In order to produce competent graduates, the Academy of Dreams has to first be strict with the regulators of the quality policy.
Nearly all of the best talekeepers came from this place, making it the breeding grounds for success. Hence, the namesake of the institution. But not everyone could enter the Academy. Not everyone should. Thus, each person trying to enter the Academy is put under scrutiny by a panel.
It doesn't matter whether one was commoner or noble. At the end of the day, only those with benefits are allowed into the institution. Ranks? Riches? In the name of progress and conservation, all these things were cast aside. If you have no use, you have no place in the Academy!
But to Frederick Santos, the quality policy wasn't always like this. As one of the senior members of the admissions committee, he was there when the Academy still admitted students simply for the sake of the arts. He was also there to see how the policies changed under the orders of the authorities.
The Academy that used to value preservation of knowledge now focused more on the pursuit instead. But was this truly appropriate? He didn't know. But if the [Librarian] wills it so, then he has no choice but to abide celestial law.
Inside the office, atop the conference table, were a few documents opened for scrutiny. Frederick had only read the first few pages, but he already heard the grumbles of his committee.
"This Lady Vincenzo... I'm surprised she would take interest in these kinds of things," Jacinto said, a little flabbergasted.
"Indeed. At first, I was thinking she was applying to be a student, which doesn't make sense considering her lineage. But as a research aide? Almost unheard of," Giuseppe, another member of the committee, added in disbelief.
"None of the noble families were made to shoulder the academic side of things. But isn't it a little too soon to give your verdict, good friends? We've barely read the whole document," Ulysses asked. As the head of the committee, he was obliged to play the devil's advocate.
"It is a noble's attempt to enter one of the more fundamental aspects of the Academy. Should there be anything else to read?" Giuseppe asked disinterestedly, "Many nobles tried this attempt many times and many times they came up short, only intending to chase after glitters and gold without meeting the job's minimum expectations."
"But this is a Vincenzo we are speaking of," Ulysses pointed out. "House Vincenzo is a county and the daughter has barely made her debut despite being of age. Isn't this enough proof of how eccentric their family is?" Giuseppe retorted.
"Haha. I never knew you would be as strict with noble etiquette as they do, Giuseppe," Ulysses chuckled, "Regardless of rank or customs, nothing changes the fact that House Vincenzo is noble."
"She has the recommendations of the young Lord Tewdorn, after all. We can try to give the noblewoman more credit," Jacinto said thoughtfully, "Did she present proof that she is capable of academic work at least?"
"Yes. Even submitted case studies she 'supposedly' authored," Giuseppe replied pointedly. "Oh. Well, that's good, isn't it?" Jacinto asked.
"Is it? Perhaps. It's not above their wealth to hire a ghostwriter. Good for them, yes," Giuseppe snorted. A hum broke their conversation off. They turned to the source.
"If a ghostwriter was able to come up with titles such as these, I doubt they would want to sell them anymore," Frederick said, "These papers are enough to let them into the Academy with a granted scholarship."
"Surely, you exaggerate?" Jacinto said doubtfully. Frederick handed the documents to him, "See for yourself."
Giuseppe turned his head away with a snort, urging Jacinto to read the documents all by himself. Ulysses linked his hands together, watching observantly as Jacinto's eyes widened with each line he skimmed over.
Boosting Efficacy of Medical Pills By Dissolving in Desserts and Drinks
Usage and Efficiency of Slimes in Autocatalysis
A Critique on Potion Laws and Amendments: Why Banning Live Experimentation is a Stupid Mistake
Three abstracts were written for three academic papers, all were judged to be downright strange just by the titles. It sounded logical but, at the same time...unheard of?
Medicine that only works by dissolving it in sweets? Using living slimes in creating edible potions? And what's wrong with the current laws on experimentation?!
"Is the young lady trying to join us or insult us?" Jacinto asked worryingly. "These are..." Ulysses trailed off, unable to find the right words.
"I know the titles are off-putting, but please read the abstracts first," Frederick encouraged his committee. Silence thickened with doubt.
Then, Ulysses took one of the abstracts. Surprised by his action, Jacinto followed his lead and took a second paper. Perhaps it was out of peer pressure or morbid curiosity, but Giuseppe decided to snatch the last abstract and begrudgingly skimmed over it.
Frederick watched the progression of their frowns shifting into looks of intrigue. Then it turned into fascination. By the time they finished reading the details, they were absorbed in discussion.
"I have to admit, I was expecting the paper to come up short. But the production of pills that can dissolve in liquid without diminishing its healing properties could be a breakthrough in the medical field. I must see the study's methodology and refer it to the apothecary's department," Jacinto said.
"Slimes as a reaction catalyst... Slimes are known for being adaptable to the environment they're exposed to and can transform accordingly. If used in a laboratory set-up, they can shift and speed up reactions without impeding or changing anything. The young Lady Vincenzo has written detailed methodologies and framework for operation–even including charted data. How thorough," Ulysses nodded.
"The young Lady might be overestimating her knowledge in the laws, but she presents some persuasive case points on experimentation," Giuseppe said and set the paper back on the table, "Her logic is lacking....but it's worth considering."
The members of the committee shared glances with one another, agreeing that the discussion needs to take a different turn. The abstracts were returned to the table.
"What do you think?" Ulysses asked. "We cannot dismiss Lady Vincenzo. If she truly wrote these papers herself, she'll be a huge asset to the Academy. We cannot let this opportunity pass us by," Jacinto said firmly.
"Agreed. We could use a few ingenious minds among our people. It's exhausting dealing with people who only know how to follow orders," Frederick sighed.
"And Giuseppe?" Ulysses turned to their brooding co-worker. "Yeah, yeah, just transfer her in already," Giuseppe waved a hand dismissively, "It doesn't matter anymore whether it was a ghostwriter's work or her own as long as we get more proper researchers."
"Then it is settled. Lady CK Vincenzo will be joining the Academy," Ulysses stated, stamping a sigil of approval on the pages of CK's resume.
"May I make a request to transfer her to the apothecary's department? She has potential in making medicine-related concoctions," Jacinto said.
"She wants to bring back human experimentation and you want her working in the medical field? What kind of chaos do you wish to invite to your department?" Giuseppe snorted and turned to Ulysses, "Transfer her to the academic judiciary. She's better using her wit in amending other laws aside from experimentations."
"We're bringing Lady Vincenzo into the Academy for academics, not politics," Jacinto protested. "She can do both, can't she?" Giuseppe pointed out.
"You..." Jacinto stared sternly. "And you, Frederick?" Ulysses smiled at the fourth member of the committee, "Any suggestions where to transfer the young Lady?"
Frederick shrugged. "Lady Vincenzo has proven herself to be skilled in various fields, but all three papers point to the same thing: she is a very skilled potioneer. From creating them to reviewing which laws are hindering her progress, Lady Vincenzo seems to know potions best," he said, "I suggest you transfer her to the potions department."
"Haha! Yes, very good. We've been thinking of the same thing," Ulysses laughed, "The potions department works with almost all of the other departments in the Academy. Since Lady Vincenzo's knowledge is flexible, she will fit there perfectly."
"Tsk."
"Yes, Committee Head...".
"Frederick, you are most familiar with the department so you will be the one to welcome Lady Vincenzo," Ulysses stated, "The department head himself won't be available for a few days so he won't be there to welcome her in person."
"Alright."
"Countess Isabella's child, huh?" Ulysses mused, finding plenty of semblance between the Countess and the portrait of her daughter.
"We'd better keep a close eye on you."
Act III: Project Pipe Dream
"Finally. That took forever," CK exited a city carriage and let a big yawn escape her lips.
Despite the moody midday sun, CK's drowsiness overpowered the heat on her skin. She looked at the building in front of her: a two-story house and a lawn barricaded by stone walls and a gate.
CK's parents had long expected she will be entering the Academy and prepared one of their properties in Glass City for CK's use. It was originally one of their safehouses so it lacked the typical opulence, but it still has its uses.
"The carriage ride was a little too bumpy for comfort. I apologize for not finding a more suitable transportation for you," a maid apologized.
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about, Marionetta. I didn't mind the turbulence. My only issue was that it took too long for us to get here. There's much to unpack," CK grumbled.
"Leave the unpacking to us, my lady. You should focus on getting enough sleep," the maid said, opening a parasol to shield CK from the glaring sun.
"You're right. Speedrunning three papers in two nights took a lot out of me," CK sighed, linking arms with Marionetta with a dramatic sniff, "It's good they sent you with me, Mari. Otherwise, I'll lose my mind."
"The feeling is mutual, my lady," Marionetta said calmly, but her eyes twinkled with subtle warmth. They walked into the house.
The house was prepared beforehand, thus only the young noblewoman's belongings had to be unpacked. Aside from her usual clothes, a few new items were added to the list: a lab coat with the Academy logo patched unto the breast pocket, an ID with CK's details printed on it, and a handbook on rules and conduct (which CK has no intentions of opening).
"How long are you planning to stay at the Academy, my lady?" Marionetta asked. "No idea. For as long as the Duchess needs me to stay there, I suppose," CK replied, "Let's just hope it won't last a year."
"I see," Marionetta said, "You'll be visiting the Academy tomorrow. I'll prepare your clothes."
"Alright. I'll go and take a quick nap," CK yawned again and climbed the stairs, "Wake me before dinner, Marionetta."
"Yes, my lady," Marionetta replied. Another yawn could be heard upstairs, followed by the click of a shutting door.