Oh, I see.
Ron silently recorded this important intelligence in his mind.
Cecilia’s behavior pattern seemed insane, but it actually had a clear logic.
This information was extremely valuable for devising a contact strategy.
"Because of my appearance, she treated me well."
Sarah remembered the days beside Cecilia, her tone becoming complicated:
"I only needed to take care of some simple tasks - tidying the room, preparing flower tea, accompanying her to watch the sunset... like a moving decoration."
"Her residence was called ’Mirror Hall’, filled with crystal mirrors and flowers. She spent a lot of time dressing up herself every day, and also required those around her to maintain perfect appearances."
"But she was also extremely fickle."
Sarah’s tone became despondent:
"Every beautiful thing has a shelf life in her eyes. When flowers wither, they must be replaced, when jewelry becomes boring, it is discarded, and people are no exception."
"Two years after being sent there, she grew tired of me.
But considering I served with some effort, she didn’t abandon me outright but sent me to the Sand Sea School."
At this point, a look of gratitude flashed through Sarah’s eyes:
"Due to Dean Salamanda’s presence, the school atmosphere was great, even someone like me was not harshly treated.
For me, this was already the best outcome."
After hearing Sarah’s full recount, Ron remained silent for a long time.
Not because of sympathy or anger, but analyzing the value and usability of this information.
The internal structure of the Burning Scale Clan, Cecilia’s true character, the relationship network in the Quicksand Lands...
Every detail was a precious intelligence resource.
"So that night, when I refused special services, you breathed a sigh of relief..."
He finally opened his mouth, his tone carrying some understanding.
"Yes."
Sarah nodded, blushing, her voice almost inaudible:
"I... I actually have no experience in that regard. Lady Cecilia only treated me as an ornament, never demanding... that."
"But when the Burning Scale Clan trained me, they taught a lot of theoretical knowledge. I’ve always been afraid of being forced to use them someday."
Ron suddenly reached out and gently touched Sarah’s head.
This action stunned the Snake Woman, tears welled up in her eyes.
Since being abandoned by the clan, she was accustomed to living cautiously and perceptively.
No one had treated her so gently for a long time.
"Master..."
Sarah choked, asking, "Would you despise me because of my origin?"
"Why despise?"
Ron retorted, his tone carrying a philosophical meaning:
"Value is not determined by bloodline purity, but by your own abilities and character."
"The bloodline superiority theory of the Burning Scale Clan, to me, is merely a tool for the ruling class to maintain vested interests."
"What truly determines a person’s value is what she can create for the world, not who her ancestors were."
"Including a failure like me?" Sarah asked softly.
"Especially someone like you."
Ron answered earnestly:
"Striving in such a predicament is a thousand times more precious than those fools who rely on bloodline superiority to flaunt their power."
These words completely broke down Sarah’s psychological defenses.
The grievances, fears, and inferiority repressed for years burst out at that moment.
She lay on the table, crying bitterly, the sound of silver bells mixed with sobs, forming a mournful symphony in the study.
Ron did not speak, merely quietly accompanying her.
Sometimes, appropriate silence is more powerful than any words.
When Sarah’s sobbing gradually subsided, she felt an unprecedented relief.
The painful memories suppressed for years lost most of their power to hurt during the venting.
"Feeling better?" Ron asked gently.
"Much better..." Sarah wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes:
"Thank you, Master. I’ve never had... no one has ever listened to me so patiently."
......
After that late night of confession, Sarah underwent a subtle and profound transformation.
The constant tension of vigilance disappeared, replaced by a newfound ease and focus.
She began to view her duties with a new perspective.
Not cautiously avoiding punishment, but genuinely wanting to do each task well.
When the first rays of sunshine of dawn shone into the room through the lattice, Sarah was already busy in the kitchen.
She no longer mechanically prepared breakfast according to standard procedures, but began adjusting based on observed details.
For instance, Ron preferred the temperature of tea to be slightly higher;
For instance, he liked to pair moderately sweet pastries while reading;
For instance, his sensitivity to spices was higher than the average person...
These subtle preferences were quietly noted by her, integrated into every service.
"Master, I added a bit of ’Morning Dew Flower’, unique to the Quicksand Lands, in today’s morning tea."
Sarah gently placed the teacup on the table, the sound of silver bells more pleasant than ever:
"It’s said to clear the spirit and may help with today’s training."
Ron took a light sip, indeed feeling the freshness and subtle sweetness in the tea, refreshing like nectar.
"The taste is very good." He nodded approvingly: "You know more about these herbs than I imagined."
"I..." Sarah shyly lowered her head:
"I actually learned secretly. Lady Cecilia collected many ancient books, among which there were quite a few about herbal combinations. I would browse some in my spare time..."
"That’s not called stealing learning, that’s self-improvement."
Ron said seriously:
"Knowledge is neither noble nor humble; as long as it’s useful, it should be learned. And being able to maintain a thirst for knowledge in that environment is remarkable."
Upon hearing this, Sarah showed a hint of surprise.
In the Burning Scale Clan, any ’excessive’ learning was seen as misguided;
Beside Cecilia, her value lay only in her appearance, and wisdom was completely ignored.
This was the first time she heard someone encourage her to learn and acknowledge her efforts.
"Sarah."
Ron pondered for a moment, deciding to honestly express his thoughts:
"You know, after the Elemental Night, I’ll leave here shortly."
Sarah’s smile froze, but quickly returned to normal:
"I know, Master. A distinguished Wizard like you can’t stay here forever."
"Do you have any plans?" Ron asked.
"I..." Sarah bit her lip:
"I want to continue learning. You said knowledge is power. Perhaps someday, I can truly help someone, rather than just serve tea."
This answer made Ron feel gratified.
After this period of psychological treatment, Sarah had rediscovered direction and motivation in life.
"Then I have a suggestion."
He took out a heavy tome from his Storage Bag:
"This is the Basic Pharmacology Encyclopedia, which records thousands of herbs’ traits and uses."
Sarah was surprised at the weight of knowledge contained in the book she received.
"If you study these contents diligently, you can consider becoming an Alchemist or healer in the future."
Ron continued:
"Dean Salamanda is a good person; if you show sufficient talent, he will give you a chance."
"Moreover..." He took out an exquisite Communication Crystal from his arms:
"If you encounter any problems during your learning, you can contact me through this. Although I’m not here, I can still answer some basic questions."
Sarah tightly held the book and crystal, tears welled up in her eyes once more.