Pillar of Yita

Her neck was particularly long and graceful, like a swan. However, it did not come across as overbearing. Around her snow-white neck was a local gold necklace inlaid with rubies, which complemented her milky skin. Even Gita, though also a woman, couldn’t help but feel a bit envious upon seeing it.

Miss Natural Historian blushed inexplicably and lowered her head, not daring to look at the other person. It wasn’t out of shyness; it was because they were standing too close together. The other’s breath almost touched her, carrying a faint aroma of sandalwood around her nose.

Gita had long heard that the noblewomen of the Istania region would hold a piece of spice under their tongues, and it seemed the rumors were true.

Miss Natural Historian nodded slightly.

”Quite interesting.”

Lavali Ig Aimee Iben’s eyes brightened slightly, but it wasn’t the kind of curiosity filled with longing; rather, it was pure intrigue, as if she were listening to a story. Although, in Gita’s eyes, this enchanting young girl seemed more like a character who stepped straight out of a story, like a princess from Arabian Nights, living in a desert palace.

Compared to someone as decisive as Princess Rupert, she seemed more like this kind of character—at least possessing a certain air of mystery.

Even now, Gita couldn’t figure out why the other person came to her in the middle of the night, not discussing any serious matters, just asking about all sorts of random things. However, Gita was slightly anxious; she had seen Miss Tata and Nini not long ago, and the Captain might come to rescue her at any moment. What if the other person hadn’t left by then?

She could only perfunctorily answer the other’s questions and hoped that this noble lady would understand her expression—she wanted to sleep, would the guest kindly leave first?

Moreover, the middle-aged woman who had been standing by the door from the beginning had been staring at her with a warning look, as if afraid this ’mysterious’ outsider would elope with their young lady. Gita was getting slightly annoyed, but even when this woman had urged the noble lady to go to bed, either explicitly or implicitly, for the third time, it did not stop her.

But Lavali paid no heed to that matter, appearing vibrant and enthusiastic as she asked, ”Alright, let’s not talk about the Dragon Knights anymore. Can you tell me more about your adventures? Is there truly an endless stretch of ’oasis’ to the north of Istania?”

”That’s not called an oasis; it’s a forest,” Gita replied, but she was tight-lipped about the Seven Seas Travel Group, not revealing a single word. She was wary that the other might be fishing for information, something our Miss Natural Historian was keenly alert about, only vaguely discussing matters north of Colin Ishurian.

Until the middle-aged woman spoke for the fourth time. ”Miss Lavali, if you don’t go to rest now, I’ll have to inform His Excellency the Governor.”

Lavali’s emerald green eyes flickered with a hint of displeasure. She frowned slightly and looked back at the woman, giving a light hum. ”Fine, I get it. But if you utter one more word, I’ll have Asoka give you a good lashing.”

The middle-aged woman was evidently accustomed to the young lady’s temperament and simply closed her mouth.

Only then did Lavali turn her attention back, sighing. ”Miss Gita, you know a lot.” She said this, but suddenly grabbed Gita’s hand, startling Miss Natural Historian into widening her eyes at her.

But despite her attempt to pull away, she couldn’t. The blonde girl only gazed at her gently, speaking softly. ”However, adventuring is indeed a dangerous business. Miss Gita, won’t you consider my proposal? How about staying here to chat with me? This job is very easy, and I’ll have my father give you a considerable reward.”

”Please, please let me go,” Gita blushed, stammering in response. ”I’m a scholar, it’s impossible for me to stay in one place.”

”You’re so adorable, Miss Gita,” Lavali drew closer, her breath fragrant as orchids, and asked, ”If you stay here, I can ensure that your companions will be treated well after the sandstorm, then my father will let them go. In exchange, you could stay here to teach me the history of Colin Ishurian. I just need a history teacher, not permanently, just for a few months...”

Hearing this, Gita felt a slight temptation. After all, Miss Tata and Nini had visited once, yet the defenses of this fortress were so tight that she was really worried whether the Captain and others could actually escape.

If it was only a matter of a few months in exchange for everyone’s safety, she thought it might be acceptable.

But when she looked at the young lady’s eyes on her, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t so simple. She slightly averted her head to avoid meeting the other’s gaze, replying a bit timidly, ”I, I have to think about it.”

Lavali smiled gently and finally withdrew. ”Alright then, it’s getting late, and I must rest too. We’ve agreed; I’ll come find you again tomorrow, or you can come to me. My room is just—”

But at this moment, the middle-aged woman couldn’t hold back and interrupted with a cough. ”Miss Lavali, if you really want a history teacher, we’ll inform the guest of these details later, but now you must leave.”

Rarely, the girl did not retort this time, only turning back to glance at Gita, smiling, and winking before leaving with her servants.

As soon as she left, Gita let out a long sigh of relief.

She couldn’t help but cast a worried look towards the middle-aged woman at the door.

But this time, the woman didn’t trouble her, just glanced over before silently closing the door.

...