Ministry of Magic, The Golden Cauldron Editorial Department
The editor-in-chief looked at the papers in his hands, frowning slightly. This time there were enough papers in terms of quantity, but the quality was too weak. Not a single one could hold down the fort. Although all these papers were qualified to be published in The Golden Cauldron, as Europe's best academic journal for Potions, The Golden Cauldron had to be the best. Simply being acceptable or qualified was absolutely not enough.
"Chief Editor, the typesetting and printing departments are starting to pressure us."
Looking at the intern editor who had just arrived this year, the chief editor said with clear irritation: "Pressure, pressure, pressure! That's all they know. Without good papers, how can they do typesetting? How can they print? What's the point of pressuring us?"
"Chief Editor, how should I respond to them?"
Hearing this, the chief editor looked helplessly at this newcomer. Ever since his protégé had become capable of working independently last year, he had arranged other work for him, still under his command, conducting preliminary reviews of papers. Some experienced editorial department veterans had already noticed that the chief editor was training him as a successor, though he himself hadn't realized this.
"Don't respond at all. The papers aren't even ready... how can we respond? There's still time anyway, so let's stall for now.
Also, immediately write to several masters and ask if they have any high-quality papers. High academic value is fine, even if practical value is low. The main thing is that quality must be high. If they do, send them immediately to save the day. Say it's my request."
"Alright, I understand. I'll go right now..."
Just as the intern editor was about to leave, the chief editor's office door was pushed open. Last year's new editor, this year's managing editor, rushed in and placed a paper in front of the chief editor.
He naturally understood his own protégé.
Seeing the other party's actions just now, the chief editor knew his protégé had found a good paper!
Without saying a word of nonsense, the chief editor immediately picked up the paper to examine it.
The intern editor, seeing their situation, very tactfully withdrew and left the office to the two of them.
The chief editor carefully read the paper in his hands, gradually becoming more and more animated.
"Good stuff, really good stuff! If this paper is genuine, it will definitely have a very profound impact on the wizarding world. Not only does it reduce the material costs of mental recovery potions, but it also improves their quality. Who wrote this paper?"
The managing editor looked at the chief editor and smiled: "Look at the name. I think you should have an impression."
"I have an impression? Could it be some master? Have these guys finally started taking a practical approach? Then I really should thank them."
Joking, the chief editor opened the paper's cover and looked at the name above.
Sean Bulstrode... this is...
Hmm? Wait...
Sean Bulstrode?!
That grandson of the Bulstrode family?
The one whose parents are both Squibs?
The same Sean Bulstrode who wrote about modifying the Forgetfulness Potion formula and brewing process to shorten the time last year?
He could actually write such a paper!
Yes, yes.
This paper also contains many of the new potion brewing methods from the previous paper. It seems I somewhat underestimated those new methods. They can have even greater applications.
"Chief Editor, how is this paper?"
Looking up at his protégé, the chief editor finally showed a hint of a smile: "This paper's academic value isn't top-tier, but in terms of practical value, it's absolutely top-tier. It changes the formula for mental recovery potions, reduces costs, and improves effects. It's fully qualified to be this issue's front-page headline in The Golden Cauldron!"
"I'd really like to meet this Master Sean Bulstrode, even though he's only about twelve or thirteen years old."
"The capable are teachers, regardless of age. There's no need to focus on his age. Now prepare the paper and send it to typesetting."
Once the paper was decided, preparation was quick. After proofreading, the paper was sent to typesetting.
Pouring himself a cup of black tea, the chief editor sat comfortably in his position, savoring the precious black tea from South Africa.
"Chief Editor..."
The intern editor entered the office, his expression somewhat unpleasant.
"Chief Editor, the typesetting department... someone disagrees with this issue's front-page headline. They say that paper has no need to exist, that current mental recovery potions are already quite good, there's no need for continued improvement, and improving that little bit of effect is meaningless."
The chief editor, who was drinking tea, paused slightly. The black tea in his hand stopped at his lips, and the last sip in the cup ultimately didn't reach his mouth.
He held back, but ultimately couldn't restrain himself. The chief editor casually threw the cup out, smashing it to pieces, and the remaining sip of tea splashed out with it.
"These bastards have probably had too many good days and can't distinguish priorities. Typesetting is trying to boss around my editorial department... how ridiculous. Tell them if they have any other ideas, they can just get lost."
Pursing his lips, the intern editor said quietly: "The typesetting department director asked me to tell you that he said he has no choice. Someone in the Ministry is pressuring him. He says he needs to make some show of action for appearances, asks you not to be angry, and says that he still listens to you."
Hearing this, the chief editor frowned and immediately knew something was wrong. At first, he thought the typesetting director might have some connections with current mental recovery potion manufacturers.
But now it seemed that forces within the Ministry were interfering. These bastards really thought they could cover the sky with one hand.
Thinking of this, the chief editor took out a piece of parchment, wrote a note, and said to the intern editor: "Take this and send it to Mr. Gavin Bulstrode via snow owl."
Hearing this, the intern editor immediately nodded and was about to go out with the note.
But before he could leave the office, he heard the chief editor continue: "Also, tell typesetting directly to proceed normally. Leave the rest to me."
"Understood!"
The intern editor quickly left.
The chief editor watched the departing intern editor, poured himself another cup of black tea, took a sip, and muttered to himself: "When the sky falls, tall people hold it up. If Sean Bulstrode had no backing, I'd naturally have to step up. But he has backing, and it's solid enough, so I don't need to come forward personally. Let his own grandfather handle it."
Having said this, the chief editor chuckled and continued enjoying his black tea.
Meanwhile, Gavin looked at the note delivered by the snow owl, thought for a moment, and also wrote a letter, sending it to the Wizengamot Academic Committee.
The letter emphasized issues regarding academic objectivity and independence and expressed his zero-tolerance attitude toward any interference with academic work.
The members of the Wizengamot Academic Committee deeply agreed and began to strengthen inspection and management work in this area.