Chapter 57: First Social Engagement
In the early morning, sitting in front of the vanity, Lining carefully dressed Xilutiya.
First, she helped Xilutiya put on that slightly elaborate dress. This dress had a bright yellow base like midsummer, with pure white lace trim on the collar and edges. Overall, it was not restrictive, but rather had a relaxed and comfortable feel like going out.
The cuffs featured scalloped sleeves. One finger’s width from the cuff was a white thin ribbon that could be slightly tightened and tied into a small bow, accentuating the slenderness of the wrist. The sleeve ends curved like bent lotus leaves, partially covering the back of the hand, making the fingers look like stamens emerging from flower petals, exceptionally beautiful.
After tidying the clothes, Lining braided a very thin plait from the hair at Xilutiya’s ear, making her hairstyle less monotonous. Finally, she put on the bright yellow sun hat matching the dress, adorned with a large white bow and several light pink, light blue, and bright yellow flowers.
Once fully dressed, Xilutiya looked as if she had stepped out of a fairy tale, with a touch of dreamlike beauty.
“All done, Miss Tiya. You can try standing up and walking a few steps to feel it. If anywhere is uncomfortable, I’ll adjust it for you.”
“Okay.”
Xilutiya stood up lightly, her bound light small leather shoes on her feet as she began walking in the room. Though she was a bit unaccustomed at first, she quickly adapted, her steps light, as if she had often worn similar clothes before.
After a short while, Lining accompanied Xilutiya downstairs, where Madam Fran was already waiting in the living room.
Seeing Xilutiya descend the stairs holding her skirt, she couldn’t help but smile and clap her hands lightly.
“Just as I expected, very cute.”
“Since we’re mostly ready, let’s set off. Today, I’ll take you to meet a few friends in the city.” She stood up.
“Talil.” She called to the girl who was stunned nearby.
“Yes, Madam.” Talil straightened her posture.
“Today, I need you to watch the house. If any bad people come, ring the bell, and someone will come to inquire and help.”
“Yes, Madam.” She nodded in surprise, honored that she had been entrusted with such an important task just days after arriving.
“Lining, is the horse carriage ready?”
“The horse carriage is ready and waiting outside.”
“Good, lead Xilutiya over.” With that, she turned to nod at Xilutiya, then walked out of the living room.
Several minutes later, the three boarded the exquisite and luxurious horse carriage, heading north of Jiaoshi City toward Viscount Xue Feng’s Castle. But today was different from usual; they did not enter through the side door to the training ground, but through the main gate, heading directly to the small hill behind the castle.
There was an enclosed courtyard garden with several pavilions and small lakes inside.
Along the way, passing through gates heavily guarded by guards, the horse carriage went all the way to the main gate of this courtyard before stopping.
Madam Fran got out first. She opened her white-based parasol adorned with a bow and walked forward slowly, while Lining helped Xilutiya down from the horse carriage.
Under the bright sunshine, butterflies fluttered in the garden, with occasional bees visible. Passing through the stone slab path in the garden, several noblewomen were already gathering in the distant pavilion.
Seeing Madam Fran appear holding her parasol, the few in the pavilion stood up one after another, their gazes then curiously turning to the unfamiliar silver-haired maiden behind Madam Fran.
“Sister Fran, who is the one behind you?” A noblewoman in a sea-blue dress asked curiously, her hair slightly wine-red, with charming dark red blush at the corners of her eyes.
“This is a new student, probably my heir from now on.” Madam Fran’s words carried weight, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.
A accomplished Transcendent or great figure naturally had many students, but when it came to an heir, there would only be one or two at most. Such heirs were often those who could inherit the school’s knowledge and skills, with great potential, carefully selected from many students, the ones held in highest regard.
“An heir? This is the first time I’ve heard Sister Fran mention it.” The others were also quite surprised.
As Xilutiya approached, after seeing her appearance and temperament clearly, there was another wave of astonishment.
There were many talented people, but those who possessed both talent and peerless beauty were extremely rare. Given Madam Fran’s personality, she would never choose a good-for-nothing or mediocre talent as her heir, so they were especially shocked.
“It seems from today, Jiaoshi City, or rather the southern border region, will have another piece of news and legend, hehe.” Their social circles extended beyond Jiaoshi City to multiple big cities in the south of Regas Kingdom, with broad knowledge and well-informed sources.
“Come over, what’s your name? Where is your home from?” These noblewomen welcomed Xilutiya warmly, treating her like their own junior.
“My name is…” She hesitated whether to give her real name.
“Her name is Anluo’er, from my hometown, the distant Bellflower Country.” Madam Fran winked at Xilutiya, signaling her not to object.
At this, Xilutiya could only drop the idea of explaining and accept it calmly. This also saved much trouble, such as exposing her student identity and other inquiries into her background.
“Oh, Anluo’er, what a nice name, as beautiful and cute as the person herself.” The other noblewomen chimed in agreement.
Actually, names among nobles were never too bad, but it was rare to have a maiden as outstanding as Xilutiya, so their praise was sincere.
Welcoming this somewhat shy and bashful maiden into the pavilion, everyone surrounded her, asking the maiden various things as if she were an interesting little friend.
“How long have you been studying with Sister Fran? I’ve never seen you before.”
“It’s been some time, but I just advanced recently, so Madam acknowledged me.” She answered softly.
“I see. Sister Fran is still as strict as ever.” They were not surprised by such a statement, even finding it particularly believable.
“Where do you usually live?”
“Currently, I’m living in Madam’s mansion.” This was indeed true.
“Oh, what are your hobbies? What flowers do you like to grow?”
……
The questions seemed endless, and Xilutiya could only answer selectively, glossing over things she couldn’t say.
Fortunately, the noblewomen were not offended by this, probably thinking it very normal. Exaggerated and pretentious talk was too common in noble circles; Xilutiya’s honest responses were actually rare.
It seemed she rarely participated in social events, having been well protected by Madam Fran in the past. Now with some achievements and sufficient age, Madam Fran brought her out for socializing, which fit the style of some traditional nobles.
Amid the continuous laughter and chatting, Xilutiya gradually got familiar with these noblewomen and became a bit more at ease.
