ver, and a little naive, but he was also very clever."What do you think is the difference between this carved crest and a manufactured product"Vivian didn't begin with pleasantries. Instead, she looke...Chapter 211: Ranchi is so natural!
The Iketerite Academy on a Saturday morning. {Google Search}
As one of the landmark buildings of the Sage's Academy, the Ancient Tower Library still sees many students coming and going this weekend.
This gigantic structure is breathtakingly beautiful inside, with murals, mosaics, and carvings meticulously crafted. The towering stone pillars at the entrance support a temple-like grandeur, and along the corridor, you can see statues of eleven benevolent deities.
Two figures were walking now along the corridor leading to the central hall of the library.
"Sophia's absence still bothering you, Lord Anor"
A girl with pale hair asked, her bright eyes blinking, her pupils a unique green, like a spring in the deep forest, clear and innocent.
"No, I just don't understand, I'm very confused."
Eleanor's face couldn't quite hide her worry, and she shook her head.
Today,院長Loren agreed to meet them at 10:00 AM in the internal area of the Gutta Library.
Eleanor obviously didn't want her own feelings to affect Karen.
According to Professor Bolao's instructions, taking good care of the foreign master craftsman friend and allowing her to have a happy and fulfilling two weeks in Icteris was all Enoor had to do.
"Your Highness Eanor, sometimes you should be more understanding of Sophia's feelings. It's okay if I suffer a little bit, you should favor her more."
Karen walked with a light and graceful step, her smile revealing confidence and resilience.
Many seniors often say that she must have been a well-behaved and pitiful child since childhood.
"That won't do. As the prince of the Heston Kingdom, I cannot allow our foreign friends to be treated unfairly here."
Enol's voice was firm.
Every time this happens, he thinks of his dearest friend.
He thought that if it were a true friend, they would definitely do the same. A true friend is open and honest, always selfless and admirable.
"Snooze."
Karen's face was lit with a smile, as if every little thing in life brought her joy.
What she loved to do most was break up couples who seemed perfect for each other.
Love is a game of deceiving oneself or others.
All hopes for love stem from fantasy.
But that fantasy had shattered when she was very young.
Give her a few more days, she believes she'll be able to completely win over this prince. This is also one of the biggest pleasures she found on this academic visit.
The two of them chatted peacefully, and as the light grew brighter, they finally walked into the central reading hall.
What greets your eyes is the magnificent vaulted ceiling, towering at 24 meters high. It's adorned with alternating patterns of deep gold and sky blue, resembling the dance of stars in the night sky and the dawn of a new day. At the center of the vault, a giant mirror reflects everything within the hall.
It was built from the former kingdom of Houton's parliament, and this solemn and majestic circular hall has a structure similar to a court or parliament chamber, with long tables arranged in a circle around an empty central space.
Inside the hall, dozens of curved rosewood tables were arranged in an orderly fashion on the hard marble floor. Each table was equipped with a verdant green desk lamp, and the space between them was just right, creating a sense of hierarchy without feeling cramped.
Along the walls of the hall, massive bookcases with glass insets stood tall, their shelves lined neatly with about eighty-five thousand books. Above each bookcase was a golden plaque engraved with the domain of that collection, ranging from "History" to "Art," from "Magical Texts" to "Ecology and Nature."
The very center area, resembling both an auditorium and a theater stage, is not usually open to the public. It's only used for public academic lectures, external announcements, or similar events. During large-scale events, dozens of long tables at the back are often filled with guests from various backgrounds.
Aenor pointed to the distance while introducing the Sage's Tower Library to Kaelen.
Generally speaking, the most frequent use of the library's central area now is for projects like "Observing Original Stone Tablets," which are semi-public.
Whenever a student successfully completes Dean Lore's trials, they will be assigned here. At that time, interested students and some of the Arcane Tower's scholars may come to observe.
Besides the basic-level tables and chairs surrounding the central circular platform, looking up from the hall, the library's upper levels resemble the balconies of a theater, arranged in a semi-circular shape. Not only can one overlook the bustle of the central hall on the ground floor, but also feel the atmosphere of knowledge and history emanating from all directions.
"That's so..."
Karen glanced at the clock tower in the distance. They were about half an hour early for their appointment with Dean Lauren.
Dean Loren's work is very demanding, and he has only squeezed out this time. It's naturally not likely that he would arrive so early.
But soon, both Eleanor and Caelen discovered that in the center of the grand hall—
A poised figure, like a chess piece, stood there serenely.
His clothing was impeccable, the fine grid on his collar and tie complementing his dark coat perfectly. His gentle eyes held a depth of wisdom.
He was smiling and watching the newcomers enter the hall.
"Your Highness Enol, Miss Karen, you've arrived."
Lance's actions, whether a gentle nod or a slow step, reveal an innate leader's aura. In this temple of knowledge, he stands like a true guide, waiting for eager students to impart the best guidance and advice.
Karen was momentarily stunned. If she hadn't met Dean Loren, she would have thought this young man was the highest leader of the Wise Men's Academy.
"Lance, I heard you've been very busy since returning from the Shadow Realm these past few days, so I didn't come to see you. I didn't expect to run into you so soon."
Even though Ennole might have been a little bit troubled earlier, the moment she saw Lance, all her worries vanished, leaving only joy. She quickened her pace and walked towards him.
"Your Highness Enol, Miss Calene, this time I was originally going to have Miss Calene observe the tablets alone. However, considering that Dean Loren's affairs will be quite busy for a while, I agreed to his request so as not to have Dean Loren take out time for me again."
Lanche inclined his head slightly to Anorl, who was walking toward him.
“So, it seems His Highness Enol and Ranchi-kun are acquainted”
Karen followed Anor, a look of confusion and slight surprise on her face as she looked up at him.
She had previously heard Loren mention that due to a tight schedule, this time she would be joining the team of students from Ekkrithe Academy, and they might also have the opportunity to observe together. Kahlen had also expressed her understanding, agreement, and gratitude.
Although the Academy of Sages and the Academy of Arcane Engineering share some commonalities in their magical courses, the Academy of Sages also has a few students who excel in magical engineering.
But even Karen didn't expect that the student she had cut in line was actually Lance, the rival of their Alolan Academy third-year senior Adam.
It is said that this creature defeated the Annihilation Saintess of the Resurrection Church.
Faced with Adams' challenge, he didn't care about winning or losing at all. He casually let Adams win, just like Dean Loren was magnanimous, and he seemed to not treat Adams as a real opponent at all.
"Yes, my dearest friend Lance, the top student of the first year at the Academy of Wisdom."
Arnold smiled and introduced Karen.
Karen might not be familiar with Lance, after all, she has been shuttling between the Mechanical Engineering Institute and the Temple of Fate ever since she came to Ikeras Academy. She didn't show much interest in the combat-oriented professions at the Sage Institute and Knight Institute. It seems she was already tired of the atmosphere of the Arolon Royal Academy which only focused on fighting and killing.
Arnold wanted to brag about his best friend several times, but he held back.
Professor Polao said that before Lanqi passed the crucial step in the Platinum-level review, these few people who knew the truth shouldn't make too much noise about Lanqi becoming a prospective Platinum-level card maker a week ago to prevent more external obstacles. Eanor also didn't say much for Lanqi's sake.
"Lanchi, it's nice to meet you. Adam senior put you through a lot of trouble."
Karen turned to look at Lance and politely greeted him.
She wasn't interested in the squabbles between these fighting roles, it was just too silly. All they had to do was worship her.
"No, if Mr. Adams has a request, I will do my best to fulfill it. That is my responsibility and duty."
Ranch replied sincerely.
"As expected of院長Lorentz's outstanding student, I believe he would also be pleased with the concessions made for you."
In the brief moments of their interaction, Karren had already observed Lance thoroughly.
His demeanor and sincerity don't seem fake, he appears to be a genuine person.
So today, even with many lightbulbs out, it wouldn't affect her continued control over Anorl.
"Your Highness, Anor…"
As Karen was about to continue talking with Eleanor,
She inexplicably found that Eleanor was already close to Lance, as if she had forgotten her and left her aside. She only wanted to tell Lance the endless words in her heart.
…"
This made Karen extremely embarrassed.
How could she feel so inadequate As if her own charm couldn't even compare to a man!
Miriam is nowhere near as enamored with Sophia as she is with Arnold!
Lance looked at Karen with a helpless smile.
Right now, just like back then at the Card Maker's Association.
Karen unconsciously clenched her fist.
She didn't know if Lanchi's smile was genuine amusement at the prince, or if it held a hint of humiliation.
As if telling her—
You'll never be as close to a prince as this.
(The End)
[ ]ship, a cleric in silver armor slowly descended the gangplank. His armor shimmered in the sunlight with a cold, sharp gleam, reflecting the azure waves around him.Although his steps were steady, each...