The Cornflower Witch Chapter 111

Chapter 111: Farewell Dinner

Hylial arrived at Viscount Xuefeng’s castle once again, but today she was dressed in a light yellow gown, and her long, smooth silver hair was tied back with a wide, slightly charming bow.

After arriving at the castle by carriage, several maids respectfully led her to the banquet.

Many notable figures from Burntstone City had been invited that day, including the presidents of several major guilds, a baron and baroness, and several wealthy merchants and high-level professionals.

“Miss Lia has arrived.”

The attendant’s voice was not loud, but most of the people at the party heard it and turned their attention to the entrance.

Holding her skirt lightly, Hylial walked in slowly. Although she felt a slight discomfort with so many people watching her, her steps were well-controlled and she showed no signs of panic.

She politely bowed to everyone, then, amidst the greetings and congratulations of the distinguished guests, the girl proceeded step by step.

“It’s Miss Lia, so beautiful and young.”

“Oh, so that’s Lia. Madame Faran really knows how to keep a secret.” Someone joked with a smile.

“Miss Lia, please come this way.”

“Miss Lia, this is a gift from our Merchant Guild. Please accept it.” An envelope was handed to the young girl.

“Beautiful Miss Lia, this is my son. He has been disrespectful in the past, please forgive him.” Baron Quaid led Balun over. Balun clearly seemed reluctant, looking away.

But once he was next to the young girl, he was captivated by Hylial’s gentle and dreamlike beauty, and felt a bit embarrassed.

“It’s alright, Balun is also very outstanding,” Hylial said. Although he was a bit overbearing and proud, Balun hadn’t done anything truly bad, so Hylial didn’t have much ill will towards him.

Upon hearing this, Balun straightened his back, looking proudly as if he understood. Seeing this, Baron Quaid merely smiled and lightly patted his shoulder.

“I hear you’re heading to the Hidden Grove soon. I’ve prepared a gift for you as well, Miss Lia. Please accept it.” He gestured to a maid beside him, who then brought over a thick blanket.

The blanket was made of white fur, with neatly outlined patterns on the back, its lines simple and straight, like a blueprint.

“This blanket is sewn from the fur of a winter bear. It’s not only warm but also infused with the ‘Castle’ Aspect, which can protect you and reduce interference and erosion from other Aspects,” Baron Quaid explained.

[Winter Bear Blanket] (First-Order Castle): A blanket made from winter bear fur, warm and insulating, comfortable to the touch, and imbued with the Castle Aspect, capable of slightly resisting erosion.

Although its rank wasn’t particularly high, its feel and appearance were exceptionally good, likely costing a considerable amount to produce, indicating a very thoughtful gift.

After a slight hesitation, Hylial nodded and accepted, “Thank you, I will make good use of it.”

Passing through layers of people, responding to each greeting, it was an hour later by the time Hylial reached the center of the banquet and met Viscount Xuefeng. The maid behind her was already carrying a variety of gifts.

Upon seeing Viscount Xuefeng, he nodded appreciatingly at Hylial, then raised his hand, and the banquet gradually fell silent.

“Distinguished guests, today I proudly present the beautiful Miss Lia, an outstanding talent from our Burntstone City…” He then showered the girl with praise, describing her diligent studies with Scholar Hyde, her kindness, generosity, and beauty, praising her in almost every aspect.

These praises were almost Hylial’s first time hearing such, making her wonder if the Viscount truly enjoyed discovering people’s merits or simply possessed excellent eloquence.

Facing such praise, the guests present nodded in agreement, chiming in. Madame Kalay even stepped forward and added more, essentially stating that Lia was Madame Faran’s excellent student and considered her heir.

These words made the guests at the scene take her even more seriously, and their expressions became even more enthusiastic.

Hylial spent the entire evening in various social engagements and conversations. It wasn’t until night deepened and the party ended, with many guests departing, that she finally relaxed.

“You’ve worked hard, child.” Viscountess Xuefeng came over, draped a warm light coat over Hylial, and pulled her to sit beside her, sharing many stories: her experiences when she was young, and the expectations of her two children now in Whitecliff City.

“If Lia returns someday, you should have much in common and become good friends,” she sighed.

Finally, Hylial bid farewell to the lady, left the castle, and, escorted by several guards, boarded a carriage and slowly returned to the mansion.

…

On the last day, Hylial sat in her room, sorting through the things she needed to bring, while Talil helped her fold clothes.

“Should I bring this outfit?” Talil picked up a cotton dress that looked rather plain.

This was the outfit she had bought with the merchant Van der Heath’s money when she first arrived in this world.

“Keep it.” Although not particularly valuable, it held sentimental meaning. Hylial folded this dress together with the simple white long dress she wore when she awoke and placed them in the box.

Considering the limited luggage she could take, she had to carefully select what to bring.

The formal dresses that Madame Faran previously made for her were too elaborate and delicate to be folded and stacked, so she only chose two relatively simple summer dresses and day dresses to bring.

For other winter and summer clothes, she also picked out a set that was not too conspicuous but still fit well and was comfortable.

In addition, she brought the bubble grass she had previously found, the cultivated white camellia tea leaves, many books she had bought before, her own notes, and so on.

Aside from clothes and shoes, there were also transcendent creations, including:

[Woodland Badge] (Second-Order glorious moon)

[Quadrangular Flower Lantern] (Second-Order Rare)

[Sunseed Oil (Refined)] (Second-Order Blazing Sun), six bottles

[Jade Tree Spirit Sword] (First-Order Excellent), two swords

[Winter Bear Blanket] (First-Order Castle)

[Fire Cloud Orchid Flower] (First-Order Emerald Honey), two blossoms

[Swan Orchid] (First-Order Emerald Honey), one blossom

[White Camellia Tea Leaves] (First-Order Emerald Honey), three packets

[White Stone Chess Piece] (First-Order Castle)

[Shading Cloak] (First-Order Mist Shadow)

Among them, the [Sunseed Oil (Refined)] was a gift from Madame Faran, and the [Shading Cloak] was a black hooded coat gifted by Viscount Xuefeng according to Hylial’s needs.

After packing everything individually, Madame Faran also gave her 200 Gold Coins for her journey, as well as a letter of introduction.

“Give this letter to a member of the ‘Four Seasons Alliance’, and you will receive some preferential treatment,” Madame Faran said.

“Although it won’t directly get you into the Four Seasons Alliance, they will consider your application carefully, so it won’t be completely ignored.”

“The Four Seasons Alliance is a large organization. Although I am a third-rank Gardener, I am only a member of a peripheral organization, so my influence is limited.”

“After you go to Hidden Grove, remember to wear that badge. It will command respect and prevent you from being easily bullied, understand?” Although Hylial was quite capable, her gentle appearance made it hard to imagine her as someone with high combat power.

“Yes, I understand.” Hylial listened to her teacher’s instructions like a child going on a long journey.

“That’s about it. After you settle down there, remember to write and tell me which Hidden Grove you are in.” Madame Faran was starting to feel a little reluctant to part with this beloved apprentice.

It was rare to meet such an excellent child, and although she was usually a rather indifferent person, she found it difficult to let go this time.

However, a child who always lives in a greenhouse can never truly grow, so they need to experience things for themselves.

“One last thing to tell you,” Madame Faran thought.

“Striving for success is good, but remember not to be reckless. With your talent, given time and patience, you will eventually reach my current achievements, and probably even go further.”

“That’s all. Say goodbye to Scholar Hyde before you leave tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

Hylial had a sleepless night, and it wasn’t until late, leaning against the pillow, that she slowly drifted off to sleep.

(End of Chapter)