Let’s turn back time thirty minutes. At that moment, Li Yue was still basking in the moonlight on the bench, yawning.
In a somewhat dim hall, five mages sat around a pentagonal table. The candles on the table flickered slightly. This was a semi-enclosed room without windows; not a single breeze could blow in, and even sound was barred from entering.
Powerful, roaming mana stirred the candle flames, as the magic unconsciously leaking from the five powerful mages caused the light to tremble.
The administrators of various factions stood behind them with expressionless faces, hands behind their backs, attending this meeting as witnesses.
“My suggestion is to continue negotiations for a while longer.” A girl with green hair mixed into her white tresses spoke slowly. She was one of the Five Staves, “Kurong.”
“Your suggestion is exactly the same as the decision you made back then. This is a ‘concession,’” Alchemy said with a smile, the corners of his mouth twitching beneath his mask.
“Has the defense fortification between the branch academy and the Starry Forest been rebuilt?” the mage draped in a blue robe asked slowly. A cold, stern aura emanated from him. Although he smiled amiably, there was no warmth to be felt.
“The children there are very obedient...” the closed-eyed girl said softly. “I think...”
“It hasn’t been rebuilt,” Clo gave a brief and clear answer. She rested her chin on her hand, her boots tapping rhythmically against the floor, looking somewhat impatient.
“You seem a bit anxious... did something happen, Shi?” The closed-eyed girl slowly ‘looked’ toward Clo, a hint of concern in her gentle words.
“Personal business,” Clo responded flatly.
“If we need to set up a defensive line, I’m afraid it will be hard to complete in a short time. Alchemy, you and I will have to cooperate once,” Blizzard said, continuing the previous topic.
“We still need to hear the Academy’s plan. Rushing to rebuild would mean we are signaling an intent for war. At the very least, the Starry Forest has always been friendly,” Alchemy said slowly. He continuously tossed a small piece of metal of unknown material in his hand; it had a golden exterior, but it definitely wasn't gold.
“Isn’t the trial for this year’s new students still set to be held in the Starry Forest?” Kurong said slowly. “We can see their attitude then.”
“While that method is simple and fast, the price is the lives of some trainees and the Academy’s reputation. That cost is a bit high,” Alchemy chuckled. “But for you to propose such a suggestion, I’m impressed, Kurong.”
“I meant whether they would allow a large group of mages to enter...” Kurong rubbed her forehead. “You’re the only lunatic here.”
“Dean Severus just sent word. Both he and Dean Albert have urgent matters today and cannot attend the meeting.” Alchemy looked at the message and sighed.
“Something regarding the Beast Lord of the Western Continent?”
“I believe so. Several vice directors from the various factions have also departed with them.”
“We can’t wait for them, and the five of us won’t be able to discuss anything useful. Meeting adjourned.” Clo stood up and pulled out the staff beside her. The glow of the azure Time Sea vanished instantly, and the grand hall immediately lost a portion of its light.
“I’m afraid I must also join Dean Severus,” Alchemy sighed, standing up and pulling out his scepter. He straightened his hat, walked to the coat rack to retrieve his trench coat, and left first with the people from the West Academy.
“Yet another New King. I really don’t want to witness a beast tide again... though, it would allow for the collection of many experimental materials... thinking about it that way, it’s not too bad.”
“I originally wanted to mention the Church’s affairs.” The girl with the closed eyes and golden patterns on her face let out a small sigh. She stood up and pulled out a scepter that resembled the sun.
“The Church?”
“Yes. Recently, some children told me that an unpleasant aura has appeared within the Academy.” The girl stowed her golden staff, her bare feet, adorned with golden silk chains, pitter-pattering against the floor.
“The situation at the Royal Court is complicated. They likely have no time for themselves and won’t take any action. Our current inaction is exactly what they want.” Kurong pulled out her black-green staff, her eyes temporarily turning into a state of one red and one green.
“There might be people from there. Those who come out from that place usually carry ‘His’ aura to some degree; it’s normal.” Blizzard glanced at Clo and pulled out his scepter. “The one currently caught in the center of the whirlpool is likely the branch academy on the Western Continent. Here on the Southern Continent, we actually don’t have much to worry about.”
“For this year’s trial, I’m afraid we can’t go to the Western Continent. It’s too dangerous.” Surrounded by red-clothed bishops, the closed-eyed girl slowly departed. “I’ll go back and discuss it with the South Academy Director.”
“I haven’t had enough of my peaceful days yet. I’m not very keen on fighting those Beast Lords.” Clo stretched, not bothering with further idle talk. Without even looking at the attendants of the Time Casket, she turned and left.
“Why is everyone in such a hurry...” Blizzard smiled and put on his hood. “The peaceful days of slowly collecting snowflakes are likely coming to an end.”
“I’m leaving too. No need to follow.” Kurong walked behind Clo, stopping her own entourage.
...
Under the moonlight, within the somewhat chilly greenhouse, the figures of Clo and “Kurong,” Ishtar, appeared together.
“Clo, where is your Five Staves token from your right hand?” Ishtar finally couldn't resist asking the question.
“I gave it to a friend. In any case, a token isn't as useful as the person herself.” Clo didn't care in the least, walking slowly toward the exit of the greenhouse.
“A friend?”
“A very important person.” Clo nodded. “There’s something at home; I’m leaving now.”
Clo’s figure flashed and vanished instantly. Ishtar seemed to have more to say but kept it in. Her hand gripped a rose before slowly letting go.
“A very important person?” she slowly repeated the words. She sat in a corner, in a cradle filled with vibrant flowers. As she curled her body inside and swayed slowly, the vibrant flowers withered one by one, gradually turning into lifeless ash.
Clo’s figure appeared in the massive private residence. A faint scent of wine permeated the air. Following that hint of sweet fragrance, she walked slowly toward the courtyard.
She looked at the slightly slender, elegant back in the courtyard, her eyes overflowing with tenderness.
Do i cross your mind? Much as you cross mine.
As for the next line of the lyrics, she didn't want to think about it. Right now, all she wanted to do was gently hold her.
Rate on N.U.
