The Cornflower Witch

Chapter 56: Promotion to Emerald Honey

Two days later than expected, Lady Franne returned to the mansion.

Sitting at the table, she lifted a gilded teacup with one hand, gently blew on it, and took a sip of the rich black tea, listening to the young woman standing before her report on recent events.

This mysterious and powerful noblewoman had flowing golden hair and an elegant, dignified aura, completely unlike someone who would appear in a remote place like Scorchstone City.

After hearing Sylutia's report, she gave a slight nod of approval.

"You've taken excellent care of the flower field, truly worthy of the child I saw potential in."

"This way, I can worry much less in the future."

"Regarding the advanced knowledge, choices, and precautions you are so eager to learn about, I can explain them to you in detail."

She set down her teacup, motioned for Sylutia to come to her side, then gently pressed her right hand on the back of Sylutia's hand, having her sit down.

"How much do you currently know about advancement?" she began.

"I've roughly heard about four advancement methods." Sylutia recounted the content taught by Scholar Hyde."Hmm, Hyde is correct. These are indeed the four most suitable methods you can currently choose from." She emphasized the word 'currently.'

"The condensation of a First-Tier Aspect doesn't have many requirements. As long as your ability intensity meets the standard, or you have external nourishment and bestowal, your Fate Plate can advance."

"However, by the Second Tier and Third Tier, you can't be so casual anymore. Especially certain professions require specific Ability Card combinations." She explained slowly.

"Since you've already learned the Dew Prayer Method, you can first advance using the 'Dew Prayer Method.' Later, I will teach you the 'Branch Grooming Method,' and then use the combination of 'Branch Grooming Method' and 'Dew Prayer Method' to transform your Fate Card into [Gardening Apprentice]."

"When you transform your Fate Card into [Gardening Apprentice], you can integrate the abilities of the 'Branch Grooming Method' and 'Dew Prayer Method' into the effects of the Fate Card, thereby freeing up two [Ability Card] slots to learn other things."

"Ah, abilities can be fused too?" This was the first time Sylutia had heard of such a thing.

"Of course. Otherwise, do you think merely three abilities could support a high-ranking powerhouse?" Lady Franne teased, looking at Sylutia's adorable, surprised expression.

"However," her expression turned serious.

"Not all superhumans do this, because fusing different abilities requires talent, aptitude, and control that increase exponentially. If one's mastery is only average to begin with, it's better not to attempt it."

"I have very high expectations for you, Tia."

"Yes, thank you, Madam." Sylutia expressed her gratitude again.

"Alright, since you're almost ready, advance tonight. I will also keep an eye on you during the process to prevent any accidents."

"Yes, Madam." Thankfully, she didn't use the Swan Orchid to advance. Although that would have granted her the Swan Orchid's ability, it would also have made it impossible to condense a Fate profession like [Gardening Apprentice].

...

Nighttime. Sylutia knelt on the carpet in her bedroom, her hands clasped over her chest, eyes closed as she focused intently on her perception. As she willed it, the overflowing 'Verdant Nectar' Aspect power within the [Dew Prayer Method] gradually flowed toward the center of her Fate Plate, toward that silver-vine-bordered [Slumbering Maiden].

These fine streams of 'Verdant Nectar' Aspect continuously poured into the [Slumbering Maiden] card. The colors in the illustration gradually became more vibrant, especially the Cornflowers beside the maiden in the background, which increased from scattered few to numerous, their leaves and flowers growing from sparse to somewhat lush.

Bit by bit, accumulating, a faint, drifting fluorescence also appeared on the maiden's body, floating and moving around her before vanishing.

In the deep silence of the night, as the lonely clock in the mansion chimed, the [Slumbering Maiden] on Sylutia's Fate Plate also gradually reached a critical point.

A slight tremor seemed to pass through. Verdant vines wound and covered along the card's border. Then, the entire Fate Card transformed into [Maiden in the Sea of Flowers] (First Tier · Verdant Nectar).

In the card's illustration, the silver-haired maiden lay quietly in a sea of Cornflowers. The dense flowers and grasses obscured much of the distant sky, with only faint, barely visible meteors occasionally flashing through the gaps in the floral sea.

Name: Sylutia · ※※※※

Race: Human (※※※)

Status: Healthy (No Abnormalities)

Talents: Stars [Unknown Grade], Cornflower's Affection [Rare Grade, Can be Upgraded]

Fate Card: [Maiden in the Sea of Flowers] (First Tier · Verdant Nectar)

'A maiden slumbering, not yet awakened, within a sea of flowers, possessing unimaginable potential. Now she has discovered part of the flowers' secret.'

-Effect [Discernment Eyes Lv.3]: Originating from a special talent and physique, you can distinguish colors imperceptible to ordinary people, as well as part of the essence of things. (This ability will also be upgraded when you raise the tier of your Fate Card.)

-Effect [Nature Perception Lv.2]: Bathed by the Dew Prayer Method, your perception of all things in nature has become more delicate and sensitive. Even without the Verdant Eye Potion, you can still perceive part of a plant's condition. (Current effect is approximately half that of 'Verdant Eyes.')

Ability Cards: [Breathing Technique Lv.3] [Dew Prayer Method Lv.3] [Empty Slot]

Skills: [Basic Swordsmanship Lv.4] [Military Swordsmanship Lv.4] [Basic Archery Lv.3] [Basic Spear Technique Lv.4] [Secret History Knowledge Lv.5] [Gardening Skills Lv.4]

--

Haa... Taking a small, deep breath, Sylutia opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and stood up.

Although advancing didn't directly enhance her physical attributes like 'Bloodline' would have, she gained other benefits, taking another step forward on the path of a gardener.

Reviewing her post-advancement information once more, the young woman moved through the darkness, her fingertips brushing over a chair in front of her. Now, even without using her eyes, she could clearly perceive its grain, wood fibers, and the hidden structure within.

She also faintly heard the subtle sound of wind in her ears and the distant scenes from the street.

Also, she blinked her eyes slightly. The originally dim world once again displayed color in her vision, becoming clear. Although not as bright as with light, it was definitely sufficient.

Discernment Eyes had risen to Lv.3, and she had additionally gained Nature Perception Lv.2. These were the greatest gains from this advancement. Furthermore, she felt a faint, full power within her body, as if she could additionally promote and guide plants. This was probably the general effect and ability of the 'Verdant Nectar' Aspect.

However, it was already nighttime, so she could only experiment tomorrow.

After checking everything, she spun lightly on her feet, twirling a few circles on the soft carpet, before finally putting on her slippers with a happy, lighthearted mood.

She wondered if Lady Franne was asleep now. She had said she would look after her to prevent accidents.

Sylutia lit the candle lamp in her room, took it in hand, and pushed the door open to go out.

The corridor at night was still lit. In the backyard flower field, many sunflowers emitted a bright yellow halo in the night, tinting the darkness. This scenery ensured the entire mansion wasn't dark even late at night, possessing a certain beautiful, pleasant charm.

Holding the candle lamp, she arrived at the bright and splendid first-floor living room. Lady Franne was still sitting there. She showed no surprise at Sylutia's appearance, instead nodding approvingly.

"Come here, little Tia."

"Since you have successfully advanced, you can now be considered my formal student." As she spoke, she beckoned to the young woman descending the stairs.

"Here, this set of clothes is for you. You can wear it at home or when receiving guests." She gently patted the sofa beside her, where a neatly folded formal dress lay. Its base color was tender yellow, accented with pure white, its style similar to Lady Franne's usual attire—luxurious and bright, but looking younger. The white bows adorning it also added a touch of cuteness to the whole.

"Besides this set, there are three others, four sets of clothes in total. The reason I took a bit more time this time was because I asked an old friend to tailor them for you."

"No matter what, since you are my student, you are like a daughter to me. You must be dressed beautifully." She clapped her hands lightly, having Sylutia take this exquisite and luxurious formal dress.

"This is the key to the underground storage room. Lining has one too. You can go down alone to look in the future. You may use anything inside freely, just don't waste it."

"Yes." She accepted the golden key. The end of this key resembled blooming petals, exceptionally beautiful.

"Alright, it's getting late. Go to sleep soon, and remember to change into the clothes tomorrow so I can see."

"Yes."

Holding this set of formal dress, Sylutia returned to her bedroom with some anticipation and peace of mind.

However, falling asleep tonight might be a bit difficult.