Claudia must have activated the "Truth Verifier" spell.
Although their relationship was quite good, the mont Princess Claudia asked the question, Ronald was certain she had initiated the "Truth Verifier" spell before entering his apartnt.
Ronald himself could use the "Truth Verifier," and he naturally knew how long the spell lasted.
And this, essentially, was helping to dispel any doubts she might have about him.
So, upon hearing Claudia’s question, he answered openly and confidently,
"Of course I have no problem with helping in research."
"But the spell we released at White Shore Castle requires several months of necessary buffering interval before it can be used again. It’s clearly not feasible to apply it to the frequency of experintal activities at the research society."
"..."
Claudia’s expression remained unchanged.
But after Ronald gave his answer, the princess fell silent for a few seconds before widening the distance between them.
"If that’s the case, then it’s quite unfortunate."
"Nevertheless, Ronald, your achievents at White Shore Castle are indelible. The awards from the arcane side also adhere to the principles of confidentiality, so on behalf of Grid, I bring you this today."
As she finished speaking, Claudia took a small box from the pocket at her side and placed it in front of Ronald with a solemn expression.
"This is a dal for Honorary mbers of the Grid Royal Society, and the bearer is entitled to all the rights of a mber of the royal society. If needed, you can also apply for physical docunts from the society at any ti to prove your identity anywhere..."
What followed was a lengthy and ceremonious description of benefits.
In essence, aside from receiving a fixed prize money each quarter from Grid, Ronald now also had the privilege to freely enter the National Library and borrow various books, including all the rare collections.
With the dal, Ronald would imdiately enjoy the treatnt and position of a full professor at any of Grid’s public universities, should he decide to take up a post there.
From any perspective,
this was a very substantial reward.
After Claudia finished recounting this string of benefits in a smooth and elegant tone, she solemnly opened the box and took out a platinum-colored dal. She carefully pinned it on Ronald and continued,
"Ronald, you are now a recognized mber of the Grid Royal Society by the royal family. I hope that while complying with the law, you will continue to contribute to Grid with your strength."
"..."
Fortunately, Ronald had read extensively and done his howork on etiquette during this period. Recalling that knowledge, Ronald imdiately ca before Claudia and knelt on one knee.
Facing the secret reward bestowed by the princess,
Ronald, as a noble, raised her extended hand with the sa gravity and gently kissed the second knuckle.
"Ronald Adler, am willing to undertake the responsibilities and obligations this title brings..."
While Ronald was performing this small ceremony, he was also pondering.
If he had indicated the possibility of cooperation with the research society in the previous conversation, helping Grid decipher the ancient texts,
Would Claudia still have offered him this dal today?
Alternatively, had Ronald been able to assist the "Scroll Research Society" with the deciphering, he might not have been the recipient of a private award from a princess, but rather could have potentially received official comndation and reward directly from Queen Dantrian at the palace.
This conclusion was evident from the change in Claudia’s deanor.
As Ronald’s thoughts branched off in his mind,
they both completed this modest reward ceremony.
Only after all the important parts of the ceremony were over did Claudia’s serious expression fade. She then reclined sowhat relaxedly and continued,
"Before coming here, I had my staff do an assessnt."
"Instead of the typical noble titles, Ronald, you would prefer sothing like this, wouldn’t you?"
Claudia’s current deanor.
Clearly, it was the attitude of a friend chatting casually after official business had concluded.
So Ronald returned to his original seat on the sofa and, smiling, replied:
"This really is a big help."
"I don’t have many other hobbies, and I have enough money for living. If I had to say what I want, it would be to read more books."
Claudia’s face showed a confident smile:
"I just knew, you..."
"Ronald! I’ve bought today’s breakfast!"
The two had only exchanged a few words when Claudia’s speech was interrupted by a voice coming from outside the door.
Heloise, holding two paper bags, pushed the door open and then pretended she had just noticed Claudia, her expression changing dramatically.
"Claud..., Your Highness the Princess!"
"Why are you here? Has sothing happened to Teacher..."
Although Heloise’s tone was convincingly genuine, her behavior was purposefully cool and distant. She not only placed the newly bought food behind her but also wore a very guarded look in her eyes.
"..."
Faced with Heloise’s response, the relaxed expression on Claudia’s face quickly disappeared.
She glanced at the tea on the table and then took a sip.
"Ronald, thank you for your hospitality."
"However, I have an economics class today, so I won’t impose any longer."
After a brief farewell, Claudia stood up and walked towards the door.
Ronald then stood up to see her out: "Let walk you out."
"..."
Polite gestures of seeing off guests are, of course, unremarkable.
However, just before leaving the apartnt, Claudia glanced at the breakfast in Heloise’s hands, then at Ronald following her.
Suddenly, a smile played at the corners of the mouth of this princess.
Without another word, she turned and departed, leaving Ronald and Heloise’s sight.
Watching the sudden visitor leave,
Heloise approached Ronald and whispered a caution:
"Ronald, it’s still better to avoid contact with these types of people."
"The Gried royal family has always ant domination and danger to the mysterious side, especially since we plan to get involved in Harvest Day."
"..."
Listening to Heloise’s advice, Ronald nodded and was just about to reply when
Bapulor, who had just completed a successful deal, squeezed out from behind them.
He quickly picked up a pebble from the side of the road.
The cult magician carefully pocketed it and turned, flashing a smile at the two by the apartnt entrance:
"Mr. Ronald, it seems Miss Heloise really likes you."
"I wish you happiness!"
"..."
As the words fell,
the cult magician knocked on the door of the neighboring apartnt.
Bang bang bang—
"Sir, would you like to try our company’s scientist-invented water purifier?"
"The city’s tap water system isn’t working very well lately; there have been cases of dysentery in the north of the city. Give it a try. The apartnt next to yours..."
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