suddenly say something like that, Ophelia's face turned red instantly, like a heated teapot, as if steam were drifting out.

Ignoring Professor Hector, who was blowing his beard and staring with wide eyes, Luo Yan glanced at the time on the wall and stood up from the sofa.

"Follow me; I'll take you to the laboratory."

Since Miss Castillion was prepared to "pester him relentlessly," and had even seemingly obtained the support of her father, Duke Castillion, if he continued to treat her with cold indifference as he had in the Shengcheng, it would only mean he had walked right into her comfort zone.

As a Demon King who didn't play by the rules, since Miss Ophelia had played the "retreat to advance" card, he would just be a little more "pushy" in return.

No matter what Duke Castillion was planning, on the Demon King's turf, things had to go according to the Demon King's rhythm!

No matter what—

He had to think of a foolproof plan, either to settle Ophelia in the Academy or find some way to make her retreat in the face of difficulties.

In short, he must not let her stay by his side, and he must not let her follow him to the future "Duchy of Campbell," otherwise he really wouldn't know how to continue spinning the story about the "lost prince returning from overseas."

At this moment, Ophelia didn't know how Prince Prince Prince Kelin viewed her, thinking instead that the Prince had been moved by her sincerity and persistence.

Happiness came so suddenly that she was a bit caught off guard, subconsciously saying "Mm," and then hurried to get up from the sofa.

Not expecting this "unexpected reunion" to end so hastily, Hector was deeply disappointed.

He had expected Prince Prince Prince Kelin to stage a stomach-churning drama of "chasing and fleeing" and then cast a pleading look at him.

Then, after repeated refusals, he could drop a line like "I really can't do anything with you," and reluctantly accept Ophelia as his gifted disciple, thereby relying on his status as an elder to send a favor to both the Empire's Prince and the Duke at the same time.

As a result, in the end, this matter had nothing to do with him.

Are you playing with me?!

Luo Yan nodded toward Professor Hector, dropped a brief "Farewell," and then walked toward the office door.

Ophelia also bowed slightly toward Professor Hector and then hurried to follow his footsteps into the corridor.

Standing in the corridor, Luo Yan paused for two seconds, suddenly thought of something, looked at Ophelia, and said,

"By the way, from now on, you are my apprentice. At least while at the Mage Tower, I hope you will address me as Tutor, like the other apprentices... Is that alright?"

"Mm."

Ophelia nodded hurriedly, her face red, completely unaware that this was the second "Mm" she had said in a minute.

After leaving Professor Hector's office, Luo Yan took Ophelia directly to the elevator and returned toward the laboratory.

Ophelia, following beside him, swept away the restraint she had shown in the Professor's office, chirping like a lark released from a cage, asking about everything and full of curiosity about everything in the Academy.

"Tutor, I heard from Professor Hector that you are researching 'arithmetic'?"

"You could say that," Luo Yan replied casually, pulling himself away from his complicated thoughts. "Though I research more than just arithmetic; occasionally I teach the students other things as well."

"That's great!" Ophelia was even happier, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Arithmetic was my strongest subject at the Royal Academy of Arts! I can definitely help you!"

Huh?

Was that really the case?

Luo Yan was slightly surprised.

He had always assumed she studied art, and had even wondered to himself how this Duke's daughter, who could embroider a seahorse into an Arachne, had managed to get into the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts.

It turned out the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts didn't just teach art; it taught other things too.

Chatting away, Ophelia slowed her pace, suddenly asking in a bashful, small voice, "Um... Tutor, the amulet I gave you before... you didn't throw it away, did you?"

"Of course not," Luo Yan replied with a gentlemanly smile. "How could I forget something Miss Ophelia gave me?"

He reached into the pocket of his robe, and in reality, took out the amulet Ophelia had embroidered herself from his storage ring without a sound.

Seeing that her amulet was being carried by Prince Prince Prince Kelin, a satisfied smile bloomed on Ophelia's face, and a blush flew across her cheeks.

"That's good... the guardian dragon I embroidered for you is still there; it seems it's been protecting you well."

Dragon?

Luo Yan was slightly stunned, and looked down in surprise at the amulet in his hand again.

He had always assumed the abstract, crooked embroidery on the amulet was the Castillion family emblem—a bronze seahorse.

It turned out to be Taffy all along?

It's a good thing Taffy wasn't here, otherwise that little brat would definitely be mouthing off again.

"... Tutor?" Seeing the strange expression on Prince Prince Prince Kelin's face, Ophelia tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what had suddenly come over him.

"It's nothing."

Luo Yan stuffed the amulet back into his pocket, then looked at the "Magical Science" laboratory in front of him, changing the subject.

"We're here."

The laboratory door pushed open, and the heated discussion paused slightly. Pairs of eyes converged toward the entrance, especially landing on the young lady beside Prince Prince Prince Kelin.

"Another one?" Jamie looked at the girl behind the tutor in surprise, his gaze drifting toward Ram at the side. "And a new face... have you seen her in class before?"

Ram shook her head lightly, looking suspiciously at the young lady.

"No..."

She felt that this lady didn't quite look like a magic apprentice; the temperament about her was out of place with this snowy land, and instead, it was somewhat similar to Ilana's.

Could it be...

Is she also from the Empire?

Luo Yan clapped his hands to attract the attention of the busy apprentices, introducing her with a smile.

"Everyone, this is Miss Ophelia Castillion from the Shengcheng. Starting today, she will join our laboratory as a preparatory student... let's welcome her."

Sparse applause sounded instinctively, but soon slowed down, until it eventually stopped involuntarily.

Castillion!

This surname, which was renowned in the Empire, was like a thunderclap, instantly stunning all the apprentices of commoner origin present.

They looked at this legendary Duke's daughter with awe, and for a time, were at a loss, not even knowing where to put their hands.

To them, Duke Blackwood of Dragon-View City was already a big shot, but this person's father was a whole level higher than Duke Blackwood.

A Duke of the Shengcheng could sit on equal footing with the kings of vassal states, and in reality, the former's status was clearly even higher.

Luo Yan took in everyone's reaction, a smile that was hard to detect curling at the corners of his mouth.

Although he didn't have the bad intention of expecting other apprentices to exclude Ophelia, if this Duke's daughter couldn't stay because she "couldn't integrate into the atmosphere of the rollers" and returned to the Shengcheng on her own initiative, that would undoubtedly be a good thing for him.

However, Ophelia's next performance completely exceeded his expectations.

Only to see her without the slightest airs of nobility, first smiling and performing an impeccable etiquette toward everyone, then introducing herself in a gentle and appropriate voice.

"Hello everyone, my name is Ophelia Castillion. From today on, I am your classmate and future colleague."

"To be honest, this is my first time coming to such a distant place, and my first time seeing such heavy snow and such a high tower... My heart is incredibly shocked; I never expected the world outside the Shengcheng to be so vast, and never expected to meet such talented people in this strange land."

"I hope we won't just be apprentices working and studying together, but also good friends... I hope you will all guide me in the future."

Applause sounded in the laboratory again, and the final round of applause was much louder than before; it was applause from the bottom of their hearts.

That a Duke's daughter could be so approachable truly shocked the Rod-people present.

Never mind a Duke.

In their hometowns, even a Baron wouldn't look at them straight.

Ophelia, who had finished all this, secretly glanced in Prince Prince Prince Kelin's direction. When she saw that surprised look, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but lift slightly.

Come on—

Ophelia!

Baron Cosia even swallowed lizard-man dung to stay alive; what is getting along with classmates compared to that?

She was completely unaware of Prince Prince Prince Kelin's bad intentions, and instead took this as the first test Prince Prince Prince Kelin had set for her.

Clearly, he wanted to see if she had the qualifications to become an assistant standing by his side.

Then what she had to do now, undoubtedly, was to get along with her future "colleagues," at least not be as willful as she was at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Luo Yan would never guess what had motivated this young lady.

But to be honest, he was indeed quite surprised; it seemed that in these three months, there had indeed been too many changes in this Duke's daughter.

This was a good thing, though.

Anyway, he had prepared two plans; if he couldn't make Miss Ophelia retreat in the face of difficulties, he would find a way to keep her here.

As long as he didn't let her run off to the Duchy of Campbell with him, that was fine.

Luo Yan gave Ophelia an approving look, and after she finished her pleasantries with the classmates, he spoke to her about the laboratory.

"You don't have to report here every day; for now, prioritize your classes."

"Also, you are three months behind the other apprentices. I don't know what your foundation is like; if you don't understand magic at all, you're going to be very busy."

"You will help me, won't you?" Ophelia blinked those clear eyes and looked at him expectantly.

Luo Yan nodded gentlemanly.

"Of course, if there is anything you don't understand, you can come and ask me at any time."

The laboratory was bustling with noise, returning to a relaxed and lively atmosphere.

Almost everyone was excitedly discussing this Duke's daughter who had come from afar, guessing why she had come.

Ophelia's story became the focus of discussion in the laboratory for a time, and Ophelia herself, unlike ordinary nobles, was happy to see people discussing her.

Of course, it couldn't be ruled out that this was because she took this as some kind of "test."

Finally, seeing that this noble lady was so easy to talk to, a bold apprentice plucked up the courage to ask.

"Miss Castillion... may I ask, why did you come to the Academy?"

"This..."

Ophelia secretly glanced in Prince Prince Prince Kelin's direction, looking at that side profile focused on the magic tome, and smiled, blinking lightly.

"Secret."

That bright smile made the wooden young man's face turn red instantly. He bowed hurriedly to thank her, then turned and fled back into the chattering crowd.

In this atmosphere that had quickly become harmonious, only Ilana seemed somewhat distracted.

She wasn't interested in the gossip in the laboratory, but there were several times she wanted to take her notebook and go up to ask the tutor a question, but she never found the right moment.

And now, Tutor Prince Prince Kelin had already focused on flipping through the magic tome, and she wasn't sure if she should go up and disturb him.

Her gaze kept drifting toward Prince Prince Kelin, hoping to meet his eyes. And as luck would have it, that burning gaze was caught by Ophelia, who was feeling quite pleased with herself.

Although in Ilana's own view, that was just a normal, knowledge-hungry look, to those lacking knowledge, that look carried a different meaning.

Especially that cold and beautiful face, which added a layer of instinctive vigilance to the suspicion in Ophelia's heart.

Could she also...

No way, right?

That's her tutor.

Thinking this way, Ophelia forgot that she had just become Prince Prince Kelin's apprentice herself.

Luo Yan, sitting behind the office desk, finally noticed Ilana's hesitant gaze.

Actually, he had noticed it long ago, but he didn't really want to take the initiative to intervene in the apprentices' own research, so he pretended not to see it.

However, with two lines of sight scanning back and forth on him like radar, he was a bit unable to sit still, so he closed the magic tome in his hand and walked over to the side of that workbench.

"You seem to be troubled by a problem you can't solve; can you tell me what it is?"

Hearing the tutor's voice, Ilana raised her head abruptly, a flash of panic at being disturbed crossing her face, but more of it was the joy of finally waiting for an opportunity.

She handed her notebook over somewhat bashfully, pointing to a dense calculation on one page that looked like heavenly script to outsiders, and said softly,

"I, I did encounter a problem I couldn't understand... Tutor. I was thinking, since there is a way to solve for the extreme value of a function, is there a more concise way to solve for the extreme value of a 'function of a function'?"

Seeming worried that Prince Prince Prince Kelin wouldn't take this awkward and seemingly superfluous question seriously, she added a small sentence at the end.

"Perhaps you will think my idea is a bit strange, but my intuition tells me... if this problem can be solved, perhaps it could provide help for the unfinished project of Mr. James Professor Wali."

Actually, it wasn't just intuition; there was also her rational judgment.

James Professor Wali had tried to establish a system for analyzing magic using definite numbers, but lacked the mathematical language to describe this process.

Luo Yan took the notebook, his gaze falling on those calculation processes, a flash of genuine surprise in his eyes.

He hadn't expected Ilana's learning speed to be so fast.

She had not only fully mastered the content he had taught in class, but had even drawn inferences and actively delved into a mathematical branch that was far deeper and more complex than calculus, one he hadn't even taught yet!

This girl... she might really be a genius.

This is a real treasure!

"Superfluous? Ilana, there is no such thing as 'superfluous' in this world, only mediocre people who cannot dig out the value behind ordinary things."

A flash of joy that was hard to detect crossed Luo Yan's eyes. He put the notebook back on the table, looked at the ignorant Ilana, and praised,

"The question you raised is excellent. This so-called solving for the extreme value of a function of a function belongs to another important branch of higher mathematics."

"I call it—'Functional'!"

(End of chapter)