Cornflower Witch

Chapter 17 Visiting Maester Hyde
Hiltiya's life began to become unusually regular.

In the morning, she focuses on practicing the 'Dew Prayer Technique' and then reads the book that Mylin found for her. In the afternoon, she practices swordsmanship and 'breathing techniques', and also waters the newly planted 'Swan Orchid' in the yard.

And so, she gradually settled down, and everything proceeded in an orderly manner.

……

More than a week later, Hiltiya finally completed her study of the 'Dew-Praying Technique'.
【Dew-Gathering Method Lv.1】(Emerald Honey): Gathers morning mist at dawn, transforming it into emerald dew. (Emerald dew promotes plant growth and helps nurture plants.)

She breathed a sigh of relief, now that she had mastered the basics, and looked at the 'Emerald Dew' bottle that was still a third full.

If she doesn't learn the 'Dew-Praying Technique' by the time she finishes this bottle, she won't have the money to buy a second one.

We should be able to be self-sufficient now, and maybe we even have extra 'Emerald Dew' to sell to the Gardeners' Guild.

Just as Hilti decided to take a good rest and relax for a day, Winnie's message arrived.

In the afternoon, Thaliel led Sylphia along the streets of the West District, then pointed to a mansion in the distance and told the girl.

"Do you see that, Tia?"

"That's Maester Hyde's house. My sister said she talked to Maester Hyde a few days ago. You can go see Maester Hyde today. He will probably give you a simple test. If you pass, you can study under Maester Hyde."

"I understand." She took a deep breath, trying to calm her slightly tense nerves.

Logically speaking, her current knowledge surpasses that of most of her peers, so she shouldn't be afraid of the assessment. However, this is the most crucial assessment for Hilti Ya right now, just like her first job interview after graduation.

"Let's go." After adjusting her mindset and breathing, the girl headed towards the mansion.

She knocked on the door, led the servant across the lawn in the front yard, and waited in the side hall of the mansion.

Today she wore a plain white dress, and her smooth hair was tied up with a cornflower headband, showing the tranquility and beauty of a young girl. Just standing there, she was like a beautiful painting.

Soon, Maester Hyde and his old servant entered the side hall. He was dressed in his academic robes today, giving him a somewhat formal and kind appearance.

Upon seeing Hilti, he slightly raised his round reading glasses and then sat down on the separate sofa.

"Sit down, child." He gestured for Hilti to sit down as well.

"This is our first time meeting. What's your name?"

"My name is Siltia." The girl bowed gracefully, then sat down, her movements and demeanor almost perfect.

“Hiltiya…” Maester Hyde murmured the name, as if searching for related information in his memory.

"What a good child." He nodded slightly, a kind smile on his face.

"The course will begin next Monday, and then it will be five days a week. If you encounter any difficulties, you can talk to me about it."

Huh? The girl was a little surprised. Wasn't it said that there would be a test?

“We still have plenty of time today, so let’s chat about what’s been going on lately,” Maester Hyde told the girl not to rush off.

“Winnie told me that you have forgotten many things from the past and want to recover them through practicing transcendental phenomena, is that right?”

"Yes."

“Hehe, don’t be too reserved, let’s continue. If the amnesia is due to the power of the sexual aspect, it is most likely influenced by the sexual aspect of ‘Mist Shadow’ or ‘Nightmare’.” He recalled what he had learned in this life.

“To recover, the most suitable thing for you is to cultivate the power of the ‘Radiant Moon’ aspect, but the ‘Radiant Moon’ aspect…” He paused for a moment.

"If you want to take this path, the learning process will be quite troublesome," he remarked.

"Why is that?" Hiltiya tilted her head slightly, curious.

"The most common sexual powers that ordinary people come into contact with are 'Castle' and 'Blood Law', followed by 'Beast Fang' and 'Emerald Honey'."

"These sexual powers are all sexual powers that have physical bodies, so they are relatively easy to come into contact with and sense, and also easy to cultivate."

"The three aspects of the Moon are different. These three are more spiritual, meaning they are ethereal and dreamlike, without any substance. Among them, 'Mist Shadow' still has traces to follow, while 'Radiant Moon' is like the bright moon hanging high in the night sky, distant and hard to reach."

"Resources related to the 'Radiant Moon' attribute are scarce, which makes extraordinary individuals with the 'Radiant Moon' attribute as their primary attribute extremely rare."

"But the 'Radiant Moon' is still worshipped; it is one of the three most prominent sexual aspects among all sexual aspects."

"Judging from your appearance, you probably don't understand the three superior aspects. This is actually a division within the superhumans. It doesn't mean that these three are absolutely powerful, but compared to other aspects of power at the same level, they are often more comprehensive and stronger."

"Blazing Sun, Radiant Moon, Dragon Eyes, these three are the three superior aspects of nature."

“In the Kingdom of Legas, there are only a handful of extraordinary individuals skilled in the ‘Radiant Moon’ aspect of power. If you wish to pursue this path, you will need exceptional talent.” Although this young woman possesses an outstanding aura, no one can guarantee that she will also have exceptional talent in cultivating extraordinary aspects of power. “If that path truly proves impractical, you could also try cultivating the ‘Emerald Honey’ aspect…”

"'Emerald Honey' cannot directly reach 'Radiant Moon,' but 'Silver Moon Orchid' containing the power of 'Radiant Moon' can be cultivated. If you truly become a master in the relevant field, you can also obtain high-level 'Radiant Moon' power through this indirect method. Then, find a skilled apothecary to prepare a potion for you and restore your past memories."

"Thank you, teacher."

The young woman bowed to express her gratitude, feeling deep respect for the old man. No wonder he was a recognized master and scholar in Jiaoshicheng, so easily sorting out the problems she was facing.

"Alright, let's not talk about things that are too far in the future today." He waved his hand, gesturing for the girl to sit down again.

"What skills and techniques do you currently possess? Perhaps I can help you identify and guide them."

"I currently know 'breathing techniques' and 'dew-summoning techniques'," the girl said, recounting her learning experiences over the past few days.

"How long did it take you to learn the Dew-Praying Technique?"

“A week.” Upon hearing this, Maester Hyde nodded, his expression showing considerable appreciation.

“Learning this must have cost a lot of money. I remember that practicing the ‘Dew Prayer Technique’ has always been a luxury, which is why there are very few professional ‘gardeners’ in Jiaoshi City.”

"Can't we buy 'Emerald Dew' at the Horticulturalists' Guild?" Hiltia asked hesitantly.

“Ah, that ‘Emerald Dew’ is used to accelerate the ripening of flowers and plants, and it’s usually diluted. However, it’s not suitable for cultivation because the power of the essence is too weak.” Scholar Hyde shook his head.

"Generally, you need 'Emerald Dew' with a concentration of over 70% to make it, but such 'Emerald Dew' requires the 'Dew-Praying Method' to be advanced to the second stage before it can be condensed, and the price is quite expensive."

Is that so? Hilti recalled learning the 'Dew Prayer Technique' some time ago. Indeed, in the early stages, it was very difficult to perceive the faint 'emerald honey' essence. It took her quite some time to gradually become familiar with that feeling before she was able to condense her first drop of 'emerald dew'.

"It seems you've met a benefactor who has provided you with the 'Emerald Dew' you needed in the early stages." Scholar Hyde stroked his beard. It was actually quite understandable. Judging from the young woman's appearance and personality, anyone with discerning eyes would think she was a promising talent and wouldn't be too stingy.

"I also have quite a few gardening-related books here, which you can rent and read when you have time." In this world, books are extremely expensive, so being able to borrow books is, in a sense, like gaining a lot of wealth for free.

"Thank you, Bachelor Hyde."

"No, you should call me teacher now."

"I'm sorry, thank you, Professor Hyde." The girl bowed in thanks, and the old man opposite her smiled.

The two then chatted about the recent situation in Scorched Stone City. Maester Hyde would occasionally ask Sylvia for her opinions on various matters, as well as minor issues concerning the economy, customs, and even administration. With each response from the young woman, Maester Hyde's expression grew increasingly satisfied, and their conversation continued until dusk.

“Oh, is it time for dinner?” Maester Hyde looked up and saw the sunset outside the window.

"Manson, prepare dinner, and make it as lavish as possible for Tia."

"Yes, sir." Upon hearing this, the old servant left the room and began preparations.

After that, Maester Hyde let the girl take a walk and rest in the courtyard for a while, without having to keep him company with his conversation.

After leaving the side hall, Hiltiah met Thaliel, who had been waiting for her for a long time.

"Tia, what did Lord Hyde say? You two talked for so long, almost all morning and afternoon. Doesn't your mouth get dry?" She grabbed the girl's shoulder, her eyes full of curiosity.

"Perhaps there is tea, but that's not important." The two then strolled in the courtyard, looking at the flowers planted there.

……

“My older sister used to study here. I would occasionally come to visit her and see many students who were the same age as her.”

"Where have those students gone now?" the girl wondered.

"Some of them, like my sister, work in the city, while others continue their studies and go to other cities for further education."

"Anyway, to become a bachelor, you have to learn a lot of things, as well as get recommendations and recognition from three official bachelors. That's what my sister told me."

"Her grades were average among her peers at the time, and her hopes of becoming a bachelor like Grandpa Hyde were slim, so she did not continue her studies."

"However, my sister said that some of the younger students are still pursuing their studies and have gone to other places."

……

That evening, Hilti and Thaliel sat at the dining table, having dinner with Maester Hyde. The dish for the night was 'Honey Wine Stewed Wild Boar', and the main course was black bread with dipping sauce.

This is a rare delicacy; if Hilti and Taliel ate it outside, it would probably cost 2 silver coins.

After finishing their meal, the two bid farewell to Hyde University, and the young woman began preparing for her studies.

(End of this chapter)