The Cornflower Witch

Returning to the Parliament District, Sylutia submitted her report and then entered a period of idle time.

"Cerise, are there any places with nice scenery around here?" Sitting in the Inspection Department's private office, Sylutia looked somewhat bored at the unchanging view outside the window. To prevent spying, the windows here only opened toward the inner courtyard, which was nothing more than a small square with a monotonous view.

Cerise, standing guard nearby, shifted her gaze toward this young girl.

At first, to appear more authoritative—or rather, more convincing—Sylutia had tried to keep her voice and demeanor steady and strict. But that state hadn't lasted long, as it was too contrary to her personality and habits. Gradually, she reverted to a softer tone and temperament.

Fortunately, no one looked down on her for this. Instead, during task execution, they were amazed by her sharp insight and efficient investigation speed.

Feeling accepted, Sylutia later completely let her guard down and stopped maintaining a cold, aloof persona—because that was too exhausting for her.

"Lady Hedra, this area is the urban district; I'm afraid there's no natural scenery like you're hoping for," she replied after a brief recollection.

"Then is there a high place that's quiet, with few people and a good view? I want to go feel the wind," the girl said, sitting on a tall chair and lightly swinging her legs.

In truth, if she adjusted her sitting angle, her toes could reach the ground. But this way felt more comfortable, so Sylutia occasionally played like this. Without foot support, the weight of her legs pressed entirely on her thighs, leaving her calves dangling freely, creating a sense of relaxation and relief.

Sylutia rarely spoke in such a cajoling, relaxed tone at the academy. That was probably because she usually had to maintain the image of Chief and often faced instructors; she didn't want to come across as frivolous or disrespectful. But working outside was different.

The Inspection Department was a strictly hierarchical organization. Since everyone recognized this superior, they wouldn't nitpick over such trivial details. These little gestures didn't affect work, and no one found them inappropriate.

Thus, after getting past the initial tension, Sylutia found herself more relaxed here than at the academy—perhaps that was the difference between being in school and working after graduation.

"There are a few bell towers in the Parliament District that meet Lady Hedra's requirements; no one usually goes up there," Cerise replied.

"Let's go check them out. After all, it'll be a few days before the results come down." Sylutia lightly hopped off the chair.

"You know, you all can take a break now; there's no need to keep watching over me." Cerise and the others were usually responsible for Sylutia's security. Otherwise, they could have taken time off like the other team members after finishing their tasks.

"Lady Hedra's safety remains the top priority." The other woman shook her head, not relaxing just because they were in the Parliament District.

Seeing her insistence, Sylutia didn't argue further. Instead, she led the four of them out of the Inspection Department building and area, heading to the streets for a stroll.

Because this was the Parliament District, she could see many mages. Along the roadside, many workshops had opened shops selling various novel creations made by mages. Occasionally, she even spotted travelers from afar.

These creations were the works of various workshops. Aside from combat and training artifacts, there were also handy daily aids—like cabinets that kept things cold, kettles that heated automatically, and so on. However, these items were expensive. Even knights and lords from some countries couldn't afford them, making them luxuries only for wealthy merchants and great nobles.

The afternoon sunlight was warm. Sylutia walked and stopped, curiously browsing these alchemical creations, until she finally reached the bell tower Cerise had mentioned.

After the staff checked her credentials, they let her in. The girl then climbed up the quiet Z-shaped stairs, finally arriving at the small platform atop the bell tower.

Overlooking the entire Parliament District from there, Sylutia, who had been mentally exhausted from the investigation, felt a wave of relaxation.

The classical architecture here, with less intricate structure than what the Mage Alliance typically favored, gave a sense of precision and neatness. In the distant sky, orange-yellow clouds tinged the horizon—a result of the slanting sunlight.

Slowly stretching her arms, Sylutia felt the wind's traces, imagining what it would feel like to fly through the sky right now.

Suddenly, she had the urge to just leave, to no longer bother with any worldly troubles or pain, to turn into a free, carefree bird, thinking of nothing complicated.

Was this the aftermath of using too much wisdom and thought?

Cerise leaned against a pillar nearby, holding her sheathed blade. Her gaze fell on the half-body bathed in light and wind, a complex light flickering in her eyes.

A few minutes later, Sylutia, feeling much better, turned around.

"Let's head back."

Afterward, Sylutia returned with her group to the strict, serious atmosphere of the Inspection Department building, spending the next few days there.

The results of her report finally came down. The Alliance Council didn't mention Sylutia's summary suggestions, but based on her investigation, they dealt with everyone involved in the incident.

One hundred and three officials were dismissed, three hundred and forty-one people were punished. The Mage Alliance launched reviews of roads and land across various regions, and things gradually settled down.

Sylutia had expected such an outcome—not surprising, but a little disappointment was inevitable. However, she also understood her words carried little weight, and she might not stay here forever, so she didn't press further.

After the investigation ended, her position was temporarily lifted. She returned to the academy to continue her studies, where she met Da Vinci, who had been waiting for her.

"Welcome back, Hedra." He waved from afar and then walked with her through the academy.

"How was it, working in the Finance and Inspection Departments for half a year?"

"A bit busy, but fulfilling. I learned a lot." Sylutia replied.

"That's great. When I first started practical work, I was just coasting, thinking about when it would end, haha," he responded with a laugh.

"Given your contributions last semester, you won't need to go on external fieldwork this semester. Just stay at the academy and continue your studies. If you ever feel like going out, you can join expeditions to the Shadow World, find some resources and items, and practice a bit," he said casually. They chatted about interesting life tidbits before he saw her to her lodging and said goodbye.

After parting ways, Da Vinci walked toward the academy's high tower. Half an hour later, he knocked on the door of the Dean's office.

"Come in." The Dean had anticipated Da Vinci's arrival.

"Yes, Mentor."

The Dean set down his pen; it seemed he had been writing a lot, something resembling Sylutia's report.

They didn't start talking immediately. After entering, Da Vinci found the tea, poured himself a cup, and then slowly spoke.

"I just picked up Hedra," he said softly.

"How is she?" the Dean asked.

"She didn't seem in high spirits. I guess the current situation didn't quite satisfy our dear Hedra." With that, Da Vinci smirked.

"Young people are always like that. They hold pure, flawless ideals in their hearts, only to find reality ugly and unshakable," the Dean said, unsurprised.

"I read her suggestions and ideas. A bit naive, but not useless. They could indeed improve certain situations."

"However, her heart is still too pure and idealistic. She'll probably find it hard to accept some realities; it'll take time to gradually adapt and understand."

"Corruption, forming cliques for personal gain—these are behaviors deeply rooted in human nature, like the nails growing on our fingertips. They can never be uprooted, only trimmed back each time they emerge."

"The biggest driving force behind every action is the reward that comes from it—whether money, power, fame, gain, and so on. Most people work for money, and money can buy a comfortable life and what they desire."

"You want people to work hard for money, yet also ask them not to be too greedy for it, to set aside some desires. This is quite contradictory. But morality and laws always restrain certain behaviors; otherwise, unchecked desires would cause the entire system to collapse," the Dean said calmly.

"Still, I'm very satisfied with Hedra's performance over the past half-year. Not just me, but the other two deans have also expressed some approval."

"So, it means she's been initially recognized." Da Vinci added some sugar to his coffee and stirred it again.

"Yes." The Dean walked to the window, looking at the other two towers on the horizon.

"We can't wait until she reaches Fifth Tier to consider whether she's suitable. Everything should be prepared in advance."

"What about... His Majesty?" Da Vinci asked cautiously.

"His Majesty won't spend energy on trivial matters. Only when Hedra steps into Fifth Tier will she enter their sight."

"Also, aside from Hedra, there's actually another person who has long been in His Majesty's sight. But few know of her existence."

"Oh, who is that? I mean... am I qualified to know this news?" Da Vinci asked instinctively, then added.

"Strictly speaking, you're not qualified yet. But since you're my formal disciple and will inherit my legacy, it's fine to tell you a bit." The Dean turned around.

"Have you heard of the legend of the 'Son of the Scorching Sun'?" He suddenly brought up an unrelated topic.

"This... I think I've seen it in some book. It means a child born in the Season of Rising Winds, naturally possessing the 'Scorching Sun' Aspect."

"Correct. Just as the Season of Rising Winds produces beasts with the Scorching Sun Aspect due to its influence, among intelligent races like humans, there are special lucky ones who, at birth, are touched by an Aspect's power and naturally possess a special life force."

"This makes them twice as efficient when practicing that Aspect, accumulating its power quickly, as if favored by the Hours."

"These people are the unblessed Blessed Ones. They don't receive the Hours' blessing, but they naturally have a high affinity for that Aspect."

"There aren't only 'Sons of the Scorching Sun,' but also 'Daughters of the Luminous Moon,' 'Awakened Dragon Veins,' and similar cases. Being born with an Aspect isn't always a blessing."

"If it's a positive Aspect, it's fine. But with negative Aspects like 'Slumbering Winter,' 'Dead Embers,' or 'Nightmare,' children often die young. Also, not all children who gain an Aspect have high talent; they might only have an advantage in accumulating the Aspect but learn slowly or aren't very smart."

"Truly, a child with both an innate Aspect and exceptional talent is rarer than one in ten million—perhaps one in a hundred million."

"Why are you saying all this?" Da Vinci asked curiously.

"I mean, our school was fortunate enough to find one, and we've protected her from an early age. Outsiders rarely know about her."

"She is a natural 'Daughter of the Secret Word.' She remembers every event, every detail. Her thinking speed is extremely fast. She can master all kinds of knowledge and discern the principles within inheritance gems, books, and images left by predecessors."

"Someone like that... really exists?" Da Vinci found it hard to believe.

"Yes, and it's easy to envy them," the Dean sighed.

"What takes you nearly a decade to research and explore, she might figure out in a few weeks. That kind of blow is no small thing, especially for many high-level mages who pride themselves on being geniuses."

"Before Hedra appeared, I thought that one would surely inherit His Majesty's legacy and become the behind-the-scenes power of the Alliance."

"But after Hedra appeared, I began to hope she wouldn't be the one. Instead, I wish Hedra could take her place and inherit that position."

"Why is that?"

"Because Hedra at least has feelings for the world's bustle, warmth, and coldness. She understands the complex human nature behind decisions. Though naive, she's kind and compassionate. That one probably doesn't have such surplus emotions."

"Someone who has never left the tower, whose knowledge and understanding come entirely from books and images—what do you think such a person would be like? She can probably view all truths with absolute calm and coldness, making the theoretically best choices. But would you be willing to become a tool or pawn in her hands?" the Dean suddenly posed the question.

"This... that would probably make one uneasy," Da Vinci thought for a moment.

"Exactly. But her talent is outstanding, and she can truly inherit everything from His Majesty. Without other options, we have no right to pick and choose; we must accept it."

"But now, there happens to be a more desirable choice, so the situation is different." He closed his eyes in contemplation.

"Can we change His Majesty's decision?" Da Vinci felt thinking about this might be pointless.

"No, but we can try our best." The Dean opened his eyes, a bright gleam in them.

"Not everything goes smoothly, but truth is discovered and corrected bit by bit through such struggles."

"We'll do our best to make Hedra's resume more dazzling. Even if His Majesty knows of my actions, they won't stop me. For someone like that, all of this is just a trivial matter not worth attention."