The Cornflower Witch Chapter 261

Inside the carriage, Sylphidya sat with her eyes closed, her hands naturally clasped.

The carriage drove out of the inn and headed towards the main street. Along the way, the lights flickered, and the sounds of the night market, the boisterous tavern, the roaring flames, and people’s conversations seeped through the cracks in the carriage window into the small vehicle.

The curtains swayed gently in the night breeze, occasionally letting through streaks of lamplight that briefly illuminated the young girl’s face, like a fleeting glimpse of a startled swan.

Unconsciously, the carriage slowly stopped, and the accompanying rider gently tapped on the carriage door.

“Lady Tiya, the City Lord’s mansion has arrived.”

“Mhm.”

Then the carriage door opened, and Sylphidya, with her straight black hair, gently stepped out, holding her skirt. Before her was a straight path leading to the banquet hall, lined with Anti soldiers. Compared to the garrison in Scorched Stone City, these soldiers were clearly much more disciplined.

Accompanied by her maid, Sylphidya walked slowly forward. Other carriages occasionally arrived on the road and also took this path.

By the time she reached the main entrance of the mansion, she could already hear the sounds of numerous musical instruments and singing and dancing from within.

The maid handed the invitation letter to the guards at the gate, and then someone went in to announce her arrival.

“Please come in, Miss Tiya.”

A man dressed as a butler came down the steps to greet her. Judging by the embroidery on his lapel, this was likely the ‘Baron Cerberus” family butler, not a military official.

The large white doors opened, and bright light streamed out from within, illuminating the young girl standing at the entrance. Her flawless complexion and fair skin seemed to be covered in a faint halo, making her appear as beautiful as porcelain.

“Thank you,” the young girl gently said, then stepped into the banquet.

After she entered, the butler bowed back, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure for a long time.

“She is a true lady. I’m afraid there’s no one in the Anti Imperial City who can compare to her.” He was unaware of the young girl’s background, only surprised that his master could invite such a unique and extraordinary girl.

Intricate golden chandeliers hung down, and the candlelight refracted through the faceted crystals, creating dazzling sparks that illuminated the entire hall.

The banquet had already begun, with many guests chatting and socializing. Most were celebrities from Stream Valley City, with a smaller number of Anti nobles and high-ranking officers.

Although the music at the banquet was beautiful and soothing, most of the guests were anxious. Some worried about future changes in the situation, some feared the general who had yet to appear tonight, some lamented the changing times, and so on. Only a few Anti officers seemed happy, chatting loudly, and occasionally clinking glasses with smiles.

Sylphidya walked through the hall, her gaze sweeping around, preparing to find a seat and wait. However, someone had already spotted her and was approaching.

“Hello, beautiful lady, I am Glenfins, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The blond young man wore a sharp dark red military uniform.

“Hello, you can call me Sylphidya,” the young girl nodded slightly.

“I wonder, Sylphidya, do you have a dance partner tonight? If not, I would be honored to fill the role,” he suggested with confidence and charm.

Looking at him, the young girl shook her head slightly. “Thank you, but I don’t need one tonight.”

It must be said that Officer Glenfins was indeed very handsome. If it were any other girl, she would probably be smitten, the young girl thought to herself, then walked to the seat she had chosen and gently sat down.

Glenfins was not discouraged by the young girl’s refusal. Instead, he followed her and sat at the table next to hers. However, Sylphidya had already closed her eyes to rest, not intending to respond to any words.

Seeing this, Glenfins did not want to break the quiet. He simply drank his wine slowly, occasionally glancing at Sylphidya’s profile across from him, guessing at the young girl’s background and origins.

Time slowly passed. Many people at the banquet tried to strike up a conversation, but Glenfins intercepted them, saying that the young girl needed rest and quiet.

Sylphidya did not respond, nor did she object.

Stream Valley City was once the center of the southwestern Regas, with rivers connecting north and south, and vast fertile lands. It had always been an important grain-producing area in the south. The City Lord who ruled Stream Valley City at that time was one of the powerful Earls of Regas. Many small nobles in the surrounding areas would also make their homes here, only returning to their territories to collect taxes.

However, with the demise of Regas, the situation had long since changed. Now there are no Regas nobles here, and even the nobles of the Anti Kingdom were purged as traitors in recent battles. The highest-ranking people here are now the high-ranking officers under Katchis, followed by the city’s wealthy and famous figures.

Because of this, Glenfins could easily deter many guests, and no one dared to force their way through.

As the night deepened, the invited guests had arrived, and just as some people were getting anxious, a sharp voice came from outside the main entrance.

“Lord Katchis arrives—”

This proclamation caused the entire hall to pause. The lively banquet suddenly felt as if the freezing waters of the North Sea had been poured in, chilling to the bone.

Surrounded by a group of knights, Katchis, wearing his military saber and boots, stepped into the brightly lit banquet hall. Behind him, knights in gleaming silver armor and dark red cloaks followed, like a pride of lions entering a pasture full of rabbits and sheep. Wherever they went, guests lowered their heads, and not a sound was heard.

At this moment, Glenfins also stood up, standing rigidly. When Katchis passed the centerline he was facing from a distance, the young officer immediately stood at attention, lowering his head with a strong movement.

On the scene, officers like Glenfins all did the same, displaying far greater discipline than ordinary people when Katchis passed by.

Facing such a scene, the Anti people were naturally proud, while the Regas people present only felt a heavy heart, lowering their heads and saying nothing.

Afterward, Katchis walked onto the platform and surveyed the entire banquet hall. Nearly all the guests present were standing. The reason for “nearly” rather than “all” was that one figure was still seated in the corner, not having risen.

The observant general immediately spotted the unique young girl. Just as the knights behind him began to stir with anger, ready to move forward, he raised his hand, stopping his subordinates’ actions.

“She has the right to sit there,” Katchis said, a look of interest on his face.

Unlike the mediocre guests present, Katchis had already sensed the true Tier level of the young girl. Although she was only in Tier 3, considering her appearance and age, as well as the particularity of her Aspect, her strength and talent were truly exceptional.

“I have always been generous in showing respect to true talents.” He reiterated to the knight beside him. Then, the general’s gaze swept over everyone present again and he spoke.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m delighted that everyone could attend this banquet as arranged.”

It was clearly a welcoming speech, yet it gave everyone the feeling of being watched by a beast, making them uneasy. Soon, their premonition would be confirmed.

“In the past two years, Stream Valley City has undergone many changes,”

“From Regas to Anti, from noble rule to military administration, you all must have experienced a lot.”

“I am not a cruel person, but as a military man appointed by the King, I have the responsibility and duty to maintain the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and ensure that all are united under the great King Attila.”

“I believe you are all loyal people and agree with my thoughts. Do you all agree?” After speaking, his sharp gaze swept across the faces of everyone present.

The former wealthy and famous figures in Stream Valley City all broke out in cold sweat. When Prince Jobs ruled Stream Valley City, being Regas people, they naturally sided with the prince’s victory. Coupled with the fact that Prince Jobs invited them to contribute people and money during that period, they had no room to refuse.

These actions, when the Anti people took over Stream Valley City again, naturally became unpardonable sins. However, due to the large number of people involved, Katchis had not specifically mentioned it before.

Now, with such a prominent mention of the matter today, they would likely have to pay a heavy price to avoid disaster.

“Of course, we recognize Lord Katchis’s intentions.” A wealthy man from Stream Valley City was the first to raise his glass in agreement.

After that, others also chimed in.

“We are loyal to the Anti Kingdom and look up to the greatness of King Attila.” A group of people bowed in agreement.

“Me too…”

“How valiant and loyal Lord Katchis is! He is truly a role model for us…” various flattering and echoing voices rang out.

In response, Katchis merely smiled faintly, then raised a hand, bringing silence to the room once more.

“Since everyone is so loyal, I believe we can quickly fulfill King Attila’s will.” Then he changed the subject.

“Now, the rogue rebels of Regas are entrenched in the Three-pronged Forest to the southeast. They are the weak and despicable enemies preventing our allegiance to King Attila.”

“I cannot monopolize the credit for clearing out these villains; it is a shared honor for me and all of you. I believe you are all brave individuals who will be willing to join me in breaking through their nests and annihilating them.”

“This…”

“We are not adept at combat…”

Hearing this, everyone felt uneasy. Could Katchis want them to follow the army into battle? But most of them were not combat professions; some had not even condensed their Aspects. rashly participating in war would probably result in…

Seeing everyone hesitate, Katchis sneered and continued to speak.

“Everyone, are you still hesitating? Have you forgotten what you just said? Are you trying to make fun of the great King Attila?”

In these three consecutive questions, each sound was louder than the last. With each word, the knights behind him drew their swords an inch further, and an invisible aura of Aspect spread, imprisoning the entire banquet hall.

The oppressive pressure in the entire venue was as heavy as water, making it difficult to breathe.

“We are willing to follow Lord Katchis and clear the path for King Attila.” An old resident of Stream Valley City, unable to bear the pressure, knelt down and swore allegiance.

After this, others followed suit. As more and more people joined, those who remained standing gathered many gazes, and the pressure increased, especially when Katchis’s cold gaze turned towards them. Even the most resolute among them trembled and slowly bent down.

“Very good, very good. I will remember what you all said today.”

“The army will depart in two days. Please prepare your armor and weapons and report to the barracks in advance. You will all become the King’s swords and shields, and I look forward to your performance.”

“Now, the banquet is dismissed.”

As his voice fell, the people present finally breathed a sigh of relief. One by one, they wiped the sweat from their foreheads and quickly got up to leave the public hall.

About three minutes later, most of the guests had left, with only the high-ranking Anti military officers remaining.

At this time, Katchis gave a few instructions to the knights behind him, and then they dispersed, leaving the venue.

Soon, the orchestra on one side of the hall began to play music again, and Katchis strode towards a corner of the banquet, where the seated figure remained motionless and unmoving.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Sylphidya slowly opened her eyes. Glenfins was already standing to one side, awaiting the general’s arrival.

Taking big steps to the seat opposite Sylphidya, the general turned around and sat down imposingly. Raising his wrist, Glenfins quickly poured him a glass of deep red wine.

“May I know your name, Miss?”

“My name is Sylphidya.” The young girl turned to face the impeccably dressed general.

“A very good name,” he said, closing his eyes and sipping the wine, savoring its taste.

“What brings you here?” he asked very directly.

“To visit an old friend.” Sylphidya answered just as directly.

“A very honest answer, I like it.” He put down his wine glass.

“Miss Sylphidya, what path do you cultivate?”

“Jade Honey, horticulturist.”

“It’s a pity. I think you would achieve greater success if you switched to a combat-related profession.”

“If I could have someone as beautiful as you accompany me on the battlefield, it would undoubtedly be a wonderful thing.”

“That’s a shame, I’m not good at fighting,” the young girl shook her head slightly.

“It’s alright, people change slowly. Just like how I used to dislike everything about Regas, but now, I’ve suddenly fallen for someone.” His eyes met the young girl’s eyebrows.

“Is that so? That must be someone Lord Katchis greatly admires,” Sylphidya avoided his extremely direct gaze.

“Hehe, Miss Sylphidya’s statement is very interesting. Why do you think that my liking someone means I admire them?”

“Because General Katchis would never like weak people. The person you like must be very powerful, someone you admire. Am I not right?”

A round of applause echoed through the empty hall. Katchis then lowered his hand and turned to the young officer standing behind him.

“You see, Glenfins, this is a beautiful and incredibly intelligent girl. She can easily guess your thoughts, and if she wishes, she can make you feel supreme pleasure.”

Upon hearing this comment, Sylphidya gently covered her eyebrows with her fingers, shaking her head, somewhat disinclined to continue conversing with the Anti general in front of her.

After a brief back and forth, their conversation returned to the main topic.

“Since Miss Sylphidya has come to Stream Valley City to visit a friend, I shouldn’t meddle in your private affairs. However, as a follower of King Attila, I also have the duty to recommend talented individuals to the King.”

“If Miss Sylphidya is willing, I would personally present your letter and recommend you to the Anti Imperial City to become a royal horticulturist. There, you can witness many magnificent sights and wonders, enjoy treatment that Regas cannot provide, consult the secret archives of the imperial library, acquire unimaginable arcane knowledge, and learn many ancient forbidden histories, glimpsing the truth behind this world.”

This promise, for a foreigner encountered for the first time, was indeed generous. Furthermore, it was personally guaranteed by Katchis. If Sylphidya were to betray or commit a major error in the future, he, as the recommender, would also be implicated.

While the conditions offered by the other party were indeed excellent, they held little appeal for Sylphidya at the moment. Her status and position within the Forest Land already surpassed that of an ordinary horticulturist, and furthermore, she had no desire to become embroiled in the conflicts between the various southern nations.

“I apologize, but I already have other plans for my future path. Thank you, Lord Katchis.”

Katchis looked at Sylphidya’s face, unmoving for a long while. After about ten seconds, he slowly spoke.

“It seems Miss Sylphidya has made up her mind; I arrived a step too late.”

“Since that’s the case, I have a small request for Miss Sylphidya.”

“In three months, it will be Queen Moanda’s birthday. I hope Miss Sylphidya can help me cultivate a special and beautiful flower to present as a gift to the Queen.”

“Of course, the reward will not be small.”

This request seemed very simple. If it were other gardeners, they would probably agree easily and readily. But Sylphidya’s heart was clear; she knew very well the consequences of agreeing.

If she, as a person who openly belonged to Regas territory, offered a gift to the Anti Queen, even if she did not swear allegiance, it would be a public declaration of her willingness to join and show goodwill. After such an expression of inclination, it would be difficult for her to gain the trust of the local Regas forces. Although she had never cared about such things, this act of being forced to take a side and being used still made Sylphidya feel disgusted.

As expected, he was a famous general renowned throughout Anti, and not easy to deal with. Every conversation with him felt like a confrontation.

“My flower only wishes to bloom quietly and does not wish to participate in such grand occasions. I ask Lord Katchis to seek out someone more capable.”

Katchis showed no surprise at this, as if he had already anticipated the young girl’s answer.

“What a pity. I had originally hoped to see how beautiful Miss Sylphidya’s flower would be. If it had even a third of your beauty, it would be worth remembering for a lifetime,” he replied with a feigned sigh.

“Since Sylphidya is unwilling to help, then feel free to stay in Stream Valley City for a while longer. Regas is quite unstable right now, and Stream Valley City, where I am, will surely protect you and ensure you are undisturbed.” Although this was merely a suggestion, given Katchis’s consistently assertive style, it might also be a warning.

It seems that if she didn’t want to get into a conflict and fight with him today, she would probably have to stay in Stream Valley City for some time.

Sylphidya herself could certainly retreat unharmed, but the merchant group members who came with her, as well as Karen, might not be so lucky.

Considering these factors, Sylphidya nodded slightly, provisionally accepting his suggestion. Anyway, she didn’t have anything particularly urgent to do recently, so staying here with Karen for a while would also allow her to consolidate her various abilities and arcana at Tier 3.

Later, if a conflict that absolutely required fighting were to arise, she would be better prepared to handle it.