I made up magic and taught a world-destroying witch?

"The Chamber of Commerce's funds can only be a help, and we will not ask you to endorse the Chamber," Penny said.

Joseph: "..."

"Therefore, this funding will not require public attribution; it is purely voluntary funding, and the Chamber of Commerce is merely providing assistance."

Since this is meant to be a helping hand, I shouldn't be deciding how to spend your money.

She gently closed the notebook.

"We only wish to provide low-magic mechanical samples and technical records for our observation, within the scope permitted by you."

If your project does indeed discover a compatible path between low-magic machinery and new magical training in the future, we hope the Chamber of Commerce will have priority in technical negotiations.

Joseph looked at her and suddenly understood why the dwarf merchant had chosen Penny as his agent.

This person is really smart.

If the new magic project comes to fruition, this priority will be extremely valuable. Of course, from Joseph's perspective, it's not that critical for now.

After all, he doesn't even know if he has actually created any new magic.

Prioritize discussing future outcomes? We'll deal with the future later.

The immediate problem is the association's review in a month.

Joseph said slowly:

"I can accept a non-public observation assistance program."

Penny's eyes lit up slightly.

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"The things we discussed earlier should be written into the contract, and the Chamber of Commerce must not interfere with my research."

Penny smiled.

"Professor, even if the Chamber of Commerce wanted to intervene, you probably wouldn't allow it, would you?"

Joseph thought to himself, "You know that much."

He pondered for a moment longer.

Actually, the conditions have been written to this extent, so it seems that's about right. We should still respect this 500,000 yuan funding that smells so good about freedom, and it would be impolite to refuse any further.

Penny quickly jotted down a few notes in her notebook.

"Two days from now, I will bring the first batch of devices to visit the Royal Academy," she said.

"Please rest assured, I will not register under the name of the Dwarf Chamber of Commerce. I will only apply for a visit under the guise of displaying low-magic mechanical samples and providing technical consultation."

Regarding the observation funding, I will first submit a provisional letter of intent to fund the project. The formal transfer will take place after you confirm the project account receiving method.

Joseph nodded slightly.

Great, things have become more complicated, but the money is still there, and it seems that not only is the money still there, it has even found a legitimate way to be used.

Money with a clear path is much more desirable than money without one.

Penny laughed.

"Well then, Professor, it's a pleasure working with you."

Joseph reached out and gently shook hands with Penny.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

People can't live in this world without taking advantage of the money that's offered to them.

But his main motivation was the great cause of magical education!

Just then, Mia returned from the booth, her face still showing excitement that she hadn't completely suppressed, and she even spoke a little faster than usual.

"Sir! That mechanical forging hammer can actually be driven by the low-magic axle! Although it's only under low load right now, its hammer arm structure is very stable, and the buffer box is also very well made. It's just that the transmission part is a little strange. I think it might be smoother if that copper pad is shaved a little thinner..."

She was halfway through her sentence when she suddenly realized that Penny was right next to her, so she quickly shut her mouth.

Penny, however, smiled and said:

"If Miss Taylor is willing, I can bring a simplified drawing of the mechanical forging hammer in two days."

Mia's eyes lit up immediately.

"Miss Penny, are you coming to the experimental tower? That's wonderful—" She stopped abruptly halfway through her sentence.

"Uh, I mean, is it really okay?"

“Of course.” Penny glanced at Joseph. “Within the limits permitted by Professor Grantham.”

Mia immediately turned to look at Joseph.

Joseph: "..."

See? That's what makes businessmen so terrifying.

They don't need to force people into the pit; they just need to decorate the area around the pit in a way that makes your students want to jump in and take a look.

Joseph initially wanted to say that they should go back to the academy first.

But looking at Mia's bright eyes, and considering that the cooperation had already reached this point, and that the issue of low-magic machinery was unavoidable, he could only adopt the demeanor of a mentor.

"You can look at it, but you have to write an observation record."

Mia nodded vigorously.

"I will write it!"

But Joseph regretted his words as soon as they were spoken, because once Mia actually started writing her observations, she might discover problems while writing and then come to him with a bunch of mechanical diagrams to ask him questions.

Just imagining it made Joseph feel like Mia was shattering his sleep quality for the next few days.

Well, too many lice won't itch, too many projects won't worry him. He'll put up with it for the sake of his own funding.

Joseph glanced at the sky outside, then at the growing number of people in the exhibition area.

He needs to go back and check how much he's been paid, take stock of his secret stash, and also investigate whether the little program in his head that seems to be a spell slot is still usable.

Joseph began, "Let's call it a day."

"Sir, shall we return to the academy?"

"Hmm," Joseph said.

"You've just mastered the Furnace Light and need a stable environment to review your progress. There's no need to stay here and be bothered by all sorts of rumors."

Mia paused for a moment.

She just found that feeling yesterday, but her mind is still very confused.

She was happy, excited, and a little uncertain.

Was that tiny spark of light really her magic? She didn't know if it would light up again next time, and what if it wouldn't work tomorrow?

She had been so drawn to the display booth and the mechanical forging hammer that she had almost forgotten about these things, but the gentleman's words seemed to bring all those random things out and put them in order.

Mia felt a sudden warmth in her heart.

"I understand, sir."

Penny, being quite perceptive, immediately said:

"I will arrange for a carriage to take the two of you back to the academy."

Shortly after, the dwarf merchant guild's carriage stopped at the side gate of the exhibition area. As the carriage left the exhibition area, Mia sat opposite, holding her tool bag, and touched the money pouch that Penny had given her, somewhat confused.

Joseph glanced at it and said:

"That's your reward; you can decide how to spend it."

"Can I really make this decision myself?"

"Your name is on the confirmation form."

Joseph said, "Of course it's yours."

Mia looked down at her purse, and after a while, she whispered:

"I want to save some money first, then buy my dad a fine-toothed file and some good charcoal."

Joseph nodded.

A very simple wish, very Mia-like.

Mia glanced at him again.

"besides……"

"What else?"

"I wanted to treat my husband to some grilled meat rolls... but we never got to have them."

Mia whispered, "Could I treat you to dinner again next time?"

Joseph was taken aback.

He had really forgotten that so many things had happened yesterday, and he had forgotten that his most basic goal at the beginning was indeed to eat some snacks from another world.

In the end, I didn't get to eat the kebab roll, but I did get a mouthful of side quest loot.

"Okay," Joseph said.

Upon hearing this, Mia couldn't help but smile. She looked down at her hand and gently clenched it.

The carriage traveled along the same route it had come from, heading towards the Royal Academy.

The hustle and bustle of Grey Pigeon Town was gradually left behind, the White Stone Spire reappeared in the distance, and the road outside the academy was still full of potholes, with the wheels creaking and rolling forward.

As soon as they arrived at the north gate of the academy, the guards at the gate had clearly heard the rumors about Grey Pigeon Town, and several young guards were whispering about some miracle.

Joseph got out of the car without looking at anything. He really wasn't interested in any of this. As long as it didn't interfere with his project, whether the gods revived or not was none of his business.

After taking Mia back to the academy, he first let her go back to her dormitory to rest.

Mia nodded, holding her toolbox.

"See you the day after tomorrow, sir."

Just as Mia was walking towards the dormitory building, another carriage bearing the royal insignia stopped by the roadside outside the student dormitory.

Grace got off the carriage.

Today she was wearing a more formal deep red dress than usual, the hem of which was carefully supported by a maid. Her blonde hair was styled into an elegant updo, and she was holding a large bouquet of flowers in her hands.

The flower was sent by a court gardener. Its petals were pale silver-white with a hint of light blue at the edges. The stem was wrapped with fine preservation threads. It was said that this flower could last a long time after being removed from water, and as long as it was not exposed to intense flames, it would not wither even after being placed in a room for half a month.

Grace planned to place it next to Mr. Joseph's table, which was always piled high with white paper and charcoal pencils, when she went to the experimental tower the day after tomorrow.

The experimental tower was too empty, and the gentleman didn't care much about these things.

If there were more flowers, it might not feel so desolate.

A maid followed behind her, carrying two small boxes: one for Professor Grantham's court pastries, and the other for Mia's sweets.

There was a type of mint in the box that would lightly bounce on the tip of the tongue, which Grace thought Mia would like.

She had been feeling down ever since she entered the palace because she couldn't go to Grey Pigeon Town with her husband and Mia yesterday.

The noble ladies at the tea party asked her about the demonstration lessons, the court sorcerers asked her about the white light, and her father asked her what kind of person Joseph Grantham really was. Everyone wanted to hear something from her.

Grace sat at the long table, looking at the overly beautifully arranged pastries on the silver platter, and suddenly felt as if she had returned to the past.

But all she wanted to know was what Grey Pigeon Town, the place Mr. and Mia had gone to, was like—a world she had never seen before.

Grace had just reached the dormitory building when she saw Mia returning from another road.

"Mia." Grace stopped in her tracks.

Mia was immediately delighted when she saw her.

"Grace! You're back!"

Grace nodded, her gaze quickly falling on Mia's toolbox.

The crumpled blue floral pattern was tucked next to the leather strap of the old tool bag. It really didn't match Mia's scratched tool bag; it looked like something that should have been in a market flower basket.

"This is?"

Mia glanced down and then carefully touched the flower with her finger.

"Tide Flowers!" Mia said happily. "Yesterday in Grey Pigeon Town, the gentleman gave me a big bunch of Tide Flowers!"

It's a bit wrinkled now, but I'm thinking of soaking it in some damp leaf water when I get back; maybe it'll recover a little. Then I'll tuck it into my notebook and keep it safe.

Grace lowered her eyes and looked at the wrinkled flower.

If she were also sitting in that carriage, would she also have a flower?

After a while, Grace said softly:

"I see."

Mia, oblivious to anything amiss, happily said while clutching her toolbox:

"I'll show you when I've brewed it!"

Grace glanced at Mia's barely concealed joy, and the bouquet Mia was holding suddenly seemed to lose its color in her mind.

After a moment, Grace gave a polite and gentle smile.

"it is good."