Chapter 331

Chapter 331 – Resolving Knots of the Heart

After that youth left, Lohil gradually realized that she might have said something outrageous again.

Sometimes, she was also afraid of giving advice and ideas to others. What if things didn’t turn out well?

“Another grandiose statement, Lolan Hill,” the girl muttered to herself.

“But it really is a great idea,” an elderly voice echoed in the temple, making Lolan Hill lift her head in surprise. Who was this?

A kind-looking old matron stood at the entrance of the temple, unknown when she had entered. She was slender, with smooth skin despite her loose skin from age.

“I apologize for startling you. I’m just an old woman who often helps out here.”

The matron wore ordinary clothes, with a white apron tied around her and black garments. However, the edges showed signs of wear from frequent washing.

“As one gets older, they prefer quietness. Since I am familiar with the place, I tried to open the door quietly, which might have been sudden.”

She turned back to close the thick wooden door and slowly walked down the aisle, her eyes scanning the hall occasionally with a nod and a smile.

“The place is very clean. You’re a good child.”

“Thank you for your praise.” Looking at the elderly woman, Lolan Hill nodded in respect, wondering if she had let slip something. But it should be fine; after all, Lolan Hill and Lohil only differed by one syllable.

However, the old lady seemed not to notice the name and continued asking:

“Are you a second-year student at Temple Academy?”

“Yes,” Lolan Hill nodded.

“What’s your name?”

“Lohil.”

“Beautiful name! Don’t mind my age. When I was young, I graduated from this school too. Let me introduce myself; I’m Sande.”

“In fact, I heard everything you said to that boy earlier. It was very good.”

Lolan Hill felt her ears redden, feeling shy. This matter was fine when discussed privately, but it would feel embarrassing if talked about openly.

“Haha, don’t be so shy.” The old lady pulled Lohil to sit beside her.

“I think what you said to that boy was great. Why are you so lacking in confidence? Why do you say you’re exaggerating?”

Lolan Hill hesitated slightly before sharing her thoughts: “Because I haven’t experienced much myself. Giving advice like this might be irresponsible.”

“How can one give responsible guidance and resolve issues?” the matron asked.

“It should come from someone with rich life experiences and insights.”

“But one’s life is limited. They can’t experience everything. And those seeking help are diverse. You can’t tell them to find another priest miles away.”

“Moreover, environments and individuals differ. Someone else’s similar experience may not apply.”

“What should you do then?” The matron’s voice was calm yet steady.

“I—” Lolan Hill paused, feeling lost.

Indeed, how can one be responsible?

“There are many people coming to the temple for help, with various problems. Sometimes, you might not be good at some things. How should you handle that?”

“I would suggest finding someone else.”

“Who exactly? ‘Someone else’ is vague. What kind of person specifically?” the matron continued.

“Furthermore, how can you guarantee that others will provide correct and good answers? Isn’t saying you’ll pass the buck actually a sign of irresponsibility?”

“Naive child, such thinking won’t do,” the matron said, holding Lohil’s hand. Her rough palm reminded Lolan Hill of the passage of time on the elderly woman.

Instead of directly guiding Lohil, the matron shared some of her childhood experiences.

“When I was young, I was quite beautiful. Many pursued me, and I often hesitated over whom to choose.”

“For boys, shy girls are very attractive.”

She spoke steadily, and Lolan Hill listened attentively.

“I was selected for the church choir because of my singing. The most glorious moment was participating in the Angel Descent ceremony in the Holy Land at the Radiant Angel Cathedral. As the lead singer, that grand scene is unforgettable.”

“I still hum songs now, though not as well as before. After all, I’m getting older.”

“Sande Matron, what emotions did you feel standing on stage?”

“I felt happy, sharing music I love with everyone, making many know the song and its story. It gave me a sense of happiness.”

“Did you feel nervous?”

“Maybe I was nervous when I first stepped on stage, but now I’m not.”

“Does fame bring great responsibility?”

“You don’t seem like a 17-year-old girl. Yes, with great fame comes authority and leadership. Your style, words, and opinions attract countless followers. Most people are followers.”

“Sande Matron, you know, I’ve stood on stage too. Initially, I was scared, fearing I’d mess up.”

“Luckily, people liked my singing, even if it was a bit bumpy. When the song ended, I saw countless expectant eyes and thunderous applause. My heart felt as if it was smoothed out by a warm iron, becoming peaceful.”

“I realized that my voice could overshadow the crowd, even if my direction was wrong. Those different sounds were easily drowned out by the enthusiastic audience. If I wanted, I could change a centuries-old hymn, and they would follow.”

“Once in a frenzy, one tends to extremes. I’m like a child riding an elephant; a slight misstep can cause chaos. I’m just a normal girl, not ready for such great responsibility.”

“Good child, I understand your thoughts. Perhaps your upbringing made you cautious. You’re too young to adapt fully. Since I’ve been through it, let me share some life lessons.”

“You fear making mistakes. Maybe due to strict parental demands or personal insecurities, you strive to be a model child to gain recognition and improve your environment. When leading, you feel uncomfortable because you can’t guarantee your words and thoughts are entirely right. If it were just yourself, it’s fine, but leading others brings fear of leading them astray and facing blame if you make mistakes.”

“Yes.”

“Not surprising for a studious child with early wisdom, but perhaps too idealistic.”

“Can people who make mistakes be forgiven? In your heart, it’s shameful, like a white paper stained by a black dot, repulsive and fearful. Do you want to be morally perfect? But that’s not the path to happiness.”

“Perhaps you need true noble education. Mistakes aren’t big deals if you lead people to victory and solve problems. Doing 100 right things and 30 wrong ones is better than doing nothing. Avoiding mistakes won’t lead to success.”

“Victory means knowing clearly what you aim for. Efforts and sacrifices are necessary processes. Without final victory, even without mistakes, it’s meaningless failure.”

“Besides, if you don’t guide people, they might not follow the right path. Perhaps your inaction led to bad results. Accept the consequences of pursuing ideals. If you’re shaken by criticism and want no blemishes, that’s unrealistic.”

“Moreover, I believe you’re a kind child. Even if you become a famous songstress, you’ll guide those who love your voice to do good deeds, far better than letting them be exploited by ambitious people for profit or dragged into cruel wars.”

The girl’s eyes opened, wiping away tears as she stood, bowed slightly.

“Thank you, I understand.”

No one had ever understood her inner pain and the origins of her actions and views like this elderly matron. Something pure and real unfolded within her.

—

Tower Academy, the Tower of Wind Sounds.

The spiraling staircase, like musical notes, ascended to the top of the tower. Two girls climbed lightly, reaching the office door at the top. The wind chimes hanging under the eaves tinkled softly, melodious yet subtle.

Knock knock,

“Enter.”

The two girls pushed the door open.

“Ah, it’s Lanli and Lingxin. Are you feeling better, Lingxin?” A neatly dressed lady sat behind the desk, Lady Phyllis.

“I’ve recovered, Teacher Phyllis,” Lingxin replied, bowing slightly.

“That’s good.”

“This is thanks to little Lacy. She healed Lingxin.”

“Lacy came to school too. She’s shy, never comes to see me.”

“Haha, probably afraid you’d ask her to sing in front of everyone,” Lanli laughed.

“I’m not that scary, right?” Lady Phyllis sighed, rubbing her forehead, then looked up at the opposite wall.

“Speaking of which, I should visit the teacher.”

“Oh, the teacher’s teacher is also at the school?” Lingxin asked curiously.

“Yes. Although she learned on her own initially, later she had the chance to study under a predecessor for a while.” Phyllia gazed at the magnificent painting on the wall.

On the stage, thousands gathered, a white light piercing the sky. An angel descended with wings spread, and a young girl played the violin center stage, singing. —The 5th Blue Songstress, the Swan Maiden, Ecco Sande.

(End of Chapter)