Chapter 317: Black Hair and Red Eyes
Among the four major academic levels, there were many clubs and societies, but only a few truly stood the test of time and remained strong. The ‘True Crimson Rose’ was one of them. All members of this club came from the Fortress Academy, adhering strictly to elite standards. The number of members was limited, ensuring quality over quantity. It was undoubtedly the top club at the Fortress Academy. Furthermore, many of the larger clubs at the academy were essentially peripheral organizations of the True Crimson Rose, thus some people often referred to it as the shadow club of the academy, secretly manipulating many internal affairs.
Watching this scene that seemed straight out of a melodramatic drama, Lolan Hill also paused, a complex mix of emotions swirling in her heart—shyness, amusement, and embarrassment—much like when youthful fantasies were brought up again after being written in adolescence.
When she was younger, watching those youth dramas where the male protagonists competed for the affection of the female lead with all sorts of magical operations, she found it exhilarating at first. But as she watched more, she inevitably felt a mix of embarrassment and amusement.
Students who had intended to leave stopped, hoping to see how the young lady would choose.
The bridge students and Fortress Academy students openly vied against each other, while students from other schools quietly observed, creating a moment of silence.
In a room behind the hall, two sages sat at a table, studying the documents before them and slowly savoring the creativity of the new potions developed during the competition, occasionally sipping their hot tea.
“Have you seen the scene outside?”
Even though they were indoors, the events happening outside did not escape the notice of these two sages. One sage wore a simple round hat and a white robe reminiscent of pajamas, stroking his long white beard as he spoke.
“Yes,” replied the other sage, tall and thin, dressed in a neat black-and-white suit. His fingers, thick and strong, held the paper firmly, making him appear sharp and stern like an eagle.
“Youth is indeed wonderful.” The sage in white blew on his tea, sipped it slowly, then continued.
“When I was in school, if I could have gathered such a group to support me, I would have definitely won Rebecca’s heart.”
“Hmph, boring. School is merely a carefully cultivated greenhouse. In my opinion, students should be made to experience life and death to understand the true harshness of the world. Instead of focusing on their studies, they are here competing for popularity among peers.”
“Alright, Geor, put aside your stern demeanor for now. This is not the military.”
“So many years have passed, yet you remain unchanged.”
“Although we may find the behavior or thoughts of these students somewhat childish.”
“But I still believe that living a lifetime requires a bit of fantasy or boldness.”
The elderly man with the white beard expressed his own view.
“You must know that adult life is not as exciting as childhood fantasies. Many aspects can be dull and heavy. Those unrestrained, pure pursuits of beauty will become their cherished memories, preventing them from taking overly extreme paths.”
“If someone has only experienced cold things from birth to death, they would not believe that warmth exists in this world.”
“Therefore, to preserve a bit of kindness and beauty in their hearts, I agree that students should have a warm and exciting time, even if some might call it childish or naive. Idealism often arises from such purity and simplicity.”
As he spoke, a hint of nostalgia crept into his tone.
—
At the Red Shell Hall, after the competition.
The students, aged between 16 and 20, naturally couldn’t resist the excitement. Although they didn’t say much outwardly, their eyes widened as they looked back and forth between the two sides.
“Hehe, this is interesting. Which path will Miss Lolan take?”
“On the left is the eldest son of the Griffin Duke, and on the right is a collateral descendant of the Verdant Royal Family. Their statuses are comparable. One represents the Bridge Academy, the other the Fortress Academy.”
“Miss Lolan is from the Fortress Academy, so she’s more likely to go right, isn’t she?”
“It’s hard to say. After all, she just started in the second year. She could always switch to another academy next year. You know, he is the eldest son of the Salus Family, designated heir, with looks and strength that don’t fall short. If she gets along well with him, she might become a duchess, which many girls dream about.”
“But the one on the right isn’t bad either. The True Crimson Rose has quite a few top nobles from the Verdant Kingdom. It’s said that Princess Evelyn is a member of the club now.”
“Why should she choose? Both are nobles from the Verdant Empire. Miss Lolan looks like she’s from the Eastern Continent. Our House of Plantagenet isn’t any worse than the Verdant Empire.”
Just as the students whispered, Lolan Hill finally made her decision. She did not try to sneak away, nor did she fly off. Instead, she took small steps toward the center, where the crowd stood.
After leaving the bright stage, the audience seats were somewhat dim. As the young lady walked faster, her black hair fluttered slightly, emitting faint crimson light particles. Her eyes, once pure black like crystal, gradually turned into captivating red moons.
A blend of innocence and allure, two contrasting qualities, collided, not in conflict but in a strange harmony.
Some spectators who had prepared to approach her stepped back, as if enchanted by a spell, retreating like a tide with every step she took, until no one dared to approach her.
After Lolan Hill left, the students in the hall were stunned for a moment before erupting into excited exclamations, discussions, and gossip.
“Why did you stand there like that? You could have at least gotten closer to see.”
A student asked his friend puzzledly.
“You weren’t standing beside the aisle, so you wouldn’t know what the situation was like.”
This student patted his chest, still feeling the aftershock.
“I bet Miss Lolan’s strength is probably among the top in the academy’s competition.”
“When those eyes, like rubies, looked at me, that sharp, piercing sensation made my whole body and soul shiver. How could I dare to obstruct her?”
“That’s impossible. Miss Lolan seems so gentle and charming. You’re exaggerating too much.”
The student clearly didn’t believe it.
“I can’t explain it either, but perhaps there are such gentle yet sharp people in the world. Not just kindhearted, but kind with clear convictions.”
He continued, “But from today onwards, I’m going to be a loyal follower of Miss Lolan.”
“Oh, come on. We students of Emanas are supposed to become great figures in the future. Saying something like that is too embarrassing and childish.”
His companion patted his shoulder.
“You wouldn’t understand. That Miss Lolan was so cool.”
“Black hair and red eyes, ah, so gorgeous. My entire soul trembled.”
The image has been added, sorry for the delay.
(End of Chapter)
