Chapter 857 – #178_Paper Review (5)
#851
1.
Librarian Gremory, having completed sufficient discussion with the review board composed of senior and high librarians.
There wasn’t much to discuss.
Since the result was undeniable, they only talked for about three minutes to wrap things up.
“The 1444th, research misconduct review. I will now state the final opinion regarding the plagiarism allegations against author Shin Siwoo’s ‘Coupling Between Different Magnetic Magics: A Discussion on a Repulsion Control Model Utilizing Phase Matching.'”
The Secret Library wasn’t strictly a judicial institution, so they used the expression ‘state an opinion’ rather than ‘pass judgment.’
However, considering the influence it had on both academic societies, it was practically a sentence.
It was like saying, ‘We don’t have judicial authority, but try to appeal if you dare.’
“First, the 1444th review was a complaint without sufficient evidence of plagiarism, and we reiterate that the author and the complainant, after coordinating their opinions, mutually agreed to adopt an in-depth demonstration format as a means of clarification.
This review board judges that author Shin Siwoo has proven that the research in the paper is within his capabilities.
Therefore, we find him not guilty of the plagiarism allegations.
The complainant is hereby notified that they may request up to two additional reviews. Lisenne Erbat, will you request an additional review?”
All eyes turned to Lisenne, who had been treated like a background prop with her shoulders slumped.
The other witches were watching with interest to see the end of the witch who had provoked Jemenae’s ire and raised plagiarism allegations without clear evidence.
Lisenne answered in an almost tearful voice.
“…I concede.”
“Understood. During the opinion coordination, the complainant promised to compensate for the potential loss of profits that would be reduced due to the review if the author fully clarified the plagiarism allegations. Is there anything that is not true?”
“No…”
“A notice will be issued to your residence tomorrow morning. Please pay the compensation within three months.”
“Understood.”
“With this, we conclude the research misconduct review.”
Unlike the lengthy demonstration, the research review ended anticlimactically with brief applause.
Siwoo, feeling relieved, picked up his jacket.
“Could we have a conversation in my study for a moment?”
Librarian Metis approached Siwoo.
“Of course.”
The witches who had been lingering in the audience area clicked their tongues in disappointment.
If she hadn’t come first, he probably would have been bombarded with countless handshakes.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Arriving at her study, Siwoo was soon served tea and simple cookies.
Before lifting her teacup, Librarian Metis placed her hands neatly on her lap and bowed her head.
“I would like to apologize for my previous rudeness and hasty judgment.”
“I don’t hold it against you. You were doing what you had to do.”
“No. I cannot say that I was not at all swayed by narrow-minded stereotypes when dealing with Mr. Shin Siwoo before. Even after living this long, I am reminded that I am no different from a child before the mysterious path of magic.”
Metis apologized sincerely, but there was no lingering resentment to begin with.
She was a little angry at first, but after thinking about it, she realized that what she said wasn’t entirely wrong.
Rather, Metis’s behavior during this research misconduct review was quite favorable.
Given the tendency in Gehenna to look down on men, it was possible that the review could have been unfair, but contrary to those concerns, Librarian Metis led the review more fairly than anyone else.
She might be a little inflexible, but she was a fair witch.
“If you don’t mind, I would like to grant you access to the paper you published in this academic journal, on the condition that it is kept in the Secret Library.”
“Is that all?”
“That is more than enough.”
“I would be grateful if you would. Oh, by any chance, could the witch who was also denied entry with me before… or rather, restricted from access, also be included?”
“Are you referring to the witch of the deep sea?”
“Yes.”
Back then, R’lyeh had been so enraged that she had cursed Metis and had her donation returned.
Metis frowned slightly, as if in deep thought, and didn’t answer right away.
Indeed, R’lyeh’s behavior at that time was very arrogant, so she might still hold a grudge.
“Very well. However, please remind her that she must always be quiet within the Secret Library.”
Siwoo was slightly taken aback.
Wasn’t R’lyeh denied entry because she had caused a ruckus with Librarian Metis?
“So you weren’t upset back then?”
When asked about this, Librarian Metis tilted her head as if she was the one who was puzzled.
“My feelings have nothing to do with access rights or donations. However, silence within the library is a basic rule that must be followed.”
“Hahaha…”
“Why are you laughing?”
Somehow, he felt like he understood a little more about what kind of witch Countess Metis Gremory was.
2.
Siwoo, having received encouragement from Metis, which was truly like her, to continue contributing to the witch academia with good activities, came outside.
He felt very good.
The thunderous applause that had soaked his whole body was still lingering in his ears with a subtle thrill.
Fame as a scholar, a paper that stirred up the academic world, recognition from others.
Wasn’t this what he had dreamed of so much in the past?
Moreover, in the witch society, papers are worth money.
There were 100 audience members, and he would receive compensation from Lisenne for half of their losses…
“Is it about 40 billion won?”
Even after calculating and saying it out loud, his head was still spinning.
Before coming to Gehenna, he had prayed so much that he would win the lottery just once.
The amount he had just earned was equivalent to winning the first prize more than 20 times after taxes.
It really didn’t feel real at all.
He would probably only believe half of it if he saw it with his own eyes.
With this, he could pay back the money he had borrowed from his mother-in-law and still have a huge amount left over.
He had always been on the receiving end, so he wanted to use this windfall meaningfully.
First, he would prepare gifts for his lovers.
He would save the rest and use it frugally.
“Hmm?”
“Hey, over there, over there!”
“They’re coming!”
Waiting for Siwoo outside the Secret Library were witches who looked like they numbered well over 50 at a glance.
Their faces were all familiar.
They were the audience members from today’s review, so it was only natural.
They approached Siwoo one by one, vying with each other, but in a way that seemed to have a certain order.
“The review today was very impressive. I would be happy if we had the opportunity to conduct research together.”
“Our Golden Dawn Society would be delighted to invite Mr. Shin Siwoo.”
“I was amazed by your profound insight. I have some thoughts about the phase, would you be able to arrange a meeting to exchange ideas?”
“This is my business card. Please call me if you need anything for your research.”
“Our Emerald Tablet always welcomes new researchers.”
“Do you remember me? I was a full professor at Trinity Academy…”
“Please call me if you need help with your research.”
Some offered handshakes, and some left their business cards.
In fact, this kind of situation was something he had experienced countless times since becoming a witch.
However, the way things were now was very different from before.
The purpose of the witches who had approached Siwoo until now was mostly curiosity.
Curiosity stemming from the desire to research and possess a rare creature called a male witch.
Some even asked for one-night stands because of his handsome face.
But now, their handshakes were filled with goodwill, and the hands that offered business cards were filled with respect for someone walking the same path.
“Could we meet alone tonight, late at night?”
“I’m really good at it. Wanna have some fun doing naughty things together?”
Of course, there were still many hot older witches, though.
Siwoo smiled wryly, brushing off the blatant advances, but he was deeply moved that the rejected witches didn’t seem offended at all.
He felt like they were finally seeing him as an equal.
In any case, to sum it up, the gains from this review were not only the 40 billion won in cash.
Fame as a scholar and the ‘infrastructure of human relationships’ that came with it were included as free gifts.
Although they were free gifts, they were not to be ignored.
If Siwoo were to express his desire to become a member of an academic society, any society would offer him great conditions to bring him in.
If he were to ask for help when he encountered difficulties, there would be many witches who would gladly step forward.
He had already proven his abilities and potential, so he was becoming an attractive investment.
In the end, Siwoo’s pockets, having received all the witches’ business cards, became as thick as a duelist’s.
A smile never left his face.
3.
The results of the research misconduct review caused another wave.
If there had been no review, it wouldn’t have been strange if people later said, ‘So, was it really his work?’
That’s how excessively outstanding the results were.
However, no one questioned the results of the review led by Metis Gremory, of all people.
It was now marked as a Secret Library certified ‘SSS-grade paper without plagiarism, fabrication, or manipulation.’
Moreover, since over 100 witches from various affiliations had attended as audience members and applauded, it could be said that all room for controversy had disappeared.
The audience members talked late into the night, spreading the word about the research review everywhere.
For example, in the private salons of Lenormant Town, where only members could enter.
“The complainant’s face was a sight to behold.”
“She turned completely pale, didn’t she?”
“People who can’t stand to see others succeed always try to ruin things.”
“She’s become a laughingstock. Count Jemenae and Duke Tiferet will be looking at her with cold eyes.”
“It’ll be hard for her to show her face for a while.”
For example, in various academic societies in Ars Magna Town.
“I’ve decided on my research topic for this time. I’m thinking of proposing a joint research project to Shin Siwoo… but it’ll be difficult, right?”
“It would have been possible before, but now there will be a line of prominent figures.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I also bought an egg at auction with a lot of effort. I’ll have to see if it hatches well.”
“Should we report it to the dean?”
“I heard they’re already making moves…”
For example, in the First Red Roof Salon.
“Count Albiereo, you’re amazing! A great person recognizes another great person! So that’s why you took such an outstanding man as your son-in-law.”
“Oh ho ho, it’s nothing. So, was he that amazing?”
“Of course! It was the first time I’ve seen such enthusiastic applause during a lecture! My heart was so moved that I couldn’t help but stand up! So, by any chance… could I apply for a home visit?”
“Of course. There’s a long waiting list, but… hmm, since we have a connection, I’ll move you up a bit.”
“Really? Thank you! I won’t forget this favor!”
While everyone was surprised, amazed, and happily chattering.
“Sigh…”
Lisenne, looking like she was about to die, pulled her witch hat down low and opened the door to Baron Demer’s mansion.
