Chapter 435

Chapter 435: Stream in the Woods

  ”Your Excellency, when will the Sage return?” Palinsa looked at Lolan Hill, who had put on her black and silver robe again, and asked with her head down.

  ”It should be around early next year. There are still some things to take care of,” she thought to herself, unable to say that she still had school to attend.

  During these two years at Emanas, she had read many books and met numerous classmates from different regions, gaining a deeper understanding of this world. She felt she had learned a lot. If not for accepting Pulman’s invitation, she might have stayed there for five years before leaving.

  However, the world is unpredictable. Currently, Clancia is in its early stages of nation-building, with many urgent issues to address. Some regulations and policies, if not handled correctly from the start, would require considerable resources and effort to correct later, potentially missing crucial opportunities.

  She had to temporarily set aside her studies and get involved in Clancia’s development.

  However, some promises still needed to be kept. Before the holiday, she had promised Florasia that she would spend the winter festival together this year, so she would have to stay in school for some more time in the second half of the year.

  ”See you next year, Palinsa.”

  Lolan Hill waved goodbye to Secretary Palinsa. As for the others, she had already said her goodbyes earlier, and this parting wouldn’t last too long, so there was no need for overly formal farewells.

  ”Goodbye, Your Excellency Lolan Hill.”

  Palinsa curtsied and then a gentle breeze carried the silver-haired girl away into the azure sky.

  The vast wilderness and mountain ranges undulated across the land. The rivers reflected shimmering light, like ribbons adorning the earth. Under the warm summer wind, Lolan Hill gazed at the magnificent landscape and felt a surge of emotion.

  Even after suffering countless injuries and destruction, the world would still regenerate and remain beautiful.

—

  One day later, at the Tixilan Mountains, Maple Leaf Courtyard.

  As the air currents dissipated, her dress slowly fell. Lolan Hill returned to her home, which she had left for almost a month. After taking off her coat and putting on slippers, she collapsed onto her soft bed, hugging a pillow and rolling around.

  It was always more comfortable at home.

  She lay on her back, arms spread wide, one foot bare and touching the bed. Looking up at the wooden ceiling, she reminisced about the past month, feeling somewhat incredulous.

  Before leaving, she hadn’t thought much; she simply wanted to see what Clancia was like now and whether Pulman had led the country in the right direction.

  Instead, she was pulled into the situation as a participant rather than an observer.

  It seemed she had a lot to do. Next time she went to Clancia, she would probably need to tour all the counties and provinces first to understand the actual conditions on the ground, otherwise, she might become too disconnected from reality.

  After lying down for a short nap, she woke up in the afternoon.

  After getting up, she walked around the backyard and picked a few fresh cucumbers, placing them in a basket.

  Under the summer sun, the colors in the woods were particularly vivid and distinct. Tender green leaves swayed gently in the breeze, while clear water flowed over pebbles, creating a subtle and pleasant sound.

  Lolan Hill spread her arms and walked on the stones beside the stream, maintaining balance. The summer breeze in the forest was warm yet slightly cool, causing her hair to flutter.

  After turning past a few tall redwoods and rocks, she found a suitable spot and placed the basket in the stream, securing it with several pebbles to prevent it from being swept away. The cucumbers in the basket were gradually cooled by the refreshing water.

  She cleaned a large stone, sitting on it. Her white dress was dappled by the sunlight filtering through the tree shadows. Removing her sandals, she dipped her toes into the water, feeling the coolness spread up her legs.

  The young lady watched her feet rise and fall in the stream, splashing playfully. After a while, she finally let go.

  Leaning against a tilted rock, she looked up at the sky, where the blue expanse could be seen through the branches, rustling softly in the breeze.

  Closing her eyes, she heard the distant forest birds singing.

  After a long while, she opened her eyes, feeling a gentle breeze lift her body and slowly settle where she had placed the basket.

  Taking out the chilled cucumbers, she snapped them in half with a crisp sound and took a bite. The cool, slightly sweet flavor filled her mouth.

  When she was younger, she used to peel cucumbers because they were greenish-yellow, smooth, and relatively thick and round, making them difficult to eat. Later, only one type of cucumber was available in the market—long and with small ridges. This type of cucumber was easier to eat without peeling, giving a sensation similar to a popsicle.

  After eating a few cucumbers, Lolan Hill fished out her fishing rod and sat on a rock, leisurely fishing. Of course, she could catch fish directly, but that wouldn’t be as fun.

  In the depths of the stream, a few fallen leaves drifted by, and white feathers bobbed up and down on the surface. The bait moved back and forth under the touch of the fish, while the silver-haired girl curiously watched the palm-sized river fish, pondering whether to steam or fry them tonight.

  Decided!

  The fishing line stretched high in the air, and an orange-red carp (King?) leaped out of the water, landing on the grass nearby. Its tail flipped repeatedly, and its body bounced on the ground.

  The King Carp used Water Splash, with impressive results.

  Lolan Hill approached, crouching beside the basket and watching the carp. She poked it with her finger, and the carp struggled, leaping into the air more than half a meter high before falling into the waiting basket.

  Great, this way her hands wouldn’t get messy.

  Holding the basket, Lolan Hill headed towards her small house to prepare dinner.

  In the evening, she flipped through the recipes stored in her system, watching the fried fish in the pot and occasionally flipping it with a spatula.

  ”Mm, mm, at this point, add some Sichuan pepper, garlic, and chili.”

  Seasonings sprinkled into the pot, sizzling sounds emerged, and a burst of fragrance filled the air.

  ”Then add some boiling water, simmer for a bit, sprinkle some green mystery substance, and it’s done.”

  She scooped a bowl of white, soft rice into a wooden bowl and sat beside the bubbling pot with chopsticks, waiting patiently.

  Tasting a little with her chopsticks, the freshness of the fish, the slight numbing from the Sichuan pepper, and the aroma of the chili flooded her taste buds.

  Cooking is indeed quite interesting.

  (The End)