Chapter 19: Lessons On The First Day
Xilutiya’s home.
This serene maiden was currently sitting in front of the mirror combing her long hair, but unlike usual, there was a small basin filled with fine black powder beside her.
She soaked a wet cotton cloth in water, dipped it in the fine black powder, then applied it to her long hair and combed it evenly; her originally silver-snow hair gradually turned black.
“Does Tiya really have to dye her hair black?” Talil stood beside her, helping to spread out the maiden’s long hair and assist with combing.
“Yes, this way, combined with makeup techniques to draw the eyebrows, I can change my appearance and temperament.” Xilutiya spoke of the techniques she had learned from the thief’s diary.
“Sigh, is this to conceal your looks?” Talil thought of something.
“Yes.”
The maiden smoothed the fine black powder with a comb while dyeing the snow-white silver hair black again with the wet cotton cloth.
“Why is that?” Talil was puzzled; shouldn’t good looks be something to envy and take pride in?
“Because it means a lot less trouble.” The maiden answered in a soft voice, occasionally turning her head to check the side of her hair in the mirror.
“Perhaps my past identity was quite extraordinary, but now I don’t have much power to protect myself; staying low-key is always a good thing.”
Xilutiya had recently learned about the situation in Jiaoshi City.
There were at least three knights here with ‘Third Order-Castle’ fates; their strength completely crushed ordinary people, and they were also from the noble faction. If she caught the eye of some big shot, the maiden truly didn’t know how she would escape or refuse.
Sometimes she felt her figure and appearance were too outrageous, but she couldn’t say such things to Talil, or it would seem like she was showing off.
In the mirror, this pitiable-browed maiden merely turned her eyes slightly, exuding a charm that made it hard to look away; Xilutiya didn’t know how her past self had survived—it was probably well protected.
An hour later, with Talil’s assistance, she finally dyed all her hair black, then checked her own status again.
——
Name: Xilutiya ·※※※※
Race: Human（※※※）
Status: Healthy（Disguise-Low Presence）
Talent: Star【Unknown Grade】, Cornflower’s Affection【Rare Grade, Upgradable】
Fate Card: 【Sleeping Girl】（Tier: None）
–
Effect: 【Discernment Eyes Lv.2】
Ability Card: 【Breathing Technique Lv.2】【Dew Prayer Method Lv.1】【Empty Slot】
Skills: 『Basic Sword Technique Lv.4』『Basic Spear Technique Lv.4』『Gardening Technique Lv.1』
——
After tidying up, the maiden changed into a plain long robe, making her look much more ordinary.
However, these eyes—the maiden looked at the sky-blue eyes in the mirror and felt they still needed to be concealed. She rummaged around and found the flat glasses she had bought, put them on, finally covering those lively eyes. Now she looked like an ordinary girl with a strong scholarly air.
“Now she’s completely unrecognizable.” Talil circled the maiden several times, surprised by the change in her appearance.
“Going to Scholar Heide’s lessons from now on should allow for a peaceful time.” The maiden looked in the mirror, nodded in satisfaction, then stood up.
……
On the new day’s early morning, a dozen or so young figures gathered in Scholar Heide’s mansion. They varied in height, some male some female, ages roughly 14-18, among them several whose clothing clearly wasn’t commoner style, wearing brightly colored clothes.
Another figure walked in from the main gate, wearing a light brown robe, his short plump build somewhat comical as he walked.
“How did Yeluo end up coming too?” Someone present knew this little fatty.
“Heard he couldn’t make it in Gully City and had to come back.” A noble youth commented disdainfully.
“If not for Scholar Heide taking him in, he probably wouldn’t have anywhere to study.”
“Useless guy.”
“My dad even said before to try recruiting him and get along well, but I think there’s no hope.”
“Countless young men seek to study each year, but very few truly become scholars.”
They discussed this little fatty until he passed by, then their voices quieted—not out of fear of offending Yeluo, but because Yeluo was an official student recognized by Scholar Heide, and they didn’t want to slight Scholar Heide’s face.
……
Time passed again, the sun rising higher and the temperature warming; a strikingly conspicuous youth entered the mansion’s front yard accompanied by companions.
He looked not yet sixteen, with messy hair, narrow eyes at the corners giving a fierce air, a sword scabbard bound with leather straps on his back, rough hemp upper clothing, and many old wounds on his exposed wrists—clearly from battles.
“We’ll leave you here, Mike.”
“Work hard—no, study hard, haha.” Several adventurer companions waved.
“Got it, you guys.” He tugged at the unfamiliar shirt collar, then walked into the front yard with eyes full of wariness.
Though also a commoner, he seemed out of place with everyone here.
Like a wild beast just come down from the mountains—many thought this evaluation.
Entering the front yard, this new student named Mike found a spot to stand; others’ conversation topics slowly shifted away from him.
Time quietly passed, the sun climbing higher, some starting to grow impatient.
“About everyone here by now? If later, I think Scholar Heide shouldn’t accept them.” Someone looked at the sun and complained.
Just as many were waiting impatiently, hoofbeats came from outside the mansion, then a luxurious horse carriage crafted of walnut wood with gold-gilded copper trimmings stopped at the front door. The carriage door opened, first stepping down was a pair of small leather shoes, then black wrapped-leg stockings, red short skirt, fitted ornate blouse, snow-white cuffs, golden short hair, a maiden with vivid red eyes appeared.
“This is Scholar Heide’s home?” Her voice carried some arrogance as her gaze critically scanned the surroundings.
“Well, for a countryside place, this will do.”
With that, she had her retainer unload the luggage she brought and follow behind her.
This maiden drew the attention of all the students present upon entering—whether from the noble circles or commoner students, gazes converged on her: envy, awe, greed, disgust, and more.
Undeniably, this golden-haired maiden’s looks were rare; dressed in gorgeous clothes, she was like a golden peacock blooming under the sun—mere simple actions set many youths’ hearts ablaze.
“Who is she?”
“Probably a distant relative of Viscount Xue Feng.” Someone guessed.
“Never heard of her before.” A chestnut-red-haired girl walked over, eyes full of admiration as she watched the passing golden-haired girl.
“She’s from White Cliff City.” A noble student in the know finally revealed the information.
“Oh, White Cliff City.” Those present who heard couldn’t help but exclaim softly.
White Cliff City was the royal city of Regas Kingdom, a place countless aspired to; coming from there naturally inspired envy.
Ignoring everyone present, this dazzling golden-haired girl strode straight into the mansion’s hall, then beckoned to inquire of a servant.
“Excuse me, is Scholar Heide at home?” She unusually restrained some arrogance in asking.
“Please wait a moment.”
Hosting such a distinguished guest made the servants present nervous too; he asked the girl to wait, then hurried to the backyard of the mansion to inquire.
Soon, footsteps came from the corridor, and Scholar Heide’s wide gray scholar robe and white beard appeared before the crowd.
“Sorry to keep this miss waiting; you must be Iona, right.” His voice was kindly and relaxed.
“Hello, I am Iona, Scholar Heide.”
The golden-haired girl slightly lifted her skirt in curtsy, then her vivid red eyes looked to Scholar Heide again, noticing a maiden about her height standing beside the scholar.
Black long hair, plain robe, wearing glasses, holding a very thick book—looking utterly ordinary.
Probably one of Scholar Heide’s students, the golden-haired girl didn’t pay much mind.
“Since everyone’s here, have them gather in the front hall.” Heide instructed the servant beside him to notify the front yard students.
People trickled in one after another; soon the crowd assembled in this front hall, listening to the old man’s words and teachings.
The first day’s lessons thus began.
