Her life

Chapter 9

The sun filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows across the forest floor. The lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and crisp mountain air provided a much-needed escape from the chaos of Night Raven College.

Suz stretched her body, relishing the freedom of her holiday after the incident the day before. Craving some relaxation, she decided to retreat to the mountains, a familiar place where she often found solace.

"Fufu, thank goodness Dr.Ken gave me a holiday; otherwise, I would have been utterly exhausted..."

As she hiked along the scenic trails, a gentle breeze carried the fragrance of wildflowers. Suz paused near a patch of colorful blooms, captivated by their beauty. Among them, she spotted a delicate flower with vibrant purple petals and a star-shaped bloom. Carefully, she plucked one from its stem and examined it closely.

It was a Purple Starflower, renowned for its enchanting appearance and its ability to thrive in mountainous regions.

"Ara, how fortunate~ It shall make a delightful addition to my collection, hehe."

Reaching into her backpack, Suz retrieved her notebook and pen, ready to document her findings. She flipped to a blank page and began noting down the flower's features and name, ensuring she captured every detail.

Satisfied, she tucked the flower into the notebook and closed it gently, returning it to her bag.

Meanwhile, Jade Leech from Octavinelle Dorm was hiking through the mountains in search of mushrooms. Lost in thought, he noticed a figure ahead, bending down to collect flowers and jotting notes in a notebook. Intrigued, he approached the person, his eyes widening as he recognized them.

"Wait a minute," Jade pondered, his memory harking back to a few days ago when his dorm leader, Azul Ashengrotto, had encountered this individual during a festival. "Isn't she we met with Professor Crewel at the festival?"

Curiosity getting the better of him, Jade decided to approach the enigmatic individual. With cautious steps, he moved closer, making sure not to startle her.

He arrived at her side, offering a friendly smile. "Hey there! I couldn't help but notice your interest in the flowers. My name is Jade Leech. We met briefly at the festival with Azul and Professor Crewel. Mind if I join you?"

Unbeknownst to him, Suz had already sensed his presence before he approached. She paused, studying Jade's genuine demeanor and the sincerity in his eyes. Her brother's warning about not befriending him due to his cunning personality echoed in her mind.

"This guy doesn't seem like a nice person... Although he behaves like a gentleman, his aura exudes danger... I must be cautious around him."

With a slight nod, she replied and extended a hand, "Nice to meet you, Leech-san. I remember you from the festival. So, what brings you to these mountains?"

Jade shook her hand with a grateful smile. "Likewise, Suz-san. I'm here in search of mushrooms. They have fascinating properties, you know. But seeing you engrossed in your flower research piqued my interest. Are you perhaps a member of the gardening club?"

Suz chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Fufu, I'm actually a nurse, so not a student anymore. But I do have a deep appreciation for plants and their healing properties. It's a hobby of mine to learn about their various uses. And what about you, Leech-san? Are you an avid mushroom enthusiast?"

Jade's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! There's something magical about mushrooms. Their diversity, their medicinal qualities—it's all quite captivating. I've been studying them for a while now, experimenting with different species and their effects. It's like diving into a world of natural remedies."