Translator: CinderTL
The bell signaling the imminent opening of the academic conference echoed over Alden Town. Many scholars, dressed in their academic attire, emerged from their lodgings and hurried towards Weiss Academy.
The witch, Coleridge, mingled among the crowd. She had pursued Alvey, a former member of the Scholars' Tower, all the way here, and she was certain that Alvey would not miss this grand event hosted by the local lord for the scholars.
Taking advantage of the days before the official opening, Coleridge stayed in Alden Town, preparing various means to ensure a fatal strike once she discovered Alvey.
To enter the venue without drawing attention, Coleridge deliberately donned a deep brown astrologer's robe. Though the fabric was not luxurious, the tailored fit accentuated her tall and elegant figure. The robe's collar and cuffs were embroidered with dark golden astrological patterns, resembling the uniform of some academy at first glance, but in reality, it was just a temporary disguise she had crafted. Around her waist, she wore a silver-gray belt with a small copper astrolabe hanging from it—though she knew nothing about astrology, this prop was enough to make her look the part.
The witch's snow-white hair, pure as freshly fallen snow, shimmered with a faint silver glow under the candlelight, as if bathed in moonlight. She did not deliberately conceal her striking hair color but instead tied it up high with a deep blue ribbon into a bun commonly seen among scholarly women. A few loose strands fell by her ears, adding a touch of softness to her appearance.
She hid her hands within the wide sleeves, her fingers long and her nails neatly trimmed, devoid of any adornments typically used by spellcasters. She wore no conspicuous jewelry, save for a small sapphire earring on her left earlobe, which occasionally flashed a cold, eerie light under the candlelight. This gemstone was not merely an ornament but a medium she used to stabilize her internal magic. Now, it became part of her disguise—to others, she appeared as an elegant scholar with a preference for cool tones, rather than a dangerous mage on the hunt.
Following the crowd towards the main gate of Weiss Academy, Coleridge deliberately chose the busiest time. Scholars carrying star charts and instruments streamed in continuously. The first session was about planetary motion, attracting mostly astrologers or astronomers, who didn't notice the imposter clutching an empty parchment scroll among them.
However, trouble arose when Coleridge reached the gate.
"Please show your pass," the academy guard extended his hand towards her, and she realized that everyone else held gilded, sealed documents.
Damn it, she could have entered directly just a few days ago.
The witch frowned and asked, "Isn't the meeting inside a gathering of scholars? Why can't I enter?"
Seeing the woman's expression, the guard guessed she might not have a pass.
"It is indeed... an academic conference," he patiently inquired, partly due to her striking appearance. "Madam, have you just arrived in Alden Town?"
Coleridge nodded.
The guard explained, "The conference is not open to the public during its proceedings. Without a pass, you cannot enter. You need to report to the Education Department first, prove your identity, and obtain a pass before you can enter Weiss Academy."
Damn it, she should have inquired more! Coleridge regretted spending the past few days solely preparing spells in her inn.
The portly man behind her, carrying a celestial globe, coughed impatiently.
Coleridge immediately pointed to a distant group of arguing people, "Actually, I came with a companion to attend the conference, but I was delayed for a few days, and he arrived first. If my companion has already obtained a pass, can I enter directly with him?"
The guard nodded, "That is also possible."
"Good," Coleridge sighed in relief. She didn't want to miss any opportunity to search for Alvey.
"Where is your companion then?"
"He went to relieve himself nearby. I'll go fetch him now!"
Coleridge left the queue and began searching for a target who could help her enter the venue.
After just a few steps, she bumped into a young scholar eating a honey cake, strawberry jam staining his sleeve.
"Sorry."
The young scholar met Coleridge's eyes and immediately held his breath.
What a beauty! Her skin was as pale as milk, as if she had never seen the sun, yet it exuded a cold, jade-like radiance. Her features were delicate yet sharp, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her nose high-bridged, and her lips pale, as if kissed by winter snow. Most striking were her eyes, deep and icy, sweeping over him like a chilling breeze. Her long, slightly upturned eyelashes added to the enigmatic depth of her gaze.
The scholar, deeply captivated by Coleridge's beauty, didn't notice the flash of silvery light in her pupils.
His eyes momentarily glazed over, his pupils slightly dilated, as if shrouded by an invisible mist. His breathing became steady, his brow relaxed, as if he had suddenly fallen into a semi-conscious trance. Coleridge's voice, soft and gentle, seeped into his ears, each syllable like ink dripping into water, quietly spreading through his consciousness.
"This is my assistant," the scholar heard himself speak, his voice steady, as if he had rehearsed this line countless times. He didn't even glance at Coleridge, but naturally turned sideways, gesturing for her to follow, his movements smooth as if he were accustomed to her company.
The two returned to the gate and joined the queue.
When the guard asked the young scholar to confirm Coleridge's identity, his eyes glazed over for a moment, like candle smoke scattered by the wind, then quickly regained a calm certainty.
He turned to the guard, speaking as if stating the most ordinary fact, "This is my assistant, Miss Liliel."
He didn't even look at Coleridge, but slightly turned, making a "please" gesture. The guard's gaze swept over Coleridge's white hair, then back to the scholar's emerald badge, and finally nodded.
"Please proceed," he allowed them entry.
The scholar stepped forward, Coleridge followed with her head down, the parchment scroll pressed to her lips, hiding her smile.
The scholar's steps were steady, but a silvery mist lingered deep in his pupils. As they passed through the archway, his lips unconsciously moved, repeating the phrase she had implanted: "This is my assistant, this is my..."
It wasn't until they turned the first corridor that the effect of the suggestion began to fade. The scholar suddenly stopped, blinking in confusion, as if waking from a brief reverie. He turned to look beside him—
No one was there.
Coleridge had already vanished into the shadows of the pillars, leaving only a trace of frost on his sleeve, evaporating quietly in the sunlight.
(End of the Chapter)
📖Read (FF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c880. [+1]
🔑Early Access at $5.
✍Translated (6) Series, (3K+) Chapters, (4.2M+) Words.
💥Flat 30% Discount on All Tiers Available Till 26th July, Use Code 3KCHAPTERS to Avail.