Chapter Seventeen: The Legendary Songstress ‘Golden Flame Rose’

The bright yellow crystal chandelier overhead turned silently, casting a steady glow. On the table below lay an array of prepared delicacies: in the center, a steaming hot soup bubbled gently, filled with winter melon and ribs; beside it were stir-fried dishes and steamed pastries.

Tonight, not only were Grandma He and Hershia present, but also He Cheng and Lisa, making six in total gathered around the dinner table, chatting occasionally as they ate.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve all eaten together. It’s rare to have everyone here today,” Grandma He began.

“You all have your own things to do, and Li An and the others live far away...” Grandma He mentioned Li An, her other two children who were currently not in Bayin City and were quite grown up.

“It’s alright, Grandma, we’re here with you,” He Cheng and his sister replied; as grandchildren, they had lost their parents early on.

“Heh, as long as you’re safe, I have no worries. I’ve lived long enough anyway,” Grandma He said cheerfully.

“Enough talk, come, come, eat up! I prepared this with care, so no leftovers allowed,” laughter and cheer echoed through the house.

After dinner, Hershia returned to her bedroom. Only then did she have the leisure to carefully recall what had happened earlier in the bathroom.

Is this freezing? she silently wondered, then looked at the glass of water on the table. After some thought, she poured a small amount into her palm.

A pale blue light shimmered in her dark eyes once more. The droplets in her palm quickly gathered and solidified into transparent ice beads of varying sizes, a faint chill spreading across her skin.

She let the ice beads slip onto the table, then picked one up. Closing her eyes, she observed it closely. Activating the power of the Withering Sequence 2: Dark Visit, the scene within the ice bead was meticulously projected into her mind.

This feeling...

Hershia rose and left her room for the kitchen on the first floor. Opening the freezer, she took out some ice cubes.

Back in her room, she compared the two types of ice. Under her mental magnification, their microstructures revealed stark differences.

The ice beads she formed were perfectly ordered, without gaps. In contrast, the ice cubes from the freezer showed a chaotic internal structure with numerous tiny cracks. These gaps accounted for the ice’s opacity and milky white color.

After prolonged observation, Hershia set aside the ice cubes and beads.

Though she couldn’t fully define it yet, she now understood part of her innate gift: freezing, or rather re-solidifying. She could reorganize scattered molecules into a neat, uniform structure.

Was this ability limited to water droplets, or could it affect other substances? The thought crossed her mind.

She soon gathered other materials for testing—salt grains, sugar, oil, and more.

When heated, salt and sugar dissolved, but under her power, they re-crystallized, purer than before as impurities settled out.

The oil responded differently, displaying a gradient of colors as if its molecular chains were arranged by length.

By the time she finished her experiments, it was very late. Not wanting to disturb others and knowing she had work the next day, Hershia stopped.

Tomorrow, she decided, she would ask at the shop—several of the maids were well-informed and would likely know more.

Time passed swiftly, and the next day arrived.

Still buzzing from last night’s excitement, Hershia had trouble sleeping and was slow to rise when the alarm rang. Splashing cold water on her face to wake herself, she finished her morning routine and set off for work.

She took the vertical elevator up to the upper levels of Bayin City, then boarded the vertical monorail to the city center. Passing through security at the base of the Topstar Tower, she entered the building.

It was just past eight o’clock. Most people in the elevator were employees, dressed variously in suits or durable workwear. Among them, Hershia was as inconspicuous as a dull gray duckling.

After several minutes of upward travel and many people leaving, by the time the elevator surpassed the 35th floor, only two remained: Hershia and a professional woman in a gray skirt suit.

The woman glanced at Hershia with mild curiosity before speaking.

“You’re heading to Glass Dream to work, right?”

“Ah... yes,” Hershia replied, surprised that it was so easily guessed.

“Heh, just four floors left. The rooftop observatory isn’t open now, so it’s only Glass Dream and some government offices here. You’re too young for the government, so you must be a new employee at Glass Dream.”

“I see,” the girl nodded.

“What’s your code name? When I have time, I’ll visit Glass Dream to see you.”

“It’s ‘Dantalian,’ but I’m still an intern.”

“‘Dantalian,’ got it,” the woman said thoughtfully.

Exiting the elevator, Hershia arrived at the still-closed Glass Dream. Belfinger hadn’t arrived yet, so she waited.

Maid staff gradually trickled in, some familiar, others strangers.

“‘Dantalian,’ waiting for someone?” a curvaceous blonde maid asked as she stopped before Hershia.

“Yes, Sister Andusia,” Hershia bowed slightly.

“That bunny probably overslept again—she often plays games late. Come with me,” Andusia said, leading Hershia upstairs to change.

After unlocking the door with her staff privileges, Andusia guided Hershia to the changing room and helped style her hair.

Unlike others who might add cat-ear headbands, Andusia chose a white and green chrysanthemum blossom for Hershia’s hair, fixing it with a special clip on the side of her head like a small crown. The ribbons on her collar and hairband matched the green and white theme, lending a natural and elegant air.

Satisfied, Andusia led Hershia to her workstation.

“You’ll work in my flower room this morning—watering flowers. I’ll teach you the details.”

“Okay.”

Compared to other bars or maid stations, Andusia’s flower room made Hershia feel much less pressured; it was peaceful and quiet.

Seeing Hershia’s eager and serious expression, Andusia smiled and tidied the strands on her bangs.

“Just don’t find it boring.”

Morning was slow, with few customers since most people were at work. A few early risers came to chat or meet friends.

Inside the glass-partitioned flower room, vines crawled everywhere. Potted plants thrived, some blooming.

“This one is aster; just moderate watering, it’s easy to care for. That one beside it is a wild lily—don’t overwater...” Andusia instructed while explaining flower habits and meanings.

Hershia watered while listening. Though a little sleepy, her memory was sharp—perhaps a benefit of her awakened talent?

After covering common flowers on one side, Andusia introduced plants with extraordinary effects.

“This cold spider plant emits chill to lower the surrounding temperature when room temp exceeds 20°C. Alone it’s mild, but the entire upper ring is lined with them, making the flower room comfortably cool. They also purify the air slightly, though you can’t rely on that entirely.”

“No wonder,” Hershia blinked, intrigued.

Though she had studied supernatural plants, seeing them firsthand was another matter.

“These spider plants I care for because I specialize in the natural sequence. If I’m ever off, you can ask Bathin—she’s also natural sequence and can help.”

“Those others? That one is wolf chrysanthemum, bright orange like gold. Its petals have supernatural medicinal properties. After June’s bloom, you can pick and store them.”

“This is edelweiss, light and airy. In ancient times, holding it allowed gentle descent from great heights. Nowadays, it’s mostly ornamental, popular with girls.”

The entire morning passed in study, as if back at school. Andusia was an excellent teacher, explaining care, origins, uses, and symbolic meanings.

Time slipped by unnoticed. At noon, Andusia took Hershia to the staff cafeteria. In the afternoon, she introduced her to another maid’s workspace.

“Botis, I’m handing ‘Dantalian’ over to you this afternoon,” Andusia said, pulling Hershia from hiding as she spoke to the green-haired maid.

“Hehe, no problem~☆”

Botis, ranked 17th of Solomon’s 72 demons, sometimes took the form of an ugly venomous snake but appeared human when summoned, wielding a horn and sword. He was knowledgeable about friend and foe alike.

This maid was about Andusia’s age, with a well-proportioned figure and waist-length emerald waves. Behind her glass enclosure was a dense jungle of leaves and poisonous flowers, with brightly colored poison dart frogs and slender snakes.

If Andusia’s domain was serene and cozy, Botis’s was perilous and venomous. No wonder Hershia was nervous—having a vibrant snake flicking its tongue right at you was unsettling.

After Andusia left, Botis smiled warmly.

“‘Dantalian,’ are you scared?” she teased the frozen girl.

“Come on in,” she encouraged, leading the reluctant Hershia into the toxic rainforest, where frightening insects crawled on the ground.

“Are these all poisonous?” Hershia finally asked.

“Yes, and highly venomous,” Botis replied with a chuckle.

“But don’t worry, the shop always has antivenom ready, so even if you get bitten, it’s fine.”

“Don’t be too scared. This isn’t the wild; all these creatures are trained and won’t bite randomly.”

Though reassured, Hershia still felt uneasy.

“Here we are.” After a short walk, Botis brought her to a small, clear pond surrounded by stones.

“Sit by the water and I’ll show you your afternoon duties.”

Sitting down together, Botis took a bell from her waist and gently shook it, producing a clear, melodious sound.

This simple chime wasn’t just an auditory signal; Hershia felt a light, joyful emotion calming her nerves. As the bell rang, rustling came from the jungle, and one by one, colorful venomous creatures emerged. Hershia dared not look closely and closed her eyes.

“All right, ‘Dantalian,’ you can open your eyes now,” Botis said.

Cautiously, Hershia opened one eye. The pond was surrounded by venomous snakes, scorpions, spiders, and poison dart frogs. Terrified, she shut her eyes again.

“It’s okay.” Botis rang the bell again, soothing Hershia’s anxiety.

“I raise and care for these adorable little ones,” Botis began explaining.

Most of them possessed supernatural powers, ranging from sequences 1 to 3, with a few reaching sequence 4—quite remarkable.

“Though I’m only primal sequence 3, they’re obedient. How I tamed them is a long story, which I can tell you later if you’re interested. For now, focus on getting used to the work.”

“Unlike ordinary poisons, supernatural toxins carry a conceptual element, so they don’t rely solely on chemicals or neurotransmitters, meaning antivenoms or serums don’t always work.”

Hershia inwardly shuddered.

“But if you analyze their properties carefully, you can create targeted antidotes, usually through alchemy and pharmaceuticals.”

“Though scary-looking, these creatures’ venoms have many uses—some for medicine, others for luxury perfumes. So their venom must be regularly collected.”

“Sometimes I get overwhelmed alone, so I need your help today.”

After Botis’s explanation, Hershia nodded and cautiously began handling the creatures. But mishaps happened...

“Uh…”

A vibrant green snake coiled around Hershia’s calf, a fuzzy big spider dropped onto her head, and a bright red poison dart frog perched on her hand.

“Haha, they all like you,” Botis laughed while removing the spider from Hershia’s hair.

“Here, take this bell. Shake it gently, and they obey,” she instructed, handing over the bell.

Hershia carefully followed, gently shaking it. The clear chime spread like a cold winter night’s bell, soothing and calming her restlessness.

Botis smiled approvingly but soon her eyes widened in surprise, watching Hershia’s serious and adorable expression as she held the bell.

Gradually, the snake calmed and stopped moving, allowing Hershia to carefully unwind it and place it aside.

“Don’t release it yet. Hold its head and make it spit venom,” Botis directed.

“Okay.” Hershia gently squeezed the snake’s head near a glass container. The snake opened its fangs, slowly releasing clear venom.

“Good job, ‘Dantalian.’ You learn fast,” Botis praised, clapping her hands.

“Next is this blue wolf spider.”

A wolf spider larger than Hershia’s hand was placed before her. Its legs were covered in bright blue fur, with a blackish body.

When it climbed onto her hand, Hershia froze in fear, sweat beading on her back.

“Don’t panic. Slowly, gently touch its front legs with your finger. Don’t worry, I’m here.”

After a while, Hershia dared to try. The spider moved slightly, its motion flickering like a stuttered frame.

“See its big black gem-like eyes? Cute, right?”

No, not at all, Hershia thought silently.

Finally acclimated, she carefully repeated the venom extraction process.

With Botis’s coaxing, Hershia’s speed and confidence improved.

By dusk, after extracting venom from the last creature by the pond, Botis washed her hands and helped the girl, whose legs were sore, to stand.

“Good work,” she said, patting Hershia’s clothes and gently embracing her.

“Let’s eat. It’s on me today. Then I’ll tell you how I tamed these little guys.”

As yesterday, they sat at Frois’s bar. This time Botis was the guest.

“‘Dantalian’ is back,” Frois greeted warmly while preparing dinner.

“Curious how even wild supernatural animals can be tamed?” Botis asked, sipping a freshly mixed drink as she explained.

“It’s actually a branch or application of the Songstress ability.”

“Songstress?” Hershia’s brow furrowed in question. She understood the term but had never considered this aspect.

A Songstress was more than a singer; they were supernatural beings with soul resonance talents. Singing and music were just means to channel and spread these gifts. The Rose Federation, a vast nation, was founded centuries ago through the efforts of a legendary Songstress.

Through nearly twenty years of negotiation and effort, 186 giant corporations and 37 interstellar organizations united to establish the Twelve Charters and form the Federation—initially comprising 31 star systems.

Today, the Rose Federation has 239 star systems, but the birthday of the Songstress known as the Golden Flame Rose remains a national holiday. Her enormous half-length portrait graces the parliament hall’s wall, showing her holding a bouquet, seated before an ornate red chair surrounded by lush leaves and blooming roses, with fairies fluttering nearby.

This half-elf girl achieved a miracle: in the devastating sixth season of primal chaos, she founded humanity’s first great civilization-state.

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