Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

After the competition ended, the huge influence brought about by this victory was naturally managed by the powers behind Edith Academy, so Tilan didn't need to worry about it. Her task had been completed, and what followed was a half-month cross-year holiday. "Would you like to stay at my place for a while?" Knowing that the girl would have some free time during this period, Deloris generously invited her. She currently owned a house and several vacation villas. "That's…" Tilan was about to instinctively refuse, probably a habit formed in her childhood, not wanting to bother others. However, after giving it some thought, things were different now, and Deloris genuinely wanted her company and wouldn't be much of a bother to others. "Alright then." She nodded her head. "Today or tomorrow?" Deloris's mood brightened a little seeing Tilan agree. "So soon? Let's make it tomorrow," Tilan blinked and playfully responded, just like when she used to tease with close friends in elementary school, without being too concerned about manners. "Okay, where do you want to stay? You've been to my place by the sea in South First District, I also have a mansion in the redwood forest of the South Fourth District, an island above the quicksand sea in the South Second District, and if none of those appeal to you, there's the option to travel on the levitation ship that allows you to appreciate the scenery everywhere while sleeping and snacking." Deloris listed her assets, making Tilan marvel not just once at how rich this lady was. But unlike those prodigal second-generation rich, this lady indeed had her own strength. She'd gradually taken control of the various businesses of her family's company, truly outshining the previous generation, unlike most rich kids who only knew how to indulge in pleasures. "Traveling on the levitation ship is too showy, especially at a sensitive time like this." Currently, online, Edith Academy and Saint Ingo Academy's public opinion battle was in full swing, with both sides debating over their philosophies, whether Sevia La's actions in the competition counted as cheating, their students' success rates, and school spirit, among other things. "Let's go with the mountains. I've never actually lived in a forest before, except for that one time when something unexpected happened." The girl recalled the time Ran Bei'er invited her, who was now hibernating, said to be sensing an opportunity for advancement. "That's settled then. I'll have the shuttle come pick you up tomorrow. Remember to prepare your luggage and clothing." Deloris made plans with Tilan. "No problem." The next day, Tilan boarded the shuttle that had landed at Edith Academy with her luggage. The large aircraft took off, carrying Deloris and Tilan to the forested mountains in the South Fourth District. As soon as she stepped off the aircraft, Tilan smelled the faint scent of pine that greeted her. Not far from the landing site was a majestic pine forest, very tranquil, with only a cobblestone path snaking through it. "This here is part of Jade Skirt, a national park that's well-preserved. Most areas are kept in their natural state." Deloris caught up from behind, today she was unusually dressed in a bright yellow short-sleeved dress with a white ribbon adorning the round neckline. Walking alongside Tilan, the lady described the local situation. This national park encompassing roughly 200,000 square kilometers, although it hosts tourists every year, the number is minuscule compared to the vast area, like drops of water into the ocean. "The authorities also rent out certain mansions in the forest, about every 20 years, and the money received is used for the upkeep of the national park. My mansion is one of those." "It's actually quite free; you can remodel according to your preferences, as long as you don't pollute or damage the local environment." Deloris and Tilan walked into the pine woods, surrounded by about 30-meter-tall straight pine trees. The pine needles underfoot felt soft to step on, and occasionally Tilan noticed pine cones scattered among the green and withered needles, deep brown in appearance and gathered in clusters like little balls resembling acorns, surprisingly light when picked up. Due to the height of the pine trees, the gap between them was vast, and there were no weeds or shrubs, making it feel very refreshing. Although it was the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the place remained pleasantly cool. The two proceeded along the cobblestone path when chirping sounds came from Tilan's carry-on, prompting a curious glance from Deloris, who gave an expression that demanded a good explanation. "There are a few Light Cotton Birds inside." Seeing Deloris's stance, Tilan knew she couldn't hide it, so she set down the suitcase and opened it, revealing the five little creatures in the small cage. When Tilan appeared, the five little Light Cotton Birds chirped joyfully, just like they had seen their mother. Indeed for them, Tilan truly was the one who raised them, playing a similar role. "They are so cute. Can I touch them?" Deloris said, looking at the five fluffy creatures, feeling an urge to reach out. "Of course," Tilan said as she opened the cage, and then the five little guys dashed out, chirping around Tilan's palm, seemingly checking if there was any food in her hand. "You guys wait a moment, don't rush." Saying this, Tilan continued to take out a bag of specially made crushed rice, then poured a little on a clean stone slab nearby for the little ones to peck at. "Deloris can use this to feed them, they really like it," the girl handed the bag to her friend. Afterward, she sat to the side, watching Deloris carefully touch the heads of several little Light Cotton Birds with her fingertips, then lay out the food in her palm to be pecked at, and felt ticklish, wanting to pull her hand back. Watching this scene, Tilan couldn't help but smile, finally seeing the ladylike Deloris looking awkward and nervous. "Let me teach you. You should do it like this…" Tilan said, lifting a Light Cotton Bird and placing it on Deloris's palm, then helped her calm the little creature, allowing it to slowly get used to Deloris. "They currently have down feathers, quite gray. In some time, they'll probably grow beautiful white feathers. Mature Light Cotton Birds are gracefully shaped, somewhat similar to swans, but with a more professional style, and their necks aren't that long. They also possess some fighting abilities." After feeding the Light Cotton Birds for a while, the two continued on their way, but now it was Deloris leading the way, with Tilan following behind to make sure not a single little bird fell behind. Half an hour later, they finally arrived at a rustic mansion in the woods, which appeared to be built from native pine wood, with a rough and natural beauty due to the lack of overly delicate decoration. Upon opening the door, Tilan found the space inside more spacious than she had imagined. In the center of the large hall was an elongated wooden table that could seat more than ten people for a meal, and in one corner of the house was a stone-built firepit for grilling and boiling water. Dried chili peppers and other unidentified large leaves, likely some kind of herbs, were hanging from the beams of the ceiling, exuding a fragrant scent. Moving past the hall, there was a cozy bedroom. Although the overall style leaned toward the raw and natural, the bedding was especially clean and white, exuding a faint aroma of sunshine. After setting down their luggage, the two became acquainted with the ins and outs of the mansion. Although it had been rented by Deloris two years ago, she rarely visited and was not familiar with it. "There's a pond behind the house with clear water, which can be used for soaking and swimming in the summer. There's also a path behind the mountain, which according to the guide, leads to an observation deck on the peak." "Under the bed, there's an emergency shelter stocked with food, clean water, and a rescue device. The partition over the fireplace pulls down to reveal an old-fashioned display screen for films and operas," the girl read from the booklet, listing them one by one. "Although there is a sufficient stock of food, since we're here, let's try cooking for ourselves," she suggested. "Do you know how to prepare food, Deloris?" the girl suddenly remembered to ask this question. "Not really, this time I'm relying on Tilan to feed me," Deloris said, sitting opposite the girl, with her hands crossed, resting her chin on them, and tilting her head while looking at the serious Tilan. "Huh?" Tilan had thought that Deloris would express a willingness to learn, or perhaps just admit she didn't know how, but the latter part caught Tilan off guard, leaving her unsure how to respond. "It's not that I can't, but whatever I make, Deloris will have to eat, no pickiness allowed," she pointed her finger, seriously informing the image-shattered heiress before her. Seeing the lively and serious manner of the girl before her, Deloris inevitably laughed and nodded her head, fully agreeing.