A gentle breeze swept through the flower field, dispersing the overwhelming heat of the Blazing Sun and bringing a hint of coolness. The scattered Blazing Sun power did not vanish, but gathered on the petals filling the sky, shimmering in the sunlight.
The petals swirled and danced, forming a ring like a vortex as they gathered in the air. One by one, they pressed tightly together, compacting until they finally coalesced into a delicate bracelet woven from pale golden petals.
The exquisite bracelet drifted slowly down from the air, then hovered quietly before Sylutia, radiating a faint warmth and glow.
[Blazing Sun Petal Bracelet] (Second Order · Blazing Sun): Made by gathering, compressing, and arranging petals imbued with the "Blazing Sun" Aspect Power, forming natural embossed patterns. It can dispel the wearer's chill, restore stamina, and keep them energized. (Resists the corrupting effects of "Winter Slumber," "Nightmare," and "Mist Shadow"; accelerates stamina recovery and keeps the wearer warm.)
"Consider it a little gift for our first meeting. What do you think?"
A faint golden glow seemed to swirl in her pale blue eyes, stabilizing the Aspect Power gathered in the bracelet before them.
"Thank you, Lady Falan." Setting the potted plant she had been holding gently beside her, the girl bowed in gratitude.
Then she freed one hand, and the golden-petaled bracelet floated lightly toward her, slipping onto her fair wrist.
As the bracelet settled into place, a faint warmth instantly spread through her body. The scorching heat she had felt in the sea of flowers disappeared, no longer beating down on her in waves.
Pleased by Sylutia's acceptance, the elegant woman gave a small nod, then walked past the girl with her parasol.
"Come with me."
Sylutia followed behind her, as if caught in a dream. The golden flower field before her seemed like a heavenly realm. It was only after they slowly left the sunflower field and entered the cool, comfortable manor that she gradually came back to her senses.
In another quiet room, Lady Falan asked Sylutia to set the potted plant, enclosed beneath its glass cloche, on the table.
"Just put it there. You must be tired of carrying it." She had already set her parasol beside the door, and the girl's eyes fell on her flowing golden hair, now swept up.
"Yes."
Not long after the plant was set down, the elegant woman lifted a finger. The black cloth covering it floated up and drifted onto a nearby stand.
Inside the glass cloche, the tranquil, flourishing Swan Orchid appeared before them.
She raised her hand again, and the glass cloche rose slowly before settling beside the table. The Swan Orchid's distinctive fragrance then began to spread, refreshing the atmosphere in the room.
As she gazed at the flourishing Swan Orchid, a faint golden glow swirled in Lady Falan's eyes. She seemed to have another way of observing things, one that let her discern the plant's condition.
"Excellent—almost perfect, especially for someone who hasn't yet reached the First Order." She opened her folding fan and wafted the fragrance brewing in the Swan Orchid's center throughout the room, dispelling the Blazing Sun's heat.
"This is exactly the sort of environment I need." The elegant woman blinked and smiled at the girl.
"Sit down. It looks like we'll have a lot to discuss today."
The two sat facing each other. The elegant woman clapped her hands lightly once more, and the young maid appeared.
"Lining, prepare some Snow Orchid Tea for Tia and me," she instructed.
"Yes, madam." The maid curtsied, then left to prepare it.
While they waited, Lady Falan looked Sylutia over, a fascinated expression in her eyes.
"I've heard about you from Mailin, and Scholar Heide also wrote to tell me about you."
"I don't go out and socialize in Scorched Stone City very often, but I can always find out what's happening here with ease."
"Three stages in the Breathing Technique and three stages in the Dew Prayer Technique. You've progressed faster than most people can imagine." As she spoke, the maid entered with the tea and placed two cups of pale tea infused with flower petals before them.
"Have some. Snow Orchid Tea has a cool, refreshing taste, perfect for dispelling the afternoon heat." Lady Falan lifted her cup.
Sylutia obediently picked up hers as well and took a small sip.
It tasted cool and sweet, then turned pleasantly rich. It seemed to contain filtered milk and special petals, making the tea exceptionally delicious.
Afterward, Sylutia set down her cup and explained to Lady Falan why she had come.
"I can teach you everything I know about the path of advancement and knowledge of an 'Horticulturist.'" Lady Falan agreed readily.
"However, being a Horticulturist is rather different from other Class paths, and knowledge isn't all that useful. Scholar Heide actually knows as much about horticulture as I do, and his collection of books is extensive."
"Yet that doesn't mean he can become an outstanding Horticulturist."
"The flowers and plants of this world are endlessly varied, each with its own temperament. Their environments, experiences, and seasons are all different. If you rely only on the rigid knowledge found in books, you'll become no more than a competent gardener."
"So what determines whether a Horticulturist excels is whether they have a keen eye, whether they're meticulous and patient, and whether they have the time to nurture their plants."
"I'm glad to see such a promising junior." She took another small sip of tea, then set down her cup.
"If you're willing, you can study Horticulture here. In exchange for the lessons, you'll need to help me tend the flower field and take care of a few simple tasks."
"Sometimes I go away for a while. When that happens, you'll need to stay here. Lining is a very capable maid, but her horticultural skills are rather ordinary."
"Would you be willing?"
Sylutia considered it briefly. She found nothing objectionable and could even sense the other woman's kindness and admiration, so she nodded.
"Excellent. It seems my quiet manor is about to become livelier." She smiled faintly.
"Come with me. I'll show you around first, then explain your usual duties."
She led Sylutia out of the room again, and they walked through the manor's spacious, intricate halls.
"First, the flower field needs watering. Lining usually handles that, but she isn't skilled at horticulture. So you'll need to come once a week to check on the flowers and make small adjustments based on the condition of each sunflower—watering them more, or holding off for a while."
"Also, some of the sunflowers in the field need regular pruning. You'll need to remove excess or poorly developed leaves and branches. Since you've raised the Swan Orchid so well, you should be able to spot anything that's growing poorly or doesn't belong."
Sylutia listened, then nodded again to show that she understood.
"Lastly, you'll receive visitors on my behalf."
"I'm not home every day, and I can't be bothered to talk to some of my guests. You can handle minor requests as you see fit. If you're unsure about anything, just ask Lining. She knows how I usually do things."
"Well..." Sylutia hesitated. Could she really handle the complicated matters her visitors might bring?
"Don't worry. Besides, you'll have to deal with things like this sooner or later." Lady Falan gently waved her folding fan.
"Oh, and have Lining take your measurements later. I'll find a suitable tailor to make you a few outfits."
"Your plain white dress certainly suits your temperament, but here, I prefer the vibrant pale yellow and brilliant gold."
And so Sylutia's daily life for the coming period was arranged. She had a feeling that at Lady Falan's manor, she would encounter many kinds of knowledge and social circles she had never known before.
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