Chapter 857
Chapter 857
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 857
Chapter Title: Paper Audit (5)
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Having wrapped up a thorough discussion with the audit committee made up of senior librarians and head librarians, Chief Librarian Gremony.
It hadn't even been much of a discussion.
Since the results were beyond dispute, they'd simply sorted out the matter in about three minutes of conversation.
"For the 1444th audit on research misconduct, we will now state our final opinion regarding the plagiarism allegations against the author Siu's paper 'Coupling of Anomalous Self-Magic: Discussion on the Repulsion Control Model Utilizing Phase Matching'."
The Annex Library wasn't strictly a judicial body, so they used phrasing like "stating our opinion" rather than issuing a "verdict."
But considering the influence it wielded over both academic societies, it was effectively a pronouncement.
The vibe was something like, 'We don't have judicial authority, but try contesting it if you dare.'
"First, this 1444th audit was a report lacking sufficient evidence on the plagiarism allegations. The author and reporter went through mediation and mutually agreed to adopt the in-depth argumentation format as the method of clarification, which we reiterate here.
The audit committee judges that author Siu has proven the research in the paper to be his own capability.
Thus, we find no guilt on the plagiarism allegations.
The reporter is notified that they may request an additional audit up to two times. Lisenn Erbat, do you request an additional audit?"
Until now, treated like mere background with her shoulders slumped pitifully, Lisenn suddenly drew the eyes of the other witches.
They were gazes brimming with intrigue at the fate of the witch who'd brazenly provoked the Jemernai family's ire by raising plagiarism claims without solid evidence.
Lisenn replied in a voice nearly breaking into sobs.
"...I accept."
"Understood. During mediation, the reporter promised compensation for potential lost revenue diminished due to the audit if the author fully clarified the plagiarism allegations. Is there any discrepancy with the facts?"
"None..."
"A notice will be issued to your residence tomorrow morning. Please remit the compensation within three months."
"Understood."
"With that, the research misconduct audit is concluded."
Unlike the lengthy argumentation earlier, the audit itself ended anticlimactically with brief applause.
Siu picked up his jacket, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
"Could we have a chat in my office for a moment?"
Chief Librarian Metis approached him just then.
"Of course."
The witches milling about in the spectator area smacked their lips in disappointment.
Had she not come first, he might've been swarmed with handshakes.
"Make yourself comfortable."
"Thank you."
Once in her office, Siu was promptly served black tea and simple cookies.
Before lifting her teacup, Chief Librarian Metis neatly placed her hands on her lap and bowed her head.
"I wanted to apologize for my earlier rudeness and hasty judgment."
"I've put it behind me. You were just doing your job."
"No. I can't claim I was entirely free of narrow-minded preconceptions in how I treated you before, Siu. Even after living this long, I learned once again that before the mysterious path of magic, I'm no different from a child."
Metis apologized sincerely, but Siu harbored no lingering resentment anyway.
He'd been a bit annoyed at first, but upon reflection, her words weren't entirely wrong.
On the contrary, Metis's conduct during this misconduct audit had left a very favorable impression.
Given Gehenna's tendency to subtly look down on men, he'd half-expected an unfair audit, but against those worries, Chief Librarian Metis had led it more fairly than anyone.
She might be a bit inflexible, but that made her an utterly impartial witch.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to grant you browsing privileges in the Annex Library on the condition that we stock the paper you published in this academic journal."
"Just that?"
"More than enough."
"I'd be grateful. Oh, and would it be alright to include the witch who was previously banned from entry with me—er, restricted from browsing?"
"The Abyssal Witch, you mean?"
"Yes."
Back then, Lurye had gone ballistic at Metis, hurling all sorts of abuse, which led to the donation being returned.
Metis furrowed her brows slightly as if in tough deliberation, not answering right away.
Fair enough—Lurye's behavior had been awfully arrogant, so some grudge might linger.
"Very well. However, please convey that silence must always be observed within the Annex Library."
Siu was a little taken aback.
So it wasn't because Lurye had caused a scene that she'd been entry-banned?
"That didn't upset you back then, huh?"
When he asked, Chief Librarian Metis instead tilted her head in puzzlement.
"My feelings have no bearing on browsing privileges or donations. Silence in the library is simply a basic rule that must be followed."
"Hahaha..."
"Why are you laughing?"
Siu suddenly felt like he understood a bit more what kind of witch Countess Metis Gremony was.
Encouraged in true Metis fashion to continue contributing to witch academia with fine activities going forward, Siu stepped outside.
He was in high spirits.
The thunderous applause that had soaked him to the bone lingered in his ears, still sending faint shivers down his spine.
Scholarly renown, a paper shaking up academia, recognition from others.
Wasn't this everything he'd once dreamed of?
And in witch society, papers made money.
With a hundred spectators, half the lost revenue to be compensated by Lisenn...
"Around 40 billion won?"
The figure made his head spin even after calculating and voicing it.
Before coming to Gehenna, he'd prayed so hard for just one lottery win.
This was equivalent to more than twenty first-prize wins after taxes, all at once.
It felt utterly unreal.
He'd only half-believe it after seeing it with his own eyes.
This would pay back the huge sum borrowed from his great mother-in-law and still leave a massive amount.
Having always been in debt, he wanted to use this windfall meaningfully.
First, gifts for his lovers.
The rest into savings, to be spent thriftily.
"Hm?"
"Hey, over here, over here!"
"He's coming!"
Waiting for Siu outside the Annex Library was a crowd of witches, easily over fifty at a glance.
Their faces looked familiar.
They'd been spectators at today's audit, after all.
They approached one by one, competing yet seemingly having settled some order.
"That audit was truly impressive. It'd be great if we had a chance to collaborate on research."
"The Golden Dawn Society would be thrilled to invite you, Siu."
"Your insights were profound. I have some thoughts on phases—could you arrange a spot for us to exchange ideas?"
"Here's my card. Call me if you need anything for your research."
"The Emerald Tablet always welcomes new researchers."
"Do you remember me? I was a full professor at Trinity Academy..."
"If you need help with research, just call."
Some offered handshakes, some handed over cards.
This sort of situation was one he'd grown utterly tired of since becoming a witch.
But it was different from before.
The witches who'd approached him previously were driven mostly by curiosity.
Curiosity stemming from research lust and possessiveness toward the rare specimen of a male witch.
Some had even propositioned one-night stands with his pretty face.
But now, their handshakes conveyed goodwill, their cards respect for a fellow traveler on the path.
"Tonight, could we meet alone under the midnight moon?"
"I'm really good at it. Wanna play some naughty games together?"
Of course, plenty of the hot witch sisters were still as forward as ever.
Siu brushed off the blatant come-ons with wry smiles, moved that the rejected witches showed no displeasure.
Finally, they saw him as an equal.
In summary, the gains from this audit weren't just the 40 billion won in cash.
It came bundled with scholarly prestige and the 'network infrastructure' stemming from it.
Far from ignorable freebies.
If Siu expressed interest in joining an academic society, any would roll out the red carpet to snag him.
If he sought help in tough times, many witches would step up gladly.
Having proven his ability and potential, he was now an enticing investment.
Having collected every witch's card, Siu's pockets bulged like a duelist's.
A smile wouldn't leave his face.
The audit results stirred up yet another wave.
Without it, folks might've later whispered, 'Did that guy really do it himself?'
The achievement was just too outstanding.
But no one questioned an audit led by none other than Metis Gremony as chair.
It now bore the Annex Library seal: 'SSS-Grade Paper—Free of Plagiarism, Fabrication, or Falsification.'
Plus, over a hundred witches from diverse affiliations had spectated and applauded.
All grounds for controversy vanished.
The spectators chattered late into the night, spreading post-audit recaps far and wide.
For instance, in the private salons of Renomant Town, open only to members.
"The reporter's face was a sight."
"Pale as a ghost."
"People who can't stand seeing others succeed always flip out like that."
"She's made total fools of herself. The Jemernai Countess and Tiferet Duke won't look kindly."
"Won't be showing her face for a while."
For instance, in the various academic societies of Ars Magna Town.
"I've picked my next research topic. Thinking of proposing a collab with Siu... Tough sell, right?"
"Maybe before, but now big shots will be lining up."
"What about you?"
"Got an egg I splurged on at auction. Gotta see if it hatches well."
"Report to the dean?"
"Already moving on it, I hear..."
For instance, at the First Red Roof Salon.
"Countess Albreo, you're incredible! They say great people recognize great people! You took him as a son-in-law knowing he was that exceptional!"
"Ohoho, this much is nothing. And you say he's that brilliant?"
"Absolutely! Never seen such roaring cheers even at lectures! My heart swelled so much I stood without thinking! So, um... could I apply for a home visit?"
"Of course. Long waitlist, but... seeing how close we are, I'll bump you up a bit specially."
"Really? Thank you! I won't forget this kindness!"
Amid all the shock, awe, and lively chatter...
"Sigh..."
Lisenn, looking like death warmed over, pulled her witch hat low and opened the door to Baron Dmer's mansion.