After leaving the hospital, Sima boarded the hovercar for the return trip and immediately began contacting the academy’s higher-ups to report the situation.
“You didn’t handle this matter well.” The voice on the other end was calm but carried immense pressure, making Sima’s hands tremble slightly.
Valk was someone Sima had discovered in the Northern District, so the academy had assigned him to be the point of contact with Valk. However, due to Sima’s negligence in handling the recent issue involving Valk’s friend, today’s outcome was inevitable. If Valk’s prospects were destroyed, it would not only impact Valk himself but also bring Sima’s career to a dead end.
The Edess Academy was a powerful institution. Its teachers were carefully selected and received extremely generous benefits, but the competition was fierce. Sima, previously a lower-ranked teacher with little recognition, had gained prominence and rapidly ascended in status and benefits because of his discovery of the genius student Valk.
If Valk were to rise to prominence and become a major figure in Sequence 7 decades later, Sima, as the discoverer, would earn widespread respect and enjoy a comfortable life in his later years.
“When you discovered that Valk’s friend was entangled in trouble, you failed to act with vigilance. This issue could have been addressed at its root by either cutting off the connection early or bringing his friend under the academy’s wing. That would have not only earned Valk’s gratitude but also tightly bound him to the academy.”
“But you didn’t do that. Perhaps you thought it was troublesome, or you judged the friend as unsuitable. Such reasoning is understandable.”
“However, you should have immediately severed Valk’s connection with the individual afterward and educated him to completely cut ties.”
“Handling it halfway, without completing the job, is disappointing.”
“I… I deeply apologize… I have failed the expectations of the board…” Sima spoke these words almost trembling.
After a long silence, a voice finally came through the personal terminal.
“Transfer Valk to the academy’s hospital. The board will contact some friends in the Central Star Region to explore possible solutions.”
“Understood.”
After responding, there was a six-second pause before the call finally ended. Sima slowly put down the personal terminal, his forehead covered in sweat, as though he had just survived a major battle. And in a sense, he had. The academy’s board members were top-tier figures within the entire Four-Leaf Crystal Star Region, far beyond the reach of ordinary individuals like him.
Two days later, after some recuperation, Valk was transferred to Edess Academy’s internal hospital for treatment. News of his injury gradually spread throughout the academy.
…
Afternoon, Edess Academy, Twilight Ensemble Club Room.
Today, the black-haired Thilan wore a black dress. Her slender legs were encased in gray stockings with subtle pink diamond patterns on the sides, their soft tones blending harmoniously. The dress’s hem was similarly adorned with purple diamonds, their brightness complementing the black fabric. The upper part of the dress fit her well, emphasizing Thilan’s waistline. A folded floral V-shaped embellishment adorned her chest, with a row of vertical buttons extending up to her swan-like neck.
On a person with a slightly plumper figure, this outfit might not have been as flattering. But when Thilan wore it, it seemed as if it were made for her, like a figure stepping out of a painting.
“As I expected,” Dolores nodded slightly, seated before Thilan and observing her meticulously styled appearance for the day.
The luxurious gown was sponsored by Dolores herself. Being the heiress of the luxury brand “Incense Workshop,” she had no shortage of talented designers under her command.
“This must have cost quite a bit. Thank you, Dolores,” Thilan said, sitting by the table. In front of them were celadon teacups filled with amber-colored tea.
Because they were indoors, Thilan wasn’t wearing shoes. Her gray-stockinged legs rested lightly—one foot touching the ground while the other bent slightly, her heel resting on the horizontal bar under the chair.
Dolores shook her head slightly, shifting her gaze from the black-haired girl to survey the cozy club room.
The room’s decor was neither formal nor minimalist. The sofas and chairs had soft, rounded designs that made the space feel inviting and relaxing.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier about forming a club? You’re only mentioning it now,” Dolores said, her tone holding a rare hint of reproach for the usually composed young lady.
“Because I was rushing back then. I hadn’t decided on a name or theme yet, and also… I felt a bit embarrassed.” Thilan admitted shyly. To her, this felt like one of those occasionally childish moments she didn’t want her best friend to witness. But ultimately, it couldn’t be hidden.
“Fine.” Seeing Thilan’s adorable, bashful expression, Dolores let go of her complaints and didn’t pursue the matter further.
“So, how many members does your club have so far?”
“Currently, there are four of us: you, me, Annelie, and Alen, though Alen won’t participate regularly.”
“Alen? The Alen I’m thinking of?” Dolores asked, a little surprised.
“Yes. He even left a few seeds, which are now being grown as potted plants for the club room.” Thilan pointed to the windowsill, where sprouting plants were growing inside a glass container.
“So even he joined. Thilan, your charm is undeniable,” Dolores teased lightly. The situation felt subtly peculiar, as if a treasured secret was now being shared with others.
“Are you planning to recruit more members?”
“Yes, we need at least ten people. Otherwise, it feels too empty.” Besides, the academy requires at least ten members for club registration, Thilan thought to herself.
“I’ll ask a few friends I know well,” Dolores offered. It was better to recruit familiar and reliable individuals than random strangers.
“Thank you, Dolores.” Thilan nodded, tilting her head slightly as if remembering something.
“Though it’s not a strict requirement, it would be nice if they were interested in relics from the Twilight Era.”
“I thought it was a music club? Don’t tell me you’re planning to sing. I’ve never heard you sing before,” Dolores said, steering the conversation toward a less serious topic.
“Ah, well… I’m not that good at music.” Thilan’s gaze shifted slightly. Lying wasn’t her forte.
“Alright. Still, having some musical instruments around won’t hurt.”
As they sat at the table, drinking tea, they continued to discuss the club’s future. Dolores, with her extensive experience managing family affairs, shared numerous tips on running an organization. Though she rarely brought up these matters around Thilan to preserve their carefree friendship, she made an exception this time.
…
“In summary, constantly compromising with others is not a good thing. It makes you seem cheap and unworthy of respect. Additionally, compromising too much weakens the core principles and cohesion of the group.”
“People join because of those core principles. If you compromise on them too lightly, you risk betraying the very reason they joined.”
“So, Thilan, you need to be firm at times to gain respect.”
“Kindness must not come at the expense of principles. Always trying to be a ‘good person’ while ignoring wrongdoings will only hurt everyone in the end.”
“I understand,” Thilan said softly, closing her smoky-gray eyes before opening them again to gaze out the window.
She had long known that constant tolerance wouldn’t bring understanding from others. Instead, it only encouraged them to push further, step by step. And when she finally resisted, they would accuse her of being in the wrong.