Chapter 403: Missing
It was early May, and the wheat in the fields was about as long as an arm, with no wheat heads formed yet, radiating a green color.
But at this moment, as the sun set in the west, the huge orange fireball in the sky released infinite light and heat, painting everything in the world with a golden hue.
The wheat fields were no exception.
Although the wheat was not yet robust and the golden sea of wheat had not reached its most spectacular phase, at this special time of dusk, the scene before us had a distinctive charm.
This landscape, entirely man-made, was different from the natural wonders crafted by nature, yet it possessed a different kind of orderly beauty.
At least when Colin and his two companions saw the scene at this moment, they all fell silent in unison.
"The golden sea of wheat truly lives up to its name." After a while, Lillian retracted her gaze and remarked.
"It's not just beautiful, this sea of wheat also accounts for at least sixty percent of the food supply of Neustadt Kingdom." Shelley added.
Neustadt Kingdom, including the central Neustadt City, primarily relied on external inputs for its food—the concentration of magic power there was extremely high but generally unsuitable for growing food crops.
"By the way, I haven't asked what exactly does the Chasai Commerce, where Mr. Delorje belongs to, mainly deal with?" Lillian suddenly asked, curious.
"We have everything, just a normal chamber of commerce," Shelley chuckled as she looked at Lillian then suddenly asked, "If I'm not wrong, you must be of Elf mixed-blood, and High Level Elf mixed-blood at that?"
"Yes," Lillian nodded earnestly, looking at Shelley.
However, what surprised her was that upon hearing her mixed-blood identity, there was none of the instinctive disdain or subtle sense of superiority that other Wizards often displayed.
Growing up, she had met many people; some hid their disdain and superiority well, whereas others did not conceal it at all.
But regardless, those who truly had no undue opinions about her Elf mixed-blood identity were exceedingly rare.
Lillian suddenly felt more favorably toward the silver-haired girl taller than herself, feeling less annoyance in her heart.
No wonder she could be friends with my junior... Lillian thought, feeling somewhat defeated.
But as she looked closely at Shelley, some confidence suddenly sprang up in her heart.
'She's taller than me, but I'm just in my normal state right now. As for the figure... well, it should be about the same as mine when I enter my liberated form. But her looks...'
Although she felt it wasn't very nice to think this way, Lillian believed her judgment was fair—Delorje was indeed beautiful, but that was merely ordinary beauty, not comparable to someone with Elf blood flowing through her veins.
Of course, if Lillian could see Shelley's true face, perhaps she wouldn't think so.
As a native Elf, Shelley's appearance was by no means inferior to Lillian's; the two were simply incomparable in their own ways.
The subsequent walk turned out to be quite pleasant, and the petite Lillian unexpectedly showed an impressive magnanimity.
Even when Shelley occasionally let slip some information, like living next door to Colin, Lillian just smiled and switched the topic.
Not until the night fully descended, and the golden wheat sea lost its brilliance, did the three slowly head back.
"How are your School Contribution Points coming along, junior? Are they enough to exchange for the Second Rank Meditation Method yet? There's still more than half a year left on your duty here, and with your talent, you should be preparing to advance to Second Rank then, right?"
On the way back, Lillian suddenly asked, then casually smiled and ran her fingers through her hair, adding:
"If you don't have enough points by then, you can come ask your senior; I'll help you with the tasks."
'She doesn't know her junior has already advanced to Second Rank?' Shelley paused imperceptibly, glancing towards Colin.
Hearing Lillian's words and feeling Shelley's gaze, Colin felt a pang of guilt.
Advancing was a matter that related to one's very foundation of establishment; Colin had intended to keep it to himself.
But during the previous trip to the Extreme North, Shelley had seen through his true strength and knew he had advanced to the rank of Second Rank Wizard.
And during the impromptu meeting at night with Nois, she too had discerned his real capabilities.
Strictly speaking... his advancement to Second Rank Wizard wasn't really a secret anymore.
"Actually, I've already advanced to the Second Rank Wizard... senior," Colin hesitated, then chose to confess.
Continuing to hide it from Lillian in front of an informed Shelley... he just felt it wasn't quite right.
Lillian was clearly taken aback.
"Already advanced, huh..."
Her tone dipped slightly as she looked at Colin, instinctively wanting to ask why he didn't come to her for help with School tasks.
Lillian knew from personal experience just how tough it was to earn enough School Contribution Points alone...
But she had already advanced to Second Rank Wizard, and could have easily been of help... all he needed to do was ask his senior...
"I didn't exchange for the Second Rank stage of the Tin Saint Meditation Method at the School, but at the True Knowledge Society," Colin explained, seeing the expression on her face.
Lillian blinked.
So it wasn't that he secretly earned the School Contribution Points without her knowledge, but he did it at the True Knowledge Society.