Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Marianna did not agree with Paul's words. She stood up and scrutinized him with a stern gaze.
"My child, you are too young."
"Your father passed away too early, forcing you to inherit the territory prematurely, and as a result, you've developed an arrogant disposition."
Her tone was not scolding but carried a deep sense of concern.
"You have no idea how vast this world is, nor do you understand the kinds of powers that exist in its far reaches."
She seemed a bit melancholic as she continued.
"Very well, I'll be frank. The orcs' invasion is part of the Arcane Society's plan. I hope you won't position yourself against them."
Paul remained silent for a while, fiddling with his knife and fork, before replying calmly:
"If the Arcane Society's plan requires Aldor as a sacrifice, then I will have no choice but to oppose them."
"Hah!" Marianna gave a faint laugh.
"I can't help but suspect that the Princess Catherine is secretly a sorceress and has bewitched my son."
"I lived in the Northwest Bay for so many years. Is there truly such a loyal lord to the royal family here?"
"Even your father only ever..."
Paul interrupted her. "Mother, Aldor is Aldor, and the royal family is the royal family. They are not the same."
Marianna was anxious. "Don't you realize how dangerous this is? Think more about your father and the Grayman family!"
At this point, Nathan, who had been silently eating, suddenly chimed in, "Well, looking at his stubbornness, I can confirm he really is your child."
Marianna shot him an annoyed glance. "Shut up!"
Nathan shrugged and continued eating.
"Ah-hem."
Butler Philip entered the dining room cautiously. Having overheard the family's argument, he hesitantly addressed Paul:
"My Lord, Mr. Wells, Mr. Tennyson, and Vice Principal Anderson have come to see you. I informed them you were dining, but they insisted it was urgent and asked me to notify you immediately."
Paul raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wells and Tennyson I can understand, but how did Anderson get involved with them?"
The butler explained, "I don't believe they came together—it's more likely they coincidentally ran into each other."
After a brief thought, Paul instructed, "They probably haven't had breakfast yet. Prepare three more place settings."
When the three guests heard the Earl's invitation to join him for breakfast, they were delighted and rushed to the dining room eagerly.
They were greeted by unfamiliar faces—a stunning red-haired woman and a young man about Paul's age.
Perhaps they were relatives of the Earl, as the young man bore a striking resemblance to Paul.
"Please, have a seat," Paul invited warmly.
"Thank you."
The three scholars took their seats at the table.
Paul smiled and said with anticipation, "You must have made some groundbreaking discoveries to come so urgently."
"Groundbreaking indeed!" "Absolutely astounding!" "Revolutionary!"
The three exclaimed in unison, then awkwardly looked at each other.
"Calm down, calm down," Paul chuckled, gesturing for them to sit. Turning to Marianna and Nathan, he added:
"These gentlemen are scholars dedicated to the relentless pursuit of knowledge in their respective fields."
"I believe you'll find it interesting to learn about their discoveries."
Paul had considered meeting them privately, as Tennyson and Anderson's research was integral to his upcoming plans, and his mother and brother were part of the Arcane Society.
However, Marianna's dismissive attitude—albeit out of maternal concern—had stung him.
He felt the urge to showcase his knowledge and give the "mages" a small taste of scientific wonders.
"These are…my relatives," Paul introduced, choosing not to reveal their true identities.
"Who will go first? Wells and Tennyson, or you, Father Anderson?"
"Let Wells and Tennyson speak first," Anderson said humbly, embodying the modesty expected of a clergyman.
"Well then, we won't stand on ceremony," Wells said excitedly. "Tennyson, you take the lead—it's all thanks to you!"
"Yes, Professor!"
Suppressing his excitement, Tennyson spoke in a trembling voice: "My Lord, we have finally identified the crucial factor in steel production."
"Oh?" Paul's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Tennyson declared confidently, "With this key discovery, we can achieve large-scale steel production!"
"Hold on!" Marianna suddenly stood up and interrupted sharply.
Everyone turned their bewildered gazes toward the beautiful woman.
In the past, Marianna, focused solely on magic, wouldn't have been interested in Tennyson's field.
However, her years of involvement with the Gabella Empire as a member of the Arcane Society had broadened her knowledge, including insights into what was vital for a nation.
Large-scale steel production? This was a matter that could make any ruler jump from their throne in astonishment.
She glanced reproachfully at Paul. How could he be so careless as to discuss such an important topic in front of outsiders?
"What's wrong?" Paul asked, puzzled.
Marianna ignored him and turned to her younger son. "You, leave the room!"
"Me?" Nathan pointed at himself, confused.
"Yes, you!"
"Fine!" Nathan shrugged and reluctantly left the dining room.
Marianna sat back down, unable to suppress her curiosity.
She admonished Paul, "A competent lord should understand the importance of secrecy, even with close family."
"You're absolutely right," Paul admitted, genuinely touched. His mother, in her way, was protecting him.
He had been impulsive earlier, wanting to show off. While he had planned only to discuss general principles, early-stage technological breakthroughs were often just a thin veil waiting to be lifted.
"Continue, Mr. Tennyson," Paul encouraged with a smile.
Marianna's warning had made Tennyson more cautious. Fully aware of the significance of his research, he carefully chose his words:
"My Lord, after countless experiments, we have unveiled the truth behind the so-called phlogiston under the influence of light."
"Carbon. Carbon is the critical element we have discovered."
TLN: Phlogiston was a disproven 17th-18th century theory that claimed combustible materials contained a substance called phlogiston, released during burning or rusting. It was later replaced by modern chemistry, which identified oxygen's role in these reactions.
(End of the Chapter)
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