The Cornflower Witch Chapter 87

Chapter 87

The Start of a New Year

Viscount Xuefeng’s Manor

“My Lord, Miss Iona has not come out of her room for three days,” a servant reported to Viscount Xuefeng.

The middle-aged nobleman sitting behind his desk looked up. He lowered his spectacles and walked to the window, gazing at the distant tall tower within the castle.

“Her affinity is still there, not weakened or gone,” the Viscount instructed his subordinate not to disturb her for now.

“If Iona hasn’t come out in three days, then report to me again.”

“Yes, My Lord,” the servant withdrew.

Soon, only Viscount Xuefeng remained in the room, his gaze fixed on the distant tower.

There are only half a month left until the assessment, Iona, what exactly are you preparing for? Do you always have higher expectations for yourself?

Such an urgent state of mind is not a good thing.

…

After regaining mastery of the [Blooming Flower Method], Hylial felt a sense of relief; at least, she wouldn’t be so anxious about the assessment in half a month.

Over the past month, she wondered what changes Komia and the others had experienced. The winter break ended tomorrow, and she expected to see them again at Scholar Hyde’s.

The next day, Hylial once again put on a relatively simple long dress, with her dyed black hair, and entered the classroom.

Many classmates hadn’t changed at all in a month, merely wearing slightly thicker clothes and winter hats.

“Hi, Balun, how have you been?” A fellow noble student greeted Balun, who had just entered.

The young noble, second only to Iona in class, ran a hand through his golden hair at his temple and made a triumphant gesture.

“I recently learned ‘Steel Edge Blade,’ so you all better watch out.” He didn’t advance in the Blood Discipline but chose the most common noble path of ‘Castle.’

“Wow, Balun actually didn’t waste his vacation? That’s surprising.”

“Heh, of course. My dad said if I pass the second stage of the assessment, he’ll buy me a Northern warhorse. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.”

“Once I have a warhorse, and with my shiny armor, I’ll be as handsome as a knight from the Royal Capital,” Balun bragged.

“Really? Don’t forget us then. I also want to see what a magnificent Northern warhorse looks like. I heard the best warhorses are imported from the Kingdom of Winter, while some domestic ones are crossbred and not pure-blooded.”

The group chatted, and the conversation soon turned to various anecdotes in noble circles.

…

Hylial sat by the window at the back of the classroom, not reading but staring blankly at the snowy scene outside, seemingly lost in thought.

“Lia~” Komia’s familiar voice suddenly rang out, and then a cold hand pressed against the girl’s cheek.

“It’s so cold, Komia.” The girl held the other’s fingers with both hands, then turned her head.

“I saw you spacing out. What were you thinking about?” Komia was wearing adorable rabbit-shaped earmuffs today.

“Thinking about the future,” the girl blinked.

If she went to Hidden Grove, she would probably be separated from her companions.

“I see. Well, think about it later then,” Komia winked at the girl.

“Today’s happiness mustn’t be delayed by other things.”

“Okay, so what happiness do we have today?” Hylial replied with a smile.

“Your happiness today is seeing me~” Komia held up two fingers, mimicking a rabbit.

“Aren’t I cute?”

“A little.”

“Hmph, Lia is still like this, not very generous with compliments,” Komia playfully poked Hylial’s nose.

While they were interacting, Kaelen and Mick entered the classroom one after another.

Among the two, Kaelen’s hairstyle had changed, becoming shorter and more efficient than before, while the tattered iron sword Mick used to carry at his waist was now replaced with a fine steel longsword.

During the break, Kaelen successfully entered ‘Level 1 – Blood Discipline’ and also initially learned the ‘Eagle Eye’ ability. Her knuckles were now long and strong, and even though her physique wasn’t robust, she had the powerful feel of a leopard.

On the other side, Mick briefly recounted his holiday experiences.

“Brother Jero and I participated in several missions and had a good harvest.”

“Where’s Lei?”

“I don’t know, maybe he forgot about class today,” someone speculated.

Just before class, Lei finally arrived. Compared to before the winter break, he had lost a little weight, and his skin was darker, but his eyes were much brighter and more spirited.

“Where did you go this holiday?” Mick was curious about the changes in Lei.

“I went to learn from Muiyan the Blacksmith,” Lei rubbed his messy hair, a little embarrassed.

“Isn’t that blacksmith very temperamental?” Mick knew the blacksmith’s reputation.

“Scholar Hyde took me there. He talked a lot with Uncle Muiyan, and they have a good relationship…”

After listening to Lei’s narration, everyone realized that Muiyan the Blacksmith was also a student of Scholar Hyde in his youth, no wonder his recommendation was so effective.

As the most experienced and reputable scholar in Burntstone City, he had guided and educated generations of outstanding young people in the surrounding areas. It was only then that everyone suddenly realized how widespread the influence of the kind old man was in Burntstone City.

Many professionals, even if not taught by Scholar Hyde himself, were mostly students of his students.

The discussions among the students didn’t last long, as the school bell rang in the courtyard. Soon, Scholar Hyde appeared, dragging his thick robes, accompanied by his current official apprentice, Jero.

Walking to the wooden platform in front of the classroom, the old man with a long beard slowly sat down with Jero’s support, then looked at the students below. Compared to before the winter break, he seemed to have aged a bit more.

“Long time no see, children.” He raised a hand to greet them, then introduced the schedule for the semester.

…

“Since many of you have officially entered Level 1, I must now explain some more urgently needed secret knowledge to you.”

“However, everyone’s situation is different. After class, you can come to me, and I will individually analyze and plan for you.”

“Yes, teacher.”

“Alright, now let’s continue to discuss the early Covenant Epoch, and the paths of various forces and nations rising on the continent…”

…

During the morning break, students gathered in pairs and groups in the courtyard, socializing and having fun. Occasionally, some would discuss current events.

“Iona didn’t come today.”

“She didn’t come on the first day of school? That’s too disrespectful to the teacher.”

“She’s a noble young lady, after all,” someone scoffed sarcastically.

“Oh, if only I had a father who was a Viscount, how wonderful that would be, to live a life without worries every day.”

…

In a corridor not far from the courtyard, Hylial straightened her clothes slightly, then gently knocked on the door and entered Scholar Hyde’s study.

“Teacher, did you call for me?” Jero had come over just now and asked Hylial to go to Scholar Hyde’s study.

“Yes.”

The old man looked up from his desk and leaned back in his chair, beckoning Hylial.

“Come here. I wanted to talk to you about something today.”

Hylial then walked over with some curiosity and stood beside him.

“Another winter is about to pass,” Scholar Hyde turned his chair to face the courtyard outside the window.

“When the wheat seedlings in the fields grow, emissaries from Hidden Grove will come to verify and test the outstanding young people of Burntstone City, selecting the most promising ones to enter Hidden Grove.”

“This is how they recruit new members, and it is also an obligation of the local nobility.”

“Obligation?”

Does that mean nobles have additional obligations besides pledging allegiance to the royal family? the girl wondered.

“Yes, this world is vast, and while the power of the monarchy is great, it is not invincible. It still requires the support of many other forces to maintain the current peaceful order,” Scholar Hyde gazed into the distance.

“In its early days, the Regas Duchy encountered many difficulties, and it was with their help that these were resolved, allowing them to truly establish themselves on this southern border of the continent. Cough, cough.” He coughed after speaking.

Hylial already knew this much.

“In return, or rather, as payment settled at the time, the various regions of the Regas Duchy must periodically provide excellent and promising young people to Hidden Grove.”

“Hidden Grove is a very dangerous place. Many young people who go there each year die or are injured, and less than 20% can return alive after five years. Most noble children are actually unwilling to go there.”

“However, as I just said, if they are talented and capable descendants of nobility, they will still try to go there to obtain valuable secret knowledge and various resources. For commoners of humble origins, it is the only place where they can start on an equal footing with nobles.”

“Compared to mundane organizations, it values personal talent and ability over lineage. As long as you can demonstrate your strengths, you will receive corresponding rewards, and that rich environment is also the fastest place for superhumans to advance and grow.”

“Risks and rewards coexist; it just depends on your personal choice. With your intelligence, you should easily understand this.” After saying this, he looked at the girl beside him.

“Among this cohort of students, there are many excellent children, but you and Iona are particularly special, far surpassing your peers.”

“In other words, if you are interested in competing for a spot, the final candidates will be among you.”

“Are you planning to compete for a spot, or will you choose not to participate and continue studying with Madame Faran?” He asked the girl for her thoughts.

“I want to participate,” Hylial replied.

“Oh, why aren’t you being discreet this time?” Scholar Hyde playfully teased her.

“Well, I guess I’ve found something I truly want,” the girl replied with a hint of embarrassment.

“Alright. If you have any remaining doubts about Hidden Grove, you can ask Madame Faran. As I’m from Candlefort and bound by an agreement, I cannot reveal much information to outsiders.”

“I understand.” The girl nodded, preparing to take her leave.

“Oh, by the way, after class, don’t go back directly. Come with me to Viscount Xuefeng’s castle.”

“To where?” Hylial was a little surprised.

“The assessment is approaching, after all. We need to introduce the excellent young people from the territory to the Viscount. Also, Iona has been ill recently,” he pondered for a moment.

“Perhaps you can visit her and foster some rapport. After all, you both have long lives ahead of you and are both very talented. Who knows, you might rely on each other in the future.”

“Iona gets sick too?” This wasn’t sarcasm, but rather a genuine surprise, as it was unlikely for a superhuman who had condensed a ‘Blazing Sun’ affinity to catch minor illnesses like a cold.

“Her situation is probably due to being too eager,” Scholar Hyde shook his head.

“She cares deeply about some things and can never truly let them go.”

“Lia, you… never mind, with your personality, such problems shouldn’t concern you.”

“It’s fine, go on.”

“Okay, see you later, Teacher.”

(End of Chapter)