Chapter 454

Chapter 454: The New Year Begins

Boom—

With a loud explosion, a firework rose into the sky, then burst open, releasing dazzling light that spread like a flower. Golden sparks crackled and burned, streaking across the night sky like shooting stars, falling downward.

Soon after, more fireworks shot up into the air, bursting open one after another, blooming into giant flowers of various colors.

This was the capital of Clancia, Solande. People were celebrating the arrival of the new year.

At the southwestern corner of the palace, in the Red Jujube Palace,

A young lady dressed in a starlit gown sat by the window, watching the fireworks fall from the sky. The room was quiet, except for the small night lamp on the table, which emitted a faint yellow glow.

Today, Lolan Hill participated in Clancia’s New Year ceremony, officially appearing in public. Although many officials had been prepared mentally, they still marveled at her youthful beauty and wisdom.

Lolan Hill, wearing a flowing silver-blue starlit gown, walked across the carpet. On either side, palace knights held halberds; she wore a golden fillet and carried a scepter as she accepted the bows of those present before sitting on the throne.

Originally, she didn’t want it to be so grand, especially since this ceremony felt like a coronation to her.

But finally, several founding elders of Clancia persuaded her.

Before meeting Lolan Hill, apart from Pulman, the others, despite their admiration for the scholar’s knowledge and ideas, were hesitant about elevating her to such a position.

It wasn’t until last year, when they saw the young scholar Lolan Hill, that some of them gradually put aside their doubts and became resolute.

Now, Lolan Hill’s role was not that of a ruler or manager, but rather a spiritual symbol facing the people. She would not directly participate in various affairs but would represent the nation to face the people.

In today’s world, it was an extraordinary era. People knew of extraordinary beings and revered those who transcended ordinary humans and approached the divine.

If other countries’ top tier were Sequence 9 or some well-known figures, while their own highest leader was only Sequence 7, it could lead to a lack of confidence or panic.

Clancia had many idealistic warriors, but there were also vast numbers of ordinary people still in ignorance. Sometimes it was hard to explain profound truths to them; they could only change generations through basic education.

However, during this process, most people still had habitual thinking. If their own country couldn’t establish comparable strength or image to other countries’ top tier, they might fall into self-doubt and lack of confidence.

Extraordinary power meant extraordinary security. Even before the industrial age arrived, a few extraordinary beings still largely influenced the direction of the world.

Under these circumstances, Lolan Hill had to be pushed to the forefront, shouldering the role of giving everyone confidence.

The effect turned out to be unexpectedly good.

Lolan Hill was initially worried about her youthful appearance, around 16-17 years old. But when she stepped forward, she realized she had been wrong.

People seemed more pleased to see a beautiful young lady scholar than an old white-bearded man. As the fireworks drifted and the colorful flags fluttered, the entire venue roared. The outstretched hands and adoring gazes made Lolan Hill feel the power of the people once again.

After this ceremony, the originally restless domestic situation miraculously stabilized again.

Sigh, why did things develop so differently from what I imagined?

The young lady hugged her pillow and rolled on the bed.

Although she liked Clancia, the newly born nation, she had initially just wanted to work behind the scenes and occasionally offer advice.

Where did things go wrong? How did she end up being worshipped like a vase?

Though her talent was good, she knew her limits. Even with all her efforts, she could only reach Sequence 7 at best, far from Sequence 9. Even using Trinasha’s hair clip, she could only defeat a Sequence 8 twice at most.

Would people from other countries look at her as if she were a joke? Thinking this, Lolan Hill’s ears turned slightly red, and she found it harder to sleep.

Although Lolan Hill tossed and turned for a while before finally sleeping, her worries were unfounded.

After Clancia’s rise, the Star Witch’s reputation slowly spread among the top-tier extraordinary beings. Except for those hidden, overseas, or not of this world, most scholars and witches gradually became aware of her existence.

For others, it would have been fine, but Lolan Hill had already drawn attention from low-ranking extraordinary beings due to her ability to cause celestial anomalies. Moreover, as a witch, almost everyone believed she would eventually grow to become Sequence 9. And because of the mutual support among witches, even if others knew she hadn’t yet grown strong, they wouldn’t easily attack her.

They weren’t mortal enemies, so it wouldn’t be worth offending so many witches. Besides, even if they died, their grandchildren would still have to deal with these witches. One couldn’t do too much.

Thus, under various coincidences, Clancia’s reputation was established.

—

After the New Year, staying in the imperial capital for some time, the situation gradually stabilized. Lolan Hill decided to follow her previous plan and travel domestically. Of course, she couldn’t use the title of a sage.

After the failure of the Frost Rose, they didn’t immediately retaliate. With their ships destroyed, it was difficult to quickly send troops northward. Meanwhile, the new Vergha Alliance’s decision to lean towards Clancia made it impossible to ignore. For now, things were stable.

Taking advantage of this lull, Lolan Hill planned to go out and take a look. Staying in the imperial capital, being stared at with such adoration every day, she began to feel suffocated and wanted to escape for fresh air.

“Sage, everything you requested has been prepared,” Palinsa said, bringing two maids to the Red Jujube Palace, handing some items to the young lady.

“Thank you, Palinsa.”

The young lady took them, examining each item. This was a complete set of merchant credentials. She would temporarily pretend to be a merchant’s daughter, buying and selling small goods while observing the development of various provinces and cities.

Seeing Lolan Hill accept these items, Palinsa asked further.

“Sage, shall I bring along a few palace maids? They have strong abilities and can assist you with many matters during your journey.”

After some thought, Lolan Hill nodded.

“Then I’ll trouble Palinsa.”

Thank you to the supporters: Dawn Snow Moon, Zeng Rui, True Demon King Rimuru, focusing on daydreaming, Andersen telling stories, n0000000000o, close to you but hard to keep, White in Dreams, and the 12 book friends who generously contributed.

(End of Chapter)