The waiter lit the silver lamp, and the light of the crystal chandelier hung high, illuminating the silent venue.

No one whispered, and the not very wide staircase was packed. Most of them were scholars who had obtained admission qualifications, aristocrats with good deeds, and many newspaper reporters who had come from all over the world to grab first-hand news.

The men in the caps, sitting in the front row, holding notebooks and pens, looked excited, gesturing to each other to communicate something, and quickly scribbled in their notebooks.

Seeing that they were not too busy to see the excitement, Segail on the committee seat let out a cold snort from his throat.

After all, this matter is a shame in the academic world, and no matter who is right or wrong, it will be a big storm to publicize it. As a well-known master in the academic world, he naturally does not like this group of lace tabloid reporters.

On the judges' bench, there were only five people seated.

Butlermy, a scholar of ancient linguistics from Burgundy, Schaegel from the Tower of the Prophets, Heisenberg, an ancient music theory researcher from the School of Rock and Iron, Mr. Hu, an Oriental student from the Holy City, and finally Lola Kraft, a native researcher of the history of the Dark Ages in Anglo.

These five individuals are qualified to make rulings on behalf of the academic community together, both in terms of identity and qualifications. The Grand Prince, representing the royal family, and the Metropolitan Mephistopheles, representing the Order, will act as notaries to confirm the impartiality of the results.

Through the heavy walls, the chiming of the Elizabeth Tower can be heard in the distance.

In the muffled sound of the bell, the Council officially began.

The opening of both sides, representatives of both sides officially entered the venue, causing a low uproar. Finally, they sat on the left and right sides of the committee seats.

Each other looks serious, and does not communicate with each other, only as if the other party is air.

But it's clear. Even with the stakes in her victory, Ingmar's expression is still not very good--once you enter this place, whether it ends up being successful or not, it is an out-and-out stain on your career as a scholar.

Abraham, on the other hand, felt nothing about it, and remained calm. Not sad or happy.

The reputation of not being able to eat is almost meaningless to him-

After a short announcement, several committee members spent 10 minutes reading the documents submitted by both sides, and also read the minutes of the meeting submitted by the association and the school, as well as the antecedents and consequences.

In the end, in the silence, I couldn't help frowning.

No one spoke.

"Who's going first?"

The balding old man Segail asked suddenly, he looked around at his companions on the left and right, Butlermy was silent, and Mr. Heisenberg was still a cold and uninvetable look. Mr. Hu from the east was in a daze on the ground. As for Lola...... She looked at it with a smile, and there seemed to be a thousand words in her eyes, but it was as if she had said nothing. It's as if there is something that can only be understood, not spoken.

"After so many years, you are still such a mother-in-law. ”

Sergail snorted coldly, among all of them, he had the hottest temper and the most sand in his eyes. The most annoying thing is plagiarism and impersonation, so I am also the most impatient.

"I'll come. ”

He picked up the briefing next to him. After flipping through it roughly, he looked up and said, "Then, the Council is officially opened, and Mr. Ingmar is invited to come forward first." ”

Ingmar Shi Ran got up, smiled and stood behind the central speaker's seat, facing the committee members. Said hello with grace and elegance.

It's a pity that this set is of little use to Segail.

"Mr. Ingmar, here are a few questions about your resume, you don't need to be nervous. Just answer truthfully. ”

He paused, then his expression became grim: "But remember, it's best not to lie here—it's also for your own sake." ”

"I understand, Mr. Segail. ”

Ingmar nodded, his expression was neither humble nor arrogant, and there was a hint of a smile on the corner of his mouth, without any pressure: he had already conducted a rehearsal in this link, and no matter what questions the other party asked, he would definitely not make a mistake.

"When did you begin your research on ancient texts?"

"Twenty-four years ago. ”

After a silent count, Ingmar replied, "I entered the Royal Academy of Music at that time, and met my teacher at the Academy, the former director of the Academy of Revelation. From that time on, the teacher guided me to get started. Three years later, I graduated as a musician and have been researching ever since. ”

"What about the main results?"

Sergeil asked routinely, and of course he knew everything about it.

"The highest achievements include "An Outline of the History and Legends of Anglo", "Exploring the Origins of Human Development from the Ballads of the Dark Ages", and "An Inquiry into the Origins of Ancient Avalon", which I completed with my teacher. ”

Ingmar paused, glanced at Abraham out of the corner of her eye, and replied with a smile, "And, Voynich Manuscript Commentary." ”

There was a sudden uproar in the venue, Abraham was still expressionless, and the two teenagers beside him were angry: this is already an out-and-out provocation!

"Leave aside the outcome of the controversy. ”

Segail said lightly: "Please briefly describe the school you inherited, the direction of music theory and interpretation you majored in. ”

"As you all know, I am the head coach of the Revelation Branch of the Royal Academy of Music, and I have inherited the ancient Anglo School of Revelation, also known as the 'Purple Branch School'. Major in Music Theory ......"

On the committee seat, Segail kept asking questions, which were detailed and harsh, and even if Ingmar's reply had few loopholes, he would chase and beat him until he got a reasonable explanation.

Soon, even if she had been prepared, Ingmar's back was wet with a layer of cold sweat, and she was a little lacking in energy. He can only be glad that he has always been very cautious about the arrangement of his resume, otherwise under the fierce pursuit of Sergeil, he may have exposed his weakness.

It's just that in the audience, Ye Qingxuan looked at him faintly deflated, and he didn't feel happy, but a little sad.

Because here comes the problem.

He sighed imperceptibly, and looked at Abraham with concern in his eyes.

If you dig into it to this extent, the teacher's resume ...... I'm afraid it's a big problem.

Even the blind can see that there are large blanks and ambiguities in the resume he submitted. It's outrageously sketchy...... The situation that Abraham will face next is probably ten or hundreds of times more difficult than Ingmar.

Ye Qingxuan silently exhaled the irritable breath in his chest and looked at the stage.

The situation is not good.

Of the five judges, Master Segail's temper he had heard of for a long time, was basically a dynamite keg. It's a little bit of a blow-up, except for academics, you can't get along with anyone, and you're a lone ranger wherever you go.

When it comes to his position, he is definitely the most impartial person among them, and he doesn't rub any sand in his eyes.

But it was even worse - he was short-tempered and stubborn, and if his judgment led him to make the wrong choice, he would surely die on this path, and nine oxen would not be able to pull it back.

Among the rest. The last thing to worry about is Lola.

He believed that with his adultery with this sister...... Bah, bah, it is the level of 'mutual trust', even if it is the queen who fights with herself, she will vote for her side.

Don't look at your own face, but also look at your own share as a mobile blood bag and a treasure of heaven and earth, otherwise there will be no reason in this world!

But the rest, in general, is more difficult to do.

In his understanding, Master Butlemy has always stayed away from strife. Refuse to engage in any fighting. Master Heisenberg was far away at the Rock and Iron Academy, although his academic achievements were remarkable. But after accepting the inheritance of the school, he has been living in isolation, and it is even more difficult to deal with.

And Mr. Hu, who is said to be from the East...... God knows if he will show him the face, and his relaxed and happy face is simply not hidden in the slightest, and he looks like he is not a big deal to see the excitement, and he is clearly rushing to tear up the big show!

It was in his head that he was thinking quickly. His most tense part finally arrived.

"Mr. Abraham, please come forward. ”

Segail said in a solemn voice, and seeing Abraham standing behind the speaker's seat, he asked in a stern tone: "Can you guarantee that what is next said is true?"

"I promise. Mr. ”

Abraham's answer was unimposing, just flat and straightforward, his expression still wooden, just standing behind the speaker's seat, waiting for the question.

And when several members of the committee flipped through the resumes submitted by Abraham, their expressions suddenly became extremely complicated, and they whispered among themselves.

"It's a blank slate. Sergeil slammed his resume on the table and whispered, "Almost nothing is said on it." IMHO, this thing is a waste of our time. ”

Several other committee members, except for Mr. Hu, who is in charge of the old god, all agreed: it was not that they were impetuous, but that Abraham's resume was too simple.

Butler, who was the most thoughtful, pondered for a moment, and his heart became heavy when he remembered the letter to himself. He sighed: "In that case...... Just ask truthful questions. You can always ask. ”

"I don't think so. Master Heisenberg, who had been closing his eyes and recuperating all this time, suddenly spoke, his expression as cold as ever, which made people feel cold: "If he wants to lie, he may not be able to deceive us. Perhaps, we should put an end to this farce as soon as possible. ”

"Even if it's a routine, at least go through this link. ”

Lola, who had been silent, suddenly made a statement, and it looked like she was only in her twenties, and she was young and mixed in with this group of people with an average age of more than forty, and she was extremely unsociable.

"I think it's better to ask first. She made a compromise suggestion: "If there's something we don't understand, we're going to provide another proof, how about that?"

"It seems that this is the only way to do it. ”

Segail snorted, glanced at the resume in his hand again, and looked up at Abraham: "Mr. Abraham, you are from a military background, right?"

Abraham nodded.

"As far as we know, in the army, you only went through three months of musician training......" Sergeil frowned: "What did you learn in those three months?"

“......”

Abraham was silent for a long time, and then asked softly, "Can you change the question?"

The audience was in an uproar.

This was the first question to be rejected today, and no one had ever refused to answer a question from a member of the deliberation room so simply and bluntly.

And it's such a simple question!

In the audience, the reporters were stunned for a moment, and then excitedly began to record, a wonderful news has been prepared in the belly.

Hearing Abraham's words, even Segail, who had finally managed to bear his heart, couldn't help but feel a burst of anger: Is there any such question that refuses to answer?!

His expression became gloomy, and he looked at Abraham coldly for a long time. Abraham remained blank and expressionless. After knowing for a long time, Segail asked again:

"Who is your teacher?"

“......”

He was still silent, and the muffled discussion in the room gradually became noisy, until Segail struck the gavel with all his might: "Silence!

Mr. Abraham, do you refuse to answer this question too?!"

He looked at Abraham. Anger is in the form of color.

"Sorry......"

Abraham sighed, looking bitter and helpless: "- Unless you have the approval and written permission of the Fourth Department, ...... No comment. ”

"No comment?"

The audience was in an uproar again, and even the committee members were stunned.

The fourth department, this is the division of the government system after the evolution of Anglo over hundreds of years.

The first department encompasses all the administrative organs of Anglo, including most of the administrative organs such as commerce, taxation and so on, and is the management foundation of the kingdom's administrative system. The second sector, which includes police, epidemic prevention, fire protection, etc., is an indispensable part of maintaining the operation of the kingdom.

The third sector is farming, education, land, population surveying, etc., which are responsible for managing people's livelihood. As for the fourth sector...... It is a war department that unifies the army, logistics, weapon forging, and sabotage technology research and development, and is responsible for all violent actions and active defense.

That is, what ordinary people call the 'military department'. It is said that there is also an ethereal Fifth Division, but no one has ever acknowledged it positively.

"No comment......"

Hearing the teacher say this, Ye Qingxuan slapped his forehead, covered his face and sighed, and suddenly wanted to die: I'm really afraid of something!

Who knows how many tight non-disclosure agreements the teacher has with the military department, and Abraham doesn't even have a photo of himself when he was younger......

Thankfully, in Abraham's submission. There is a resume certificate from the military department, which can barely explain the past.

After a brief discussion among the commissioners. Segail forcibly suppressed his anger and continued to ask:

"Mr. Abraham, according to the Society's investigation, you had thirty-one years of military experience before you joined the Royal Academy of Music, but your resume says. When he retired from the military, he was only forty-two years old......

So, how old are you when you join the military?"

"I'm sorry. ”

Abraham Mune replied, "No comment unless the approval and written permission of the Fourth Department is obtained." ”

“......”

Segail's expression was bruised, and his expression changed in a complicated way. It's just wonderful.

After a long time, he gritted his teeth and asked: "As far as I know, your origin is also incomplete, you claim to be the son of a florist, but according to the association's investigation, there is no local gardener, and there is no family with the surname 'Wilson', can you explain this?"

"Sorry, no comment unless approved and written permission from the Fourth Department. ”

“......”

Segail showed a toothache look: "This is also within the scope of secrecy?"

"Sorry, no comment unless approved and written permission from the Fourth Department. ”

"What is the number of the army you serve?"

"Sorry, no comment unless approved and written permission from the Fourth Department. ”

"And what about the year before you retired?!"

Sergail was furious: "Your resume says that you were once imprisoned in Grita Heavy Prison for major punishments, don't you have anything to say about it?!"

Abraham remained unapologetic, and his answer was as far as everyone could guess: "-- Sorry, but no comment unless approved and written permission from the Fourth Department." ”

"Enough is enough, Mr. Abraham!"

Sergeil was furious, and slammed the gavel in his hand with all his might: "Who is your immediate superior? I believe that the association will get permission to ......"

“...... I'm sorry. ”

Abraham sighed, "No comment unless approved and written permission from the Fourth Department." ”

"What else do you have to say but no comment!"

"Sorry, unless, uh......"

Abraham reacted halfway through speaking, and sighed helplessly: Actually, he can say a lot, but why do you keep asking what you can't say?

He tentatively asked, "Why don't you ask something else?" I taught three very talented students, and they were ......."

"Enough!"

All this time, Master Heisenberg, who had been watching coldly, thought about his words, and his gloomy gaze fell on Abraham, and his voice was cold.

"Mr. Abraham, do you think that with the Fourth Division as a shield, you can be unscrupulous? I hope you know that the Musicians Guild has a liaison line with the major departments of Anglo. ”

"I'm sorry......" Abraham shook his head.

"Someone, contact the Fourth Department, I want to access Abraham's detailed files!"

Sergeil gritted his teeth and squeezed out his voice: "I want to see, what can't he say!"

Soon, the change musician outside the venue directly connected to the military office in Shangcheng District through an underground cable, and the communication was connected, and it was a soft female voice:

"Hello, this is the sixth reception, do you have an appointment?"

"Hello, ma'am. ”

Segail said coldly, "This is the Musicians Association, and we need to check the resume of a citizen of the Kingdom. ”

Soon, after a brief confirmation, the soft and sweet female voice asked, "Please report the household registration number and name that need to be checked." ”

Segail glanced at Abraham, and when he saw that he was still wooden, he snorted coldly and reported the information on his resume.

But in an instant, the communication was cut off.

Everyone was stunned, at a loss.

Then, after a few busy sounds, the communication was connected again, and this time, the young sweet female voice disappeared and was replaced by a cold, shriveled voice, unceremoniously.

"Who?" he asked.

"This is the ...... of the Musicians' Association"

Before Segail could finish his sentence, he was interrupted. The nonchalant voice said indifferently, "Sorry, whatever you want to ask, you have no comment unless you have the approval and written permission of the Fourth Department. ”

"Hell!" Segail was stunned for a moment, and then became furious: "This is the Musicians Association!"

"I'm sorry, unless I get permission from the Fourth Department......" the nonchalant voice repeated.

"We have royalty as witnesses!We have the approval of the Order!" Segail roared, "Do you know who I am?!I am ......"

- Otherwise, there is no comment. ”

The communication hung up, and there was only a busy sound.

Awkwardly busy.

In an awkward atmosphere, everyone looked at each other in silence and felt their hearts congested. Finally, look at the royal family behind the veil.

Soon, a note was sent out of it, and after several committee members read it, their expressions changed for a while, and finally they became helpless.

"Ahem, let's skip this paragraph......"

Butlemy couldn't help but cough a few times, "At least, no one doubts whether he's a member of the Fourth Sector now." ”

Segail's expression was gloomy, and he snorted coldly and did not speak.

There was silence. (To be continued.) )