The Cornflower Witch Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Girl Awaiting Dawn

At noon, Hylial, Yero, and Scholar Hyde rode a carriage together to Viscount Xuefeng’s castle.

Passing through the cobblestone road under a grey, overcast sky, the carriage slowly rattled into the ancient, moss-covered stone walls.

“This must be Hylial, such a lovely little girl.” The Viscountess, dressed in a dark red velvet gown, received the three of them in the castle.

“Come, sit by me.” She kindly invited Hylial, then held the girl’s hand and asked about her situation.

“… Lost in the forest and suffering from amnesia, what a poor child.” She shook her head and sighed with a sorrowful expression.

“But it’s alright, you can consider Burntstone City your home from now on. If you ever encounter any difficulties, you can always come to me.” After saying this, she summoned a maid and had her bring out a ring embossed with Viscount Xuefeng’s family crest.

“Here, take this. With this ring, the castle guards won’t stop you.”

“Thank you, Madame,” Hylial expressed her gratitude.

Afterward, the lady chatted with Hylial for a long time, until Viscount Xuefeng arrived and everyone dined together.

Lunch was lavishly prepared, with the taste and quality of the various dishes comparable to those of the most expensive restaurants in the city. This meal alone would likely cost 70 Silver Coins outside.

After lunch, Viscount Xuefeng also conversed with Hylial for a while. He had a kind disposition and greatly admired the young girl, gifting her numerous items, including even a residence in Burntstone City.

“If you don’t need it for everyday use, you can also use it to store miscellaneous items. Don’t worry, it’s in the West District, and the治安 is good; there are no thieves.”

“Thank you, Lord Xuefeng.”

The young girl was somewhat curious as to why Viscount Xuefeng suddenly showed such goodwill towards her. Was it perhaps because of Madame Faran?

After dining and conversing in the castle, Hylial, at Scholar Hyde’s suggestion, followed a maid to the tower where Iona resided.

“Please follow me. Miss Iona’s residence is just ahead.”

The maid led Hylial towards the somewhat secluded tower, then opened the door and ascended the spiral staircase.

Soon, they reached the door of a room in the tower, and she gently knocked. “Miss Iona, your classmate has come to visit you.”

“I’m not seeing anyone.” Although her voice was somewhat weak, it still carried a hint of arrogance.

“It was the Viscount’s order. He hopes you can alleviate your loneliness,” the maid spoke again.

This time, there was a long silence inside, before Iona’s reply came.

“Wait for me a moment.”

About half an hour later, Iona opened the door and saw the maid and Hylial waiting outside.

She had changed into a long dress—deep red adorned with gold threads and pearls—and her hair was coiled into an intricate and elegant hairstyle, as if she were attending a noble gathering.

“Come in,” she glanced at Hylial, who was behind the maid, then turned and walked away.

The room in the tall tower was exceptionally splendid, filled with various gold and red furniture and ornaments. It was clear they had been custom-made as a set, as if a princess’s room had been moved here.

After entering the room, the maid made tea for the two of them, then excused herself, leaving Iona and Hylial alone.

Leaning back on the velvet sofa, Iona rested her right hand on her cheek, her gaze sweeping over the simply dressed girl in front of her.

“If you’re here to fulfill your teacher’s task, you can leave after sitting for a while.” Her voice was clear and cool, devoid of emotion.

Hylial opened her mouth slightly, wanting to retort, but then realized it wasn’t necessary, so she remained silent.

The light red tea steamed gently from the teacups on the coffee table between them. The room fell silent for a moment, without a sound.

Perhaps feeling the need to say something, Hylial thought for a moment and then spoke, “I heard from the teacher that you weren’t feeling well. Are you better now?”

Iona’s gaze was fixed on the patterns on the coffee table, lost in thought. Hearing the voice, she looked up and observed Hylial for a moment.

“I’m better now,” she answered noncommittally.

“Your voice is quite good,” she said, as if realizing something.

“It’s a pity you only study,” she picked up her teacup, preparing to drink.

“Thank you,” Hylial also raised her teacup, and they silently drank their tea.

Just as Hylial thought this exchange of greetings was over, Iona glanced at a large iron box in the corner of the room and asked.

“Valeni’s notes are yours, aren’t they?”

“Uh, yes.” Hylial recalled the times Valeni had taken her notes.

“I haven’t been to class recently, she brought me the notes to read.” Remembering this, Iona nodded slightly.

“You recorded it very carefully, and your handwriting is decent.” Although the handwriting was timeless, in Iona’s eyes, these were merely maid’s skills, and no matter how well learned, they were of little use.

“If you don’t find a good path in the future, you can come to my side and be a copyist.” Even with printing technology, many valuable books are never published, only lent and copied among nobles.

“Mm.”

“You don’t need to go to next month’s assessment; it could be deadly.” Iona thought she was being unusually kind to warn the girl in front of her.

“Are you referring to the selection assessment for the Hidden Grove?”

“That’s right.”

“About that, I’ve already spoken with Teacher Hyde and will participate.” Hylial tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, contemplating how to explain.

“You?”

“You’re truly reckless.” Iona shook her head.

“Don’t think that just because you’re good at secret history, you can find better opportunities in the Hidden Grove. It’s not as… ‘tender’ as Burntstone City.” After a few seconds of hesitation, she uttered that word.

“Thank you for your kindness, Iona. I know it can be dangerous there,” Hylial thought for a moment and continued.

“Why do you also want to go there? I remember that with your status, you should be able to avoid such danger.”

“Dangerous, yes, very dangerous indeed.” Speaking of this, Iona showed a rare hint of interest.

“You might not understand, but even among nobles, there are vast distinctions. And if I want to preserve certain things, I have to pay a great price.”

“Besides, if I don’t go there, what kind of ‘good life’ do you think I’d have? Living out my days in Burntstone City, just like ordinary people?”

“This…” Hylial probably understood Iona’s predicament. She was a very intelligent person and understood things immediately.

“I see.”

“I hope you achieve your wishes, but going to the Hidden Grove isn’t the only way.” She guessed Iona probably wanted to restore her family’s past glory, as she had already learned a lot about Iona’s family background from other classmates.

“Oh, are you trying to dissuade me so early because you’re confident you can beat me in the competition?” Iona couldn’t help but tease, seeing Hylial’s serious expression.

It’s strange. If anyone else had said that, she would probably be impatient. In fact, many people had tried to dissuade her, just like Hylial.

The young girl shook her head and then answered.

“I wouldn’t say it’s confidence, just some life insights.” She recalled her two lives, many things that had seemed extremely serious at the time, looking back years later, were not so terrible after all.

“Forget it, you always speak so carefully, not lively at all.” Before her father’s accident, Iona was a prominent socialite in Whitecliff City, always enjoying the company of lighthearted peers.

She had never gotten along with reserved types like Hylial. If Hylial hadn’t been pleasing to her eye, she wouldn’t even have bothered to say a few extra words.

After the previous silence was broken, Iona and Hylial started chatting about other things.

“…So, the rapid progress of Mick and Lei is all thanks to your tutoring?” She had also noticed the changes in her classmates’ academic performance.

“Yes.” Originally, she wanted to be modest, but considering Iona’s personality, Hylial decided to be straightforward.

“Oh.” Iona nodded slightly at her direct answer, finding it agreeable. Why beat around the bush?

“Do you think my swordsmanship still has room for improvement?” Iona asked casually.

“Miss Iona…” Hylial gazed at the blonde girl, a few pieces of information appearing in her eyes.

Name: Iona Kalen

Race: Human (Mortal Body)

Status: Poor (Forced acquisition of abilities, leaving hidden injuries)

Talents:

Golden Blood [Excellent Grade]: A trace of ‘Golden Honey Blood’ flows within you. Though subtle, this bloodline still grants you affinity with the ‘Blazing Sun’ and ‘Moth’ aspects, allowing you to more easily master abilities related to these two aspects.

—The Golden Tree and the Bee King’s Court, that was the powerful empire later known as the ‘Golden Honey Dynasty,’ which once hindered the Corona Dragon from reclaiming the ‘Blazing Sun’ position.

Fate Card:

[Girl Awaiting Dawn] ‘A golden-framed entrance, like a princess’s gate, enveloping the figure standing with closed eyes within. Behind her are cracked, arid earth, weathered tree roots, and scattered skeletons.’

–

Effect [Sun-Glow Physique Lv.2]: Due to specific talents and aspects, your body gradually adapts to the ‘Blazing Sun’ aspect. You can directly integrate the power of ‘Blazing Sun’ into your blood for use, gaining a comprehensive boost. (Suggested not to exceed 3 minutes/day)

Ability Cards:

[Sun-Glow Breathing Method Lv.3] (Blazing Sun)

[Gold Needle Blade Lv.3] (Blazing Sun)

[Bee-Dance Steps Lv.2] (Moth)

(End of Chapter)