Chapter 183

Chapter 183: Conversation on the City Wall

With her long black hair and eyes, Lolan Hill stood quietly by the side of the hall, like a quiet orchid in a secluded valley. Compared to the noble girls who liked to wear bright clothing, Lolan’s attire was more simple and understated, not particularly eye-catching. However, the longer one looked at her, the more another kind of charm emerged—a gentle, inclusive aura that made people want to immerse themselves in it, easing their anxious hearts.

Upon hearing the question from the Eldest Son of the Griffin, Lolan was slightly surprised. She had been standing in a corner, though the line was continuous from head to tail, there was still some distance between them. She hadn’t expected this senior to inadvertently take larger steps and come closer.

“My words, there’s nothing particularly special, Senior, you can continue explaining,” she softly replied. At this moment, the others in the hall also turned their gazes towards her. Many of them only then realized that there was such a beautiful girl at the back of the line.

“Who is that girl?”

“I’ve never seen her before.”

“She’s Lolan from our class,” a classmate proudly said.

“Is she from the Eastern Region? Her appearance suggests so.”

“Oh, how beautiful,” a girl envied.

Jielanen’s first attempt at conversation, though under the pretense of asking for information, did not succeed. However, he wasn’t in a hurry. It was just the start of the school term, and there would be many opportunities in the future. The most important thing was to leave a good impression first. Besides, being the future Griffin Duke, he had some competitive edge and confidence compared to other males in the school.

“There’s no problem. I too went through the phase of being a freshman. If you have anything you want to know, feel free to ask me.”

Although he was considered a handsome figure within the academy, Jielanen had always been the object of adoration for other girls. When it came to pursuing girls himself, he found himself at a loss for words.

Reflecting on the past, those daughters of the High Nobility had all mastered social skills. He didn’t need to worry about whether they had topics to discuss, as everything seemed to flow naturally. Now, Jielanen felt like a fish out of water, opening his mouth but not knowing what to say.

Shouldn’t this girl agree to my request, ask me questions, get to know each other, and then we could go somewhere together for dinner today? This was different from what he had anticipated. His usual advantages of looks and family background seemed to have fallen flat.

The scene became slightly awkward for a few seconds until some of his juniors stepped in, introducing the school’s traditions and activities, thus diverting most people’s attention.

During the subsequent tour and introduction, Jielanen’s mind was somewhat preoccupied, but he stayed until the end, giving a general overview of the school’s facilities and traditions.

“We have two prestigious badges at the Undroppable Pile Academy, awarded to outstanding students. One of them is the ‘Fearless’ badge. To earn this badge, one must cross the Blue Stream River wearing heavy armor. During the crossing, evaluators will continuously attack, while the challenger must advance through the turbulent river, withstand various attacks, and reach the other side.”

“Can’t one use a boat?”

“No, one has to move forward underwater, holding one’s breath, with much mud along the way.”

“Is it really that difficult? I heard the Blue Stream River is very deep, and the bottom is pitch-black.”

“Exactly because it’s difficult that this honor is so precious.”

Some students whispered among themselves. After touring the Undroppable Pile Academy, the freshmen dispersed to do their own activities, only needing to gather at a designated time for the return trip.

Lolan’s dormitory roommates split up; Alena took Nia to the riverside to fish, while Letis was invited by a group of young ladies. They had also invited Lolan, but she preferred to walk alone and declined.

Wandering alone on the fortress wall, touching the weathered and cracked stone walls, Lolan Hill found rare peace in recent times. Then, another figure appeared from the side of the wall.

After removing his armor, Jielanen wore a black uniform and walked over. Compared to his dazzling appearance in the morning, he now seemed more approachable.

Though pursuing someone actively might seem undignified, getting to know each other and chatting shouldn’t be too bad. With this thought, he returned to his dormitory, took a bath, changed into regular clothes, and immediately rushed over. As for Lolan’s location, his juniors naturally helped track her down.

Climbing the stone stairs, as he reached the top of the wall, the river breeze grew stronger, blowing through his still-damp golden hair. Jielanen saw the black-haired figure and felt a lightness and ease, akin to the breeze by the riverside.

“Hello, I’m Jielanen. May I ask for your name?”

Since he wasn’t skilled in pursuing someone, he decided to follow his heart. Thus, when he spoke, it felt more natural, unlike his exaggerated attempts in the morning.

“Hello, I’m Lolan,” Lolan Hill responded naturally, looking back at this senior.

“Sorry, I might seem odd for approaching you suddenly, but I genuinely want to get to know you.”

Saying “sorry” for the first time felt somewhat unfamiliar to Jielanen, yet oddly comforting. It didn’t feel shameful to say these words in front of this girl.

“So, Senior, do you have something specific you want to ask me?”

Seeing the young man, who earlier had the courage of a lion, now appear hesitant and restrained, Lolan Hill felt a peculiar sensation.

“In fact, I first saw you a few days ago, on the afternoon of enrollment…”

“So, Senior, you were just attracted by my appearance? Hehe,” Lolan covered her mouth and laughed.

“This…” Jielanen felt embarrassed and at a loss when his thoughts were directly revealed.

“However, although Senior excels in many areas, I’m sorry, I cannot accept your advances.”

Lolan Hill did not intend to lead him on. If she was going to reject him, she wanted to be clear from the beginning, to avoid wasting his time and emotions.

“Is it because we’re not familiar enough, or because I’m not good enough?” Jielanen anxiously asked upon hearing her response. What had initially been a vague liking and admiration had grown stronger after this conversation. This girl was unique, her inner and outer charm captivating him completely.

“It’s not because of familiarity or because you’re not excellent enough.”

“It’s just that I don’t have the intention of forming a relationship with anyone of the opposite sex. I might spend my whole life alone if possible.”

“But wouldn’t that make you feel lonely?” Jielanen looked at Lolan’s back, still puzzled.

“Perhaps, but love isn’t everything in life.”

Lolan Hill brushed back her wind-tangled long hair, gazing at the surging river below the city wall, waves crashing against the shore, ceaselessly flowing.

“A person’s life experiences many things: family, friendship, love, hobbies, favorite foods, dreams, promises, unknowns, places to see, changes to make, and so on.”

“Some I cherish more, so I don’t want to be bound by emotions.”

Lolan Hill shared her inner thoughts, her smooth hair gently fluttering in the river breeze.

Thank you to the strongest bionic person, Yan Yue, Xun Xun Qian, and Fat Emperor for your support!

Special thanks to the reader, the strongest bionic person, for your generous donation.

(End of Chapter 183)