The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 113: Preparing Gifts

Vol 2 Chapter 113 Preparing Gifts

Since she was returning to the surface continent, following the advice of her seniors, Sylutia needed to prepare properly.

First, many things from the Shadow World were scarce and difficult to obtain in the surface world. If she could bring some back, they would be excellent for both gifting and trading.

"So, I need to buy boxes first," Sylutia stood before the market gate, recalling the items she needed to purchase today.

Her 'Autumn Garden' could be used to store some non-living items, but due to the concept of the core secret art, she needed to wrap these things in specially made wooden boxes; she couldn't place them directly into the garden.

The core secret art involved 'concepts'. If too many other items were placed inside, it would disrupt the overall 'Autumn Rhythms', greatly reducing its effect. Therefore, suitable boxes were needed as insulation to avoid interference.

Arriving at a shop selling furniture, Sylutia explained her purpose.

"Oh, so the young lady wants to buy boxes? What style do you prefer, and what are you planning to use them for?"

"We have sturdy iron chests, beautiful and suitable wooden boxes, and small boxes specially for storing jewelry, and so on." The shop owner warmly greeted her.

"I want a batch of boxes made from maple wood, and the boxes must not have any nails," Sylutia stated her requirements."This..." Such a request was somewhat unusual.

Sylutia thought for a moment, took out a small pouch of gold coins from her bosom, and placed it directly on the table.

"This is the deposit. Can you find someone to make them?" She didn't have much time to find a carpenter right now.

"Of course, no problem. When do you roughly need them? I can have someone custom-make them for you today." The owner opened the pouch, glanced inside—there were at least 30 gold coins. This was a considerable sum of money.

"The sooner, the better. Preferably within three days," the girl thought for a moment.

"The boxes don't need to be too refined. Try to retain their natural, rustic characteristics, blending in with the natural environment. They should look like tree stumps or logs on the outside, and no locks are needed."

"I've noted that. How large do you need them?"

"At least 1 meter long, at least 0.6 meters wide. More than ten in quantity. For each additional one, I'll give you an extra 2 gold coins, up to a maximum of twenty."

"I understand."

After giving her instructions, Sylutia left the shop and continued browsing within the market.

The specialties of the Glittergold Plains were food crops, weapons, and armor. Additionally, there were several printing workshops here, so books were also relatively abundant.

Thinking she might run into Ray, Mick, Komea, and Karen, Sylutia purchased a long-handled great axe, a two-handed sword, a short sword, and a longbow. For armor, she chose adjustable, lightweight adventurer's armor, which was tough leather with a few armor plates for key defensive areas.

This would be more practical. Besides, if she bought full plate armor, its weight would probably only be bearable for Ray.

The quality of all four sets of weapons and armor was 'Second Tier · Superior'. For higher quality weapons, Sylutia was afraid that giving them out might bring trouble upon her friends. Some high-tier weapons already possessed Aspects, which low-tier Transcendents would find difficult to control.

Thinking of her two teachers, Lady Franne and Scholar Hyde, Sylutia made another selection. She purchased three bottles of 'Falling Moon Flower Dew Essence' and three bottles of 'Snow Pine Cold Honey'. The former could assist Transcendents in improving their Mental Power, calming the mind and focusing the spirit. The latter could regulate the body, repair hidden injuries, and alleviate some chronic illnesses.

Then there were Winnie, Talier, and the village chief's family. Sylutia didn't know what they needed, so she bought five bottles of 'Second Tier · Superior' quality 'Emerald Wind Flower Honey'.

Even for Viscount Xuefeng, Sylutia prepared a gift: a 'Four-Colored Glazed Flower Lamp' that could be placed in the living room. This was an exquisite ornament made by an alchemist that could adjust the surrounding temperature, making it more comfortable.

Who else was there? Sylutia recalled people she had known in the past.

Right, there was also that merchant Vanderhey, who had lent her his house. Sylutia thought for a moment, went to an alchemy workshop shop, and bought two 'Alarm Bell Lanterns'. The function of these items was similar to the brooch she currently wore; both could provide early warnings, though their effective range was slightly narrower, only about 80 meters. The one she wore on her person was meticulously crafted by Dorothy, with a range of about 200 meters, and it could also detect ghosts and other evil creatures.

During the next two days, Sylutia visited some acquaintances in the Glittergold Plains, including 'Stone Mason' Tristan, the president of the Forging Gold Hammer who had helped forge her battle armor, and Cassius, the captain of the Holy White Knight Hall.

Both happened to be in the tower of White Stone Fortress. After Sylutia went there, she was directly led by a squire within the fortress to the conference hall, where she met the two of them.

Similar to her visit to Kuland Hill, both were interested in Sylutia's experiences in the Darkmist Mountains over the past two years, asking her many questions and praising her.

"Are you returning to Scorchstone City?" Cassius thought of something.

"Yes."

"The situation there has changed greatly. You might not find the people you were familiar with before." Cassius told Sylutia about events that happened a year ago.

"Did Viscount Xuefeng move away?" Sylutia was surprised and astonished.

"Yes, it's said he went to a far eastern country. Scholar Hyde went along as well."

"The knights I dispatched left their contact information. You can take the address to visit them later, though that's not in Regas anymore."

"I see." Although it was a pity she couldn't see Scholar Hyde, she still planned to go to Scorchstone City first. After all, there were other people there. Mick, Karen, and the others were probably still in the Kingdom of Regas and wouldn't have gone too far.

Hearing that Sylutia was going back, the giant-like 'Stone Mason' Tristan, standing tall beside them, took out two thumb-sized magnets and tossed them to Sylutia.

"Take these. If your weapon gets nicked or the edge rolls, you can use these for temporary repairs."

【Hot Iron Magnet】（Second Tier · Fine）：When rubbed against a blade, it melts itself to repair minor nicks and restore sharpness.

"Thank you." Sylutia accepted this casually given small gift, feeling somewhat surprised.

"After you return, if you encounter trouble, you can also use the name of the 'Holy White Knight Hall'. With my backing, feel free to shout it out, haha." Cassius sat at the head of the table, his slightly rough voice coming from within his helmet's visor.

This man was the genuine head of a major organization and faction. As for Kuland Hill and Tristan, although they were branch presidents, they were bound by rules; they couldn't speak carelessly or make promises arbitrarily.

"Thank you, Lord Cassius." Sylutia bowed her head in thanks, feeling that these seniors in the Glittergold Plains were exceptionally doting on her. Sometimes, she herself felt it was somewhat unfair.

After all, many apprentices also worked very hard, but they didn't receive much care and attention.

"By the way, the badge you received for winning the competition before, do you still have it?" Cassius suddenly asked.

"I still have it." Sylutia remembered something, took out the white stone badge from inside her clothes.

【Knight Squire Badge】（Second Tier · Castle）：A badge symbolizing victory in the competition. Once every seven days, it can release 'Holy White Battle Armor'. (1/1)

"Give it to me." Cassius extended his hand. Sylutia placed the badge in the palm of his silver-gauntleted hand.

Grasping the badge, a brilliant light flashed from between his fingers. A gust of wind seemed to sweep through the hall, the air currents swirling. An invisible Castle power surged from the tower and the entire fortress, then poured into that clenched fist.

Soon, the light dissipated. Cassius handed the badge back to Sylutia. The badge, which was previously of the 'Second Tier · Castle' Aspect, had now become 'Third Tier · Castle'.

【Knight Badge】（Third Tier · Castle）：A badge symbolizing victory in the competition. Through conferment and empowerment, it can temporarily bestow the 'Third Tier · White Knight' status protection for ten minutes, granting all the abilities of a White Knight. (Usable once every seven days)

Although this was a rare wondrous item for Sylutia, for this incredibly powerful Knight Captain, it was a small gift he could create with ease.

"Take it. It might come in handy sometime. When you're out alone, you can never be too careful."

"Yes, Senior."

Sylutia carefully took the badge and stored it inside her clothes.

After giving the girl some more advice, telling her to be careful of various accidents and scams, and confirming that Sylutia had truly taken it to heart, they finally let the girl go.

After Sylutia left, the two men, facing the now quiet hall, still talked about the girl.

"This kind of feeling is truly strange. Actually, I haven't cared for someone like this in a long time." Cassius sat at the head, his steady voice coming from beneath his helmet.

"Haha, well, I'm different. Usually, when I make some interesting little trinkets, I casually give them to my apprentices and students." Tristan laughed heartily.

"I think it might be because your standards are too high. You usually don't pay much attention to those juniors you consider too green and immature. It's rare this time to encounter a junior with such high talent, who is also sensible, obedient, pretty, and adorable."

"Paying attention to her for a long time, it's inevitable to pour some emotion into it. And Little Tia is indeed the only true genius to appear in our garrison in decades, someone who might inherit our positions in the future."

"The Hidden Grove has many apprentices every year. But you and I have experienced a lot and know very well that most people have limited talent. Reaching the Third Tier might be their limit. Only a very few have the chance to step into the Fifth or Sixth Tier, reaching a position equal to ours."

After listening to Tristan's words, Cassius pondered for a while and nodded slightly.

"I didn't expect you to be so perceptive."

"That's the prejudice of you knight tin cans. Being a craftsman actually requires the most meticulous observation. The heat and skill can't be off by even a little."

"Haha, is that so? Maybe I'll go to your place to do some forging in a couple of days."

"That's better not. I'm afraid you'd pound my anvil right into the floor." Tristan waved his hand. Despite his tall, muscular build, in terms of pure strength and combat power, probably ten of him wouldn't be enough for this Knight Captain Cassius to cut down.

"Alright, after seeing Little Tia, I need to go back and continue forging."

"Recently, with the surface continent nations fighting in turn, the Hidden Grove has received many orders for armor and weapons. It's a good time to make money."

"Alright, you go ahead."

Soon, only Knight Captain Cassius remained in the hall. His metal-gauntleted fingers interlaced, elbows resting on the table, as if he was still pondering something.

"Scorchstone City... That name is truly nostalgic. Probably no one knows now why it's called Scorchstone City."