Chapter 429

Chapter 429: Hongzhen Palace

“Did you agree?” Pullman looked at the silver-haired girl with a hint of disbelief. He had thought this time there was little hope, but unexpectedly, the wise teacher seemed to have come to a realization and agreed.

Along with the surprise, a surge of joy filled his heart. If not for his newfound composure after becoming a leader, Pullman would have jumped up to express his excitement.

After collecting his thoughts, he began considering how to introduce the girl to other like-minded friends, who were also currently the high-ranking officials and department leaders of Clancia. Although he was the highest leader of Clancia, he did not put on airs in front of old companions. The current top-level companions also maintained a relaxed atmosphere, unlike those long-established nations, which were rigid and full of conflicts.

Should they hold a grand ceremony, or should they first let everyone get acquainted privately, so they can mentally prepare themselves?

He was worried that people might underestimate her because of her youthful appearance, which was not what he wanted to see.

A grand ceremony would be more appropriate, making everything seem more legitimate. Otherwise, it would be like Toland’s saying, “The white dragon disguises itself as a fish, only to be trapped by Yuque.”

Seemingly reading Pullman’s thoughts, Lolan Hill spoke up first.

“I don’t need to be introduced to others for now. Although I accepted your invitation, I still have other matters to handle first. I will stay in Clancia permanently around early next year.”

“Alright.” Pullman nodded, then asked again.

“Then shall I arrange accommodation for you in the palace? This way, future communication will be much easier. Many officials of Clancia reside in the palace, making protection more convenient.”

The palace of Clancia was vast. In Soland, a city with over a million inhabitants, the palace built against the mountain occupied one-ninth of the area, situated right in the center of Soland, overlooking the entire city.

Lolan Hill did not refuse this suggestion; she simply nodded in agreement. Staying in a hotel for too long was indeed not ideal.

After concluding their conversation, it was already noon. Pullman asked Palinsa to bring lunch and then requested the palace map.

“What kind of environment do you prefer? The Wind Kingdom’s royalty once built various palaces within the palace grounds, including small lakes, wilderness, forests, viewing platforms, and high towers.”

“Can you find me a quiet place instead?” The girl shook her head slightly. She didn’t have many demands, and overly spacious places were not suitable for her.

“Then here it is.”

He pointed to a location in the southwestern part of the palace, behind a hill where a forest stood. It was at the edge of the palace, with few people around, and the scenery was excellent. Sitting on the gentle slope of a light yellow lawn, one could overlook most of the city.

“Mm-hm.”

Seeing Lolan Hill’s consent, Pullman instructed Palinsa to lead the way and assist with setting up the facilities.

“Can you tell Palinsa about your identity? This would make things easier. She is very discreet and won’t leak information.”

“Sure.” It didn’t matter if one more person knew.

Pullman called Palinsa in and whispered something in her ear. This secretary-like figure widened her eyes in disbelief, looking at the girl before her for a long moment before calming down.

“I understand, Mr. Pullman, and also, Sage Lolan Hill.” She bowed deeply, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm and admiration, almost unrecognizable from earlier.

Not good, the girl mused, seeing this expression. She had thought the maid was cold and efficient, yet calm. But she changed so quickly.

“Please follow me.”

She extended her hand, leading Lolan Hill forward, her back straight as if trying to present herself better.

They passed through long corridors and palaces, walking past busy departments and guarded checkpoints until they reached a palace exterior.

The lawn was well-maintained, with trimmed hedges on both sides of the white stone path. Climbing a few steps, they approached a modest gatehouse with two guards standing on either side.

“Good day, Secretary Palinsa.” The guards greeted them with a bow before looking them over.

Palinsa, as the palace secretary, frequently moved around to deliver documents and manage affairs, so the guards recognized her.

The maid nodded and asked them to unlock the door.

The heavy copper lock turned, and the pale gold door slowly opened, revealing a beautiful courtyard. There were no lavish buildings, only simple black iron railings forming vine-patterned designs, surrounding a few apple trees. A white gravel path wound upwards to a small hill where a modest house stood, beside which grew a lush tree.

The tree’s canopy partially shaded the roof, providing a cool respite under its shade during the scorching summer. The house itself was a light blue, akin to fluffy cotton candy. (There is a reference image, but the golden decorations mentioned are absent.)

The corners of the house featured white decorations, reminiscent of simple reliefs, depicting flowers, stars, and trees.

“This is the Hongzhen Palace, where Princess Lanisha lived a hundred years ago. Because she was frail and sickly since childhood, the king and queen doted on her, building this palace here. The air is very good.”

Palinsa led Lolan Hill into the shade, unlocked the door with a key, and pushed open the white door, entering the cozy and beautiful little house.

“Princess Lanisha was the youngest princess and beloved by her older siblings. After the king passed away, her two elder brothers fought for the throne, but she mediated and stopped their bloody conflict. Thus, despite her short life of 19 years, her reputation in the Wind Kingdom, which values family, was quite good.”

“After the princess passed away, the palace has been empty, occasionally cleaned. I hope the sage does not mind.”

Lolan Hill was not superstitious and found the scenery and tranquility here to her liking.

“What did Palinsa do before?”

Looking at the well-mannered and knowledgeable maid, Lolan Hill felt she was not from an ordinary background. In early Wind Kingdom, those who received good education were mostly from noble families.

“I am the daughter of the previous Wind Kingdom’s king.”

“So Palinsa was once a princess?”

“A bit surprising,” Lolan Hill remarked.

“But that life and status weren’t particularly great.”

This maid secretary did not seem to fully recognize her past identity.

“Princesses in the Wind Kingdom may live comfortably, but they lack true freedom. They must always maintain elegance, learn music and poetry, entertain guests, and follow their father’s or eldest brother’s arrangements to marry someone they do not know, becoming a wife and a bond in the family.”

“Some princesses might enjoy such stability, but for me, it was suffocating. Even the most wonderful things become less appealing when forced upon you.”

“Luckily, the era of the Wind Kingdom has ended, and I can now escape that life.”

“Do you harbor resentment?”

Despite knowing her personal reasons, Lolan Hill still asked with some concern. The fall of the Wind Kingdom was largely due to her altering the course of fate.

“Perhaps I am naturally detached and solitary, not interacting much with others, so I feel little. Besides, even without the sage and Clancia, the decline of the Wind Kingdom was inevitable. Being in the palace, I saw the intentions of the powerful, so I had no hope.”

“You shouldn’t blame yourself. The alternation of kingdoms is natural, and killing is unavoidable. My father also went through bloody struggles to ascend the throne, let alone the change of a nation.”

“Though life isn’t as luxurious as before, I can now choose freely. This freedom makes me happier.”

“Even today, seeing the whole nation improve, I feel a slight pride in being part of Clancia.”

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(End of Chapter)