Without much trouble, the magic armor evaluation proceeded to the second day of the process.
Of course, although there were no apparent setbacks, the process itself went smoothly. In reality, the atmosphere at the scene and the discussions afterward had already exploded—with everyone discussing: What kind of place is Fangting City?
If in the first combat assessment, the magical girl codenamed Jin leading the pack could still be considered a coincidence, then in the second project, the most dazzling performance once again belonged to the magical girl from "Fangting City," making her impossible to ignore.
Even though this project was not yet truly concluded, with some variables remaining on the last day, the unprecedented "SS" level was destined to be the glory of the magical girl codenamed Bai Mei. Anyone with eyes could see that even if other candidates could truly defeat her, what difference would it make? The Kingdom offering this rating is not just about the rating itself, but rather their willingness to create a separate rating category entirely! Such a degree of recognition cannot simply be overturned by exam scores.
To be more realistic, when a magical girl's magic armor garners such a high rating from the Kingdom's top brass, the scores she gets in other projects become irrelevant. Even if she fails all other projects, the Kingdom would never abandon such a talented individual. A lack of knowledge can be remedied through study, combat shortfalls through training, but talent cannot be attained through sheer effort.
As such, when everyone realized that this magical girl named Bai Mei was destined to be the focal point of this evaluation, the matter of "What exactly is going on in Fangting City?" became the core of the issue instead.
Coincidentally, a previously widespread rumor could now answer this question:
Fangting City is the hidden abode of Cornflower, as well as the place where the strongest former Flower Card—Ying—was stationed and laid to rest.
Just these two reasons are enough to cast a legendary aura over this previously unknown small city.
Who is Cornflower? In the Magic Kingdom, it's a topic that needs no elaboration. As the legendary magical girl who shattered the record for the fastest ascent in the Kingdom and once became a "war hero" in the Garden Defense Battle, her achievements are indisputable. But what truly etched her in people's memories, making her unforgettable, was her groundbreaking act of rejecting the appointment to the Gemstone Scepter.
This was a move most in the Kingdom wouldn't even dare to consider. In their view, only those from the Material Realm, with no concept of the Queen's authority, would engage in such an absurd act. At the point twenty years ago when Cornflower openly defied the Royal Court, most believed her actions were unwise. People either lamented a future once-bright magical girl now ended prematurely, or they mocked, finding it amusing to witness the fall of a youthful "genius."
However, the development of events went far beyond their expectations.
Firstly, regarding Cornflower herself, no one expected that this once shining war hero would vanish overnight, disappearing immediately after rejecting the Royal Court's olive branch. No one knew where she went, leading to a situation where predicting Cornflower's whereabouts became a scholarly pursuit over the next twenty years.
Secondly, on the Royal Court's side, they exhibited an oddly silent demeanor towards Cornflower's subsequent handling. Logically, if there indeed was a direct conflict between the Royal Court and Cornflower for face-saving reasons, resulting in her capture, detention, or exile, they would undoubtedly publicize the fate of this "rebellious individual" to serve as a warning. But the fact was, after Cornflower rejected the Sapphire Wand's appointment and vanished, the Royal Court not only refrained from retaliatory actions but even went as far as to unilaterally bestow the title of "Lifetime Magical Girl" upon Cornflower and her teammate Ying.
This became quite intriguing.
Additionally, over the subsequent twenty years, the Queen appeared to show no intent of appointing a new Sapphire Wand, with the Magical Affairs Institute and Hemwein City still holding significant power. Cornflower's teammate Ying actively moved around the Material Realm as the "strongest"… These various signs fueled the imagination of many.
—Could it be that Cornflower might return one day?
Many interested in the Kingdom's power circles speculated similarly.
And the more so, the more people became reticent about the topic, as if Cornflower were to return someday, neither Cornflower herself, the Royal Court, or the Queen would be subjects anyone is qualified to discuss. Moreover, with Ying's influence growing stronger, despite her low profile limiting her acquaintances and allies, her impact gradually began spreading outward from the Investigation Bureau to other circles. Nobody would be foolish enough to think that there is no connection between Ying and Cornflower; although unspoken, everyone has already accepted her as part of the "Cornflower faction."
Thus, this topic gradually evolved from idle chit-chat into a veiled political issue. Even Ying's death a few years ago was speculated by many as a result of political strife. These individuals generally believed it was due to a conflict between the Emerald or Purple Diamond factions and the gradually forming Cornflower faction, leading to Ying's death in a factional power struggle...
Ultimately, this topic was thoroughly ignited at the end of last year by Cornflower's appearance in Fangting City.
This marked the end of notions like "Cornflower has retired," "Cornflower is dead," "Cornflower is secretly detained by the Kingdom," and "Cornflower has married into the Royal Court," now proven false. The probability of "Cornflower will return" became increasingly plausible.
As a result, when the city of Fangting became associated with Cornflower, both Bai Mei, Jin, and even the yet-to-stand-out Bo Xue and Long Dan naturally came to be seen as "under Cornflower's tutelage." Of course, those more meticulous liked to consider that among these magical girls from Fangting City, some were also juniors of Ying. Since Ying herself had already passed, and her affiliation with the Cornflower faction had been long confirmed during her lifetime, distinguishing more was unnecessary.
To translate this: "Cornflower's students" already took first place in two projects of this year's combat evaluation.
This inevitably incites deeper speculation.
Or rather, the aspects allowing for endless imagination, enough to write several hefty volumes of conspiracy theories, are simply too numerous.
Why did Cornflower reappear? What is the Royal Court's reason for remaining silent? Did the other Gemstone Scepters play any role in this? Was Ying's death truly the result of power struggles?
The young magical girl examinees are discussing the strength of the "Fangting City Team," while the seasoned magical girls and citizens are fully engrossed in the political discourse. Just these simple assessment results have already sparked a maelstrom of discussion throughout Luennolay City.
—"So, which of these strange rumors are ones you made up?"
In the morning, before going to the examination site, candidate "Long Dan," or as people discussed, Cornflower herself, was squinting her eyes and asking her subordinates at the Magic Institute Branch's office: "I can vaguely understand your purpose in spreading various conspiracy theories years in advance; it was to pave the way for my return. But what about those related to the Research Institute? Why portray Emerald as my political rival?"
"Because it's widely assumed outside that the Investigation Bureau is our ally, and Lord Pigeon Blood Red of the Civil Administration Institute is deeply perceived as disliking power."
Zhe Helan explained with a smile: "The point of rumors is aligning with people's perceived realities, not going against them."
"So that's your reason for spreading rumors about me marrying into the Royal Court, and even being a mistress?" Emerald Sparrow lowered her eyelids.
"…It's almost time to head to the examination site, Your Excellency." Zhe Helan turned away after a brief silence.
"Don't change the subject."
"We can discuss this on the way, Your Excellency."
"I recall your schedule today; you're not on the same route."
"Indeed, so please allow me to leave first and let my deputy discuss this matter with you."
"Get back here."
In the end, Zhe Helan himself was obediently admonished.
