Over the next ten days, Mr. Fisher finalized the draft of his paper on soul theory but did not publish it; instead, he wrote a brief letter that simply copied the title of the paper and signed his own name. The recipient was Mr. Damian, the principal of the Royal College.
Mr. Fisher believed he would take an interest in the content and would immediately send someone to contact him.
With the remaining time, Mr. Fisher stayed at home to finish writing another paper on the current state of South Continent demi-human society. This one Fisher wrote more casually because the study of demi-humans was not the mainstream of academic research, hardly noticed by anyone. If it had not been for Fisher’s authorship, the writer would probably have been mocked by other scholars for being ’unserious’ and engaging in ’futile work.’
After working on drafts for two or three days, Mr. Fisher sent this paper to the New Society, where the editor-in-chief, on seeing Fisher’s title, couldn’t be bothered to review it and passed it to a New Society scholar specifically tasked with handling Fisher’s submissions, instructing him to arrange for it to appear in the Nali Journal under the "Social Science Column."
Indeed, Mr. Fisher’s guess was correct. On the third day after he mailed the letter to Principal Damian, a messenger from the Royal College came to his door, stating that Principal Damian had invited Mr. Fisher to the Royal College for detailed discussions on the paper.
Mr. Fisher estimated they had received the letter the second day but he presumed they were in a frenzy upon learning of Fisher’s appointment at Saint Nali University at the time. Sending that letter over was like making them swallow a fly, uncomfortable either to invite Mr. Fisher or not to invite him.
It had been too long since the Royal College had produced any noteworthy research. Although Mr. Fisher was worried about being overshadowed by other scholars, they were more eager for this result than he, so his invitation was expected.
Mr. Fisher changed into his attire for going out but bumped into Martha who was just about to leave the house. Leaning on a cane, she had uncharacteristically brought her reading glasses along, slipping into her shoes while peering outside.
"What’s wrong, Martha?"
"I heard someone got murdered not far from Karen Street and the police have cordoned off the area. I’m planning to go have a look."
Looking at her face, lit up with excitement due to curiosity, Mr. Fisher smiled helplessly,
"There’s no need to go that far for such a thing."
"Nonsense, my cane is sprightlier than young peoples’ legs, and we’re out of butter at home--I need to check the market."
Martha’s toothless mouth opened in reaction to Fisher’s words as she waved her cane, proudly implying her capabilities hadn’t faded. Then with resolved intent, she pushed open the door with her hands behind her back,
"There’s no need for you to accompany me. I’ve walked this street more times than you’ve visited the washroom, and I know all the neighbors. Maybe I’ll even stop by Liya’s house, I heard her daughter just had a girl, the second child... Heavens, you’re 28 years old and you don’t even have a child, no, not even a wife! How can this be?"
She mumbled while moving steadily down the street, not even glancing back as she waved off Mr. Fisher, her motion rather agile as she walked further away.
Chided by her, Mr. Fisher could only watch her depart before shaking his head with a sense of resignation and walking towards the other end of the street, where he would take a tram. The previous trip to Saint Nali Academy had been exceptional, compelling him to call a carriage.
Should he get appointed there, with the high salary, he might even be able to afford riding in a carriage every day.
Compared to the suburban Saint Nali University, the Royal College was located in the busiest part of the city. Each day, a constant stream of carriages passed in front of the Royal College. Mr. Fisher, familiar with this location, confidently entered through the college’s grand archway and into the interior of the Royal College.
"Are you headed to the Pink Hall today?"
"I have an appointment with Professor Kader, he’ll be joining me."
"That tobacco smell is too strong for me, I can hardly endure it..."
"You’ll get used to it if you try more."
Many researchers in black Classical Robes who recognized Mr. Fisher greeted him or walked away with some wariness. Mr. Fisher merely nodded in acknowledgment. Conversations would occasionally drift over, but as he passed, those voices would fall silent.
Even if they believed Fisher Benavides to be feigning superiority in their absence, they dared not act too boldly in front of the impassive gentleman. After all, even the principal had been insulted by this man; they didn’t want to bring misfortune upon themselves, and were content with their routine days and performance.
"Mr. Fisher, Principal Damien is waiting for you in his office."
The principal of the Royal College had a separate living courtyard, with a grand Griffin emblem in front, symbolizing not only Saint Nali’s national crest but also the colossal force in the Council, the Griffin Party.
The Royal College was the stronghold of the Griffin Party, with most of its members being alumni. The annual alumni meeting was akin to an internal session of the Griffin Party; hence, Mr. Fisher never attended.
Escorted by a servant through the tranquil courtyard, Mr. Fisher entered a reception room inside the house where he met an old man dressed in a Classical Vest. He was older than Ken, whom he had seen earlier, but looked much younger and, through his dress shirt, his sturdy chest muscles were visible.