Chapter 391: Recollection and Return
“Centuries have passed,” Tides said as she picked up the teacup in front of her, watching the steam rise slowly from the cup. Her eyes revealed a look of reminiscence.
“There was never a proper resolution to what happened back then. Agatha secluded herself alone, nursing her wounds, and ended up in such a predicament. If only we had found her sooner. It’s a pity that things have come to this. I don’t want to dwell on sorrowful thoughts, but rather bring closure to those events and prevent further pain and hatred from continuing.”
“We witches, though perceived as powerful by outsiders, are actually quite lonely. There are only a few among us who can truly be companions.”
She looked up at Siye across from her.
“The actions taken by Dorothy, although radical, were not entirely irreparable, especially considering her intentions were for the future of everyone. Siye must also be aware of the current situation within Cuiwei. With the increase in population and the reduction of resources, the vast gap between the rich and the poor has led to conflicts, discontent, and resentment, making it hard to reconcile.”
“Even with the suppression by the high-ranking Extraordinary Beings, this atmosphere and environment cannot be fundamentally resolved. It will eventually erupt, whether in one year or two.”
“Therefore, I still believe that developing technology and reaching the stars is the ultimate choice for everyone.”
“I believe many in the Sage Council share this view.”
“But hundreds of years ago, that crackdown made many fields related to the Dusk Era taboo subjects. This has become a shackle, and people trapped in cages will eventually go mad from the confinement.”
Tides slowly sipped her warm tea, placing the cup on the table before continuing.
“I don’t want to see fellow witches turn against each other.”
“Siye, do you know? Before the strife in Oz Country, witches treated each other like family, with elders caring for and protecting the younger generation. But that conflict shattered the long-standing tradition and warmth, spreading widely. Even when new witches were born afterward, they feared joining us, fearing persecution.”
When Lolan heard this, she blinked bashfully.
“As the new generation gradually distanced themselves from us, living in seclusion, it becomes increasingly difficult for mature and stable witches to open up and integrate with everyone else after their initial decades.”
“The division is inevitable. The long life brings prolonged loneliness, and lacking supportive companions, it’s hard to imagine how a long-lived witch would descend into a deep abyss of thought, taking unknown and extreme paths.”
“And once such events occur, the public’s perception of witches deteriorates, leading to more witches being driven to oppose the masses, resulting in tragedies.”
“Such phenomena, even you wouldn’t want to see, Siye.”
Tides paused here, her serene silver eyes looking at the empty teacup.
The hall fell silent for a while until a voice with a childlike innocence spoke.
“I understand.”
Siye stood up so she could meet Tides’ eyes.
“I will propose at the Sage Council to lift the long-standing ban, urging changes in historical records, making evaluations of Oz Country more objective and neutral.”
“However, I must also demand strict control and protection over any research into Dusk Era technologies, proceeding cautiously.”
“That kind of advanced knowledge is like a scythe in the hands of a child; it can easily hurt itself.”
“I agree with your stance on controlling such matters,” Tides nodded in agreement, looking at Siye.
“After resolving these issues, I will resign from my position as dean, allowing other sages to take turns, just like in other academies.”
Kriss and Servis opened their mouths to speak but held back. They felt heartache for Siye’s years of dedication but were also happy for her newfound freedom.
“I’m not good at communicating with people, and if new witches feel afraid, I don’t know how to help them,” her voice sank slightly.
“Such matters should be handled by others. Although we are witches, we don’t need to be good at everything. Mutual support and assistance is what true friends and family are about,” Tides’ brows relaxed.
“If there are other new companions in the future, I hope you will guide them in learning what they need to know,” Tides’ tone lightened.
Siye looked at Tides, opening her mouth to speak, but only managed to say, “Thank you.”
Then she lowered her head awkwardly, her cheeks turning slightly red.
“After all, this is the cute Siye,” Tides lifted the book witch, who appeared around twelve years old, and hugged her.
“It’s been a long time since I did something like this,” she whispered in her ear.
“Hey, no stealing Siye from me,” Kriss stood up, pushing aside Tides’ arm to grab her friend back.
“Haha, you can’t catch me,” Kriss laughed happily, dodging Siye’s playful chase.
Just as Kriss was dodging Siye’s ‘attack’, a thick book fell from the air, hitting the witch on the head and causing her to scream in surprise before squatting down with her hand on her head.
“Got you, get up and work,” Siye pulled Kriss up and handed her a broom.
“Mmm, Siye cheated, learned bad habits.”
—
Two days later.
“So, see you again next time, Little Lolan and Keti,” Tides waved a light blue fringed parasol and said to the two.
“Goodbye,” Keti raised her hand.
“Goodbye, Tides-senpai,” Lolan nodded slightly.
The phantom witch climbed into the fairy-tale-like carriage again, pulled by two black unicorns, and drove toward the sky where white clouds floated.
On top of the northern tower, Kriss leaned out the window, watching the carriage take off from the distant lawn.
“Siye, Tides left,” she watched the tiny black dot slowly disappear into the horizon.
“I know, Kriss, stop slacking off, come clean up,” Siye said, pouting.
Today, she wore a simple black and white maid outfit, sweeping the long-unused stargazing room in preparation for the arrival of the next dean.
“But I am Kriss, how can I do such dirty work?” Kriss stood on a brown stool in a light pink princess dress, hands on her hips.
“Fool!”
Siye swept the broom directly at Kriss’ leg, and Kriss jumped lightly on the stool, laughing joyfully.
“Haha, you can’t hit me.”
As Kriss dodged Siye’s ‘pursuit,’ a thick book fell from the air, hitting the witch on the head, causing her to scream and squat down with her hand on her head.
“Got you, get up and work,” Siye pulled Kriss up and put a broom in her hand.
“Wu wu, Siye cheated, learned bad habits.”
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End of Chapter
