Chapter 1286 Other Master <TOC> Chapter 1288 A Way Forward
Translator: SumTLMan
The Noonfield Principality stands as a sovereign province amidst the Central countries of the Vast Continent. Owing to its expanse, where over 90% is forested land, it has earned the moniker, “Kingdom of the Forests.”
However, within the Wizarding World, Noonfield holds a different reputation. It is universally acknowledged as the ‘Fairyland.’ This is primarily because it shelters the Southern Region’s grandest congregation of flower fairies.
These flower fairies are delicate, with the majority possessing rather modest powers. Take, for example, the Moon Bellflower Fairy; its unique talent lies solely in creating nectar and wine. And while they might find themselves outmatched even by an ordinary human, it doesn’t necessarily mean they can be easily located by one. Their adeptness at either becoming invisible or casting illusions can easily befuddle any regular human mind.
In the eyes of the ordinary, the Noonfield Principality seems devoid of any supernatural power. Even the tales of the “flower fairies” are dismissed as mere folklore.
Yet, the reality is that these flower fairies have been residing in Noonfield for countless years.
Genoa stands as the largest settlement of these flower fairies.
Nestled deep within the Eternal Night Forest in the heart of Noonfield, Genoa is a unique aquatic city, built upon the serene waters of Soft Winter Lake.
Due to the vulnerability of the flower fairies, wizards do not covet them. However, the food, beverages, and nectar they produce are highly favored by the wizards. Hence, these fairies often find themselves under the protective wing of wizard factions.
In fact, Genoa itself was founded under the aegis of a wizard organization.
On this particular day, a silhouette darted across the skies of Genoa. A noblewoman, donned in intricate court attire and ruby-red heels, left behind trails of rainbow light with every step she took in the open air.
With her arrival, the atmosphere was permeated with an intoxicating aroma.
The scent drew in a swarm of Genoa’s flower sprites, who flitted around with their fluttering wings. However, they dared not approach the noblewoman directly. Only after she had ventured further did they eagerly gather, trying to capture the lingering fragrance she left behind.
Her passage painted a vivid tapestry: a trail filled with wafting, subtle fragrances.
As she ventured into an imposing cathedral-like edifice, the flower fairies ceased to pursue her.
While termed a cathedral in its architecture, it was merely so in its semblance. Adorned with statues, hollow carvings, reliefs, split-levels, domed spires, and ornate windows, it radiated the grandeur of an intricate grand cathedral. Yet, it didn’t emanate the solemn reverence one might expect.
Firstly, it was painted in an ink-green hue, with abundant flowering vines clinging to its walls. Secondly, an aura of tranquil relaxation pervaded the area, ensuring anyone within felt only serenity.
As evening’s embrace tightened, the surrounding flora was illuminated by the soft glow of countless fireflies, casting the building in a wondrous light.
The noble lady alighted on a terrace at the building’s apex. No sooner had she landed than a chuckle reached her ears. “Tong, is that fragrance you’re wearing the ‘Tears of the Flower King’ from Liana? Wasn’t it something you treasured? I never saw you use it in the Abyss. Why the lavishness now?”
“It is the Tears of the Flower King. Considering the upcoming tea party is hosted by Liana, and I’ve just received word that she has more in stock, I figured I’d purchase more next time,” replied Witch Tong.
“I see.” Emerging gracefully from the vines, a woman in a sharp black uniform appeared, clutching a wooden clipboard and donning a flat-brimmed hat, exuding utmost efficiency. This was Rivetta, and the locale was the headquarters of the magazine —City Firefly’s Night Whisper—.
The wizard organization, “Night Whisper Forest,” standing behind —City Firefly’s Night Whisper—, had both established and provided sanctuary to these flower fairies.
Having returned from the Abyss two days prior, Rivetta had promptly delved into sorting out manuscripts, aspiring to ready the next issue of —City Firefly’s Night Whisper— for the early part of the Month of Hibernation. The plethora of stories she had to cover, combined with explosive news from her recent trip, meant she had to meticulously categorize them based on their sensationalism and significance.
Now, with most of the organization done, only the writing remained. Taking a momentary breather, Rivetta stepped out for a gust of fresh air, only to witness Witch Tong soaring above the city.
Rivetta cast a fleeting glance at the flower fairies in the distance, still chasing and capturing the fragrance of the Tears of the Flower King. She chuckled, “With these diligent flower fairies, it won’t be long before the nectar wine from the Tears of the Flower King will be produced. At this upcoming tea party, we’ll bring it to the Savage Grottoes and resell it to Liana!”
Witch Tong listened and couldn’t help but laugh, “Even if it’s the nectar wine of the Tears of the Flower King, it won’t fetch much.”
“It would at least serve to annoy her. Who asked her to price the Tears of the Flower King so high?” Rivetta said with a hint of indignation. It was precisely because Liana set the price too high that she hesitated to bid for it at the Manlo Plane Fragrance Festival last time.
“According to what Liana told me, the primary ingredient of the Tears of the Flower King is sourced from the saliva of the Nightmare Plane’s Demon Eater Flower King. Given its rarity, the high price is understandable,” explained Witch Tong.
“I know you two are close. Go ahead, defend her,” Rivetta replied tersely, then turned and said, “I’m going back to prepare the news articles. There’s a lot to cover this time. If sales are good, I’ll secure all the Tears of the Flower King for our next tea party.”
Witch Tong gave a helpless smile. Though she became a formal wizard much later than Rivetta, she now felt Rivetta acted more like the younger sister.
Tong shook her head, her thoughts interrupted by a sudden realization. “Wait! Don’t leave just yet!”
Rivetta looked back, puzzled, “What is it?”
Tong responded, “I was so engrossed in our discussion about the fragrance, I nearly forgot my primary reason for coming.”
Rivetta paused, looking at Tong inquisitively, “Your main purpose? Could it be… you’ve decided to join the magazine officially?”
Tong quickly waved her hands dismissively, “No, I’m not interested in such matters. I came to discuss something else with you. For the next issue, are you planning to feature ‘Angel’ as the headline?”
Rivetta looked at Tong, perplexed, “Of course. His story is the biggest scoop. I plan to feature it in the latter part of the magazine. Didn’t I mention this to you when we were in the Abyss?”
“Before you rush into your drafting, I have a piece of information here that you might want to consider,” Tong paused for a brief moment, “Didn’t I mention earlier that I had been in touch with Liana due to the tea party matter? I learned something from her.”
“The news from Liana, is it about the situation at the Savage Grottoes? Are you referring to the failed planar fusion or the mysterious ruins near the Paramjit Plateau? If it’s about these two matters, then there’s no need to mention. The chief editor, Dietrich, has already taken care of it.”
“It’s unrelated to those. As I said, it’s about Angel.” Witch Tong shook her head, not beating around the bush, “According to Liana, just a few days ago, Angel and Lord Phantom Master returned to the Savage Grottoes from the Abyss. However, he has now left again with Lord Phantom Master, and his whereabouts are unknown.”
Upon hearing this news, Rivetta was taken aback.
“Angel returned to the Southern Region?” It took a while for Rivetta to gather her thoughts, “How is that possible? I thought he was dead.”
Witch Tong responded, “During our time on Sky Island in the Abyss, we all believed that Angel had perished. In that scenario, being confined by a terrifying otherworldly creature with the Demon God looming, survival seemed improbable.”
“However, his life or death was merely our speculation without concrete evidence. Perhaps Angel had some fortuitous escape? Regardless, Liana told me in person that Angel is perfectly fine. Moreover, judging by her tone, it seems Angel’s strength might have even increased.”
Rivetta was utterly stunned. Liana had no reason to lie about such matters.
So, is it true that Angel is indeed alive?
She had initially planned to make a major story about Angel’s death, even having a headline prepared, titled ‘Fallen Star.’ And now she’s informed that Angel is alive and well?
It’s utterly baffling. Rivetta couldn’t fathom how Angel could have survived in a situation with threats ahead and enemies chasing from behind.
And to think he returned to the Southern Region even before she did!
After meticulous scrutiny, Rivetta found herself compelled to embrace a staggering truth: Angel, against all odds, had not perished but had risen from the Abyss!
The ramifications of this revelation cast a shadow of doubts over Rivetta, one after another. Yet, the undeniable fact remained: Angel was back, rendering much of her previous work obsolete.
Furthermore, she was certain that Angel harbored many more secrets.
For instance, the whereabouts of that grotesque entity, the traces of the Source Fire, and matters regarding the Demon God… The potential for groundbreaking news was palpable.
Rivetta, like a busy bee enticed by the sweet nectar of flowers, her eyes shimmering with curiosity, implored, “Please, do tell, what else did you learn from Liana? Has Angel shared his harrowing tales from the Abyss? And, how did he extricate himself from such peril?”
Rivetta suspected that Angel might be reticent about sharing the details. She braced herself for the possibility of hitting a wall of silence. However, even if that were the case, the mere fact of Angel’s resurrection and its potential implications for the Frost Moon Alliance would be an intriguing story.
Yet, to her astonishment, Witch Tong nodded affirmatively, “Angel has spoken.”
“He has? Truly spoken?”
“Yes, Liana confirmed it to me. Angel has relayed his odyssey to Tree Spirit. Many wizards bore witness to it.”
Rivetta, still grappling with disbelief, questioned further, “Could he have lied?”
“Before a congregation of wizards, and with the wise Tree Spirit present, deceit from Angel would be implausible.”
“So, what is the real tale?” Rivetta’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. The presumed death of Angel could have been a tale of tragic finality. Yet, his unforeseen survival made the story all the more riveting.
Where once the narrative was themed “Fallen Star,” now it could be recast as “Rising Star.” It’s worth noting that Velite once mentioned that Angel was favored by the Time Thief!
With the allure of this theme at play, as long as Angel remains unharmed, the theme could fan the flames of discussion for decades!
Witch Tong, “Liana hasn’t informed me of the specifics, but she mentioned that the internal magazine of the Savage Grottoes, titled —Mirror—, will cover these matters in its next issue. Rivetta, should we wait a while longer? Once —Mirror— is published, we can merge their news with ours and then release —City Firefly’s Night Whisper—. What do you think?”
Rivetta pondered for a brief moment, then decisively said, “We must publish before —Mirror— to create a bigger Sensational Piece. No, I need to get in touch with Wallace. —Mirror— is an internal publication, but with the right incentives, we might just secure an early release. This is an opportunity we simply cannot afford to miss!”
Murmuring under her breath, without waiting for Witch Tong to respond, Rivetta swiftly procured her spell materials. Tearing open a passage as she vanishes into thin air.