Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

Chapter 1382 62: The Two with a Strange Rapport

The sky was drifting with snow, and indoors, the fireplace burned. For many residents of the city, this winter might be the most peaceful and blissful winter they've had. They didn't need to worry about food, nor did the cold hinder their sleep. The brick-built houses were so warm and comfortable that they could sit inside the room and look out at the snow-fallen world through the glass.

The third floor of the tavern, unlike the bustling and noisy first two floors, was relatively quieter and had fewer people. Occasionally, a cold wind seeped in through the window gaps.

However, some people have different preferences, and willingly stayed in this relatively quiet place.

"Here is your tea and bread." A server in the tavern, carrying a tray, came up from the stairs and placed a pot of freshly brewed tea and baked bread on the table.

"Alright, thank you." The man sitting by the window took out a Star Coin that was in circulation and placed it on the table.

After checking and confirming, the server put it away and then informed the man that he could sit here until evening and if he wanted to order something else in the meantime, he could ring the bell at the stairway entrance.

"I know."

Afterwards, the server left, and the place returned to silence. Besides him, there were only four people here: two sitting in the corner, reading and studying, occasionally jotting down notes; and an elderly man of the Gray Feather Species leisurely drinking tea while watching the scenery outside the window.

He lifted the teapot and, accompanied by a gurgling sound, poured the brewed black tea into a cup. The man picked it up and took a small sip, looking exceptionally at ease.

Unlike the common black-haired and blonde-haired among others, he had auburn hair. Because the color was somewhat mottled, it seemed a bit messy. He wore a thick brown cloth coat with the demeanor of a long-distance traveler. In fact, he had indeed arrived in this city recently.

As he enjoyed the bread along with the hot tea, the elderly man who had been sitting by the window came over and sat down in front of him.

"Young man, you don't look like a local." The Gray Feather elder had neatly combed gray hair and wore an old-fashioned suit, appearing as someone very particular.

"Yes, I just arrived not long ago." The man answered casually, continuing to eat the bread and occasionally sipping the hot tea to avoid choking, without any intention to pour tea for the other.

The Gray Feather elder didn't mind this; he brought over the teapot from his original table.

"Would you like some Lindsay's Black Tea? This is one of my past treasures." Hearing the name, one could tell the elder must have been a wealthy person from Shilin Mountain Castle.

"No, thank you."

Seeing that the man didn't play along, the Gray Feather elder was somewhat annoyed but straightforwardly spoke.

"Young man, where do you come from? In my many years, I've seen many species, but none with your auburn hair."

"Is hair color such an important thing?" The man seemed indifferent.

"It's certainly important. From a certain perspective, hair color represents your genes, your identity, your past, and even your future mission." The Gray Feather elder spoke philosophical profundities.

"Well, that's really troubling. With a mixed hair color like mine, it's unlikely I'll become anyone significant." The man finished the bread and took the cup to sip.

Seeing his reluctance to speak further, the Gray Feather elder changed tactics, "It seems you are also a cautious person. It's no wonder, everyone has their guard up when they're out and about."

"How about this, I can tell you some things you might want to know. In exchange, you answer the questions I'm curious about."

Finally, hearing these words, the man started to pay attention to the Gray Feather elder before him.

"Are all of you Gray Feather Species so eager for knowledge? Alright, I'll agree to your proposal; it's a leisure moment anyway."

"Earlier, you asked where I was from. I'm from the North, far, far north, probably the ever-frozen land."

"That sounds like the Arctic Circle." The Gray Feather elder mentioned the geographical term.

"Alright, now it's your turn to ask." The elder let the man speak.

"I want to know, was this city truly built under the leadership of a young girl? It sounds incredible."

"That's undoubtedly true. Hexia's achievements are known to all. During her time studying at Shilin Mountain Castle, she exhibited astounding wisdom and extensive knowledge. With a leader as wise as her, nothing is impossible." Gray Feather Species generally revered people who are wise and virtuous.

"What you've said is different from what I heard downstairs in the tavern last night. Those drunk Wolf Blood Species were saying Hexia is a powerful woman, having defeated their former Queen, so now all races of the grassland submit."

"Those wolf pups know nothing but fighting; when have they ever accomplished anything?" The Gray Feather elder showed disdain. In the past, despite not having as many people as the Wolf Blood King Camp, Shilin Mountain Castle was better developed.

"Judging by your appearance, you must have been to many places; if you have seen a bit more, you would know that sheer strength is insufficient to establish a large organization and power." The Gray Feather elder poured himself some tea, savoring it.

"Forget about managing a city; even handling a settlement of a hundred people isn't simple."

"Yes, I've been to many places and know that it's not easy. So, upon hearing tales of Lady Hexia, I found it hard to believe."

"So you traveled thousands of miles just to come over?" The elder was curious.

"I must have walked over a thousand miles."

"Tsk tsk, is news spreading that fast?" The Gray Feather elder shook his head.

"Of course, ordinary dissemination wouldn't be so quick, but I have a friend, a student taught by my teacher. She informed me through letters about the changes occurring on the grassland." The man explained his reason for coming without holding back.

"I inherited the knowledge my teacher passed down, along with many books. In the history and stories he knew about various races, no one like her had appeared. I was also very curious, so I came."

"No, no, mere curiosity isn't enough to explain why you traveled so far to get here." The Gray Feather elder wagged his finger.

"To seek afar, to pursue wide."

"You must have a grander goal for which you specifically came here; such long-distance travel isn't something explained and made credible by mere curiosity."

"Since you mentioned inheriting your teacher's knowledge, did he explain why your hair is auburn?" The Gray Feather elder still persisted with the topic.

"From your expression, I gather you might not know what it represents. Let me be blunt."

"Newborn Races are generally artificially created, and when designing genes — whether for the pursuit of aesthetics or simplicity — there wouldn't be such mottled hair colors. Hence, Newborn Races usually have purer hair colors, either typical black or blonde or slightly outstanding silver, gray, purple, or even rare sea blue."

"Auburn is often a gene expression found in original humans. It's an imperfect product of natural evolution. If you don't know your origin or possess any special abilities, then you are most likely an original human; that is — you haven't undergone any gene design and have the mottled hair expression of the old human species." The Gray Feather elder whispered some kind of truth.

"But as far as I know, the last organization of original human species has already perished hundreds of years ago; nowadays, there are only various Rescue Associations that have inherited their spirit, whose gene couldn't be called truly original human anymore." The Gray Feather elder continued.

"You said you're from the distant north; something suddenly occurred to me."

"The coldest place also makes the perfect planetary freezer, preserving many past remnants." The Gray Feather elder enthusiastically proclaimed his speculation.

After listening, the man held the empty teacup for a long while before cautiously asking.

"Could you tell me your name?"

"Boenhardt Clementine, or you may call me the 'Gray Feather Scholar'." The elder switched from his previous exaggerated manner to become reserved and serious.

"In that case, let me also tell you about my background."

"I am the heir of the 34th Sage, Lindsay." The man placed down the teacup.

"Do you think I would believe that?" The Gray Feather elder expressed incredulity.

"Then do you think I would believe it?" The man retorted, as the playful elder didn't seem like the legendary 'Gray Feather Scholar.'

Finished speaking, the two exchanged smiles, extending their hands to shake. Luckily, no outsiders saw this scene; otherwise, rumor about this odd pair would surely circulate in the city.

"I want to meet Hexia." The man stated his intention.

"It's what I wish to do as well." Between them rose a strange sense of camaraderie again.

They had come seeking many answers, and Hexia might also find answers to other questions from them.

Who created this isolated environment? Over the millennium, how many times had civilization revived, and where did they ultimately go?