novelraw Book 2: Chapter 49: Returning to the Radiant Plains
Book 2: Chapter 49: Returning to the Radiant Plains
Book 2: Chapter 49: Returning to the Radiant Plains
The Cornflower Witch
Vol 2 Chapter 49 Returning to the Radiant Plains
"Ah, was it really that dangerous for you this time?"
On the night they returned to Berg Town, the team members gathered once more. As they reminisced and recounted their tale at the table, Pona couldn't help but cry out in surprise.
"Yes, it's a good thing you didn't come. Otherwise, you'd have been like us, almost crashing and burning." Bad Apple shook the small wine cup in his hand before downing the burning liquor inside.
"Whew—" He let out a long, heavy sigh, as if only that could expel the lingering thread of fear from his memory.
The other two were faring much better. Yan was continuously gnawing on a large roasted chicken leg, while Karl patiently fiddled with the crispy pie in front of him. As for Tia, she was currently curiously teasing the black cat in front of her.
"Do you need to eat anything?" She gently tapped the black cat's front paw with her finger, eliciting a coquettish meow from it.
Even though it was now a wraith, this black cat still retained its habits and memories from when it was alive.
Under Sylutia's careful petting, it rolled onto its side on the table, stretching its body, occasionally kneading the air with its front paws as if grasping at nothing.
After hearing the whole story, Pona also felt a lingering fear and was deeply grateful.
"I won't tease you about it this time. What else do you want to eat? I'll go prepare it."
"Really? Actually, I'd like to have roast suckling pig." Bad Apple suddenly switched from his previous sorrowful, sighing expression to one of excitement.
"Tsk, you really know how to make demands, Captain." She held out a hand.
"Pay up. I'll go buy the ingredients, but we can't make it today. You can eat it tomorrow."
"Forget it then, let's have roast goose instead." Bad Apple thought for a moment, fished a few gold coins from his pocket, and placed them in Pona's hand.
"This should be enough for the ingredients."
"No problem." Pona agreed readily.
And so, the next day, everyone gathered once more. This time, they spent the entire day at the small house where Pona lived, snacking, feasting, playing card games, chatting, and even, during a lull, Bad Apple sparred with Tia for a while.
In the courtyard, the two exchanged blows with wooden weapons. Neither used their Breathing Technique, relying purely on skill.
Watching Sylutia's incredibly light, yet coordinated and precise movements, which sent Bad Apple's weapon flying every single time, the spectators finally believed that this young girl's strength likely far surpassed everyone present.
"Not good enough, Captain. That's five losses in a row now. Keep it up." Pona deliberately teased and mocked from the sidelines.
Picking up his short sword again, Bad Apple shook his head.
"No good. Unless I resort to other methods, I simply can't gain the upper hand."
"Also, don't look at me like that. What I learned is a combat style similar to an assassin or thief's—a single, lethal strike. When it comes to prolonged, head-on fights, I'm definitely not as good as those specialized swordsmen or warriors."
"But, Tia isn't a warrior either. She's actually a gardener."
"Who says? I think Tia's combat skills are so proficient that most warriors can't reach this level." Bad Apple shook his head helplessly.
He had been with the Hidden Grove for several years now. He knew perfectly well what level his fellow apprentices of the same age were at. Even among those from his and the previous intake, few could reach Tia's level of mastery.
They sparred for a while longer before stopping to rest. It was already afternoon by then.
"It's really nice standing here enjoying the breeze." The group stood in the open space behind the small house, enclosed only by a low fence, from where they could see the peaceful town and cooking smoke in the distance.
"Want to say something?"
"Ah-ha, you're asking the wrong person. I'm not the type to get sentimental about the passing of time." Bad Apple gripped the fence with both hands, effortlessly flipped over it, and then leaned his lower back against the railing.
"But, let's meet up again next time. A day like this is truly enjoyable."
After spending this final day together, the team members headed to the town's teleportation array the next day, bidding each other farewell as they left.
"Tia." When Sylutia had packed her luggage and was also preparing to leave, Pona caught up to her and handed her a small booklet.
"This is a collection of recipes I've compiled. If you're interested, you can follow them to cook in the future."
"Okay, thank you, Sister Pona." Sylutia hugged the booklet to her chest, giving Pona a sweet smile.
"So lovely." Pona couldn't resist hugging the young girl again, taking in the faint, pleasant scent from her hair.
"Alright, take good care of yourself from now on. If you have time, you can come find me for some food. I'll probably be staying here for a while longer."
"Even if I leave later, you can send letters to 'Golden Orange Mountain Town.' That's where I often stayed during my First Tier days, and I still go back a few times every year."
"I understand." The girl nodded again to show she understood.
Then the two parted ways. Sylutia stepped into the pool beneath the tree and disappeared.
...
Her vision twisted before her, and when it cleared again, Sylutia found she had returned to the Glittergold Plains.
This was an elegant building constructed of white marble, standing not far from White Stone Fortress. Many apprentices and travelers were coming and going, passing through here.
Following others out of the pool, Sylutia, carrying her rather heavy suitcase, walked towards the fortress.
"Need a ride, Miss? One silver coin per person." Many carriages waited at the exit. Many apprentices couldn't be bothered to walk and simply boarded them.
"Mhm." After thinking for a moment, Tia took out a silver coin and handed it to the driver, then boarded the carriage with her luggage.
And so, she sat by the carriage window, watching the scenery outside for a while. The three carriages gradually filled up. Then, a girl with chestnut-gold hair also boarded. She glanced around, saw there was an empty seat next to Sylutia, and walked over.
"Hello, may I sit here?" Her voice was polite, her facial features soft, carrying an air of aristocratic intellect.
"You may." The young girl turned her head to answer. The other party was slightly taken aback by Sylutia's flawless appearance.
"Thank you." However, she quickly regained her composure and sat down quietly.
Not long after, the carriage set off, gently rocking as it traveled along the road towards the city.
The two didn't speak during the journey. Only when Sylutia was looking at the scenery outside would the girl in the black uniform with a white collar beside her glance over with considerable interest at Sylutia's profile a few times.
Upon reaching the city, the two parted ways there, each heading towards different streets.
Returning to the familiar 'Glittergold Plains,' Sylutia also felt a sense of relaxation. Although she had only been gone for just over a month, coming back here felt like coming home, carrying a faint sense of familiarity.
She first went to report at the Hidden Grove association. Because when she left previously, the association staff had told her that upon returning, she must go to them first.
Probably there was something they needed to tell her, Sylutia thought, recalling the incident over a month ago when that branch head of the 'Four Seasons Alliance' brought people to inspect and assess the valley.
The evaluation from that last application must have been officially finalized this time, she figured.
As this young girl gradually walked into the association, the discussion regarding her subsequent task assignment had been ongoing among the higher-ups of White Stone Fortress for several days, and a decision had been made.
It's just that all of this, Sylutia, who had arrived late, did not yet know.