Chapter 357

"I have been marginalized."

There was deep helplessness in Chester's voice:

"Those potential juniors who once asked me for advice on various issues now avoid me.

Those originally stable cooperative relationships have also begun to encounter various problems.

Even my family has begun to face pressure from all sides."

He took an exquisite sandalwood box from his bosom and stroked its surface with his fingers:

"This is the 'Eye of True Knowledge' amulet that the Black family has passed down for five generations."

The box was opened cautiously, and inside lay an amulet with an ancient design.

It was a deep blue crystal about the size of a thumb.

Something seemed to be slowly rotating inside, emitting mysterious and powerful magical fluctuations.

"I would like to give it to you as a... gift of apology and reconciliation."

Chester's voice became more sincere:

"At the same time, I hope to convey my remorse to the Tower Master through you, as well as my... re-evaluation of the conquest policy."

Luo En looked at the amulet quietly, activating "Extraordinary Identification" to feel the power contained within it.

This was indeed an extremely precious alchemical item, and it possessed sufficient historical traces.

That Chester could bring out such a family heirloom showed that he was truly at his wit's end.

However, asking him to plead with Cassandra directly—wasn't that a bit too...

"Professor Black, I must tell you honestly."

His tone became serious:

"I do not have the kind of influence you imagine with Tower Master Cassandra."

As soon as these words were spoken, Chester's expression turned pale.

"The relationship between us was mainly established through Her Highness Eve and Professor Uter acting as intermediaries."

Luo En continued to explain, not caring at all about the other party's extremely ugly complexion:

"Besides that, there might be the factor of my mentor, Lady Ellen.

But direct communication is actually very rare; we haven't met many times in total."

"As for the matter of Professor Frederick..."

He paused deliberately for a moment to let Chester digest this information:

"That was just a coincidence.

At the time, before Tower Master Cassandra left the main world, she asked me if I had any recommended researchers, and I just pushed the boat with the current and mentioned his name."

Chester's complexion became even paler, and the fire of hope in his eyes was rapidly extinguishing.

"And now, you want me to take the initiative to plead for you..."

Luo En's words became more direct:

"I'm not sure what she would think, and frankly speaking, I think that would be taking myself a bit too seriously."

These extremely honest words struck Chester's heart like a heavy hammer.

Despair began to spread in his eyes, as if the last straw had been snapped.

"However..." Luo En changed the subject: "I can help you pass this apology and this gift to Tower Master Cassandra."

This sentence reignited a spark of hope in Chester's eyes.

"As for what her final reaction will be, I cannot provide any guarantees."

"At the same time, to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, I will try my best to distance myself from this matter."

Hearing Luo En's final summary, Chester felt a mix of emotions.

Although the development of events was far from his initial expectations, at least there was a glimmer of hope.

"I understand." He could only nod:

"Even so, I am very grateful that you are willing to help me. Under the current circumstances, this is already better than I expected."

He was silent for another moment, then took a bag full of magic stones from his space bag.

"Here are fifty complete magic stones."

Chester gritted his teeth, but said with an unusually serious tone: "Please be sure to accept them; this is my personal gratitude to you."

"Even if the pleading is ultimately unsuccessful, you do not need to return them; I, Chester Black, keep my word."

"And..." his eyes reignited with confidence:

"In the future, if you have any questions related to enchantment or alchemy, you can consult me at any time.

Although I may be... not sharp enough in politics.

But academically, I believe I still have a place in the Central Lands."

Luo En looked at the bag of magic stones in front of him, his heart stirred.

Fifty complete magic stones—this was definitely not a small amount.

Moreover, establishing a cooperative relationship with a senior scholar like Chester would also be of great help to his future research.

"Then I will accept them." He nodded, accepting the gratuity:

"I will find an opportunity as soon as possible to pass your apology and gift to Tower Master Cassandra."

Seeing the other party accept the magic stones, Chester showed his first genuine smile of the evening.

Although the road ahead remained unclear, at least he had taken a crucial step.

The two then exchanged views on some academic issues.

Chester indeed demonstrated the level expected of a senior scholar.

His understanding of alchemy and enchantment was much deeper than Luo En had expected.

Especially in terms of theoretical foundations, his knowledge accumulation was quite solid.

"Living mechanical fusion... this is indeed a frontier field."

Chester's tone became professional:

"The key lies in finding the balance point between the biological organism and the mechanical structure, maintaining both the precision of the machine and the vitality of the organism."

"Do you have any specific suggestions?"

Luo En asked, interested in this professional exchange.

"I suggest you start with the blood circulatory system."

Chester pondered for a moment before continuing:

"Blood is the most important information carrier for an organism; if you can make the mechanical part perfectly fuse with the blood system, you can achieve true living-mechanical integration."

This level of professionalism raised Luo En's assessment of Chester a few notches.

It seemed that although this traditionalist scholar lacked political acumen, he was certainly not undeserving of his reputation in terms of academic ability.

An hour later, their conversation drew to a close.

"Thank you for your help tonight, Lecturer Ralph."

Chester stood up to take his leave: "No matter the result, I will remember your kindness."

"It is only right, Professor Black." Luo En also stood up to see him off: "I will handle your request as soon as possible."

After seeing Chester off, Luo En stood alone in the reception room, thinking about everything that had happened tonight.

The Storm Clan's cooperation proposal, 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 exceeding his expectations.

But at the same time, he was also aware of the complexity behind this growth.

In this world full of dangers and opportunities, every choice could lead to unexpected consequences.

"A game of power..."

He looked out the window; the night view of the Central Lands was still brilliant.

………………

After Chester left, Luo En was arranged to stay in a guest suite in the east wing of the mansion.

This was a luxurious residence consisting of three rooms.

The master bedroom was decorated in a style that was elegant yet luxurious, with walls built of moonstone that would emit a soft luster at night.

"Master, the environment here is indeed quite good."

Ailan's branches gently stroked the various decorations in the room:

"The concentration of elements is well-regulated, which is very beneficial for plant-based life."

Dail was stretching her body in the crystal bath specially prepared in the suite.

"Master, the water quality of this bath is much better than the one at the observatory."