After preparing, Tilan embarked on her journey to the Purple Spiral Valley of the Northern First District.
The train shuttled between the mountains, and with the rhythmic sounds of travel, sceneries outside the window flashed by—sotis they were deep valleys between high mountains, verdant forests covered in White Snow, other tis were vast swathes of bustling city buildings, and occasionally it traveled above the high mountains, as if gliding through the clouds.
The cold mist billowed, and the chill air blowing in from outside refreshed the passengers inside, who unconsciously lifted their eyes to glance outside, watching as the windows gradually fogged over and the world piled high with white snow.
"Next stop—Purple Spiral Valley," the train's announcent sounded, and upon hearing it, Tilan looked towards the front of the train, soon a valley imrsed in evening twilight ca into view.
The current ti was past 4 PM, but with winter evenings setting in early coupled with the mountains' cover, the valley was already cloaked in near-violet dusk, with only the remote mountain peaks still bathed in the golden afterglow.
Stepping out of the station, Tilan trod upon the engraved floral patterns of the bluestone steps, stamped her feet, felt a slight chill on the tip of her nose, then walked along the main road toward the heart of the valley.
Approaching the entrance to the valley, l was standing under the lamp on the platform, waving to Tilan.
"Over here~"
The girl waved back and then walked over.
"Hexia has arrived~" l ca forward, took the girl by the wrist, and led her inside.
Though the buildings within the valley had not changed, the atmosphere was completely different from before, with many lanterns hung up, giving a festive and celebratory feel.
"Actually, if Hexia had co two weeks earlier, there would have been a gathering in the valley. So actors dressed in traditional costus were performing shows, and there were all sorts of fun and interesting things for sale."
All the way, l talked to Tilan about the festival, and before they knew it, they had arrived in front of the familiar estate's gate. They didn't see the tiger that was sleeping in the yard during her last visit. So snow had not yet lted in the grass, and a few peach blossoms blood on the branches in the courtyard.
"I have already spoken with Grandmother, she should be inside the house right now." Afterward, l and Tilan entered the courtyard and then knocked on the door, which was soon opened by the old butler.
Contrary to the pale purple dusk outside, the interior was significantly warr and brighter. Mrs. Heather was currently sitting on a fabric sofa beside the fireplace, and at her feet lay a white tiger nad 'Gourd.'
"Hexia has arrived." The lady got up with a smile to welco her, which made the girl sowhat bashful since the hostess was her elder.
After a round of cordial greetings and formal salutations, the three of them sat down, and the butler served steaming hot tea.
"Have so," Mrs. Heather said, holding up her tea cup and also inviting Hexia to drink.
Hexia took a small sip from her tea cup with impeccable manners and poise, then she montarily set aside the cup and looked towards Mrs. Heather in front of her.
"Actually, the reason I'm here this ti is to ask for your help with sothing important."
"I had quite guessed so, you wouldn't be seeking out just for old tis' sake. But that's alright, go ahead, Hexia."
"Well, at the mont I am not only studying at Yuanting Academy but also taking further studies at Edith Academy." At this point, there was no need to keep hiding her identity, as the lady before her might already know of her circumstances, but since Hexia hadn't ntioned it herself, she wouldn't reveal it either.
After saying this, Hexia lightly pressed her hand to her neck and shoulder, and her hair color changed to black, her eyes turning into a captivating shade of deep blue.
"Ah, so it is really Hexia. I had always thought it was just a coincidence of nas," l exclaid in surprise at this ti. She truly had not recognized her before. Was it because she was too naive or just too innocent?
"Sorry for keeping it a secret from l for so long," Hexia apologized, bowing her head slightly.
"Ah, it's alright, Hexia must have hidden her identity to avoid trouble, right? I get it, lots of celebrities use stage nas instead of their real nas exactly for that reason," l quickly waved her hand to indicate it was no problem.
"I'm still quite clever," she said, then patted her chest.
"So this ti, Hexia is seeking Grandmother's help for so big issue, isn't she?" After the girl finished introducing herself, l seed to recall sothing, stood up, and appeared ready to leave to give them privacy.
"There is indeed an issue, but l is welco to stay and listen," Hexia replied. This wasn't exactly a secret; if the alliance succeeded, the outside world would surely co to know about it, and it was an action intended to broaden their fa and influence, naturally calling for widespread promotion.
"Really? Can I really listen?" l blinked, looking at both Tilan and Mrs. Heather as if seeking permission.
"You can listen, but rember, l, it's a secret. Don't tell anyone else," she instructed.
"Mm-hmm, I will," l reassured confidently, looking as though she would keep her promise even if made to swear on the spot.
"All right, you child," Mrs. Heather said with an amused expression, then she called l over to sit beside her, and the two continued the previous conversation.
"Hexia specifically ntioned Edith Academy, so this must be related to it," Mrs. Heather said, getting straight to the point.
"That's correct. Everyone has heard about the past events between Edith Academy and Saint Yingo Academy, and the reason for my visit also concerns the competition between Edith Academy and Saint Ingo Academy…" Tilan then began to slowly explain the current competition between the two academies and the matters she was worried about.
...
"So, you're saying, Hexia is hoping to gain the support of the colleges from the Northern First District," Mrs. Heather grasped her intent swiftly.
"Yes, that's the case. Of course, Edith Academy will also offer sothing in return and hopes to establish a long-term alliance," Hexia replied. Dealing with the power behind Saint Yingo was not a trivial matter; the more allies, the better.
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