Chapter 432

Chapter 432: Blessing Ceremony

In the morning, Lolan Hill briefly observed the work of the national departments from outside. It was clear that many tasks were awaiting attention in Clancia, with much to be rebuilt. However, the staff members had a vibrant energy, their expressions filled with excitement and anticipation.

Although they lived in difficult times, their actions greatly transformed the nation, a sense of pride in realizing their ideals.

As noon approached, Lolan Hill sat down in a pavilion. Soon after, Pullman arrived there.

“How is your teacher settling in?” he asked, looking at the young lady before him.

“Very well,” the young lady nodded.

After a short conversation, Palinsa entered the pavilion.

“Sir, lunch is ready.”

Pullman nodded and turned to Lolan Hill. “Please join us as well.”

“Hmm.” At this moment, Lolan Hill was still pondering over some issues of public welfare that Pullman had mentioned, comparing them to what she had seen and heard before, thinking about possible solutions.

Following Palinsa, Lolan Hill slowly walked forward until they stopped in front of a palace. She then looked up to observe.

Is this place so luxurious for a meal? Looking at the building before her, it seemed quite elegant and splendid, with no other structures around, making it relatively quiet.

As several people ascended the steps, Lolan Hill’s pace slowed down, sensing something amiss.

Do the guards around the dining hall really need to be this formidable? Standing every ten meters or so, none of them were below Sequence 5. Such talents would even be considered mid-to-high-ranking officers in the royal guard.

But Pullman wouldn’t deliberately harm her, and besides, she wasn’t without means to protect herself; her hairpin and pocket watch were still with her.

Several people entered the grand hall of the palace, which was carpeted with red carpets, the dome and decorations glistening gold and silver, though there weren’t many people present—only a few maidservants were on standby.

Then, Palinsa led the two to a side hall.

As soon as they entered the room, Lolan Hill wanted to leave; the situation in the side hall was clearly off.

Though there was a long table, nothing was placed on it. Instead, the sides were filled with people sitting very upright, waiting quietly.

The doors behind them were slowly closed by several maidservants, leaving Lolan Hill no way out.

“Welcome, Sage Lolan Hill!”

Everyone stood up, turned toward the young lady, and shouted in unison, bowing almost to a 90-degree angle.

The resounding voices echoed in the side hall. Lolan Hill turned to leave, but the maidservants blocked the entrance, bowing, leaving her at a loss.

“Teacher, please accept this.”

Pullman knelt on one knee and presented a slender scepter, entirely blue with a three-dimensional golden pentagram on top, and golden wheat patterns entwined at the front.

Its thickness was just right, fitting perfectly in the young lady’s hand, clearly made specially for her.

“This…” She originally planned to hide and observe, gradually adapting, but her student had taken an unexpected turn, putting Lolan Hill in a bind.

Seeing that everyone remained seated, she had no choice but to take the scepter, and only then did everyone stand up.

“Please take your seat.”

Palinsa then led Lolan Hill to the other side of the long table.

A slightly elevated throne was placed at the head of the table, with a purple cushioned backrest adorned with star-like copper nails.

Looking at the people in the side hall, Lolan Hill sat down uncomfortably. This wasn’t like the old merchants’ hall; those here were probably the key figures of Clancia, and she wasn’t confident enough to handle them all.

Thorlan stood among a group of people, watching the silver-haired 16-year-old girl. Suddenly, he recalled his morning experience. So this was the Sage?

She wore a pure white dress, simple yet elegant, with white embroidery on it, sleeves like blooming flowers, and a slightly longer hem revealing a pair of light-colored shoes. Her smooth hair fell to her waist, and a small corner of a butterfly knot at the back added a touch of approachability, though not overly dreamy.

She held the slender scepter in both hands, placing it in front of her, leaning against the back of the chair. Her blue, transparent eyes were like the purest gems in the world. Her gaze could make one feel tranquil and at peace.

Seeing Lolan Hill without her veil, the people in the side hall were stunned for a while before regaining their composure.

No wonder Pullman once said that her teacher was the most beautiful person he had ever seen.

They had always been half-believing and half-doubting, but if the Sage was an elderly scholar, they would have believed it easily. Now seeing her in person, all previous speculations vanished.

This young lady was undoubtedly the Sage, and her serene aura alone was enough to make anyone submit.

After a while, Lolan Hill also calmed down. Since this was the case, she could only adapt and accept it slowly.

Then, one by one, the people in the side hall approached the young Sage to greet her.

“My name is Braddy, born in Oku County, I was once a soldier at the West Wind border. Inspired by Lord Pullman, I wish to follow the path of the Sage.”

A man with a square face knelt before Lolan Hill, placing his fist over his chest, introducing himself.

“Lord Braddy is currently the commander of the northern three provinces of Clancia, holding the rank of general. He once led 40,000 troops to defeat 150,000 remnants of the northern nobles,” Palinsa introduced beside Lolan Hill.

The scepter lightly touched the general’s shoulder, and stars twinkled as the young lady spoke.

“May the stars bless you, please rise.”

Lolan Hill looked at the man standing before her, as strong as a wild lion, with a scar across one eye, and his own strength was at Sequence 7.

Next, another man approached, with narrow eyes and wearing a fox fur coat.

“I am Leyden, born in Spiny County, once an heir to a small merchant house. Reading the Sage’s theories inspired me, and I am determined to follow this path of ideals.”

After speaking, he too knelt and greeted Lolan Hill.

“Lord Leyden is currently the minister of commerce, having raised a significant amount of military supplies. Many taxes in Clancia today are formulated under his leadership,” Palinsa continued.

“May the stars bless you, please rise.”

This man seemed to be the kind who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. But Lolan Hill sensed he wasn’t lying, perhaps material wealth no longer appealed to him much.

Then, a woman in deep blue robes stepped forward. She appeared to be around 30 years old, wearing glasses without frames.

“My name is Fuller, born in Rockleaf County, once a scholar. Inspired by the liberation of Clancia, I embraced its ideals and theories, and embarked on this path sincerely,” this woman exuded an intellectual and approachable demeanor.

“Lord Fuller is currently a judge in the highest court of Clancia, having drafted documents of condemnation, and later oversaw the cleansing and trials of the nobility.”

When introducing this person, Palinsa seemed somewhat fearful, her voice wavering slightly.

“May the stars bless you, please rise.”

Lolan Hill looked at each of Clancia’s key figures in the hall. These people were not important figures before, but now each stood alone, not to be underestimated.

She couldn’t help but sigh, truly, times create heroes.

—

Compared to Lolan Hill’s inner reflections, the others present were even more astonished. Many were amazed by the Sage’s unparalleled beauty, and according to Pullman, she had looked the same nine years ago, with no changes since.

This meant the young lady might be far older than sixteen, explaining her achievements. Many felt a fated connection when approaching her, akin to the falling stars that night.

This seemed to confirm the rumors that the Sage might be a witch, a mistress of the power of stars. With such a long-lived being, akin to a divine presence on earth, the nation under her protection would provide a greater sense of security. After Clancia was established, they had longed for someone of Sequence 9, feeling like a sword hanging over their heads. Now, with the appearance of this Sage (witch), their hearts were finally at ease.

Despite the respect they showed her, Lolan Hill felt like a little rabbit among wolves, leading these fierce individuals, which troubled her deeply.

What should she do? Lolan Hill rubbed her temple, feeling a headache coming on.

Thank you to Falling Stars, Sakura Yurisa, I don’t want to take anything, non-black is white, Kurumi Ran San, Observer, and the six patrons.

(End of Chapter)