https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-199-Lanchi-s-Version-of-Changing-the-World/12584238/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-201-The-Veiled-Dragon-Makes-a-Move-the-Phoenix-Chick-s-Net-is-Cast/12584240/
Chapter 200: Loren is Still Unaware of the Severity of the Problem
Chapter 200: Loren is Still Unaware of the Severity of the Problem
On an autumn morning in Ecclesi, the remnants of last night's storm gradually faded, giving way to the dawn's light on the horizon.
The city's buildings glistened with dew, each droplet reflecting the sun's rays like countless sparkling gems.
The warm edges of sunlight fell upon the red brick teaching buildings of Ecclesi Academy, filling the campus with a cozy ambiance.
"It's always peaceful at Ecclesi Academy; a place free from worries."
A young man, clad in a black classic suit, with a hint of fatigue on his face, strolled along the school's pathway while holding a cup of coffee and a morning newspaper.
Despite his unassuming appearance and the absence of any magical aura, the crucifix insignia on his suit's buttons and collar instantly identified him as a high-ranking member of the clergy to any discerning resident.
The pathways of Ecclesi Academy were carpeted with damp fallen leaves, their hues turning crimson with the onset of autumn. The rain had enhanced their colors, and each step produced a soft crunch, like a melody of the season.
As Loren made his way toward the main building of the Sage's Court, he passed by ancient structures that had weathered countless storms. The red brick walls, soaked by the rain, exuded a profound sense of depth and texture, each brick bearing the marks of time and untold stories.
On the green in front of the Sage's Court's ancient tower library, several parrots hopped about in search of food, occasionally pausing to glance up at the passing students, creating a picturesque scene.
"Another day filled with hope," Loren thought to himself.
Soon, he arrived at the main building of the Sage's Court.
Pushing open the heavy wooden door, he was greeted by the warm air of the interior, a stark contrast to the chilly autumn morning outside. In the corridor, a student or two hurriedly perused their books or engaged in hushed conversations. Upon noticing Dean Loren, they immediately straightened and bowed in respect.
"Dean Loren... Good morning!"
"Good morning," Loren replied with a slight nod before continuing upward to his office.
Each step on the staircase, though worn with age, was solid and sturdy, a testament to its endurance. The texture of the wood under his fingers and the warmth it exuded spoke of the passage of time. At the turn of the staircase, stained glass windows in the chapel style cast dappled light and shadow across the corridor.
Upon reaching his office, Loren finally felt at home. His desk was piled high with books and documents, accompanied by the fresh scent of incense from the windowsill.
He placed his coffee and newspaper on the desk and settled comfortably into his chair, letting out a sigh. In that moment, the world seemed to quiet down.
Despite holding both ecclesiastical and administrative responsibilities, Loren was not a workaholic.
However, by burdening himself with official duties, he often found an excuse to escape the troublesome private matters that awaited him.
"Oh, right, I also need to arrange a time for that Gold-level card maker, that young girl, to observe the ['Primal Slab - Wind']. I'll have to make the necessary arrangements for her visit to the Sage's Court."
Loren took a sip of his coffee as he thought.
Initially, he had been surprised to learn about a second-year student achieving the Gold-level in card making.
But because of Lanchi, Loren now found himself thinking, "It's not that surprising after all."
However, he recalled meeting a young woman named Karen a few days ago, a Gold-level card maker from the Royal Alolan Academy. There was something about her that reminded him vaguely of Lanchi, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
It wasn't their talents, but perhaps their auras or something intangible...
Aside from their green eyes, Loren couldn't pinpoint the similarity.
Never mind, that young woman had a pleasant disposition, and there was no need to compare her to someone like Lanchi.
As Loren quietly relished the rare moment of tranquility, two gentle knocks sounded on his office door.
Loren looked up, his gentle gaze falling on the doorway, "Come in."
The door slowly opened, and a girl with a serene and pleasant demeanor entered. She held a file folder in both hands, resembling a proficient department staff member.
"Good morning, Dean Loren," she said.
Student Council Vice President Asena's voice was as melodious as a nightingale, with a touch of natural sweetness, like the sound of a mountain spring hitting the rocks, clear and sonorous.
She was not only an outstanding student at the Sage's Court but also a great assistant to the teachers, often helping them handle various matters between the school and the students.
"Good morning, Asena," Loren smiled and nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat.
Aside from her lack of interest in magic, Asena was exemplary in every other aspect of being an outstanding student at the Sage's Court.
Of course, even if Asena devoted very little of her attention to her studies at the Sage's Court, in terms of combat capability, she remained at the top of her grade.
Despite many royal and noble ministers shaking their heads in dismay at the sight of Asena, feeling that Loren had wasted her exceptional talent, Loren thought otherwise.
If she wanted to be a chef, then so be it.
Loren didn't see wasting her talent as a bad thing. If a young person had the choice, their happiness and joy were what mattered most.
As an educator, his role was to guide students to understand the complexities of the world, not to forcibly decide their paths or future.
Asena politely nodded to Loren and then stood across from his desk. She opened the file folder, took out some documents, and began to report to Loren in a detailed and organized manner, her familiarity with the student council and school work evident.
In the distance, the clock tower chimed on time, its sounds echoing across the campus, reminding every student that time was passing, but knowledge and pursuit would never cease.
"I understand," Loren said, nodding as the chiming of the bells faded, indicating he had heard Asena's brief report.
He leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee, his expression contemplative and slightly confused.
"Asena, as I've been walking around the school lately, I feel like there's been some gossip about me going around."
Loren always felt that some students would suddenly stop talking when they saw him, as if they were secretly discussing him.
So he decided to ask Asena about it.
"Which version are you referring to?" Asena inquired.
"?"
How are there several versions?
"Tell me the latest one."
Loren straightened in his seat, sensing that something was amiss.
"They say that your relationship with Knight Captain Julianna has always been ambiguous, and that the apparent conflict between you is just an act to deceive your group of fiancees," Asena explained. "In reality, the two of you use work as an excuse to secretly meet up from time to time. Not only do you have a soft spot for Knight Captain Julianna, but you also use sweet words to keep your dozens of fiancees happy and captivated, to the point where they're smitten with you. The students now call you the 'Ladies' Man', and they say that the next time you meet with Knight Captain Julianna, you'll surely win her over."
Loren was so shocked by what he heard that he almost spilled his coffee.
(End of Chapter)
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