Chapter 156: Chapter 156

Dear Mr. Williams, I was delighted to receive your reply. Truly, I was overjoyed.

I read your letter with great pleasure and found myself admiring your humble and prudent character. My tutor, Mr. Warren, and I studied the complex mathematical formulas and diagrams you included at the end of your letter. I must confess, I did not understand much of it.

Mr. Warren, however, was so excited he nearly fainted. It may be impolite to say so, but I have never seen the old gentleman so agitated. He even tore out a handful of his beard.

We discussed your decision at length and both agree that a mathematical genius such as yourself should not remain unrecognized. However, we also respect your wishes. Therefore, after compiling your research into a book, Mr. Warren has listed "Anonymous" as the primary author.

Your letter also contained a wealth of knowledge on advanced mathematics—if you will permit me to call it that, as it is certainly a field beyond the reach of beginners or even casual enthusiasts. Your intellect is so brilliant, your wisdom as vast as that of the sages in ancient legends. The mathematicians at the National Research Institute of the Hamparvo Kingdom have long hoped to publish a book containing the most cutting-edge mathematical knowledge of our time, to encourage young researchers to press forward. Mr. Warren presented your letter to them. My father told me the Institute held meetings for two consecutive days over it, which even alarmed the people in the high tower.

I have sent you copies of Probability and Mathematical Statistics and A Brief Introduction to Higher Mathematics. Both books have now been published. I had my maid inquire about the postal service's delivery speed. By my calculations, around the time you receive this letter, mathematicians across the entire continent should have access to this knowledge. Thanks to the Church of the Sage, the dissemination of knowledge has become much faster.

I must once again praise your generosity with knowledge, as well as your humble character. I never imagined that in my lifetime I would have the chance to meet someone as great as you. Mr. Warren asked me to tell you that if you are interested in pursuing new research in the field of mathematics, the National Research Institute of the Hamparvo Kingdom would welcome you. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding these two books, please include them in your next letter, and I will pass them on to the editors.

The friends I usually associate with are quite fond of social events. While I also enjoy glamorous balls and lively dinner parties, I find making new friends to be far more interesting. Mr. Williams, I find it difficult to express my respect for you in words alone, but you are truly the most humble and knowledgeable person I have ever known.

My male peers are always boasting of their accomplishments at gatherings. But you and I both know that true humility is a quality possessed only by people like you.

I dare not discuss mathematics with you in my letters; those mathematical notations, like ritualistic symbols, have become a part of my recent nightmares. Perhaps you are also interested in literature. I know that a person of your great intellect must surely pass the time with reading.

What kind of books do you enjoy? Do you dislike the knight novels that critics spit on daily?

In my daily life, aside from completing the assignments from my literature tutor, Miss Shepherd, I enjoy reading ancient texts. Perhaps I should rephrase that—I enjoy the fantastical stories that history professors uncover in old books.

They are truly fascinating, but it is a great pity that so few people get to read them. Tales of demons of fate, strange creatures of the deep sea... these stories, lost to the passage of time, are as compelling as any contemporary literature.

I know the Hamparvo Kingdom has many excellent authors as well. Though the languages of the three great kingdoms are different, I thank the gods that our written script is the same. I have read very little purely literary work, but The Cats and Hounds of the Black Forest and The Princess's Revenge are quite good. I wonder if you have read them. I also very much like the Detective Knight Biography. It is the best knight novel of our era. Although my father warns me against indulging in such books, hiding a kerosene lamp under my bed to secretly read a short passage before sleep is such a delightful thing—as long as one is careful not to let the governess on patrol spot the light. The source of thɪs content is ⓝovelFire.net

A few days ago, I attended a friend's reading salon. I heard that a very interesting book of fairy tales has been published in your city of Nolan, and that merchants from afar are planning to collaborate with publishers in the Hamparvo Kingdom. I wonder if you are familiar with the book I am referring to? If possible, could you mail me a copy in your reply? I am truly curious about it.

Of course, if you have already read it, I would be delighted to discuss it with you.

Thank you again for your humility and generosity. I wish you good health.

Yours faithfully, Mary

It was a long letter, spanning five full pages.

"These honorifics are giving me a headache."

Jenkins grumbled softly, but a smile played on his lips. Folding the letter and slipping it back into the envelope, he decided he would reply to Miss Mary after finishing the two books she'd sent. It would also be a good opportunity to gauge the level of mathematics in this world.

Still, Mary's family background seemed quite impressive. Otherwise, her tutor wouldn't have had the standing to submit letters to the National Research Institute.

He cautiously considered whether becoming pen pals with such a young lady would bring him any trouble. But then he considered that they were strangers who had never met, separated by half a continent. It was unlikely.

As he was lost in thought, a bell hanging on the fence suddenly rang. It served as a doorbell, though one had to be careful that passing children didn't steal it.

Leaving Chocolate in the dining room, Jenkins shuffled to the door in his slippers and opened it. An unfamiliar young girl was standing outside his fence, peeking at the flowers in the yard on her tiptoes.

They were a remnant from the previous owner; Jenkins watered them regularly, and they were doing quite well.

"Hello, may I help you?"

He walked into the yard and asked softly, nodding at the girl in greeting. At the same time, he put on what he considered an appropriate smile.

He secretly suspected she was a fan of his books who had somehow managed to find his address.