At Sylvia's home.
The quiet maiden was currently sitting in front of a mirror, combing her long hair, but unlike usual, a small basin filled with fine black powder sat beside her.
She dipped a wet cotton cloth into water, then into the fine black powder, and subsequently applied it to her long hair, using a comb to spread it evenly. Her originally silver-snow hair gradually turned black.
"Does Tia really have to dye her hair black?" Talia stood beside her, helping to spread Sylvia's long hair and assist with combing.
"Yes, this way, combined with makeup techniques to draw my eyebrows, I can change my appearance and demeanor," Sylvia explained, referencing techniques she learned from the thief's diary.
"Ah, is this to conceal your looks?" Talia thought of something.
"Yes."
Sylvia continued to smooth the fine black powder with a comb, and then used the wet cotton cloth again to dye portions of her snowy silver hair black.
"Why is that?" Talia asked, perplexed. Wasn't being beautiful something to be admired and proud of?
"Because it will save a lot of trouble," Sylvia replied softly, occasionally turning her head to check the side of her hair in the mirror.
"Perhaps my past identity was extraordinary, but now I don't possess powerful strength to protect myself. Being low-key is always a good thing."
Sylvia had recently become aware of the situation in Cinderstone City.
There were at least three Third Tier · Castle knights here; their power was completely overwhelming to ordinary people, and they were also part of the noble faction. If she were noticed by some important figure, Sylvia truly wouldn't know how to escape or refuse.
Sometimes she felt her figure and appearance were too striking, but she couldn't say such things to Talia, lest it sound like she was showing off.
In the mirror, Sylvia with captivating eyebrows possessed a charm that made it hard for people to look away, simply by shifting her eyes slightly. Sylvia didn't know how her past self had lived; she was probably very well protected.
An hour later, with Talia's assistance, she finally finished dyeing all her hair black. At this point, she checked her status again.
——
Name: Sylvia · ※※※※
Race: Human (※※※)
Status: Healthy (Disguise - Low Presence)
Talents: Stars [Unknown Grade], cornflower's Favor [Rare Grade, can be upgraded]
Fate Card: [sleeping maiden] (Rank: None)
-
Effect: [Discernment Pupil Lv.2]
Ability Cards: [Breathing Technique Lv.2] [Dew Praying Method Lv.1] [Empty Slot]
Skills: [Basic Swordsmanship Lv.4] [Basic Spearmanship Lv.4] [Gardening Skills Lv.1]
——
After tidying up, Sylvia changed into a simple long robe, which made her look much more ordinary.
However, these eyes—Sylvia looked at the sky-blue eyes in the mirror and felt they still needed to be concealed. She rummaged around, found the purchased plain glasses, and put them on, finally obscuring her lively eyes. This made her look roughly like an ordinary, bookish girl.
"Now you're completely unrecognizable," Talia said, circling Sylvia several times, also surprised by the change in her appearance.
"From now on, going to Scholar Hyde's classes should allow for a peaceful time," Sylvia said, looking at the mirror, nodding with satisfaction, then stood up...On the morning of a new day, a dozen young figures gathered at Scholar Hyde's residence. They varied in height, male and female, aged approximately between 14 and 18. Several of them, judging by their attire, were clearly not commoners, wearing brightly colored clothes.
Another figure walked in through the main gate. He wore a light brown robe, and his short, stout figure looked somewhat comical as he walked.
"Why is that fellow Yelo here too?" Some of those present recognized the chubby young man.
"Apparently he couldn't make a living in Stream Valley City, so he had no choice but to come back," a noble's son commented dismissively.
"If it weren't for Scholar Hyde taking him in, he probably wouldn't have anywhere to study."
"He's useless, that guy."
"My dad even said before that we could try to recruit him and get along well, but I don't see any hope for him."
"Every year, countless young people seek an education, but only a few truly become Scholars."
They discussed the chubby young man until he passed by, and their voices quieted down. It wasn't that they were afraid of offending Yelo, but rather because Yelo was considered an official student recognized by Scholar Hyde, and they didn't want to disrespect Scholar Hyde.
Time passed again. As the sun gradually rose higher and the temperature began to warm, a conspicuous young man, accompanied by companions, walked into the residence's front courtyard.
He looked under sixteen, with messy hair and long, narrow eyes that held a hint of fierceness. A scabbard bound with a leather strap was on his back, and he wore a coarse linen shirt. His exposed wrists showed many old scars, clearly from battles.
"We'll see you off here, Mike."
"Work hard, no, study hard, haha!" his Adventurer companions waved.
"I know, you guys," he tugged at the collar of his unfamiliar shirt, then walked into the front courtyard with wary eyes.
Although he was also a commoner, he seemed out of place with everyone else here.
Like a wild beast just descended from the mountains, many people silently judged.
Entering the front courtyard, the new student named Mike found a spot to stand, and the topic of conversation among others slowly drifted away from him.
Time quietly slipped by. As the sun climbed higher, some began to grow impatient.
"Everyone should be here by now, I think Scholar Hyde shouldn't accept anyone later than this," someone grumbled, looking at the sun.
Just as many were waiting impatiently, the sound of hooves came from outside the residence, and then a luxurious carriage made of walnut wood with gilded bronze trim stopped at the front door. The carriage door opened, and the first thing to touch the ground was a pair of exquisite small leather shoes, followed by black over-the-knee stockings, a red short skirt, a fitted and ornate top, snowy white cuffs, short golden hair, and a girl with crimson eyes appeared.
"Is this Scholar Hyde's home?" Her voice carried a hint of arrogance as she critically surveyed her surroundings.
"Hmph, for a rural place, this is acceptable."
With that, she instructed her attendant to carry her luggage down, who then followed behind her, carrying it.
The moment this girl entered, she captured the attention of all the students present. Whether it was those in the noble circles or the commoner students, all eyes converged on her. Some were envious, some awestruck, some greedy, some disgusted, and so on.
Undeniably, this golden-haired girl's beauty was rare. Dressed in a magnificent gown, she was like a golden peacock blooming under the sun. Just a few simple movements ignited a fervent passion in many of the young men present.
"Who is she?"
"She should be a distant relative of Viscount Snow, right?" someone guessed.
"Never heard of her before," a chestnut-haired girl walked over, her eyes full of admiration as she watched the golden-haired girl pass by.
"She came from White Cliff City," a noble student who knew the inside story finally revealed.
"Oh, White Cliff City," those who heard it couldn't help but gasp softly.
White Cliff City was the capital of Regas Kingdom, a place countless people yearned for. To come from there naturally made one an object of immense envy.
Ignoring everyone present, the dazzling golden-haired girl walked directly into the residence's main hall and then beckoned a servant.
"Excuse me, is Scholar Hyde at home?" she asked, surprisingly reining in some of her arrogance.
"Please wait a moment."
The servant attending to such a distinguished guest was also nervous. He asked the girl to wait, then hurriedly went to the residence's backyard to inquire.
Soon, footsteps echoed from the corridor, and then Scholar Hyde's wide gray scholarly robe and white beard appeared before everyone's eyes.
"My apologies for keeping this young lady waiting. You are Iona, correct?" His voice was kind and relaxed.
"Hello, I am Iona, Scholar Hyde."
The golden-haired girl curtsied slightly, then her crimson eyes looked at Scholar Hyde again, noticing a girl of similar height standing beside the Scholar.
Long black hair, dressed in simple robes, wearing glasses, holding a thick book in both hands, looking unremarkable.
She's probably one of Scholar Hyde's students, the golden-haired girl didn't pay much attention.
"Since everyone has arrived, have them gather in the front hall," Hyde instructed the servant beside him to notify the students in the front courtyard.
People gradually entered, and soon everyone gathered in the front hall to listen to the old man's words and teachings.
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