Romance
The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 115: The Scenery of Lytheria
Jasmine said casually, "My mom just bought an island, so we'll probably be vacationing there, soaking up the sun. Sunhaven's way too cold in the winter, and I can't stand it."
Jessica actually bought an island? That's crazy rich! The whole class was stunned.
Sure, they could save up and travel abroad, but buying an island for a vacation? That was beyond their wildest dreams.
It was a stark reminder of the gap between Jasmine and the rest of them.
Ella's smile froze on her face. Jasmine's vacation plans were so extravagant compared to hers, and it made her uncomfortable.
But she remembered she still needed Jasmine's help, so she quickly smiled and said, "That's awesome! Jasmine, don't forget to get your mom's autograph for us. You promised me."
Jasmine played with her freshly done nails and smiled, "Of course, we're good friends."
The student affairs officer came in to give a few reminders and then announced the start of winter break, wishing everyone a happy holiday.
As for the final grades, they would be released in a few days via email.
Victoria went home to pack her bags, and the next day she and Samuel headed to the airport to fly to Lytheria.
Diana and David flew to Aventis a few days later, preferring the well-developed city environment.
In Lytheria, Ethan and his friends had already arranged for a local guide. From the airport, they took a car straight to the largest ski resort in Lytheria: Snowhaven Ski Park.
It was peak ski season, attracting people from all over the world.
Their guide, Tyrell, a local with curly brown hair, warmly welcomed Victoria and the others, introducing them to Lytheria's tourist culture and complimenting them as the most beautiful boys and girls from Aerion he had ever seen.
Victoria often gazed out the window during the drive. The heavy snow and towering mountains were truly magnificent.
Brian and Joan didn't like adventurous sports and had only taken her to a local ski resort once.
Victoria actually loved skiing, but under Brian and Joan's cautious care, she had to give up this high-risk activity.
They had never brought her to Lytheria, so seeing such a breathtaking snowy landscape for the first time was a novel experience for her.
The sky here seemed exceptionally clear, a blue that was mesmerizing.
After leaving the airport, there were few buildings and people, bringing them closer to nature and making her feel much more at ease.
Ethan quietly watched Victoria, seeing the unrestrained joy in her eyes, and a subtle smile appeared on his lips.
This was how she should be at her age. He often felt that Victoria seemed more mature than her years.
Even though he was considered mature among his peers, sometimes Victoria's eyes seemed even more world-weary. Her mystery made her all the more intriguing.
By the time they reached the ski resort, it was already afternoon. Tired from the journey, they didn't ski that day but instead enjoyed the local cuisine.
In the evening, they took a walk by the strait, watching the dark blue sea and the rugged cliffs under the night sky.
The sea breeze was strong, and the waves crashing against the cliffs created white foam.
Victoria, wrapped in a furry scarf, hat, and gloves, had her face half-exposed and reddened by the wind, but she stared fixedly at the sea, lost in thought.
Ethan suddenly stepped between her and the sea, blocking the wind.
Victoria had been lost in thoughts about her past, feeling as powerless as the foam pushed by the waves, repeatedly crashing against the cliffs and shattering.
This train of thought was interrupted, and she looked up at Ethan, her eyes dry from the sea breeze. She blinked several times to moisten them.
Ethan's face, under the night sky, looked like a beautifully sculpted statue. His voice was cold but warmer than the sea breeze as he softly asked, "What are you thinking about? Aren't you cold?"
Without the wind, Victoria's face suddenly felt warm, and a sense of warmth grew in her heart.
If someone stood between her and the wind and waves, then no matter how fierce the storm, it didn't seem so scary.
She shook her head, "Nothing, I was just daydreaming."
Not far away, Eric snapped a photo of Victoria and Ethan talking face-to-face.
The silhouette of the two against the backdrop of the bay and canyon looked like a poster for a coming-of-age movie.
Ethan knew she wasn't telling the truth and expressed his displeasure by ruffling her furry hat.
In the distance, Nick ran towards them, shouting, "There's a bonfire party over there with freshly roasted venison. Let's go join them!"
Samuel also walked over and said, "Victoria, let's go. Don't stay by the sea."
"Okay." Victoria nodded obediently and followed Samuel.
They sang, danced, drank, and ate with other travelers until midnight before going to rest. The next day, they all slept in until ten.
After breakfast, they went skiing. Except for Victoria, who could only ski on intermediate slopes, the others were all advanced skiers.
Nick hesitated, "Who will ski with Victoria on the intermediate slopes? We can't just leave her alone."
He was worried Samuel would make him do it, just like when they had him pick up Victoria for school.
It wasn't that he disliked Victoria, but skiing on intermediate slopes felt stifling, and taking care of her meant he couldn't fully enjoy skiing.
Samuel knocked him on the head, "You dare think of leaving Victoria? I don't think you want to go home."
He added, "I wouldn't trust you with her anyway. With your skills, I'm afraid you'd lead her into a ditch. I'll take her myself. You guys can ski wherever you want."
Victoria shrugged, "Samuel, you don't have to sacrifice your fun for me. Tyrell is an advanced ski instructor. I've already asked him to teach me, so you don't have to worry. Go enjoy the advanced slopes."
Victoria and Tyrell got along well. Despite their different backgrounds, they were both curious about each other's worlds.
They had talked a lot during the bonfire party the previous night. Victoria enjoyed listening to Tyrell's adventurous stories of traveling the world alone.
He didn't have much money, was an orphan, and grew up alone, yet he was full of enthusiasm for the world.
He worked for food and lodging wherever he went, living a life full of surprises and excitement.
Samuel shook his head disapprovingly, "An instructor is an instructor. I promised Mom and Dad I'd look after you. How could I leave you alone?"
Ethan lazily chimed in, "Samuel, I'm not feeling great today and don't feel like hitting the advanced slopes. How about I go to the intermediate slopes and keep an eye on Victoria?"