The Cornflower Witch

Chapter 110: Farewell Banquet Before Departure

Sylutia once again arrived at Viscount Xuefeng's castle, though today she wore a pale yellow formal dress, her smooth silver hair tied up with a large, somewhat cute bow.

After arriving inside the castle by carriage, several maids respectfully guided her to the banquet within the castle.

Today, many notable figures from Scorchstone City had received invitations and attended. Among them were the presidents of several major guilds, a baron and his wife, and several wealthy merchants and high-tier professionals.

"Miss Tia has arrived."

The attendant's voice was not loud, but most people at the evening party could hear it, and they all turned their gazes toward the entrance.

Lightly lifting the hem of her dress with one hand, Sylutia walked in slowly. Although she felt somewhat uncomfortable with so many people focusing on her, she controlled her steps well, not showing any panic.

She politely bowed to everyone, and then, amidst the greetings and congratulations from the distinguished guests, the young girl stepped forward.

"So this is Miss Tia, truly beautiful and young."

"Oh, so this is Tia. Sister Franne really knows how to keep things hidden," someone complained with a laugh.

"Miss Tia, this way, please.""Miss Tia, this is a gift from our guild. Please accept it." An envelope was handed to the girl.

"Beautiful Miss Tia, this is my son. He has been disrespectful in the past. Please forgive him." Baron Quad pulled Baren over. The other party was clearly reluctant, looking off to the side.

But when he actually stood beside this girl, he was drawn in by Sylutia's soft, dreamlike beauty and became somewhat embarrassed.

"It's fine. Classmate Baren is also very outstanding." Although he was a bit domineering and proud, overall, Baren really hadn't done anything bad, and Sylutia didn't harbor much ill will toward him.

Hearing this, Baren straightened his back, wearing a proud expression that said, "See, you get me." Seeing this, Baron Quad just smiled and slightly shook his head, patting his shoulder.

"I heard you will soon be heading to the Hidden Grove. I have also prepared a gift. Please accept it, Miss Tia." He signaled to the maid beside him, who then brought over a thick blanket.

The blanket was made of white fur, with neat, outlined patterns on the back. Its lines were simple and straight, like some kind of design blueprint.

"This blanket is sewn from Winter Bear fur. It's not only warm but also bears an imprint pattern of the 'Castle' Aspect, which can protect you and reduce interference and erosion from other Aspects," Baron Quad explained.

[Winter Bear Blanket] (First Tier · Castle): A blanket made from Winter Bear fur, providing warmth and insulation, comfortable to the touch, and possessing the Castle Aspect, capable of slightly blocking erosion.

Although its tier wasn't particularly high, its texture and appearance were exceptionally good. It probably cost a lot to make, showing genuine thoughtfulness.

Hesitating slightly, Sylutia nodded and accepted it. "Thank you. I will use it well."

Passing through layers of people, responding to each person who greeted her, by the time Sylutia reached the center of the banquet and saw Viscount Xuefeng, an hour had passed. The maid behind her was also carrying various gifts for her.

Upon seeing Viscount Xuefeng, he nodded appreciatively at Sylutia, then raised his hand. The entire banquet gradually quieted down.

"Everyone, today I would like to formally introduce to you all the beautiful Miss Tia, an outstanding talent of our Scorchstone City..." This was followed by a series of praises for the young girl, not only recounting her diligent study under Scholar Hyde but also saying she was helpful, gentle, kind, beautiful, etc., praising her in almost every aspect.

These compliments were almost the first time Sylutia had heard such things. Should one say this Viscount was truly keen on discovering people's merits, or did he simply have a silver tongue?

Faced with such praise, the guests on-site also nodded in agreement, offering a chorus of assent. Especially Madam Carrie, who stepped forward and spoke at length, the gist being that Tia was an outstanding student of Lady Franne, regarded by her as an heir, and so on.

These words made the guests present take her even more seriously, their expressions becoming even more enthusiastic.

For the entire evening, Sylutia spent her time in various social engagements and conversations. Only when night deepened, the party ended, and most guests had left was she able to relax.

"You've worked hard, child." The Viscountess Xuefeng walked over, draped a warm, thin coat over Sylutia, pulled her to sit to the side, and told her many things: her own experiences when she was young, the expectations of her two children now in White Cliff City, and so on.

"If Tia returns in the future, you should have much to talk about and could become good friends," she mused.

Finally, Sylutia bid farewell to the Viscountess, left the castle, and under the escort of several guards, boarded the carriage and slowly returned to the residence.

...

On the final day, Sylutia sat in her room, taking stock of the things she needed to bring. Talier, beside her, helped fold clothes.

"Should we bring this set of clothes?" Talier picked up a set of simple cotton clothes and skirt, which looked quite plain.

These were purchased for her by the merchant Vanderhey when she first arrived in this world.

"Take it." Although not valuable, it held some sentimental meaning. Sylutia folded this set of clothes together with the simple, pure white long dress she wore when she woke up and placed them in the trunk.

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

The formal dresses Lady Franne had previously ordered for her were too intricate and delicate, unsuitable for folding and stacking. She only chose two of the relatively simpler summer dresses and one-piece dresses to bring.

For other winter and summer clothes, she selected another set that wasn't too eye-catching but was comfortable and fit well.

Additionally, she brought the Bubblegrass she had found earlier, the cultivated White Camellia tea leaves, many books she had purchased before, her own notes, and so on.

Apart from clothes and shoes, there were the supernatural creations. These included:

[Hidden Grove Badge] (Second Tier · Luminous Moon)

[Four-Cornered Floral Lantern] (Second Tier · Rare)

[Sunflower Seed Oil (Refined)] (Second Tier · Blazing Sun), six bottles.

[Tree Jade Spirit Sword] (First Tier · Excellent), two.

[Winter Bear Blanket] (First Tier · Castle)

[Fire Glow Orchid] (First Tier · Verdant Nectar), two flowers.

[Swan Orchid] (First Tier · Verdant Nectar), one flower.

[White Camellia Tea Leaves] (First Tier · Verdant Nectar), three packets.

[White Stone Chess Piece] (First Tier · Castle)

[Light-Blocking Cloak] (First Tier · Mist Shadow)

Among these, the [Sunflower Seed Oil (Refined)] was a gift from Lady Franne. The [Light-Blocking Cloak] was a black hooded coat gifted by Viscount Xuefeng according to Sylutia's needs.

After packing everything one by one, Lady Franne also gave her 200 gold coins for use on the road and a letter of introduction.

"Give this letter to the personnel of the 'Four Seasons Alliance.' You will receive some preferential treatment," Lady Franne said.

"Although it cannot directly get you into the Four Seasons Alliance, they will carefully consider your application and not completely ignore it."

"The Four Seasons Alliance is a large organization. Although I am a Third Tier gardener, I am, after all, a member of a peripheral organization, so my influence is limited."

"After you go to the Hidden Grove, remember to wear that badge properly. This way, you will receive considerable attention and won't be easily bullied, understand?" Although Sylutia's strength was not weak, her gentle appearance made it hard to imagine she was someone with high combat prowess.

"Yes, I understand." Sylutia listened to her teacher's instructions like a child about to embark 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." Regarding this beloved apprentice, Lady Franne was beginning to feel reluctant to part.

It was rare to encounter such an outstanding child. Originally, she was a person of rather indifferent temperament, but this time, she also found it hard to let go.

However, a child who always lives in a greenhouse can never truly grow. She needed to let the other experience some things on her own.

"One last piece of advice for you." Lady Franne thought for a moment.

"Striving to be first is good, but remember not to be rash. With your talent, given time and patience, you will eventually achieve what I have, and perhaps even go further."

"That's all. Tomorrow before you depart, bid farewell to Scholar Hyde."

"Okay."

A sleepless night. Deep into the night, Sylutia finally leaned against her pillow and slowly fell asleep.