Lady Falan's Arrangements

The breeze blew, dispersing the overflowing scorching heat of the Blazing Sun in the flower field and bringing a touch of coolness. The scattered power of the Blazing Sun did not vanish, however; instead, it condensed upon the petals filling the sky, emitting a brilliant glow under the sunlight.

These petals danced and swirled, arranging themselves into a vortex-like ring that continuously converged in the air. They pressed tightly against one another, compressing and finally coalescing, weaving into an exquisite bracelet of pale gold petals.

This delicate bracelet drifted slowly down from the air, finally hovering silently before Sylutia, radiating a faint warmth and halo.

[Blazing Sun Petal Bracelet] (Second Order · Blazing Sun): Formed by condensing and compressing petals possessing the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power, arranged into natural branded patterns. Allows the wearer to dispel chill, restore stamina, and remain energetic. (Resists the erosive effects of "Winter Slumber," "Nightmare," and "Mist Shadow," accelerates stamina recovery, and maintains warmth.)

"Consider this my gift for our first meeting. How is it?"

A faint golden halo seemed to swirl within her pale blue eyes, causing the Aspect Power power on the bracelet before her to stabilize.

"Thank you, Lady Falan." Placing the potted plant she had been holding gently by her side, the young girl bowed in gratitude.

She then freed one hand, and the golden petal bracelet floated lightly toward her, sliding onto her fair wrist.

As the bracelet settled, a faint warmth instantly filled her entire body. The sensation of sweltering heat from being in the sea of flowers vanished, and the heatwaves no longer pressed upon her.

Seeing Sylutia accept it, the noblewoman showed satisfaction and nodded slightly before walking past the girl with her parasol.

"Follow me."

Thus, Sylutia walked behind her, feeling as if she were in a dream. The sea of flowers overflowing with golden light before her eyes felt like a world from the heavens. It was not until they slowly walked out of the sunflower field and stepped into the cool, comfortable mansion that she gradually regained her senses.

Arriving in another quiet room, Lady Falan had Sylutia place the glass-caged potted plant on the table.

"Just put it there; I imagine your arms are tired from holding it." By now, she had placed her parasol beside the door, and her pinned-up, flowing golden hair caught the girl's eye.

"Yes."

Shortly after the plant was set down, the noblewoman lightly lifted a finger, and the black cloth covering it floated up gracefully, then slowly landed on a shelf nearby.

Inside the glass cage, the quietly blooming, tender green Swan Orchid appeared before them.

Lifting her hand again, the glass cover rose slowly and was placed beside the table. At this moment, the unique fragrance of the "Swan Orchid" slowly drifted out, making the room feel refreshed.

Gazing at the blooming "Swan Orchid," a pale golden halo swirled in Lady Falan's eyes. She seemed to possess another method of observation, one that allowed her to perceive the condition of the plant before her.

"Not bad, one might even say perfect, especially for someone like you who has yet to step into the First Order." She lightly opened her folding fan with one hand, allowing the scent brewing within the Swan Orchid's stamen to diffuse throughout the room, dispelling the heat of the Blazing Sun.

"This environment is indeed what I need." The noblewoman blinked, smiling at the girl.

"Sit. It seems we shall have a good long talk today."

The two sat opposite each other, and the noblewoman clapped her hands again, causing the young maid to appear.

"Lining, prepare 'Snow Orchid Tea' for me and Sylutia," she commanded.

"Yes, my Lady." The maid bowed slightly before leaving to prepare it.

While they waited, Lady Falan looked the girl over, her eyes showing a look of keen interest.

"I have heard Mailin mention your situation, and I have also been informed by letters from Scholar Heide."

"Although I rarely socialize or walk about in Scorched Stone City, I can always easily learn of the many things that happen here."

"Three stages of Breathing Technique, three stages of Dew Prayer Technique—your speed of progress exceeds what many would imagine." As she said this, the maid entered the room carrying tea, placing two cups of white tea with soaked flower leaves before them.

"Drink a little. Snow Orchid Tea has a cool, refreshing taste, perfect for dispelling the afternoon heat." Lady Falan picked up her teacup.

Sylutia followed suit, taking a small sip.

The taste was slightly icy and sweet, followed by a mellow, pleasant aftertaste. It seemed to have been mixed with filtered milk and special petals, giving the tea an excellent flavor.

Afterward, Sylutia set down her cup and spoke to Lady Falan about her intentions.

"Regarding the advancement paths and knowledge of a 'Gardener,' I can teach you everything I know." Lady Falan agreed quite readily.

"However, a Gardener is a unique profession; mere knowledge does not play a significant role. In fact, Scholar Heide knows no less about gardening-related knowledge than I do; his collection of books is vast."

"Yet, that does not mean he could become an excellent Gardener."

"The flowers and plants of this world are strange and varied, each with different temperaments, environments, experiences, and seasons. Relying solely on the rigid knowledge in books, you would only ever be a competent florist."

"Therefore, whether one possesses keen insight, meticulousness, patience, and the ability to nurture through the passage of time—these are the factors that determine if a Gardener is truly excellent."

"I am very pleased to see such an excellent junior as yourself." She took another small sip of tea before setting the cup down.

"If you are willing, you may learn Gardener-related knowledge here with me. However, as tuition, you will need to help me tend to the flower fields and handle some simple tasks."

"Occasionally, when I go on long trips, you will need to stay here. Although Lining is a very capable maid, her attainments in gardening are quite average."

"I wonder, are you willing?"

Sylutia thought for a moment and felt there was nothing wrong with the arrangement; she could even sense the kindness and appreciation the other party was showing, so she nodded in agreement.

"Very good. It seems my quiet mansion is about to become lively." She smiled slightly.

"Follow me. I will first familiarize you with the environment and then explain the tasks you will usually need to perform."

Thus, she led Sylutia out of the room once more, traversing the complex and expansive mansion.

"First is the watering of the flower fields. Lining usually handles it, but since she is not skilled in gardening, you must come once a week to inspect the state of the fields, make subtle adjustments for each sunflower, and decide whether to supplement the watering or hold off."

"Secondly, some sunflowers in the field require regular pruning to remove excess or poorly developed branches and leaves. Since you were able to cultivate the Swan Orchid so well, you should easily be able to spot the areas that are growing poorly or are redundant."

After listening, Sylutia continued to nod slightly, indicating she understood.

"Finally, you will stand in for me to receive certain visitors."

"Since I am not home every day, and I can't be bothered to interact with some of the guests, you may handle any trivial requests as you see fit. If there is anything you don't understand, just ask Lining; she is well-acquainted with my usual way of doing things."

"This..." Sylutia's face showed hesitation. Could she really handle the complicated affairs of those visitors?

"Do not worry. Besides, you will have to deal with such matters sooner or later." Lady Falan gently swayed her folding fan.

"Oh, and have Lining take your measurements later. I will find a suitable tailor to make you a few outfits."

"Although that plain white dress of yours suits your temperament well, here, I prefer the overflowing vibrancy of pale yellow and brilliant gold."

And just like that, Sylutia's life for the coming period was arranged. She had a premonition that, here at Lady Falan's, she would come into contact with much knowledge and many circles she had never known before.