Chapter 597

Chapter 597: Returning to School and Reunion

The war had temporarily halted.

After reclaiming lost territories, the allied forces of the Starlight Alliance advanced eastward until they reached the walls of Yubaire City, where they stopped. The city’s walls were tall and thick, defended by various war machines of the Frost Union, with their troops guarding the city, and reinforcements continuously arriving from the rear.

Given such circumstances, considering the extended front line and insufficient offensive strength, the Frost Union did not launch a direct assault but instead retreated to the border to construct defensive lines and gradually consolidate their occupied land.

The Starlight Alliance’s land, population, and resources were four times greater than those of the Frost Union. With just a bit more time to complete domestic industrialization, any further advancement would be more secure and could avoid many unnecessary sacrifices.

Under this decision, the Frost Union also slowed down its offensive and began arranging for subsequent recovery and construction.

—

Within the Red Mulberry Palace, the tall canopy was covered with light yellow and blue-green leaves, some drifting down in the gentle breeze, sliding back and forth in the air before landing on the grass.

Lolan Hill sat on a wooden chair under the tree, looking up at the intertwining branches and sky above. Occasionally, a gust of autumn wind would pass, bringing a sense of comfort while also gradually seeping in a slight chill.

Winter is approaching, she suddenly realized.

Since leaving Emanas, time seemed to have accelerated. It was almost time for some classmates to graduate.

Emanas had five grades, and the quickest way was to finish in five years, which was also the final year this year.

She hadn’t seen those classmates in a long time, and memories of the past began to surface, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

I should go back and see them; otherwise, I might feel regretful. Lady Phyllis would probably scold me thoroughly, she thought.

Recalling the people and events at the academy, a faint smile appeared on Lolan Hill’s face.

Two days later.

“Is Her Highness Lolan Hill leaving again?” Palinsa held a plate in front of her with both hands, looking at the silver-haired girl. Today, Lolan Hill wore a black-and-white checkered dress, white cotton socks on her calves, and brown leather shoes on her feet, dressed like a student.

“Yes, Palinsa. Don’t look at me like that. I do think about taking a break sometimes,” Lolan Hill said with one eye closed and the other open, adding a touch of playfulness.

“Only by resting well can we work well. You too, Palinsa. If you have free time, you can apply for a rest.”

Palinsa looked at the younger-looking girl and shook her head slightly, feeling a strange sensation welling up inside her, unsure how to evaluate her.

When she first met Lolan Hill, she was surprised by the young Sage’s age and then developed respect. However, she soon found that she was not much different from a 16-year-old girl in daily life, not someone overly mature. She felt a closeness to her like a sister.

But this year’s series of significant moves, whether dealing with the Black Rock Duchy or the victory in the decisive battle, made her realize the wisdom and sagacity of this young lady, rekindling her admiration and respect. In such a situation, the young lady’s cuteness and playfulness left her at a loss.

Actually, if Lolan Hill gave a direct order, she wouldn’t object. But this young lady seemed to dislike such a rigid relationship, treating her more like a friend in daily life. Each time she went on a long trip, she would carefully explain to her.

No matter how Lolan Hill’s image changed in her heart, that gentle and tranquil essence she naturally exuded always made her feel at ease, listening together to the world’s quiet sounds.

“Mm, I understand, Your Wisdom.” Although Lolan Hill didn’t mind this title, Palinsa still wouldn’t forget this honorific.

“I will make sure the Red Mulberry Palace is well kept during your absence. Wishing you a pleasant journey.”

“Thank you, Palinsa~” The clear and melodious voice of the girl floated in the air.

Lolan Hill slowly rose, carrying a wicker box, then disappeared into the sky, turning into a tiny dot.

Lolan Hill slowly descended onto a mountainside. The place was still surrounded by endless cold mountains, with low temperatures and biting winds.

She opened the sealed door and stepped into the long passage below. Stone steps descended one after another, and candles along the way lit up sequentially.

“Welcome, little Lolan,” Chris and Night Mistress welcomed her, holding hands at the entrance of the hall.

The previously simple underground house had been completely transformed into a delicate room with a girlish touch. Through the windows on the walls, one could even see the distant sunny wilderness and forests.

“Lolan, you’re amazing!” Chris jumped out first, circling around Lolan Hill as if trying to examine her thoroughly.

Lolan Hill looked at this senior witch with some confusion, blinked her eyes, and asked, “Is there anything different?”

“No, Chris is just curious about how you managed to defeat the Frost Union,” Night Mistress said with a hint of helplessness. Of the two, Night Mistress was slightly more composed, despite her youthful appearance that made her look like a large porcelain doll.

“Let’s sit down for a while,” Night Mistress suggested.

She walked over to a white round table nearby, climbed onto a chair, and sat down, swinging her legs in the air. It was clear that she was in a good mood.

Chris also pulled Lolan Hill to the table and placed her chin on her crossed arms, looking curiously at Lolan Hill before asking, “Little Lolan, tell us quickly. How did you persuade those stubborn church officials and tame those big, naive creatures on the grasslands? And how did you defeat those who played with machinery?”

Chris looked at Lolan Hill with great anticipation, her eyes filled with curiosity.

As a witch who had lived for a long time and was now idle at home, the recent events involving Lolan Hill naturally piqued her interest.

Ordinary people’s daily lives were full of events, but they were not related to her, so Chris didn’t find them particularly interesting. She had seen too much over the years.

But Lolan was different. This newly emerged junior witch was similar to them, and the significant events happening to her were truly special, making it hard for anyone not to want to know more.

Beside her, Night Mistress, although silent, also directed her gaze toward the silver-haired girl.

Seeing the two senior witches holding her, not letting her leave, Lolan Hill felt a bit troubled. She smoothed her hair with her hand before slowly recounting her experiences over the past two years.

“In fact, the beastmen aren’t that difficult to talk to. As long as we provide them with enough food and a good life, everyone can sit together, exchange ideas, eat, and chat.” Lolan Hill felt that she had merely gone with the flow, not doing anything particularly remarkable.

“Hehe, little Lolan casually mentioned something incredible,” Chris covered her mouth and laughed, then clapped her hands lightly. Some snacks and fruits appeared on the table.

“Actually, there have been others who tried similar things in the past, but unfortunately, none of them succeeded.” Chris, as a long-lived witch, knew many historical truths.

Night Mistress shook her head slightly and added, “The beastmen do not trust humans, and humans do not trust the beastmen. Forced integration would lead to numerous opposing voices and conflicts, causing various issues. And if there is one prominent example, it becomes a thorn in both sides’ hearts.”

“However, Lolan solved the problem rather easily,” she continued slowly.

Neither of them knew whether this junior witch was just lucky or if her beliefs and methods created nearly perfect conditions, making such a difficult task easy to achieve.

Firstly, the identity of the Flame Songstress Eranie was accepted quickly by the beastmen without strong resistance. Additionally, the special pasture she provided genuinely resolved many food crises, earning gratitude from most beastmen and silencing opposition voices.

On the other side of Clancia, thanks to the new nation’s transformational changes, Lolan Hill and the government enjoyed high trust among the people, who would not oppose national decisions. Furthermore, the complete overthrow of old power structures ensured no internal disturbances or opposition, allowing such policies to be perfectly implemented.

In the early days of establishing the nation, vibrant energy made almost impossible things happen naturally.

In the final battle, beastmen and humans fought side by side, forging a solid bond for future integration, leaving no emotional barriers between them.

The Barrier.

“Not surprising, she is a witch of stars and miracles,” Chris commented.

“There’s no need to be so impressive,” Lolan Hill lowered her head, feeling somewhat embarrassed, as if anything she said would come across as bragging.

“As for the Church, I’ve worked with Bynis before; I know her personality well,” Chris placed a bright red apple in Lolan Hill’s hand.

“Her personality is quite similar to yours; both are gentle and kind on the outside but strong-willed on the inside. She’s not easily fooled,” Chris continued, peeling grapes with her hands and then placing them in the Night Mistress’ mouth. Their relationship had always been good.

“Bynis? I told her some principles, and she agreed,” Lolan Hill spoke about the future development trends of the nation and the inevitability of certain systems.

“Oh, that’s somewhat like Dorothy. That child, sigh,” Chris seemed to recall something.

“But it’s still a good thing. I actually like Dorothy very much. She’s always sunny and spirited, and sometimes she even plays tricks on the Night Mistress with me,” Chris said, when she was kicked lightly on her calf by the Night Mistress.

“Pain pain~ Night Mistress, I kindly fed you grapes, yet you kicked me,” Chris held the Night Mistress, forcing her into her embrace.

After some more playful bickering, they finally settled down.

“Unconsciously, we’ve talked so much,” Chris helped the Night Mistress comb her messy hair, speaking softly.

“Right, let me show you Keti. That child has missed you a lot lately. Do you want to take her with you? Hehe,” Chris said.

Chris and the Night Mistress brought Lolan Hill to a room next to the hall. After opening the door, a bed covered by a gauzy curtain revealed a sleeping young lady in light-colored pajamas.

“Keti, look who’s here,” Chris sat at the head of the bed, gently shaking Keti’s body.

The fiery-haired girl slowly awakened. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes opened, as clear and red as flawless rubies. As she opened her eyes, the temperature in the room rose several degrees.

“Lolan?” Keti rubbed her eyes, then moved closer to Lolan Hill, seemingly wanting to snuggle against her.

Looking at this awakened fire witch, Lolan Hill supported her upper body, holding her in her arms. A familiar and intimate aura wafted over. Keti’s hair behind her back emitted a faint luster, like breathing, making her palm feel soft and warm.

“Mmm, will Lolan take me out this time?” Keti whispered in her ear, as if she had slept enough and wanted to play.

“Yes,” Chris winked with a smile, seemingly having anticipated this.

“Mm-hm,” Lolan Hill gently stroked Keti’s hair. In appearance, Keti was actually more mature, but when together, Keti relied on Lolan Hill.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Lolan Hill felt a smile herself and pulled Keti up. They left the room with a few others.

“Then I’ll take Keti out.”

They sat around the table and chatted for a while longer before Lolan Hill took her leave.

“Mm, but try not to let Keti act alone on a regular basis. Although she has recovered now, she hasn’t fully overcome her weakness period. Sometimes, if she gets too excited and loses control, it won’t be good,” the Night Mistress specifically instructed.

“Let her continue living with you. It’s also comforting for her to have someone to rely on. This child needs emotional warmth and discipline,” the Night Mistress looked at the fire witch before her, recalling scenes from previous generations, feeling a sense of nostalgia.

Compared to previous generations, this generation of Keti seemed particularly docile. Previously, although she was initially shy and obedient after rebirth, she would quickly develop rebellious behavior, leaving people unsure how to handle her.

“Remember to wear the pocket watch on your person. If there’s an emergency, I can find you more easily and communicate conveniently,” Chris said.

“Mm-hm,” Lolan Hill nodded in agreement, then flew up slowly with Keti, leaving this secluded retreat nestled in the snowy mountains.

Speaking of which, the Winter Festival was about to begin. It was uncertain what activities would be held this year.

As she thought about it, Lolan Hill and Keti flew toward the Fortress Academy. Fine snowflakes drifted in the sky, settling on the mountains and forests, and the lakes in the forest were tranquil.

(End of Chapter)