The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1412 409: Ophelia's Troubles (Part 3)

Luo Yan wasn't surprised at the result; he had guessed this outcome the moment he encouraged Ilana to submit her work.

Instead, he was more surprised at how quickly she recovered from the "blow" of betrayal by a friend and immersed herself in academic research.

Of course, perhaps she was just avoiding the troubles of reality.

"Have a seat first."

Putting down the book, Luo Yan gestured for her to sit in the chair beside him, then gently waved his magic wand, pouring her a cup of tea.

This was Hector's treasured "Misty Snow Bud," which Luo Yan thought was quite good the last time he drank it, so he asked Professor Hector to "share" some with him.

Considering the resources tilted towards the Void Realm Asset Reorganization Committee, the old man might have been increasingly annoyed, but in the end, he endured.

Watching Ilana take small sips from the tea cup, Luo Yan asked warmly.

"What did they say?"

Ilana put down the tea cup, bit her lip, and finally recounted the review comments word for word: "They said...'the theory is too complex and lacks practical application value,' and also...'suggesting that I focus on completing my education as a preparatory student first.'"

This almost completely negated months of her hard work and thoroughly denied Prince Colin's encouragement and nurturing.

Honestly.

If it were just the former, she wouldn't be discouraged, but thinking of the Prince's long-standing help and guidance, she really didn't know how to report this to him.

Luo Yan pondered slightly and said.

"The reviewer's comments are not respectful; I'll write a protest letter on this matter."

Ilana shook her head.

"No, Master, it's not that I care about. It's..."

"It's that our results were not recognized, right?"

Watching Ilana nod gently, Luo Yan smiled, returned the manuscript to her, and continued with a gentle tone.

"Ilana, I've told you before, 'science' is a tool to explore truth, but that doesn't mean we have to force it into the hands of people who are unwilling to accept it. That's not academia, that's authority."

"And history tells us the same; not all great achievements are recognized from the start. We need to give the kids at the Sage Report some time to accept it."

This cheeky statement made Ilana pause, then she chuckled, and the dark clouds hanging over her eyebrows melted away like snow under the eaves.

Although she quickly realized her impropriety, she buried her head with a blush and hurriedly whispered an apology.

Luo Yan waved his hand with a smile, indicating that she need not worry, then continued.

"Keep working hard, be yourself. I'll help you submit this manuscript to the Science Report. It's the newspaper I've been organizing recently. Though it's not well-known yet, I believe one day it will shine because of your name."

These words were like a warm stream, flowing into Ilana's heart and into her gradually brightening eyes.

Actually, these young people don't long for much.

The majority of magic apprentices standing here yearn for nothing but a word of acknowledgment.

He discovered this secret on the first day he arrived at the Academic State.

"I understand, Master!" Ilana nodded firmly, hugging the manuscript tightly as if it were no longer a rejected paper, but a seed of truth she needs her future to protect.

Seeing her pull herself together again, Luo Yan smiled with relief.

Though occasionally he worried if he might have been too forceful at times...

Ilana wasn't the only one feeling lost.

After sending off this future mathematician, Luo Yan's gaze fell on Miss Ophelia Castellion, who was quietly waiting beside him.

Her delicate face was filled with complex emotions, and her gem-like eyes were full of worries and hesitation.

Until yesterday, she was joyful and smug about being a "hero defeating the Demon King."

He was about to speak when Ophelia seemed to make a decision and came over voluntarily.

"Colin... Master," she stood by the desk, her hands nervously entwined, "Do you have time now? I... have something I'd like to talk to you about privately."

Luo Yan looked into her eyes, full of concerns, and roughly guessed what she wanted to discuss, so he smiled and nodded.

"Of course. But here isn't very convenient, so... how about we meet at the 'Gears and Malt' restaurant on Artisan Street once the bell sound at dusk rings? The roasted ribs there are quite good, along with butterbeer."

Ophelia paused for a moment, then nodded slightly with a blush.

"Okay!"

Having said so, she ran off.

Just as Ophelia left, Youyou floated out from beside him, her face sporting a mischievous smile.

"Hehe... is it that kind of thing? Oh dear, Lord Demon King, has spring come for you too?"

Luo Yan smiled faintly and picked up the book he hadn't finished, treating Youyou's teasing like wind at his ears.

"You're overthinking it. If it were that kind of thing, she wouldn't hesitate and wouldn't ask me unnecessarily."

Miss Castellion is always a straight shooter, whether it's solving problems or casting spells.

The one who ought to fret is the 'counter-attacker.'

As for why she worries, it seems there's only one reason...

The nobles of the Holy City haven't seen blood for too long.

...

In the afternoon, Luo Yan went to the library for afternoon tea and asked Sarah to bring him the latest issue of the Sage Report.