Chapter 111: Farewell Banquet
Xilutiya arrived at Viscount Xue Feng’s Castle once again, but today she wore a light yellow dress, and her soft silver hair was tied with a large, somewhat cute bow.
After arriving inside the castle by horse carriage, several maids respectfully led her to the banquet within the castle.
Today, many notables in Jiaoshi City received invitations to attend, including guild leaders from several major guilds, the baron couple, and several merchants and high-rank professionals.
“Miss Tiya has arrived.”
The retainer’s voice was not loud, but most people at the evening party could hear it, so they all turned their gazes toward the main gate entrance.
Lightly lifting her skirt with one hand, Xilutiya walked in slowly. Although she felt a bit unaccustomed to so much attention, her footwork was well-controlled, showing no panic.
She politely bowed to the crowd, then advanced step by step amid greetings and congratulations from the distinguished guests.
“So it’s Miss Tiya, truly beautiful and young.”
“Oh, so she’s Tiya. Sister Fran really knows how to keep secrets.” Someone complained with a smile.
“Miss Tiya, this way please.”
“Miss Tiya, this is a gift from our merchant guild. Please accept it.” An envelope was handed to the maiden.
“Beautiful Miss Tiya, this is my son. He was disrespectful in the past; please forgive him.” Baron Kuid pulled Baron over. The other was clearly reluctant, his eyes looking to the side.
But after really walking to this maiden’s side, he was drawn to Xilutiya’s soft and dreamy appearance, becoming a bit embarrassed.
“It’s fine. Classmate Baron is also excellent.” Though a bit arrogant and proud, Baron hadn’t done anything truly bad overall, so Xilutiya had no strong ill feelings.
Hearing this, Baron straightened his back, showing a proud look of understanding, and Baron Kuid just smiled and shook his head slightly, patting his shoulder.
“I heard you’re heading to the woodland soon. I’ve prepared a gift here as well; please accept it, Miss Tiya.” He signaled to the maid at his side, who then brought over a thick blanket.
The blanket was made of white fur, with neat outlined patterns on the back—simple and straight lines, like some kind of design blueprint.
“This blanket is sewn from winter bear fur. Not only is it warm, but it also bears the imprinted pattern of the ‘castle’ nature, which can protect you and reduce interference and erosion from other natures.” Baron Kuid explained.
【Winter Bear Blanket】（First Order·Castle）: A blanket made from winter bear fur, insulated and heat-retaining, with a comfortable feel, and possessing the castle nature to slightly block erosion.
Though the rank isn’t high, the feel and appearance are exceptionally good. It probably cost quite a bit to make—truly thoughtful.
After a slight hesitation, Xilutiya nodded and accepted it. “Thank you. I’ll use it well.”
Passing through layers of people, responding one by one to those greeting her, by the time Xilutiya reached the center of the banquet and saw Viscount Xue Feng, an hour had already passed. The maid behind her was also holding various gifts for her.
Upon seeing Viscount Xue Feng, he nodded appreciatively at Xilutiya, then raised his hand, and the entire banquet gradually quieted down.
“Everyone, today I solemnly introduce to you the beautiful Miss Tiya, our Jiaoshi City’s excellent talent…” What followed was a string of praises for this maiden, not only recounting her diligent studies under Scholar Heide, but also saying she was helpful, gentle and kind, beautiful, and so on—praising her in nearly every aspect.
These praises were almost the first time Xilutiya had heard them. One might say this viscount truly enjoys discovering people’s strengths, or perhaps he just has a good way with words.
Facing such praise, the guests on site nodded in agreement with echoes of approval. Madam Cali even stepped forward and said more, to the effect that Tiya was Madam Fran’s excellent student, regarded by Madam Fran as her heir, and so on.
These words made the guests on site take notice again, their expressions becoming even more enthusiastic.
The entire evening, Xilutiya spent in various socializing and conversations. Only when night deepened, the party ended, and the many guests departed did she finally relax.
“You’ve worked hard, child.” The Viscountess Xue Feng walked over, draped a warm thin coat over Xilutiya, pulled her to sit aside, and talked about many things—her experiences when young, and the expectations of her two children now in White Cliff City, and so on.
“If Tiya returns later, you all should have much to talk about and become good friends.” She sighed like this.
Finally, Xilutiya bid farewell to this viscountess, left the castle, boarded the horse carriage under escort by several guards, and slowly returned to the mansion.
……
On the last day, Xilutiya sat in the room, tallying the things she would take. Talil beside her also helped fold clothes.
“Should we bring this set of clothes?” Talil picked up a cotton cloth dress, which looked rather plain.
This was what the merchant Fanderxi had paid for and helped her buy when she first arrived in this world.
“Take it.” Though not precious, it held some commemorative meaning. Xilutiya folded this cloth dress together with the pure white simple long skirt she had worn when she awoke, and put them into the box.
Considering the limited luggage she could take, she had to carefully select what to bring.
The formal dresses Madam Fran had custom-made for her were too elaborate and not suitable for folding and stacking, so she only chose two relatively simple summer dresses and dresses to carry.
For the other winter clothes and summer clothes, she picked one set that wasn’t too conspicuous but was relatively fitted and comfortable to bring.
Additionally, she also brought the bubble grass she had previously found, the cultivated white camellia tea leaves, the many books she had bought before, her own notebook, and so on.
Besides clothes and shoes, there were crafted items, including
【Forest Badge】（Second Order·Brilliant Moon）
【Four-Cornered Flower Lamp Lantern】（Second Order·Rare）
【Sunflower Seed Oil（Refined）】（Second Order·Blazing Sun）, six bottles
【Tree Jade Spirit Sword】（First Order·Excellent）, two
【Winter Bear Blanket】（First Order·Castle）
【Fire Cloud Orchid】（First Order·Emerald Honey）, two
【Swan Orchid】（First Order·Emerald Honey）, one
【White Camellia Tea Leaves】（First Order·Emerald Honey）, three packs
【White Stone Chess Piece】（First Order·Castle）
【Light-blocking Cloak】（First Order·Mist Shadow）
Among them, 【Sunflower Seed Oil（Refined）】 was a gift from Madam Fran, and 【Light-blocking Cloak】 was a black hooded coat given by Viscount Xue Feng according to Xilutiya’s needs.
After packing things one by one, Madam Fran also gave her 200 gold coins for use on the road, as well as a letter of introduction.
“Give this letter to personnel of the ‘Four Seasons Alliance’, and you’ll receive some preferential treatment.” Madam Fran said this.
“Though it can’t directly get you into the Four Seasons Alliance, they will carefully consider your application instead of completely ignoring it.”
“The Four Seasons Alliance organization is very large. I’m a third order gardener, but after all, I’m just a member of a peripheral organization, so my influence is limited.”
“After going to the secluded forest, remember to wear that badge. That way, you’ll get quite a bit of attention and won’t be easily bullied. Got it?” Though Xilutiya’s strength wasn’t weak, her soft appearance made it hard to imagine she was highly combat-capable.
“Yes, I understand.” Xilutiya listened to this teacher’s instructions like a child about to set off on a long journey.
“That’s about it. After settling down there, remember to write a letter telling me which secluded forest you’re in.” For this likable apprentice, Madam Fran was starting to feel reluctant to let her go.
It was rare to encounter such an excellent child. She was usually rather detached in personality, but this time she found it hard to part with her.
However, a child always staying in a greenhouse would never truly grow; she still needed to let her experience things on her own.
“One last instruction.” Madam Fran thought for a moment.
“Being eager is good, but don’t be reckless. With your talent, given time and patience, you’ll surely reach my current achievements—and probably go even further.”
“That’s it. Say goodbye to Scholar Heide before departing tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Sleepless through the night, late into the night, Xilutiya finally leaned on the pillow and slowly fell asleep.
