Chapter 841

Chapter 841: Reflections on the Street

She stared at Lady Phyllis’ light blue eyes, Lolan Hill was momentarily speechless. Should she admit it directly or try to cover it up?

The attic was quiet for a few seconds before Lolan Hill sighed softly and nodded.

“Yes, I am Lolan Hill,” she said.

When she spoke her name, a sense of sanctity seemed to envelop her, making people feel as if they were detached from the world.

“Indeed,” Lady Phyllis closed her eyes, recalling the events over the years.

Initially, she did not connect this girl with the sage of Clancia, given the vast difference in their statuses. It wasn’t until the church began erecting statues in various places that she started to doubt and wonder.

Because they were too similar.

That year when Lolan Hill came to Hope Lane, she had not yet received the pendant from Tides. Apart from having different hair color, her appearance and past were identical.

While the statues differed somewhat from the real person, the essence remained unforgettable. And during her time in the academy, she knew that Lacy had another identity—Lohil, whose hair was silver. Combining these clues with Lohil’s later journey to the Holy Land, she was forced to make more connections, eventually confirming with about 70-80% certainty that Lacy was indeed Lolan Hill.

“Please keep this a secret, Teacher Phyllis. This will avoid many troubles.”

“Of course, but I was just guessing. I didn’t expect it to be true,” Lady Phyllis said with surprise.

Oh, she really wasn’t good at lying. Lolan Hill thought to herself, then gradually let go.

Anyway, it would be exposed sooner or later.

After comforting herself, Lolan Hill raised her head and looked at Lady Phyllis. “So, what were the evaluations of the sages and Emanas after that?”

“That’s a bit complicated. Let me tell you what happened then,” Lady Phyllis slowly began.

“On that day, many significant events occurred in the West Continent. First, several chaotic vortices sealed by someone were deliberately opened, and the sages dispatched members across the land lit beacons one after another.”

She picked up the teacup in front of her, took a small sip, and cleared her throat.

“Towers of light pierced through the clouds, rising across the continent. Many Sequence 9 beings received messages, and scattered sages rushed back home.”

“The sages and witches stationed in Emanas also headed toward the nearest vortex, which was located in the central part of the Sighing Mountains.”

“Chaotic magic and illusions continuously spilled out from the vortex. The Griffin Knights of the Crimson Empire, who were on a western tour, urgently ascended and flew towards the sealing site within the territory. Fleets from the Southern Islands began to gather, and forces from around the world were called upon in emergency. The situation was critical.”

“However, when everyone thought a new chaos disaster was about to begin, a golden crown appeared at the end of the sky. According to some ancient murals, it was known to be the Sun Crown, symbolizing the deity.”

“Countless radiant angels appeared in the sky, surrounding the crown. The sky began to shower the seven trumpets of prophecy, said to be the end-of-the-world trumpets heralding the restart of the world.”

“When those trumpets sounded, all extraordinary powers in the world began to withdraw, returning to the crown.”

“Unquenchable flames descended from the sky, burning away the impurities of the world. Glorious pillars of flame shot down from the sun, scorching crystalline glass like salt.”

Lady Phyllis closed her eyes, recalling the awe-inspiring scene.

“In front of the divine crown, all powers seemed insignificant, like dust in the wind.”

“The trumpets sounded repeatedly, and the world was gradually engulfed in sacred flames. Many people began to fear and despair, believing the world was about to be destroyed. But when the fifth trumpet sounded, a symbol of destruction—a giant dragon—appeared, along with another silver crown—the Moon Crown.”

“After the Moon Crown appeared, it began to compete with the Sun Crown. Meteors fell from the sky, some carrying the flames of fallen angels, others the blood of the scorched dragon. Eventually, the two crowns were annihilated together in the sky, and everything calmed down.”

“Survivors began frantically searching for legends left by dragons and giants in ancient sites and rock walls. Stories of the Sun and Moon’s conflict were unearthed again.”

“When the world finally settled down, people discovered that many things had changed that day.”

“First, the cultivation methods changed, requiring many to be re-examined and rebuilt.”

“Additionally, a shocking coup d’état occurred within the empire, transforming the Verdant Empire into the Crimson Empire. Military systems, laws, and rules underwent major changes.”

“People in Clancia began saying that the witch of the stars was the reincarnated archangel of the wind. And the Sun Crown in the sky descended during the angel’s prayer.”

“Many people claimed they saw the archangel spread wide wings to shield the sky, and the Sun Crown slowly appeared at that moment.”

“This archangel of the wind was the messenger sent by the deity, conveying the gospel of salvation. This theory quickly gained popularity in Clancia, and some people began compiling your past experiences, leading to the founding of the Falling Star Song Church.”

“But in the empire, the emperor claimed he was a descendant of the Azure Moon. Although the sun in the sky was glorious, it was too intense and would only destroy the world. Only the merciful moon saved the world from being scorched.”

“And he was chosen and blessed by the moon, destined to bring unity and prosperity to the world.”

“After the emperor successfully staged his coup, this theory was promoted by the ceremonial officials, spreading throughout the empire. To counter the Falling Star Song Church, they established the Blood Moon Sacred Hymn Church, praising the moon.”

“Under the influence of these two factions, the sages, including Emanas, had polarized views of you. Some believed you summoned the Sun Crown, saving the world from disaster, while others viewed you as an angel of destruction, the world’s enemy, and should be despised even more.”

“Arguments continued, causing conflicts among students. The empire’s expedition further exacerbated this tension, leading to frequent private fights between students from the Seven Snow Nations and imperial students, deteriorating the teaching environment.”

“Therefore, the sages issued a regulation prohibiting discussions of this matter within the academy and forbidding the two new churches from spreading within Emanas. After that, things gradually calmed down.”

“Years passed, and the fervor subsided, but the ban remained. So no one openly discussed these matters anymore.”

“If you go to the Crimson Empire in the future, it’s best not to reveal your identity. This will reduce many troubles. Fortunately, after the emperor’s death, the Blood Moon Sacred Hymn Church’s prestige plummeted, and fewer people believe in it now. There haven’t been any major actions recently, so most people might forget soon.”

“Though I don’t know if you truly have a direct connection with the Sun Crown, I still advise Lacy not to admit such power.”

“Even if you’re a witch, this kind of power is too conspicuous. Moreover, from my observation, using such immense power comes at a great cost. It’s best to keep it hidden.”

Lolan Hill felt overwhelmed by the complexity of her experience, nodding gently.

“Thank you, Teacher Phyllis. I understand.”

Although she could still contact the two crowns, they were both damaged and couldn’t provide much power. Keeping it hidden was indeed the better option.

They talked for a while longer, and Lady Phyllis slowly processed the shock of Lolan Hill’s identity. She put down her teacup.

“I never expected that the nameless girl I met in the West Wind was actually the sage of Clancia. What an amazing coincidence,” she said, shaking her head slightly, feeling as if everything was a dream.

“To be honest, I didn’t anticipate such a huge change,” Lolan Hill leaned back on the sofa, recalling the encounter with Plumen in the forest.

Who could have imagined that a simple, lone youth would establish a new nation decades later, like a dream come true.

Even with her support and intervention, rallying a team under such harsh conditions and gathering hearts wasn’t easy. The failures and difficulties they faced could only be known to them.

The two sat quietly in the attic as the sunset outside gradually faded, plunging the room into darkness.

With a click, Lady Phyllis lit the candle on the tea table, illuminating their faces in the flickering light.

“Well, it’s getting late. I’ll let you go. Let me digest today’s information,” she winked at the girl and bid farewell with a smile. Despite knowing Lolan Hill’s true identity, Lady Phyllis maintained her usual attitude, neither distancing herself nor elevating the girl too high, still treating her with affection.

Even though she was a witch, she was still very young.

Lady Phyllis thought as she looked at the quiet and frail girl on the sofa. Compared to witches who lived for centuries or millennia, Lolan Hill was still like a child, needing care despite her great strength.

“I won’t disturb you any longer. Thank you for your reminder,” the girl stood slowly, bowed sincerely, and then straightened up.

After waving goodbye, Lolan Hill pushed open the peeling wooden door and descended the stairs. The sound of footsteps echoed faintly on the wooden boards.

The dance studio on the second floor was already silent; the girls who practiced dancing during the day had long returned home.

On the first floor, the store was lit by the glow of magic gems. Guests sat here after work, including many couples, whispering and laughing in the candlelight, enjoying each other’s company amidst the slight commotion.

After greeting the maid at the entrance, the girl pushed open the glass revolving door and stepped onto the street. The cool night air greeted her, bringing a slight chill.

Walking down the street illuminated by colorful sign lights, Lolan Hill felt as if she was walking through her hometown in her previous life. Back then, after evening classes, she would ride her bicycle home alone, with neon lights filtering through the trees and casting patches of light on the road.

A faint nostalgia flowed through her heart as she watched her reflection. The girl’s footsteps lightly tapped the cobblestones, her toes always landing squarely in the middle of the squares, avoiding the gaps between them.

Time passed, and it felt like she had experienced so much since her rebirth, almost equal to the time she spent in her previous life.

And as time went on, the proportion of memories from her previous life in her overall memory would become smaller. By then, she would surely be different.

Today’s conversation with Lady Phyllis made Lolan Hill deeply feel the sorrow of time passing.

She felt like she had done many things but missed many opportunities. Even though she, as a witch, had ample time to achieve her goals, those who walked with her might not have such leisure.

Decades later, many of them would gradually leave, and how would she face that?

Make new friends? She felt she wasn’t someone who enjoyed socializing. Perhaps she would gradually get used to being alone.

She spread her arms, her body forming a cross, and leaped lightly on the street, then landed gracefully. Memories of familiar faces flashed in her mind.

Now she understood why Tides and Chris were so caring toward her.

Perhaps witches also feared loneliness.

The memories of Lagertis resurfaced in Lolan Hill’s heart.

After walking down the long street, she finally stopped in front of the Carites Chamber of Commerce.

“Welcome back, Miss,” the familiar voice echoed in her ears. Lolan Hill opened her eyes and looked at the warm and familiar faces, feeling a sudden warmth in her heart.

“Yes, I’m back.”

Although everything had its time to part, at least now, she had a group of good friends and many people who loved her.

Giving up the present beauty for the future was the act of a fool.

At least for now, let her enjoy this peaceful time.

Waving in response to the people inside the chamber, Lolan Hill entered the bustling Carites courtyard and then stepped into the kitchen with the scent of fireworks.

“Why are you here, Miss?” Chelsea asked, bringing two maids with her upon hearing the news.

“Cooking will produce a lot of smoke,” she looked at the delicate and frail girl, feeling it wasteful to have Lolan Hill cook.

“It’s nothing. I just suddenly felt like cooking something for everyone,” Lolan Hill said playfully, which was rare, surprising Chelsea momentarily.

“Chelsea knows that. Before, I liked cooking in the small courtyard. Actually, I’m quite good at it. Don’t worry,” she said.

Reluctantly, Chelsea gave up, no longer hindering the lady’s idea.

“In that case, we can help. When Angus first established the chamber, I managed the kitchen for a long time,” Chelsea suggested and joined in.

“Alright.”

As she spoke, Lolan Hill rolled up her sleeves. Clear water flowed between her fingers, soft flour was kneaded in a bowl, fresh vegetables were quickly chopped, and seasonings were prepared one by one.

That night, the Carites Chamber of Commerce was once again a bustling and sleepless night.

(End of Chapter)