Chapter 93: Sorrow

The other Sage Archmage said in a low voice, “I think it’s time to end this.”

“I’m tired…” the Big Chair grumbled.

Cromwell didn’t say anything. He just nodded in agreement slightly.

And then, he looked down at Su Ye and Carlos.

The instant Cromwell laid his eyes on Su Ye’s face, Cromwell’s heart skipped a beat before functioning normally again.

He had thought that Su Ye would either be elated or pretending to be humble while he was overwhelmed with joy. He did not expect Su Ye to be very calm, even calmer than before, as if he did not take this arbitration seriously at all.

What would Su Ye become when he grew up?

Cromwell looked at Carlos. A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. He only briefly glanced at Carlos before turning his head.

Carlos’ robe was badly creased. His nervous and terrified expression made him look like a plaster statue which had fallen to the ground. He was on the verge of taking the initiative to shout out that he was guilty.

Cromwell might as well look at Su Ye.

After pondering for a long time, Cromwell straightened his body and held the Evergreen Scepter in his hand. His face returned to his initial amiable expression.

He said, “When I came in, I said that this was more like a child’s play, so there’s no need to be nervous. However, I underestimated the two of you. I didn’t expect that the two of you would turn the arbitration into a lecture. I’m very happy that the magic world has young talents like the both of you. I’m also very happy that Master Plato has such disciples. In this lecture to explain the new theory, there’s no doubt that Su Ye has gained an advantage. On the other hand, Carlos doesn’t seem to be good with words and is at a disadvantage.”

This time, even more people looked at Cromwell with displeasure.

It wasn’t that Carlos wasn’t good with words; instead he was speechless.

Carlos’ situation could not be summarized as being at a disadvantage. It was more like him getting crushed by Su Ye as though he was crushed by a gigantic wheel. Moreover, the wheel went back and forth on him throughout the entire arbitration.

Cromwell completely ignored the gazes of the crowd. He only stared into Su Ye’s eyes as he slowly announced his verdict, “Su Ye’s research on the Feynman technique is clearly more profound. It’s worth learning too. However, you were still a step later in submitting your application. Moreover, although your method sounds good, you’re unable to prove that your method is truly effective, just like how both of you are unable to prove that the other party is a thief. You need a tremendously long time to prove the efficiency of your technique. I think that the two of you might as well shake hands and make peace. You should join forces as collaborators and submit this technique to the Congress of Magic at the same time.”

The audience was in an uproar.

Many people were filled with righteous indignation. If it was not for the fact that Cromwell was an Archmage, many people with hot tempers would have scolded him out loud.

From the very beginning, Cromwell had sided with Carlos. The crowd did not expect that Cromwell would still be defending Carlos even though they had come to this.

It was true that Su Ye did not have any evidence, but the arbitrator could determine the outcome.

“Old fart, you’re shameless…” A sharp voice echoed in the council house. Due to the power of magic, the sound actually lingered for a long time.

This voice was very familiar.

Everyone looked at the Big Chair.

The Big Chair hadn’t moved an inch. His mouth didn’t even appear on the back of the chair.

Su Ye slowly took a deep breath and tried to control his emotions.

Cromwell seemed to be completely unaffected by the mockery of the Big Chair. He smiled slightly as he said, “Youths always make big mistakes because of recklessness. They might even live in regret for the rest of their lives because of these mistakes. I hope that the two of you can avoid being impulsive, shake hands and make peace. Of course, this is only my personal suggestion. The final stage of the arbitration is the concluding speeches from both sides. I hope that it can end in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. Carlos, I think that what happened before was just a misunderstanding, right?”

Carlos took a deep breath and bowed to Cromwell. He bowed to the other mages as well and finally let out a sigh.

“Now, I’m not sure whether Su Ye has stolen my method, but I can be sure that my method is effective and I was the first to discover it. Of course, I must admit that Su Ye’s understanding of this method is better than mine. His understanding far surpasses mine.”

Everyone’s gazes on Carlos softened. He had actually admitted his shortcomings, which meant that he might not have deliberately framed Su Ye.

Carlos let out a long sigh and said, “Fifth-year students, may I ask, how much time do you have now to study a single method or a single theory in depth?”

Many fifth-year students shook their heads.

“Let me ask again, fifth-year students, currently, are you more worried about your future after graduation or are you more devoted to study? Can you really calm down and study?”

More fifth-year students shook their heads. Even some fourth-year students began to shake their heads as well.

Carlos smiled bitterly and said, “I’m the same, but what’s worse for me is that something has happened to my family. I’ve never wanted to admit this. Revealing it in public today is simply ripping it out of me. In fact, in less than half a year, I might even become a down-and-out noble and move out of the Noble Sector, becoming a laughingstock.”

Many people, including the commoner students, suddenly sympathized with Carlos.

Carlos smiled wryly as he continued, “However, I thought that things had turned for the better because I discovered a good method. Even though I don’t know much about this method, I was still the first to discover it. Then, I submitted it to the Congress of Magic and quietly waited for this turning point that would change my life. What happened in the end? A few days later, a person called Su Ye also submitted a similar method. If you were me, what would you think?”

Carlos paused for a second before he spoke loudly, “I first felt anger and humiliation! A second-year student and a mage apprentice actually used a similar method to apply for the Mana Source badge. If you were me, a fifth-year Black Iron mage, would you be angry? Would you feel humiliated?”

Many of the students nodded in agreement.

Carlos continued, “After the initial rage, I felt fearful. Yes, I can say it without hesitation now. I am afraid! I am afraid that my method has been stolen. I am afraid that I will not be able to obtain the Mana Source Badge. I am afraid that I will go down together with my family! Under the influence of anger and fear, I lost my rationality. I chose to report Su Ye directly. For the sake of my family and the results, was there anything wrong with my decision? What did I do wrong? I was the one who applied for the patent first! It was my right! I’m not asking to exercise the privilege of a noble here. I’m only fighting for the rights that everyone should have!”

The eyes of some female students reddened as they gently wiped the corners of their eyes. This included the Black Iron female warrior who had once been knocked on the head by Palos’ ceramic bowl.

More and more students felt that they might have misunderstood Carlos. If they were in his shoes, they would probably report Su Ye as well.

Carlos turned around and looked at Su Ye; his eyes were filled with sorrow.

Carlos concluded, “Deep in my heart, I still don’t believe that a mage apprentice, a second-year student, and a person who ranked third from the bottom a few months ago could think of such a good method. However, I will listen to Master Cromwell’s advice and I forgive you. Moreover, I am willing to reconcile with you. Let’s put both of our names on the application and submit it together.”

The students in the third class suddenly got wary. They realized that Carlos had used his sorrowful performance to gain the sympathy of most of the people. The crucial thing was that neither side had solid evidence, but in terms of feelings, more people were on Carlos’ side.