Cornflower Witch

Chapter 56 Promotion to Emerald Honey
Two days later than expected, Madame Fran returned to the mansion.

Sitting at the table, she picked up a gilded teacup with one hand, slowly blew on it, and drank the mellow black tea, listening to the young girl standing in front of her report on the recent events.

This mysterious and powerful noblewoman had flowing golden hair and an elegant and noble demeanor, making her seem completely out of place in a remote area like Jiaoshi City.

After listening to Silti's report, she nodded slightly in approval.

"You've taken very good care of Hanada; she truly is the child I've chosen."

"In this way, I can save myself a lot of trouble in the future."

"I can explain in detail the advanced knowledge, choices, and precautions that you are eager to know."

She put down her teacup, let Siltiya come to her side, and then gently pressed Siltiya's hand with her right hand, making her sit down.

"How much do you know about advanced techniques right now?" she asked first.

“I’ve heard of roughly four ways to advance,” Hiltiah recounted the teachings of Maester Hyde.

“Yes, Hyde is right. These are indeed the four most suitable options you have at present.” She emphasized the word “at present.”

"The condensation of a first-order nature doesn't actually have many requirements. As long as the strength of the ability is sufficient, or if there is external nourishment or blessing, the destiny can be promoted."

"However, once you reach the second or third tier, you can't be so casual anymore, especially for certain classes that require specific combinations of ability cards," she explained slowly.

"Now that you have learned the Dew-Seeking Method, you can advance using the Dew-Seeking Method first. Later, I will teach you the Branch-Pruning Method, and then combine the Branch-Pruning Method and the Dew-Seeking Method to change your destiny to [Gardening Apprentice]."

"When you convert your Destiny Card to [Gardening Apprentice], you can integrate the abilities of 'Pruning Technique' and 'Dew Charm' into the Destiny Card's effect, thus freeing up two [Ability Card] slots to learn other things."

"Ah, it can even fuse abilities?" This was the first time Hilti had ever heard of such a thing.

"Of course, otherwise, do you think just three abilities would be enough to support a high-ranking expert?" Lady Fran teased, looking at Hilti's adorable exclamation.

“However,” she said, her expression turning serious.

"Not all superhumans will do this, because fusing different abilities requires a significantly higher level of talent and control. If you don't have a very high level of control, then don't try it."

"I have high expectations for you, Tia."

"Yes, thank you, Madam." Siltiia thanked her again.

"Alright, now that you're almost ready, let's advance to the next level tonight. I'll also keep an eye on you during the process to prevent any accidents."

"Yes, Madam." Fortunately, she didn't use the Swan Orchid to advance, although that would have given her extra Swan Orchid abilities, but it would have prevented her from forming the [Horticulture Apprentice] destiny class.

……

At night, Hiltiya knelt on the carpet in her bedroom, her hands clasped over her chest, her eyes closed as she carefully sensed the surroundings. As she focused her thoughts, the 'Emerald Honey' energy that had been overflowing in the [Dew Prayer] gradually flowed towards the center of her destiny chart, towards the [Sleeping Girl] framed by silver vines.

These subtle 'emerald honey' properties are continuously input into the [Sleeping Girl] card, and the colors in the picture gradually become more vibrant. In particular, the cornflowers beside the girl in the background go from being scattered to numerous, and the flowers and leaves also become more abundant.

Little by little, a faint, shimmering fluorescent light appeared on the girl's body, floating and moving around her before disappearing.

In the stillness of the night, as the lonely bells tolled within the mansion, the "Sleeping Maiden" chart on Hiltiya's destiny chart gradually reached a critical point.

With a slight tremor, emerald vines wrapped and covered the edges of the card, and then the entire Destiny Card transformed into [Girl in a Sea of ​​Flowers] (Tier 1 - Emerald Honey).
The silver-haired girl in the card lies quietly in a field of cornflowers. The dense flowers and plants obscure much of the distant sky, with only tiny, invisible shooting stars occasionally flashing through the gaps in the flowers.

Name: Hiltiya ※※※※

Race: Human (※※※)
Status: Healthy (No abnormalities) Talents: Star [Unknown Level], Cornflower's Affection [Rare Level, Upgradeable]

Fate Card: [Girl in a Sea of ​​Flowers] (Tier 1 - Emerald Honey)
The girl who sleeps soundly amidst a sea of ​​flowers possesses unimaginable potential; she has now discovered part of the flowers' secrets.
-
Effect [Discrimination Eye Lv.3]: Due to a special talent and physique, you can distinguish colors that ordinary people cannot perceive, as well as parts of the essence of things. (This ability will also increase when you upgrade your Destiny Card.)
Effect [Natural Perception Lv.2]: After being imbued with the Dew of Prayer, your perception of nature becomes more refined and sensitive. Even without the Emerald Eye Potion, you can still perceive certain aspects of a plant's condition. (Currently, the effect is approximately half that of 'Emerald Eye'.)

Ability Cards: [Breathing Technique Lv.3] [Dew Prayer Technique Lv.3] [Empty Slot]

技艺：[基础剑术Lv.4][军用剑术Lv.4][基础弓术Lv.3][基础枪术Lv.4][秘史知识Lv.5][园艺技巧Lv.4]
-

With a small, deep breath, Hilti opened her eyes, blinked slightly, and then stood up.

Although advancing to the next level didn't directly improve her physical attributes like 'Blood Law', she gained other benefits, taking another step forward on her path as a gardener.

Reviewing her advanced information once again, the girl walked in the darkness, her fingertips tracing the chair in front of her. Now, even without her eyes, she could clearly perceive its texture, wood fibers, and hidden structure.

She could also hear a little of the faint sound of the wind in her ears and the scene on the street in the distance.

Furthermore, she blinked slightly, and the previously dim world regained its color and became clear in her vision. Although it wasn't as clear as when there was light, it was definitely enough.

Her Identification Eyes have been upgraded to Lv.3, and she has also gained Natural Perception Lv.2. This is the biggest gain from this advancement. In addition, she feels a faint sense of fullness within her body, as if it can further promote and guide plants. This is probably the general effect and ability of the 'Emerald Honey' attribute.

However, it's already evening, so we can only try it tomorrow.

After finishing the inspection, she twirled lightly on the soft carpet a few times before putting on her slippers with a happy and carefree mood.

I wonder if Mrs. Fran is asleep right now. She said earlier that she would take care of herself to prevent any accidents.

Hiltiya lit the candle in the room, then held it in her hand and pushed open the door to go out.

The corridors were still lit at night, and in the flower field in the backyard, many sunflowers emitted a yellowish glow in the night, coloring the darkness. This scene made the entire mansion not dark even in the middle of the night, but rather beautiful and pleasant.

Holding the candle, she entered the bright and magnificent first-floor living room. Madame Fran was still sitting there. She was not surprised by Hilti's appearance, but nodded approvingly.

"Come here, little Tia."

"Now that you have successfully advanced, you can be considered my official student from now on." With that, she waved to the girl who was walking down the stairs.

“Here, this outfit is for you. You can wear it at home or when entertaining guests.” She patted the sofa beside her, where a neatly folded pale yellow dress with pure white accents sat. Its style was similar to Madame Fran’s usual attire—luxurious and bright—but it looked younger. The white bows adorning it added a touch of cuteness to the overall look.

"Besides this set, there are three other pieces, making a total of four outfits. The reason it took a little longer this time is because I asked an old friend to tailor them for you."

"No matter what, since she's my student, I treat her like a daughter, so she has to dress up nicely." She clapped her hands lightly, signaling to Siltia to put away the exquisite and luxurious dress.

"This is the key to the underground storage room. Lining also has one. You can go down and take a look on your own in the future. You can take whatever you want from inside, just don't waste anything."

"Yes." She took the golden key, the end of which resembled a blooming flower petal, making it exceptionally beautiful.

"Alright, it's getting late. Let's go to bed soon. Remember to change your clothes tomorrow so I can see them."

"Yes."

Holding the dress, Hilti returned to her bedroom with a mix of anticipation and relief.

However, it might be difficult to fall asleep tonight.

(End of this chapter)