When the Saintess Arrives, No King Exist-Chapter 680 - 638: Holy Machinery Court Pope University and Dragon Language Alchemy University

"I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

Returning from the Holy Machinery Court to the dockside inn, Leonardo entered Dean Senius' room and immediately heard him announcing the next outcomes to everyone.

Leonardo squeezed into the room, greeted everyone, and sat down by the window.

"The good news, please." a scholar suggested.

"The good news is that we have won the right to run the Holy Machinery Court Pope University, and none of the previous privileges have been reduced."

The other scholars immediately let out quiet cheers.

"And the bad news?" Leonardo asked.

"The bad news is that the Dragon Language Scholar Association also obtained the right to run, so we'll have to share the campus with them for the next six months."

"Aren't both of these bad news?" Silvanic's complaint was piercingly loud amid the cheers.

"Silvanic, what did you just say?" Senius couldn't help but crane his neck to look at Silvanic, who was sitting at the back.

Everyone followed his gaze over.

"These Salvation Army people will sooner or later be defeated by the Leia people, isn't the Dragon Language Scholar Association courting death?" Seeing everyone looking at him, Silvanic jumped up from his chair, "What are you contending with them for? Can't you be a little less childish?"

"Silvanic, listen to me." Senius tugged at Silvanic's sleeve, signaling him to sit down, "At first, I only considered the Holy Machinery Court as an alternative, but now it has become my first choice."

"First choice?" Silvanic clutched his hair in frustration, "I don't understand, Huaqiu City is great, though this place seems nice, it's ultimately a small border town."

"Silvanic." Senius looked back at the other scholars and said with a bitter smile, "You know, if we go to Huaqiu City, our commoner students would likely find it difficult to afford everyday expenses, and most of them would have to drop out.

They are very diligent kids, don't you bear to see that?

Huaqiu New Bridge University is full of talent, with almost all of the Empire's elite scholars gathered there. Our academic level, to be honest, is modestly above average.

If we can't achieve full-time mentorship positions, we won't be able to earn enough from the school's patrons and students to sustain academic research or even daily life.

Our situation and achievements might not be better than staying here.

But the Holy Machinery Court is different; they recruit us through employment and official appointments.

They will first establish the Holy Machinery Court Pope University, distributing annual stipends at three levels: dean, professor, and lecturer, which the number of students does not affect.

Many of our students are in medical and engineering studies. You read in The Truth newspaper about a series of water conservancy projects planned in Daze Village, and experience is paramount in engineering.

Even if the Salvation Army will be liquidated in the future, that would take at least two or three years. During this period, we'd have accumulated considerable savings, and the students would complete their studies. Isn't that good?

By then, when these students graduate, if we return to River Island Royal University, wouldn't Master Quivarin allow us back?"

Silvanic gradually calmed down. After listening to Senius, he spoke after a long pause: "Lord Senius, I don't harbor prejudice, but look at this Thousand River Valley, with a usurper in power and demons in chaos, it's indeed a place of disorder.

Once the Leia people invade in the future, haven't you thought about what they'd do to you under the banner of the Holy Machinery Court Pope University?"

"After all, Senius is Master Quivarin's student; they wouldn't dare do anything to Professor Senius, right?" asked a scholar from behind Senius.

Master Quivarin, as the principal of River Island Royal University, and also the Pope's theological advisor, holds a high position.

As long as it isn't a major crime and the identity is promptly revealed, whoever commands the troops would have to give Master Quivarin some face.

"Yes, but what about you? Are you Master Quivarin's students? Even if you could be sheltered, what about your students?" Silvanic sneered.

The scholars exchanged glances and fell silent.

They were either members of the Salin Scholar Association or had intricate ties with it.

With the support of noble authorities, they might just endure some punishment, but it was different for the students; they might actually lose their heads.

"By then, I'll say it was all my decision, that I took the bribe, and it has nothing to do with them. But once they've captured me, that should be the end, no further pursuits allowed." Looking at the greasy wood grain on the table, Senius said calmly.

Leonardo, who had been admiring the moonlight by the window, suddenly started: "Professor Senius, you..."

The room suddenly grew quiet. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Senius, even Silvanic stared intensely at him.

The candlelight reflected off Senius' bald head. He looked at Leonardo, neither unhappy nor joyful, and said, "The aristocrats know where to draw the line. Who knows what would be uncovered if you continue to pursue it?"

As a dean, Senius was well acquainted with the game rules between the nobility and the church.

Leonardo couldn't help but feel a little tense: "Then what will you do?"

"I'm old, it doesn't matter, could they actually behead me?" Senius smiled, "At most, they'll imprison me for a few years and strip me of my doctorate, then I can retire in seclusion."

The room fell into silence, until Silvanic stopped and started again, finally speaking with closed eyes and gritted teeth: "I apologize, my students are not the same as yours. Their time is precious, and they cannot bear stains. Please forgive me for having to leave."

Senius nodded: "Anyone who wants to leave with you, I won't stop."

"Alright, I wish you a good night." Silvanic stood up, walked to the door, and suddenly remembered Leonardo's status as an artist.

After hesitating for a while, he turned and asked Leonardo by the window: "Leonardo, will you leave with me the day after tomorrow? I'm sure the big figures in Huaqiu City wouldn't be stingy in supporting your studies, art, and perpetual motion machine."

Senius's face momentarily darkened, while Leonardo forced back his displeasure and politely said: "Thank you, but there's no need to worry about me. I will visit tomorrow to see if their perpetual motion machine is genuine, then I'll decide for myself."

"Alright, I'll be waiting for you at the inn tomorrow." Silvanic stared intently at Leonardo's face.

"I might rest for a few more days. This journey has been exhausting."

Even without Leonardo explicitly saying it, Silvanic could read the rejection behind Leonardo's words.

His expression stiffened, and he nodded: "Alright... I'll leave the morning of the day after tomorrow. You can find me anytime."

After Silvanic left, even before the door was closed, a young scholar couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "Hm, despicable fellow."

Senius sternly reprimanded the speaking scholar: "Mind your language, Silvanic has his own students. He's thinking of them; there's nothing to criticize."

After reprimanding his student, Senius turned to Leonardo: "You should leave with him. You need someone to introduce you to high society."

Leonardo shook his head: "Silvanic always says not to be overwhelmed by money, but I think it's him who has been overwhelmed by it. Wouldn't such a person in high society be respected?

Don't worry, I've gotten along well with the young lady from the Lakin family; if there comes a day I have to move to Huaqiu City, she will assist in introducing me."

"Then I'm relieved." Looking at Leonardo for a while, Senius nodded with relief.

He yawned and stroked his beard: "I'm old, feeling sleepy just after dinner. If you have no further matters, you may leave."

"See you tomorrow, and sweet dreams, Lord Senius."

The scholars stood up one by one and, amid the flickering candlelight, left Senius' room.

Walking along the moonlit corridor, Leonardo turned back for one last glance.

The door swayed, just like the worries and expectations about the future swaying in their hearts.