Early in the morning, seated before the dressing table, Lining meticulously groomed and dressed Xilutaiya.
First, she helped Xilutaiya into that slightly elaborate formal dress. Its base color was a bright, midsummer yellow, accented with pure white lace along the collar and edges. Overall, it did not feel stiff or restrictive, but rather had the relaxed, comfortable air of an outing.
The cuffs were designed with lotus-leaf ruffles. A finger's width from the edge ran thin white ribbons that could be tightened slightly and tied into dainty bows, accentuating the slenderness of her wrists. The curved, petal-like ruffles at the sleeve ends partially covered the backs of her hands, making her fingers look like delicate stamens emerging from petals—exceptionally lovely.
Once the dress was arranged, Lining braided a slender plait from the hair beside Xilutaiya's ear so her hairstyle would not look too plain. Finally, she placed a bright yellow sun hat matching the dress upon her head, adorned with a wide white bow and several fresh blossoms in pale pink, light blue, and bright yellow.
Fully dressed and groomed, Xilutaiya looked as though she had stepped out of a fairy tale, possessing a dreamy, enchanting beauty.
"There we are, Miss Tiya. You can try standing up and walking a few steps to see how it feels. If anything is uncomfortable, I can adjust it for you."
"All right."
Xilutaiya rose lightly. On her feet were light-colored leather shoes with straps. She began to walk around the room. Though slightly unaccustomed to it at first, she quickly settled in, her steps growing light and easy, as if she had often worn clothes like this before.
A short while later, Lining accompanied Xilutaiya downstairs, where Madame Falan was already waiting in the drawing room.
Seeing Xilutaiya lift her skirt as she descended the stairs, Madame Falan could not help smiling and clapping her hands softly.
"Just as I expected, exceedingly lovely."
"Since you are just about ready, let us set off. Today, I am taking you to meet a few friends in the city." She stood up.
"Taliel," she called to the girl standing dazed nearby.
"Yes, Madame!" Taliel straightened up.
"I'll be counting on you to watch the house today. If any bad people come, ring the bell; someone will come to check and help."
"Yes, Madame." Flattered and overwhelmed, she nodded in agreement, never expecting to be entrusted with such an important task after having arrived only a few days ago.
"Lining, is the carriage ready?"
"The carriage is ready, Madame, waiting outside."
"Good. Escort Xilutaiya out." With that, she turned, gave Xilutaiya a nod, and walked out of the drawing room.
A few minutes later, the three boarded the exquisite, luxurious carriage and headed toward the north of Burnt Stone City, where Viscount Xuefeng's castle stood. Today was different from past visits, however; instead of entering through the side gate into the training grounds, they passed through the main gate and proceeded straight to the hill behind the castle.
Here lay an enclosed courtyard garden, complete with several pavilions and a small lake.
Having passed gate after gate heavily guarded by sentries, the carriage rolled all the way to the main entrance of this courtyard garden before coming to a stop.
Madame Falan stepped down first. She opened her white parasol adorned with bows and walked forward at a leisurely pace, while Lining helped Xilutaiya down from the carriage.
Under the bright sunshine, butterflies fluttered through the garden, with an occasional honeybee buzzing by. Beyond the flagstone path winding through the grounds, several noblewomen were already gathered in a distant pavilion.
Seeing Madame Falan approach with her parasol, the ladies in the pavilion rose to their feet one after another. Their curious gazes soon turned to the unfamiliar silver-haired girl behind her.
"Sister Falan, who is this behind you?" asked a noblewoman in a sea-blue dress, looking intrigued. Her hair was a shade of burgundy, and a charming touch of dark red powder accented the corners of her eyes.
"She is my newly taken student, and most likely my future successor." Madame Falan's words carried considerable weight, instantly seizing everyone's attention.
For an accomplished transcendent or prominent figure, having many students was entirely normal, but when it came to successors, there were usually only one or two. Such a successor was someone chosen with great care from among many students, possessed of tremendous potential, and trusted to carry on the school's knowledge and arts—the one favored above all others.
"A successor? This is the first time I've ever heard you mention one, Sister Falan," the others remarked in astonishment.
As Xilutaiya drew nearer and they took in her features and poise, another wave of surprise rippled through the group.
Talented people were not scarce, but possessing both exceptional talent and peerless beauty was exceedingly rare. Given Madame Falan's temperament, she would never choose an incompetent fool or someone of mediocre aptitude as her successor, which made the women all the more astonished.
"It seems that starting today, Burnt Stone City—or rather, the entire Southern Region—will have a new legend to talk about. Hehehe." Their social circle was by no means confined to Burnt Stone City; they frequently traveled between major cities in the southern parts of the Raygas Principality, well-traveled and well-informed.
"Come over here, dear. What is your name, and where are you from?" The noblewomen warmly welcomed Xilutaiya as though greeting a promising junior of their own.
"I am called..." She hesitated over whether to give her real name.
"Her name is Anluo'er, and she hails from my homeland, the distant Wind Chime Nation." Madame Falan winked at Xilutaiya, signaling her not to object.
At this, Xilutaiya abandoned any thought of explaining and simply accepted it. Besides, this spared her a great deal of trouble, such as exposing her status as an academy student or dealing with inquisitive prying into her origins.
"Oh, so it's Anluo'er! What a lovely name, as beautiful and sweet as you are," the other noblewomen chimed in.
In truth, any name carried well enough among nobles, but a girl as extraordinary as Xilutaiya was rare indeed, so their praise was entirely sincere.
Welcoming the somewhat shy and reserved girl into the pavilion, they gathered around her like she was an endearing child, asking her all sorts of questions.
"How long have you been studying under Sister Falan? We've never seen you before."
"For some time now. It was only because I recently advanced that Madame officially recognized me," she replied softly.
"I see. It seems Sister Falan is as exacting as ever." The women found this not at all surprising, and in fact completely believable.
"Where do you usually stay?"
"At present, I am staying at Madame's manor." This, at least, was the absolute truth.
"Oh? And what hobbies do you have? What do you like to grow?"
...
The questions and topics seemed endless. Xilutaiya could only measure her words and answer selectively, glossing over anything awkward to explain.
Fortunately, the noblewomen took no offense at this behavior; in fact, they likely found it perfectly natural. Aristocratic circles were far too filled with pompous, pretentious chatter, and an honest, modest respondent like Xilutaiya was a rare find.
They presumed she had rarely taken part in social events and had been sheltered well by Madame Falan in the past; only now that she had achieved something and reached an appropriate age had Madame Falan brought her out into society. That certainly matched the ways of certain traditional nobles.
Amid the laughter-filled conversation and gathering, Xilutaiya gradually grew accustomed to the noblewomen, slowly finding her ease.
Chapter 57