As Herta pondered what research would best enhance her combat prowess, time slipped by. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Principal and Newman, a groundbreaking paper titled "Utilizing Free-Floating Magic Power in the Air" was published, instantly causing a sensation throughout Great Britain's magical community.
When the leading academic figures of the magical world first read the paper, they were stunned into silence. Its impact was akin to suddenly declaring the Earth round in an era when flat-Earth theory was universally accepted.
The initial reaction was disbelief, but the paper presented undeniable evidence. Its first author, a virtually unknown young girl named Herta, had invented an original spell that required no magic power from the caster's own body, relying solely on the free-floating magic power in the air.
Yes, this was the same spell Herta had casually created in a bookstore shortly after arriving in Great Britain. Its effect was simple—conjuring a tiny flame—but the mere fact that the spell could be cast successfully was proof enough.
The publication of Herta's groundbreaking paper sent shockwaves throughout Great Britain, forcing a complete overhaul of established magical theories and requiring the rewriting of fundamental textbooks.
Reporters, like sharks drawn to blood, swarmed Cambridge, desperate to track down Herta, the paper's first author. But before the paper's release, no one had even known who she was, making her impossible to find.
Well, almost no one. One British official stared at the paper in stunned disbelief, so shocked that he didn't even notice the cigarette butt falling from his mouth and burning a hole in his trousers. "No... impossible!" he muttered in disbelief.
This was Byron Ellison, the team leader Herta had encountered when she first arrived in Great Britain—a man she had long forgotten.
Unable to locate Herta, the reporters reluctantly shifted their focus to Cambridge, besieging the Principal, the paper's second author.
"Teacher Herta, you're incredible!" Lily exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at the throng of reporters surrounding the school gates. "You just casually wrote a paper and caused such a sensation!"
"Keyword detected," Herta No. 002 announced immediately. "Naturally! Madam Herta's wisdom is as unparalleled as her beauty!"
An ordinary person might have reacted with embarrassment or silence, but Lily nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes!"
She wasn't flattering; the child genuinely believed it.
Lily then asked, "All those reporters seem to be here for you. Will you grant them an interview?"
Herta No. 002 shook her head firmly. "No."
Herta never deliberately concealed her achievements, but she also refused to actively publicize them. Such efforts were pointless distractions.
The two merely passed by the school gate before returning to the student dormitory. Lily had previously occupied a double room alone, the other bed unoccupied. Upon enrolling, the Herta Puppet had moved directly into Lily's room.
Although Lily's father had specifically requested that she not be assigned a roommate, Herta's connections clearly carried more weight. Now, even on weekends, Lily no longer needed to rush home. She could stay in her dorm and spend time with Teacher Herta!
The controversy surrounding the paper continued to escalate. A few days later, Newman finally found time during his lunch break to seek out Herta No. 002. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he sighed helplessly, "Is this paper really that extraordinary? For the past few days, high-ranking officials have been lining up to chat with me, trying to curry favor. Some are even senior members of Parliament! Judging by their tone, it sounds like I'm about to be promoted!"
"But I have no desire to serve Great Britain with distinction! Little Tyrant, may I ask, what exactly is your core purpose in attending Cambridge? When will this 'mission' be considered complete?"
No one knew how many compliments Newman had received in recent days, but the more praise he got, the more uneasy he felt.
Herta No. 002 calmly replied, "One moment."
Herta Herself swiftly logged in and quickly grasped the situation. She could easily have spun a lie to dismiss him, but saw no need. So she told the truth: "There's no special purpose. I'm just here to have fun."
It's worth noting that, apart from Lily, no one else knew that Herta No. 002 was merely a puppet. Herta Herself had never volunteered this information.
"Have Fun?!" Newman froze, disbelief washing over him. "You... me... this?!"
His mouth opened and closed, but he couldn't form a coherent sentence. The top spy, after all this time undercover, had received the most important mission of his career: to play games with a little girl?
Any normal person would likely erupt in fury at such a revelation, but Newman was different. As a professional spy, maintaining composure in the face of any situation had become second nature.
After his initial shock, he didn't question why he'd been assigned such an absurd task. Instead, he considered it from his superior's perspective: under what circumstances would such an order be given?
The answer was obvious: the girl named Herta was of immense value.
Recalling her magic that could nullify Great Britain's barriers and the groundbreaking research paper she'd subsequently published, Newman couldn't help but remember their first meeting. Herta had confidently declared herself a genius—and events had proven her right.
Thinking it through, helping her enroll wasn't the real mission at all. The key was everything that came after: fulfilling all her requests and building a strong relationship with her. If someone like that could be harnessed by White Eagle, overturning Great Britain would be child's play.
Newman took a deep breath and nodded. "I understand, Little Tyrant. If you have any further requests, don't hesitate to ask. I'll do everything in my power to fulfill them!"
Herta was taken aback by his reaction. She had no idea what he was imagining and didn't care to guess. "Anyway," she said, "you don't need to worry about my allegiance. Elysia and I are good friends."
Newman was even more confused. He knew Elysia's irresistible charm all too well; he was even a member of the Church of Elysia himself. So... did that mean he didn't need to cultivate a relationship with her at all?
Then what exactly was he supposed to do here?
"Newman? You're here!" Principal's voice suddenly boomed from behind him. "Get a move on! There's another task you haven't finished yet!"