Chapter 320

Chapter 320: Courtyard in the Forest

Last week, after the alchemy class teacher criticized the rumors about Lolan Hill, the evaluation of this black-haired girl in the Fortress Academy once again shifted. What was once half-believed became full praise. Many students began waiting outside her classroom, eager to catch a glimpse of her. However, since she did not come every day, this behavior gradually became akin to gambling, filled with tension and anticipation.

The combat courtyard in the forest stood tall with towering trees whose branches and canopies blocked out the sky above. Beneath the shade, many students gathered for class, while others were there specifically to see the rumored girl.

“Is she coming today? It’s combat class,” two students in deep red uniforms said as they sat on a branch nearby, looking down at the opposite combat courtyard. They also wore identical rose badges on their chests.

“It’s very likely. Someone has been tracking her movements, and she usually comes every 3-4 days for two days of classes,” a young man with messy black hair replied. He held a piece of wood in one hand and a delicate dagger in the other, continuously carving away as if he were sculpting something.

“How regular! Normally, someone so punctual wouldn’t skip class on purpose,” a beautiful girl with golden spiral curls commented. Her legs swung back and forth in the air.

“Whatever, I’ll just wait here. Princess Evelyn has given me a task to complete today anyway.”

“Does the princess also have an interest in her? That’s unusual. I thought only Prince Edlen cared about Miss Lolan.”

“The princess is still in school, so it’s natural. But recently, it’s been troublesome. Some generals from the Southern Army have written letters, asking the princess to speak in favor of the empire’s military action against the Snowflower Seven Kingdoms. These generals form a powerful faction, and the princess cannot easily refuse.”

The young man with messy hair responded by carving a human figure from the wood. “That powerful? You rarely share such information, Yilin.”

“Heh heh, you should understand what I mean,” the blonde girl giggled, covering her mouth.

“I’m just a minor player and dare not speculate, but I will relay this to Prince Edlen,” the young man said.

Below, in the crowd, a cheer erupted as two girls descended hand in hand. It was Lolan and Keti.

Seeing the usual quiet classroom now bustling, Lolan Hill felt a bit troubled. Fortunately, she had gradually adapted to the attention she received, so she no longer felt shy or panicked.

“Both girls are beautiful. Which one is Lolan?” some of the spectators asked, seeing Lolan for the first time.

“The one walking ahead with a warm smile,” a student pointed out.

“And the one behind? She’s pretty too. The dorm arrangement is strange; why put the two most beautiful girls together?”

“Wouldn’t combining them make it even better? Why separate them?”

In the second-year combat class, which was one of the few public courses, each student had to attend, though the timing was staggered.

As Lolan Hill entered the courtyard in the forest, the surrounding students immediately gathered around, though they did not block her path. They wanted to get a closer look at the girl, and the previous chatter died down a bit.

Bright sunlight filtered through the tender green leaves, casting dappled light on the forest floor and the girl’s light red dress. Unlike the wealthy students adorned with various ornaments, or those who used makeup to enhance their appearance, and unlike the overweight or underweight students, this girl’s unadorned, fair face was beautiful and pure under the sun. Her clear eyes seemed to speak, drawing you in the moment you saw them.

Her small, dainty steps, seemingly casual, created a sound like a melody, stirring up ripples of fantasy.

“If these lecherous nobles saw her outside, they’d jump up,” a few students whispered from afar. They looked like first-year students from the central school building.

“So what if they jump? This is Emanas, a permanent neutral territory protected by the sages,” a companion scoffed.

At this moment, a usually quiet student couldn’t help but exclaim, “This must be Senior Lolan. I’ll apply to Fortress Academy next year.”

Many students, seeing Lolan Hill, finally felt their wait was worthwhile. They let out exclamations of surprise as the combat class in the courtyard officially began.

There were many classes today, and Osumna was among them. Despite being prepared, she found it hard to accept the scene.

If it weren’t for that girl, all this cheering and excitement would belong to her.

Osumna had always been the most beautiful and outstanding, believing she deserved to be at the center of everyone’s attention. But when reality didn’t match her expectations, a huge gap and panic began to spread in her heart.

She never imagined losing her central stage position would result in such a mundane and lowly life, being overlooked and left alone in a corner, facing a future filled with hardships and dangers.

Such a mediocre life was not what she hoped for. Her already jealous heart twisted even more.

Inside the courtyard, practice began.

With Lolan’s request and the teacher’s care, Keti had no opponent and sat on a bench under a tree, watching Lolan Hill and another student spar.

The opponent wielded a slightly straight steel longsword, while Lolan Hill held a cross-hilted fine sword. Both weapons were taken from the courtyard and were not sharpened.

Despite this, the slender blade still reflected cold light in the sunlight. They exchanged blows, leaving trails like red and green butterflies constantly fluttering. The metallic clangs echoed, and occasionally, sweeping waves cut through the grass in the courtyard, severing several fresh blades. The scent of grass gradually spread throughout the courtyard.

“These two are very skilled. Just by their reaction and speed, they are probably rare opponents in their grade.”

“You might be understating it,” a student watching the fight added.

“Do you know who is sparring with Miss Lolan?”

“Who is it? It looks like a second-year student from the Nature Sequence.”

“That’s Bumansa, a miracle born from the commoners, the champion of the ‘Dance of Swords’ competition.”

I got stuck while trying to add more, but I will still finish it today.