The Cornflower Witch

Chapter 87: The Maiden Awaiting Dawn

At noon, Sylutia, Yero, and Scholar Hyde rode together in a carriage to Viscount Xuefeng's castle.

Passing through the stone brick road under the gray, overcast sky, the carriage creaked and slowly entered the ancient moss-covered stone walls.

"This must be Sylutia. What a lovely young girl," the Viscountess said today, dressed in a dark red velvet dress as she received the three inside the castle.

"Come, sit by me." She greeted Sylutia with a kind expression, then took the young girl's hand and inquired about her situation.

"...Lost in the forest and then lost your memory? You poor, poor child," she said, shaking her head with a sorrowful look and a sigh.

"But it's alright. You can think of Scorchstone City as your home from now on. If you ever face any difficulties in the future, you can always come to me." After saying this, she summoned a maid, who brought out a ring engraved with the Xuefeng family crest.

"Here, this is for you. With this ring, the castle guards won't stop you."

"Thank you, Madam," Sylutia expressed her gratitude.

Afterwards, the Viscountess held Sylutia's hand and talked with her for a long time, until Viscount Xuefeng arrived and everyone had lunch together.

The lunch was lavishly prepared, with the taste and quality of various dishes matching that of the most expensive restaurant in the city. This single meal alone would likely cost 70 silver coins outside.After lunch ended, Viscount Xuefeng also spoke with Sylutia for a while. He had a kindly temperament and seemed quite fond of the young girl, gifting her many things, which even included a residence within Scorchstone City.

"If you don't usually need it, you can also use it as a place to store miscellaneous items. Don't worry, it's located in the West District, where public order is good and no thieves roam."

"Thank you, Lord Xuefeng."

The young girl was somewhat curious. Why had Viscount Xuefeng suddenly shown her such goodwill? Could it be because of Lady Franne?

After the meal and conversation in the castle concluded, following Scholar Hyde's suggestion, Sylutia accompanied a maid to the tower where Iona resided.

"Please follow me. Miss Iona's residence is just ahead."

This maid guided Sylutia towards the somewhat lonely-looking tower, then opened the door and ascended the spiral staircase.

Soon, they arrived at a door within the tower. She gently knocked: "Miss Iona, a classmate of yours has come to visit."

"I'm not seeing anyone." Although the voice sounded somewhat weak, it still carried a haughty air.

"It is by Lord Viscount's order. He hopes you can alleviate your lonely mood," the maid spoke again.

This time, there was a long silence inside before Iona's response finally came.

"Wait a moment."

About half an hour later, Iona opened the door and saw the maid and Sylutia who had been waiting outside.

She had now changed into a long dress with a deep red base, adorned with gold thread and pearls. Her hair was also pinned up, styled into a complex and exquisite updo. She looked as if she were about to attend some noble gathering.

"Come in." She glanced at Sylutia behind the maid, then turned around.

The room inside this tower was exceptionally ornate, filled with various gold and red furniture and ornaments. It was clear they were part of a matching set, as if a princess's room had been moved here.

After entering the room, the maid brewed tea for the two, then excused herself, leaving Iona and Sylutia alone.

Leaning back on the velvet sofa, Iona bent her right arm, lightly propping her cheek with her hand, her gaze looking down at the plainly dressed young girl before her.

"If you're here to complete the teacher's task, you can sit for a while and then leave." Her voice was cool, devoid of much emotion.

In response, Sylutia slightly opened her mouth, wanting to refute something, but considering it unnecessary, she remained quiet.

The pale red tea steamed, its heat slowly rising from the tea table between them. For a moment, silence filled the room without a sound.

Perhaps feeling she should say something, Sylutia thought for a moment and spoke: "I heard from the teacher that you weren't feeling well. Are you better now?"

At this moment, Iona's gaze was fixed on the pattern of the tea table, seeming lost in thought. Hearing the voice, she looked up, studying Sylutia for a while.

"Somewhat better," she answered absentmindedly.

"Your voice isn't bad, though." She seemed to realize something.

"It's just a shame you only bury yourself in books." She picked up her teacup, preparing to take a sip.

"Thank you." Sylutia also lifted her teacup, and the two drank tea in silence.

Just as Sylutia thought this visit of consolation was probably coming to an end, Iona looked towards a large iron box in the corner of the room and asked.

"Valeny's notes... they're yours, aren't they?"

"Uh, yes." Sylutia remembered the previous two times Valeny had taken her notes.

"I haven't been attending class lately. She brought the notes over for me to read." Remembering this, Iona gave a slight nod.

"You recorded things quite meticulously, and your handwriting is passable." Although the handwriting was elegant, in Iona's view, these were merely servant's skills; no matter how well one mastered them, they weren't of much use.

"If you have no good prospects in the future, you can come to my side and work as a copyist." Even with printing technology, many precious books were never published, only circulated through borrowing and copying among nobles.

"Mhm."

"You don't need to go to next month's assessment. You might get yourself killed if you're not careful." Iona felt she was being uncharacteristically kind, warning the girl before her.

"Are you referring to the selection assessment for the Hidden Grove?"

"Correct."

"Well... I've already agreed with Teacher Hyde to participate." Sylutia smoothed the hair by her ear with one hand, thinking how to explain.

"You?"

"You really have a death wish." Iona shook her head.

"Don't think just because you excel in Secret History class, you can go to the Hidden Grove and find better opportunities. That place isn't as... 'gentle' as Scorchstone City." After pausing for a few seconds, she uttered that word.

"Thank you for your concern, Iona. I know there will be some danger there." Sylutia thought for a moment and continued.

"Why do you want to go there too? I remember, given your status, you should be able to avoid such danger."

"Danger. Yes, it is indeed dangerous." Speaking of this matter, Iona showed rare interest.

"You might not understand. Even among nobles, there are vast distinctions. And if I want to preserve certain things, I too must pay a considerable price."

"Furthermore, if I don't go there, what kind of 'good life' do you think I'll lead? Spend the rest of my days in Scorchstone City like an ordinary person?"

"This..." Sylutia roughly understood Iona's predicament. She was a very intelligent person who grasped things quickly.

"I see."

"I hope you achieve your wishes. However, going to the Hidden Grove isn't the only path." She guessed Iona probably wanted to restore her family's glory, as she had already learned quite a bit about Iona's family background from other classmates.

"Oh, advising me to give up so early? Are you confident you can compete with me?" Seeing Sylutia's serious expression, Iona couldn't help but tease.

How strange. If anyone else had said this, she probably would have been annoyed. Actually, quite a few people, like Sylutia, had already advised her similarly.

The young girl shook her head and then answered.

"I wouldn't call it confidence. It's just some insights from life." She recalled her two lifetimes. Many things that seemed extremely serious at the time, when looked back upon years later, weren't actually that frightening.

"Forget it. You always speak so cautiously, not lively at all." Before her father's incident, Iona was a socialite in White Cliff City, always preferring to interact with cheerful, joking peers.

She never got along well with reserved types like Sylutia. If she didn't find Sylutia somewhat agreeable, she wouldn't even bother speaking more than a few words.

After the initial silence was broken, Iona also chatted with Sylutia about other matters.

"...So, the reason Mick and Ray improved so quickly is all thanks to your tutoring?" She had also noticed the changes in her classmates' grades.

"Yes." Originally wanting to be modest, but considering Iona's personality, Sylutia decided to be straightforward.

"Hmm." For such a direct answer, Iona gave a slight nod, feeling this suited her better. Why did everything have to be so roundabout?

"Then, do you think my swordsmanship still has room for improvement?" Iona asked casually.

"Miss Iona..." Sylutia looked at this golden-haired girl, and some information surfaced in her eyes.

Name: Iona Caren

Race: Human (Mortal Flesh)

Condition: Poor (Forcibly obtained abilities, left with hidden injuries)

Talents:

Golden Blood [Exceptional Grade]: A trace of 'Golden Honey Blood' flows within your veins. Although faint, this bloodline still grants you affinity with the two major Aspects of 'Blazing Sun' and 'Insect Moth,' allowing you to more easily master abilities of these two Aspects.

——The Court of the Golden Tree and Bees, that mighty empire later called the 'Golden Honey Dynasty,' once blocked the Corona Dragon from reclaiming the 'Blazing Sun' position.

Fate Card:

[Maiden Awaiting Dawn] 'The golden frame resembles a princess's gatehouse, containing the figure standing with closed eyes within the opening. Behind her is cracked, parched earth, weathered tree roots, and scattered bones.'

- Effect [Solar Body Lv.2]: Due to specific talent and Aspect, your body gradually adapts to the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect. You can directly dissolve the power of 'Blazing Sun' into your blood for use, gaining comprehensive enhancement. ((Recommended not to exceed 3 minutes/day))

Ability Cards:

[Solar Breathing Technique Lv.3] (Blazing Sun)

[Golden Needle Blade Thrust Lv.3] (Blazing Sun)

[Bee Dance Footwork Lv.2] (Insect Moth)