160. Interwoven Connections
"Miss Yavanna, the clothes you make are truly beautiful. Every time you deliver them, the noblewomen in the city snatch them up instantly."
"Not at all. Without your effective marketing strategy, even the finest clothes wouldn't sell."
Yavanna nodded slightly, her hands clasped in front of her, chatting and laughing with the city's most prominent boutique owner before tidying herself up and leaving.
Her face was adorned with makeup mimicking a natural look, her gray-white hair pinned up. She wore diamond earrings, a sophisticated layered satin gown in a gradient deep blue, exuding nobility. Paired with her expensive handbag, she arrived and departed in luxury vehicles, presenting herself as a glamorous young noblewoman.
Over the past few months, she often left Faithkeep Village like this, hiring a driver and nanny while renting a villa. She visited nearby cities to engage in trade and exchange.
Initially, although she lacked identification and couldn't stay in the city, her exceptional tailoring skills and past training as an agent in Law IV quickly established her as a "humble countryside seamstress working in the city," gradually gaining a foothold, achieving wealth, and becoming a local rising star.
Although [Secret Society] had countless flaws, Yavanna had to admit that Gaia's bestowed [Tailor] profession made her virtually invincible in this field.
Her core ability, [Weaving], allowed her to craft garments far exceeding human and industrial limits. These clothes automatically fit the wearer's body, enhanced their figure, and even provided buffs.
Rather than mere clothing, they could be considered magical creations—or more accurately, superior to magic.
With such effective garments sold in limited quantities and boasting the allure of handmade craftsmanship, Yavanna quickly accumulated considerable wealth.
With funds in hand, Yavanna utilized her agent experience, thoroughly investigating local supplier relationships, connecting with them through various means, and gradually entering their social circles. Her youthful beauty and unique tailoring quickly won over these elites.
With her skills and refinement, Yavanna could thrive not only on White Candle Star but anywhere, living a vibrant and fulfilling life.
But such a life was ultimately an illusion.
Dressed in luxurious garments, adorned with diamond and tortoiseshell accessories, wearing magically crafted color-changing lenses, she frequented high-end clubs and establishments, mingling with socialites and wealthy ladies.
Such days were an illusion.
Entirely built upon everything [Secret Society] had bestowed upon her—even her body, life, and soul were not her own.
"Welcome to the society, poor fool."
—The words of [Sailor] Igoré Matthew echoed constantly in her mind.
He was right.
Not only Igoré Matthew, but also [Adventurer Saintess] Virlia's words held true.
Citizens within [Society] were no longer individuals. No matter how carefree they seemed outside, once integrated into [Society] and its network, they completely lost themselves and their personal will.
Outside [Society], she was Yavanna Huskisin, an ordinary and self-doubting woman.
Within [Society], she was one of the thirteen councilors beneath the Secret Chair, wielding life and death power, but no longer herself—merely a vessel for the [Tailor] councilor.
Yes, a vessel.
With no thoughts or understanding of her own, she acted purely to fulfill the role of the [Tailor] councilor, existing solely to carry out Gaia's will through [Secret Society].
She disregarded everything, whether it was the Descenders she nurtured, the new home of Faithkeep Village she painstakingly built, or even the moments with Mr. Li Aozi.
None of it belonged to her.
When Mr. Li Aozi revealed her identity, Yavanna felt little excitement, more fear and worry.
'Mr. Li Aozi could never be a match for [Secret Society]. He cannot defeat it. Doing so will lead to his death. I cannot accept such an outcome.'
While being acknowledged by Mr. Li Aozi made her happy, she feared that exposing her identity as a Secret Councilor would endanger him.
'Perhaps I should never have approached Mr. Li Aozi. I shouldn't have forged a bond with him. I should have isolated myself, living alone until natural death…'
Yet, without Mr. Li Aozi's acknowledgment of her worth, what was the point of her existence as such a sinner?
A monster who devoured her own sister, committing unforgivable sins. Without her exceptional significance to Mr. Li Aozi, did she even deserve to exist?
[Secret Society] had taken her self-confidence as communal property. Yet, perhaps this struggle had existed long before. Her self-doubt may have been why Gaia chose her as the [Tailor] councilor.
Rotten to the core… I was never a good person to begin with.
Such thoughts haunted Yavanna. She had been trapped in these conflicted thoughts for a long time, avoiding facing Li Aozi—never doubting his words. To date, he had always followed through.
If he learned that she had become this way because of [Secret Society]… he would undoubtedly fight against it.
That would mean his death—an inevitable demise.
Absolutely unacceptable.
That outcome must not happen.
She could only immerse herself in work, hoping sweat and labor would numb her thoughts, allowing her to focus on practically helping him.
But soon, a turning point arrived.
The Descender who bore a striking resemblance to her sister, Asakusa Yazuko (Player ID: Cumin Powder), and her annoying boyfriend brought her an unexpected gift.
—"Dragonfall Weapon Design Blueprint Manuscript"
"The creator was once one of [Secret Society's] thirteen councilors, holding the [Doctor] profession. For some reason, this [Councilor] defected from [Secret Society] and decided to develop a weapon against it."
[Secret Society] had stringent requirements for selecting citizens, primarily based on three criteria:
1: Citizens must belong to the C3 Luka-type cosmic human race, known for their combat and destruction prowess, albeit limited in number across the universe.
2: Citizens must possess qualities recognized by [Secret Society], assigned to corresponding professions and statuses.
3: Citizens undergo transformation via a substance called "Aether Blood" or "Aether Elixir." This substance dissipates quickly in the air but is highly toxic and incurable for non-C3 Luka-type beings.
As a result, [Secret Society's] population remained limited. Yavanna was certain that a councilor-level citizen like her escaping would prompt society to send agents after her.
But now, perhaps it was time to strike back.