The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 226: Farewell Banquet

Vol 2 Chapter 226 Farewell Banquet

Time seemed to speed up. Immersed in her studies, Sylutia lost track of the sun and moon outside; she only noticed that recently she had to put on a light coat when going out, otherwise the maidservant would remind her.

“Miss, be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Mm, I know.” Taking the coat and putting it on, Sylutia said goodbye to Margo, then set off toward the Lighthouse.

During this last month, what she had been exposed to were especially advanced Advanced Runes and compound rune knowledge, material normally reserved for Fifth Tier or Sixth Tier mages. Right now she could only memorize it by rote; once her strength improved, she would slowly digest it through practice.

At dusk, after Sylutia had copied the final large compound rune named "Divine Wings," Nox’s voice sounded behind her.

“You learn quickly, five days faster than I expected.” He rolled his wheelchair over, picked up the finely engraved rune Sylutia had just transcribed. The lines were crisp and elegant, the complex structure and patterns forming the outline of a massive bird.

“This is one of the essences of the Bionics School. When I broke through to the Sixth Tier, it was because I mastered this and used it as the foundation to develop a whole new spell. But that spell is still too profound for you at the moment.” He set it down slowly.

“I’ve contacted an acquaintance. He will arrive in six days and take you to the Mage Alliance’s border to help you handle the entrance assessment.”

“After you pass the assessment, you will receive a letter of recommendation, then report to one of the three districts: Gemor, Ximilye, or Asra.”“That’s where the Mage Alliance trains newcomers. There are many subordinate academies and peripheral organizations; you’ll encounter many mage schools and see their recruitment notices posted.”

“After getting familiar for a while, you can pick a school you like and apply. As long as you pass their assessment, you can enroll. They will design a cultivation plan for you, but there will also be additional obligations.”

“In the Mage Alliance, the obligations attached to a school’s training are unavoidable. Even if you’re wealthy, you must complete the assigned duties. This is the foundation that keeps a school stable and cannot be shaken.”

“There are many types of obligations, usually tailored to your field of expertise. Generally, they aren’t overly burdensome—but that’s only in peacetime. If war breaks out, the Mage Alliance’s schools will conscript all their affiliated mages for preparation or send them directly to the frontline.”

“Schools are extremely important organizations within the Mage Alliance. Once you join a school, you wear its mark for life. So choose carefully, and ideally join a strong faction—that way you’ll have greater room to advance.”

“Although I come from the Bionics School, I do not recommend you join it.”

“Why is that, Teacher?” Sylutia asked with slight puzzlement.

“Because it isn’t necessary. I’ve already taught you most of its essentials; going in to learn more would be wasteful. Besides, the Bionics School has been in decline these years and its strength is slipping. For the sake of your future, don’t force it.” Nox shook his head.

“The Mage Alliance ranks the academies’ achievements and strength every ten years. I suggest you choose a school within the top ten; that will give you much better prospects.”

“As for the secret arts I taught you, it’s best not to show them off before you reach the Third Tier, so as not to invite trouble. After you earn the Mage Alliance’s certification at Third Tier, you can be a bit more relaxed.”

Nox then explained to Sylutia some practical details: tips for living within the Mage Alliance, the hard requirements to look for when choosing a school, and so on.

When he finished, Nox saw Sylutia out of the Lighthouse.

“For the next few days, spend some time with your family. You won’t have many chances to see them once you leave.”

“I will.”

Bidding farewell to her teacher, Sylutia shouldered her satchel and left the Lighthouse. A few steps forward, she turned back and stared for a long time at the white tower whose door had already closed.

It’s time to go.

Although their time together hadn’t been long, she had grown familiar with the Lighthouse and with the teacher inside who often looked so indifferent.

As an instructor, Nox could hardly be called excellent—he was not good at traditional teaching. He often got lost in his own schemes and lectures, not caring whether students understood the technical terms or the specialized knowledge he referenced. Those things weren’t what ordinary students could grasp.

Fortunately, Sylutia was not an ordinary apprentice. She had already reached the Fourth Tier, and her perception and understanding of Aspect far exceeded her peers. Combined with high talent, she could adapt to such abstruse and eccentric teaching.

The process had been bumpy, but the results were sound. Sylutia had laid a solid foundation here, and some of Nox’s wild ideas had broadened her horizons beyond the usual knowledge frameworks.

After returning to the Griffin residence, Sylutia told everyone she was about to depart.

“So soon, Hedra?” Alanfude had expected it, but still put on a surprised expression.

“I wish Hedra could stay a while longer.” Madam Haier said sadly, though her eyes were bright with happiness.

“Should I give you a farewell gift?” Eriel asked offhand, propping her chin; she had never warmed to this younger sister.

“Is it safe for Hedra to go so far on her own?” Ecor really cared for his sister.

“No problem. Teacher said he contacted an old friend who will take me to the Mage Alliance.” Sylutia answered.

“That makes me feel better.” Alanfude breathed easier when he heard she wouldn’t have to find someone herself.

“But this trip will surely cost a lot. Studying there requires considerable money.” He stroked his beard.

“Don’t worry, I will prepare it for you. Hedra, just go with peace of mind.” He wasn’t stingy; he just wanted to prepare something so it wouldn’t seem rude. Among those present, he was the only one who truly understood the girl’s real abilities.

The next day Rosalie heard the news and came to visit the Griffin house.

“Hedra—are you really leaving so soon?” She hugged the girl’s arm, reluctant to let go.

“Yes, because school’s starting.” Sylutia gently touched her forehead to comfort her.

“I wanted to go too, but my uncle and my aunt won’t allow it. They say the Mage Alliance is too far, and they wouldn’t know how to explain it to my mother.” Rosalie complained.

“Heh, they’re only looking out for you.” Rosalie’s temperament really wasn’t suited for studying there; she probably wouldn’t settle down to learn.

“In the meantime, I’ll take Hedra to enjoy Quebec. Oh, and I’ll buy you things you’ll need for the journey and for studying there. Don’t worry, I’m good at picking things, hehe.”

Over the next three days Rosalie dragged Sylutia around every corner of Quebec: an underground hot spring the girl had never been to, a private orchard on the city’s north side, the City Lord’s tulip gardens, and so on. She bought Sylutia many things—shoes, clothes and coats, scarves and hats, luggage, even self-defense weapons.

So five days passed quickly. On the night before departure, the Griffin household held a small farewell banquet. Familiar faces attended, including the City Lord’s family and Virelna, the second young lady of the Sandra household.

“I still haven’t thanked you properly for what you did, Hedra.” Virelna took Sylutia’s hand and bowed slightly.

“I heard you’re leaving soon, so I prepared a gift for you.” After she finished speaking, her maid brought a small box. Inside lay a red rose gemstone with a pentagonal outline.

Fulante Rose (Second Tier · Superior); a true crimson rose gemstone refined and condensed using secret methods from roses of the same tier. It can be crafted into precious jewelry or used as a ritual material and for making tools.

If this had been the old Sylutia, such a treasure would not have meant much. But now, as an adopted daughter of the Griffin family, the assets she could reasonably possess were very limited. This special rose gemstone was exceptionally meaningful; it could greatly ease her financial difficulties during the early period in the Mage Alliance.

“Thank you, Virelna. I will use it well.” Sylutia accepted it gratefully.

Afterward the two held hands and walked out of the banquet hall together. At Virelna’s invitation they danced a simple dance, then were separated by the exuberant Rosalie.

“I want to dance with Hedra too!” Rosalie pouted admiringly, but the young lady—so youthful and glamorous—didn’t know proper ladylike dancing. She copied Virelna for a few steps, then gave up.

Amid the laughter of others, the group left the dance floor. Sylutia then met the City Lord of Quebec, who waved her over.

“You must be Hedra, right?”

“Yes, City Lord.” The girl lifted her dress in a respectful curtsy.

Although this City Lord also graduated from the Hidden Grove Alliance, he didn’t know Sylutia’s true identity. Because she was Nox’s disciple, he offered her a few encouraging words and finally said:

“Focus on your studies there. Every six months I will have someone send you thirty gold coins as living allowance, so you don’t need to worry about the Griffin family not being able to support you.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Then Brennan waved his hand, telling Sylutia and the trailing Rosalie to go enjoy themselves and not linger.

The banquet continued. After responding to several guests who had come to greet him, Brennan left Madam Sarah to entertain those visitors and sat to one side, slowly savoring his wine.

He glanced at the young men and women in the dance, then at Sylutia who was being surrounded by people.

“Such vibrant age…” he murmured.

Actually, he had not set high expectations for Nox’s disciple, because he knew very well that Nox was not a conventional teacher and that his lifelong studies were unusually complex—things a girl just entering the supernatural world could hardly learn.

Still, as an old acquaintance, he would look after her; consider it a small repayment for those youthful and innocent days.

Time flies. The boy who once trailed behind Nox had now become an important person.