Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

Festooned with lights, the main street of Academy City is adorned with hanging lanterns like layers of doors, making tourists and students feel as if they're stepping into a colorful world.

"Hello everyone, this is Channel One of the Federation Harp TV Station, bringing you the street view of Academy City's central district..."

Two hosts on the television are broadcasting live to residents of the entire Star Domain, and even viewers from other star domains can watch through the delayed Aijieka Network.

The bustling street scenes, the throngs of people, the marching band drum majors on the street, and various lively sounds fill the air, embellishing this slightly chilly winter season.

"Aren't you going down to take a look?"

On the open-air observation deck of a tall building, Yilin leans against the railing, dressed in a coffee-colored trench coat with a fitted black sweater underneath, exuding a mature and stylish vibe.

"Too many people down there." The girl appreciating the night view by the railing replies. She's wearing a blue and white winter dress, with a matching winter hat on her head.

"Just attended the Flying Feather Star Domain delegation's dinner last night, and today is my first time out shopping." This black-haired girl is Tilan.

"How does it feel?" Yilin brushes aside her hair by her ear, shaking off a bit of snow.

"I met 'Stellar Rhythm' Xuelanke."

"Oh, she's been quite famous lately." Yilin turns around.

"Yes, far more lively than I imagined." Tilan remembers being caught off guard when she was greeted with a big hug by this light blue-haired songstress upon meeting her yesterday.

"Don't you like it, Tilan?" Sensing Tilan's low spirits, Yilin is curious.

"It's not that, but I've indeed had some worries lately." Tilan thinks for a moment and sighs.

"You know, as a songstress, many factions try to recruit you." Tilan finds a chair by the railing and sits down.

"I know, that should be a good thing, right?" Yilin also sits down beside her.

"But this time the faction is quite special."

"Initially, they weren't obvious, but lately I've noticed."

"I'm suddenly feeling like I should avoid conflict of interest, maybe I shouldn't listen further." Yilin thinks.

"It's okay, I trust you won't say anything, Yilin." Tilan's tone lightens up a bit.

"No worries, since I'm telling you, I've already got some assurance."

"Don't you think, being constantly with me, you won't be noticed by the Court of Judgment?" Tilan smiles as she speaks.

"That's quite scary, but I'm sure Tilan will protect me, right?" Yilin covers her mouth as she laughs softly in response.

"Yes, I've talked to them, and people will be assigned to protect you." As part of the security for a songstress, anyone close in contact with her, like those in the first echelon, will receive certain monitoring and protection.

"Sometimes I wonder, if I weren't a songstress, would I have more freedom, not needing so much attention, surveillance, protection." Tilan picks up her cup and takes a small sip of water.

"But gaining power comes with a cost, just like when a songstress gains significant influence and power, her safety and life are no longer just her own concern."

The two chat leisurely about life, while another voice of Tilan echoes in Yilin's mind.

"Let's talk like this." The girl across blinks.

Yilin blinks back in response, and as they chat leisurely for two days, Tilan and Yilin exchange their current situations through consciousness directly.

[Recently, the military has approached me.]

[At first, they invited me and a few other songstresses to tour the military base near Academy City, to familiarize us with some new equipment and weapons.]

[During the dinner, as part of comforting the many personnel at the base, the four of us split up to dine with different groups.]

[It was then that they introduced me to some peers who just graduated from military school. Since it's a military base, the Court of Judgment couldn't follow us inside, making the process almost confidential.]

[During the dinner, a military intelligence officer explained in detail how to avoid the eyes of the Court of Judgment and their surveillance blind spots.]

[Only then did I know that even the Court of Judgment can't monitor everything at all times; there are places they find hard to infiltrate and directly intervene in.]

[In the end, they told me a special way of contact, allowing me to reach them at any time if needed, promising assistance.]

[Afterward, I tentatively asked the other three and found their dinner comfort sessions were quite normal.]

[Although I am a songstress, my credentials are still shallow, and I haven't dared to make rash decisions with the limited intelligence I've gathered, so I've only delayed responding to such overtures.]

[It seems Tilan's life isn't easy either.] Yilin nods slightly, showing understanding.

Their conversation on the surface then shifted to the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain.

"Speaking of which, it's been over a year since I left my hometown."

"I don't know what the current situation there is. The media portrays it well, but there's still some worry about the reality."

"Yilin, are you going home for the Winter Festival holiday?" Tilan asks.

"Yes." She indeed plans to visit home, having many relatives there and fewer burdens compared to Tilan.

"Then, please take some photos of Payin City for me when you return, as well as the scenery of the Northern regions." Tilan blinks.

"No problem." Yilin readily agrees.

"By the way, my house hasn't been lived in for a year. If you can, please also check on it for me." Tilan says, handing over a permission card chip.