Chapter 1914 - 524: The Country Demon Is Truly Terrifying! (5)

The statement startled Locke.

Especially Professor Ferguson's stern face, which made his heart beat faster.

Although he understood that the other's knowledge in the professional field far surpassed his own, he couldn't help but refute.

"I don't agree with your opinion. Everything I said is what the Imperial scholars have repeatedly said. I just summarized the works of previous scholars, including the content in the 'Holy Word Book'... Of course, I handled the religious part with caution. We can only make an illustrated book of the demons from hell."

Ferguson shook his head.

"It's not related to the Holy Word Book. You've offended the King. The King can certainly define what his crown is, but it's not your place to define it."

Before Locke could argue back, he proceeded to critique his second transgression.

"And you've turned a vague covenant into specific text."

"You explained to the King's subjects what a King is, what taxes are, what the Parliament is, and what a republic is, then discussed his obligations and powers with the King…"

"I can responsibly tell you, if I took this book to Your Majesty in Roland City, you would already be a corpse! And I would become the owner of this library, inherit everything from you, and erase your existence completely."

The air in the library became unprecedentedly icy, as if someone had recited a spell to summon frost.

Looking at that serious expression, Locke's Adam's apple moved, unsure of how to respond.

At that moment, he reached out to adjust his collar and stuck his tongue out making a hanging ghost face.

"Alright, mate, you win… But I must say, this is Thunder City, not your hometown."

Watching the guy suddenly pull a prank face, Ferguson's mouth corners involuntarily twitched.

Finally, his pursed mouth turned into a stiff smile as he reached out and patted Locke's shoulder.

"The winner is you. I never imagined anyone would sponsor your work; your perseverance eventually moved the Divine. Although I've never met this Prince Colin you mentioned, I can feel he is a truly noble person, otherwise Saint Sis wouldn't send him to your side… Besides, I was only joking just now, don't take it so seriously."

He was telling the truth.

And there was no malice in the joke; he just wanted to remind Locke that he was doing something dangerous.

Edward is also a King, and surely some vile characters lurk around him.

However, Locke's comment "This is not your hometown" still deeply stung his heart.

Although the concept of the country wasn't born in Roland City's textile factory, it had clearly already been born in Professor Ferguson's mind.

Seeing the obviously stiff smile of Professor Ferguson, Locke said with a mix of laughter and tears.

"I was certainly joking too. With Saint Sis above... Do the knights from the Land of Knights all lack humor? I really don't understand when you're joking and when you're serious."

He spoke these words with a joking tone, yet Professor Ferguson got unusually serious.

Seeing the silent Professor Ferguson, Locke cleared his throat, breaking the gradually awkward atmosphere.

"The Encyclopedia editorial department needs an expert knowledgeable in history and sociology, and familiar with the development history of steam engines during the Isaac Dynasty. There's likely no scholar in the Laine region more familiar with these matters than you. May I ask—"

"I am willing."

Seeing Locke's surprised expression, Professor Ferguson removed the hat on his head and placed it against his chest in salute.

"Rather, I'm here for this very reason."

Locke, caught off guard, scratched the back of his head playfully.

"Aren't you going to discuss your salary with me?"

"Just give me enough so I don't end up begging on the streets."

Ferguson put the hat back on, covering his already graying temples, and spoke without hesitation.

"After all, I'm already at an age where there's not much time left, and there aren't many days left to spend money."

He spoke these words in a calm tone, as if discussing what to have for dinner tonight.

Looking at the elderly gentleman before him, Locke felt solemn respect and grasped his right hand.

"It's my honor to work with a gentleman like you!"

He had to overcome his previous prejudices against the Ryan people.

They aren't all troublemaking robbers; there are respectable gentlemen among them!

Ferguson smiled broadly, retrieving his hand from Locke's grasp.

He focused his gaze on the first volume of the Encyclopedia on the oak table, a gentle smile appearing on his wrinkled face, and his cloudy pupils seemed like the candlelight printed on the book's cover.

"…I hope to see the completion of this great work in my lifetime."

Locke looked at him with a keen gaze.

"Trust me, it certainly will!"