Chapter 164

Chapter 164: The Dream of a Young Lady

“Hello, my name is Jina.”

After settling into her seat on the airship, the short-haired girl introduced herself. Her hairstyle was somewhat apple-shaped, wider in the middle and tapering at the bottom. Despite being proactive in introducing herself, she seemed a bit reserved and not very confident, as if she were trying hard to overcome this.

“Hello, I’m Lolan Xi,” Lolan Hill subconsciously wanted to add the second syllable but held back. She continued, “Actually, I am also a new student at Emanas, coming from the eastern part of Clancia.”

“That’s wonderful. We’re going to the same academy. I come from the Blackrock Duchy of Wits.”

Blackrock Duchy, Lolan thought. This nation is close to the northern part of the Sighing Mountains, with most of its land being mountains and lakes. The grain production is low, so many of its citizens make a living as mercenaries.

These Blackrock mountain folk have a fierce and straightforward demeanor, brave and honest. They quickly won the favor of the Western Winds’ nobility. Later, you could see their presence in many places of the Snowfall Seven Kingdoms. Even before the Western Winds’ royal city fell, there were many Blackrock mercenaries within the city.

While being a mercenary is dangerous, it is also more free and lucrative. As a result, the Blackrock people generally live comfortably, better off than some but not as well as others. Additionally, because many engage in mercenary work, they are often well-traveled and knowledgeable. Occasionally, they would take on small business ventures.

“How is it in Clancia? I heard from some uncles that after the West Wind was replaced, there were significant changes there, causing many to lose their jobs,” Jina curiously asked the black-haired girl next to her.

“It’s still in the post-war recovery phase, focusing mainly on maintaining law and order and opening roads. After spring, they will likely prioritize agriculture,” the girl replied after some thought. This wasn’t much of a secret; many cities directly posted notices to inform the public about recent policies and directions.

“Lolan knows a lot,” Jina said admiringly as she listened to Lolan Hill recount her journey.

“There’s nothing to it. I was just curious about how this new country would develop, so I paid attention along the way.”

“Lolan is being humble again. Are you from the East? Your speaking style seems very Eastern. I heard from uncles that people from the East are very modest.”

“This…”

Although this life’s appearance didn’t reveal her origin, Lolan Hill’s habits and thoughts were greatly influenced by her past life. Calling her Eastern was indeed hard to refute.

“I’m not sure. I was adopted by a teacher since childhood and don’t know where I came from before. But now, I should be considered a citizen of Clancia.” Thinking of those who had ideals and struggled to build this nation, Lolan Hill couldn’t help feeling proud.

“Clancia, the Land Blessed by Stars, has a beautiful name. Our country’s name is simple—Blackrock, black rock.”

“By the way, Lolan, have you met the great sage of your country? His name is quite similar to yours. You wouldn’t be his student, would you? People say he lives in seclusion in the mountains of Tisilan. Many want to catch a glimpse of him, and there are rumors that he is a beautiful young girl, though many believe this is false, thinking he should be an old man with a white beard.”

“After all, such a remarkable figure, having imparted so much knowledge, should be an elder.”

Jina blinked, curious about this guess.

“The sage… I’m not very clear,” Lolan Hill lied, looking out the window with embarrassment.

The evening glow filled the sky, with purple and dark red clouds appearing between the distant mountains. The sun’s afterglow penetrated through the mountains, casting a faint golden hue on the ground outside the window.

As the sun gradually set, the airship slowly started to ascend, the sound of the propellers growing louder from above and beside, and a slight push came from the chairback and seat.

As the airship rose higher, the city outside became smaller and shorter, eventually resembling an irregular block standing among the mountains. The scenery turned into a pure blue-violet, far from the bustling city, everything became quiet except for the sound of the propellers.

After some time, the airship stabilized, and staff came to notify passengers that they could move around, and dinner would soon be served.

Lolan Hill and Jina left the enclosed cabin and joined other passengers on the deck. Since this was the stern of the airship, the airflow was not strong due to the obstruction of the front hull, gently blowing against them.

“How beautiful!”

Standing by the railing, Jina looked down at the vast mountains and rivers below. The green peaks reflected the sunset’s golden hue, while most parts remained a deep bluish-green.

The river meandered through the mountains, stretching to the horizon. The water mirrored the sky, blue and orange like a mirror, occasionally revealing a few large ships sailing on the river.

The two girls stood by the railing, enjoying the view and chatting.

“What do you plan to do in the future?” After some conversation, Jina asked.

“In the future? First, I want to travel the world thoroughly, then enjoy delicious food and cook good meals,” Lolan Hill replied after some thought.

“Oh, that’s not what I expected. I thought you would become a great scholar or mage, given how much you know. Now it sounds like you want to choose the Dragon Sequence, powerful and independent.”

“Haha, that’s not wrong. There’s a saying in the East: no matter how many books one reads, it’s not as enriching as traveling more. Personal experiences are richer than any book.”

“That’s true. I heard that the high tower academy of Emanas specializes in both the Magic Sequence and the Dragon Sequence.”

“The styles of these two sequences are actually opposite,” Lolan Hill said.

“Yes, the Magic Sequence values knowledge, experience, thinking, and calmness, while the Dragon Sequence emphasizes strength, savagery, instinct, and anger.”

“Sages say that studying the Magic Sequence should not be overly obsessed with knowledge and experience but understand the direct power of savagery. Similarly, studying the Dragon Sequence should recognize the role of thought and wisdom, not relying too much on violence.”

“Indeed. Jina, what do you plan for the future?”

“I want to study the Nature Sequence because many elders in my family are mercenaries. Many have disappeared after parting ways, never to be seen again. I want to improve the local environment, develop orchards or estates, so everyone can earn a living without risking their lives for money.”

“Very good, peaceful development,” Lolan Hill agreed wholeheartedly.

“Mm, I’ll definitely strive to achieve this.”

Jina gazed at the setting sun in the distance, the wind gently lifting her hair. She stretched out her hand to shield the sun, as if wanting to hold it, softly humming a popular folk song.

“Do you want to be a hero?

Then go to Emanas,

High tower, bridge piers, temples, fortresses,

Say hello to every sage there,

They taught me courage and love.”

Thank you to the generous contribution from my heart like a breeze coming naturally.

(End of Chapter)