Chapter 223: Echo

Chapter 223: Echo

Morale Support: Scherzo

Patreon: /ScherzoTranslations

—————–

Reiner’s words moved Ableton.

Once upon a time, Ableton himself engaged in research that others could not understand. When he spoke of summarizing the laws of various motions to derive laws from them, neither his mentors nor colleagues offered encouragement or support. Instead, they mocked and discouraged him.

But Ableton succeeded. He formulated the three laws of motions and through the feedback from the world, broke through his limits, ultimately taking a step forward to become a Legendary Mage.

But what if he had failed?

Would he have ended up like Sirius, struggling his entire life without achieving his goals and dying with regret?

If Ableton saw Reiner’s talent during the Ernest Conference, he would not have thought much of it. The higher his position, the more geniuses he encountered. Although their academic achievements might not match Reiner’s, within such a group, Reiner wouldn’t particularly stand out.

But now, Reiner’s words and actions garnered Ableton’s admiration.

While others around him were toiling aimlessly for their livelihood, Reiner’s gaze was already fixed on the distant stars.

“Indeed, while developing practical magic, we should also devote more attention to fundamental theoretical research.”

Ableton nodded. If the Magic Association set appropriate rules and rewarded mages who researched basic theories and mathematics, it might not attract a lot of talented people, but at least it would ensure that those dedicated to it wouldn’t face financial difficulties.

“I propose that, like the Hohenheim Golden Cup, the Magic Association should establish a mathematics award specifically to honor mages who make outstanding contributions to mathematics. The rewards could be magical items, academic points, or material rewards, but most importantly, we must let all mages know that mathematics isn’t irreverent: it is a discipline itself.”

Reiner revealed that he had this idea for a while.

“That’s a good idea. I’ll bring it up with some of the High Council members.”

Ableton nodded slightly, then stood up.

“My purpose here is fulfilled. Reiner Ian Gray, I’m not interested in the remaining disputes here. Handle them yourselves.”

He glanced at Percival, kneeling on the ground, then looked at Reiner.

“You’re quite an interesting fellow. If you hadn’t already joined Mercury Scale, I might have considered making you my student’s student.”

“...Thank you for your kinness, Your Excellency.”

Reiner twitched his mouth slightly.

The atmosphere remained tense for a while, finally broken by Reiner.

“Lord Percival, you are connected to Sirius’s death. I believe the Magic Association will conduct an investigation and deliver a just verdict.”

He looked at Percival, who hung his head without speaking.

Percival was indirectly responsible for Sirius’s death and he must pay the price. This wouldn’t change even if he behaved like a good husband or father.

Moreover, what Percival did was merely to rely on Vice Principal Bodoro, Lisa’s father, to advance more smoothly.

Percival had a strong desire for control, wanting everything to go according to his plans. From the beginning, he only considered himself. But he didn’t expect his plans to be thwarted repeatedly. First by Sirius during his student days, and now by Reiner.

Reiner helped Lady Lisa to her feet. Her tears had dried, and she was gradually calming down.

The local Magic Association members arrived, inquired about the situation, and took Percival away, Reiner escorted Lady Lisa home and then had one more place to go.

He needed to provide an answer for someone who had waited for years.

Reiner arrived at White Sail Hospital. In the care ward, an elderly woman lay quietly on a bed.

This was Sirius’ mother.

“Grandma Hedwig, Sirius’s thesis has passed review.”

Reiner held the frail old woman’s hand and said to her.

Slowly opening her eyes, Grandma Hedwig nodded upon hearing Reiner’s words.

“It’s been accepted? That’s wonderful. Sirius, did you see that?”

The old lady smiled kindly, gazing at a point in the void, as if seeing her child smiling there.

If Sirius had spent his life on a theory that brought no reward, Grandma Hedwig had also given everything for her son.

Was it worth it?

Reiner didn’t know. He only glanced at the piece of paper on Grandma Hedwig’s bedside, which contained Sirius’s last words.

They were not regrets or grievances about his theory being ignored, nor complaints or hatred towards the world, but simply words for his mother. This sentiment was just like his thesis.

Even if it was forgotten, it would eventually shine.