saiki

49.2

Ch. 49.2
When Baek Yu-Seol made an expression of disbelief, the Assistant trembled and bowed her head.

Being a human, she seemed accustomed to Beaurock Stoneforge’s outrageous remarks.

"Master Beaurock Stoneforge, on average, men have short hair and women have long hair."

"Oh? Nelisha, didn't you say you're a human woman? But you have short hair."

"These days, women also have short hair and men have long hair. Please let go of such narrow-minded and stereotypical views."

"... Do you want to be fired?"

"I will report unfair dismissal to the labor board."

‘Tsk, why are all humans like this?’ Beaurock Stoneforge clicked his tongue and looked at Baek Yu-Seol.

"Anyway, this guy has a damn confusing appearance."

’It hurt my feelings. A lot.’

Interestingly, Beaurock Stoneforge passed by Alterisha without casually calling her ugly.

"You... Well, you look passable, I guess."

"Oh, really?! Th-thank you!"

In fact, Beaurock Stoneforge was famous as a designer boasting the highest level of "aesthetic sense" in the world. So, to be considered "passable" by him was the highest praise of all praises.

She didn't wear any makeup, and her hair was messy, plus she wore thick horn-rimmed spec, so many people couldn't understand her low key appearance.

However, Beaurock Stoneforge’s eyes pierced through all those superficial layers and looked at the essence with aesthetic appreciation.

Anyway, she could be called a beauty who could be counted on one hand.

… Of course, in dwarf society, being considered "passable" was quite a severe insult.

"Oh, I apologize for the initial impression."

So Beaurock Stoneforge apologized without even being asked. He had no idea that his words were the highest praise in human society.

"Um, Beaurock Stoneforge, would you kindly take a seat?"

While Beaurock Stoneforge cheerfully exchanged "dwarf-style greetings" as he walked around, the moderator nervously approached and spoke.

"Hmm? Time has flown by already. Well then."

One by one, the alchemists took their seats.

Maizen sat separately with the professors, engaging in conversation, completely ignoring their side.

It didn't matter.

He had fulfilled his role just by bringing Alterisha to the presentation.

Once the preparations were completed, a staff member stepped up to the podium as the host. Surprisingly, he was an elf.

"To all the professors and researchers of the Alchemy Society, greetings. I am Itaren, the Chief Researcher of the Alchemical Fusion Institute, responsible for hosting the 87th Golden Academic Conference."

Clap! Clap!

"For our first session, we will be discussing the impact of potions on health and recovery. We invite potion scholars to present and analyze their new potions. Now, without further ado, Professor Maizen Tyren from Stella Academy of Alchemy will be giving a presentation."

"Phew..."

Finally, it began.

Alterisha was so nervous that her hands trembled.

Unfortunately, as a mere observer, Baek Yu-Seol couldn't be by her side to comfort her. He could only send a distant signal of encouragement.

"Hello. I am Maizen Tyren from Stella Academy, and I have been entrusted with presenting the Alpha Type of the 'Red Potion' today."

"Wow...!"

Red Potion was a healing potion with various types and derived variants. It seemed that healing potions were popular among the general public, but further improvements and increasing performance had been challenging.

However, the initial response had been quite positive. And all of it was thanks to Alterisha’s research results.

"Now, if you look at this side first..."

However, Maizen Tyren seemed to have completely forgotten about Alterisha’s existence and confidently presented the paper as if it were his own.

"Impressive, Professor Maizen Tyren!"

"I didn't know you would improve the Red Potion. Great idea."

Those compliments were supposed to be directed at Alterisha if things had gone according to the original 'episode.'

There were plenty of ways to expose the truth, such as asking detailed questions about the unique blending method that only Alterisha could understand; how she formulated it with what formula and substances.

If one just threw precise questions at him, he would likely become flustered and start babbling nonsense.

However, Baek Yu-Seol held back.

Alterisha also remained patient and waited. Like a predator targeting the vulnerability of its prey.

Today's academic conference would be unlike any other academic conference.

Clap! Clap!!

Maizen Tyren’s presentation ended successfully, and afterward, professors, researchers, and alchemists gave their presentations.

The quality of today's presentations was much higher than average, so some merchants and businessmen attending as observers quickly started to make their moves.

"... Continuing on, we will have the assistant's presentation from Professor Maizen Tyren of Stella Academy."

Meanwhile, it was Alterisha’s turn, but she wasn't even called by name.

"Regarding the potion this time, the pharmaceutical company I introduced to you before..."

"I enjoyed your presentation. It was about the extraction of natural regenerative cells as you explained, right?"

"Haha, the water-based coating you mentioned that you're developing this time? I'll put some effort into this matter as well."

No one paid attention to an assistant's presentation.

Amidst everyone's indifference...

"Huh!"

Alterisha slowly stood up from her seat and walked towards the podium. She spoke with a slightly trembling voice, as if she was nervous.

The speech began.

"Hello, everyone. I am Alterisha, an alchemist affiliated with Stella Academy. Today, the topic of my presentation is…”

Everlasting Ignorance.

However, it was expected.

So, instead of a normal spell, she uttered a spell that was even more magical, and it successfully captured everyone's attention.

"... The perfect theorem and understanding of the Delta Augmentation Formula.”

In an instant, all the noise in the auditorium ceased.