Aster’s carriage came to a stop at the usual unloading area, a short distance from the academy gates. She took the most affordable option, a public carriage with wooden seats. Stepping out, she glanced toward the towering spires of Celentine Academy, her heart fluttering with excitement. The grand estate was as impressive as ever, and she couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude for being here… for this opportunity. She began walking toward the entrance.

Noble families disembarked from their private carriages, passing through the gates and stopping right at the entrance. Their gilded coaches and finely dressed attendants made Aster pause for a moment, but only to observe. The thought of walking was far from bothersome; it was just another small part of the day. After all, she wasn’t here to compare herself to anyone. She was here to learn.

With a smile on her lips, Aster adjusted the strap of her satchel and entered the gates. Though she had to take the short walk to reach it, she was filled with gratitude. To her, this path was a privilege. She was studying at the best academy in the kingdom, something most could only dream of. She was here to chase her dreams, to prove that a commoner could rise through knowledge and hard work.

Aster finally arrived at Celentine Academy grounds. The grand campus resembled a castle, with towering spires and sprawling gardens that stretched endlessly.

Her heart pounded as she navigated the halls, searching for her classroom. She had already spent a year here, yet the grandiosity still left her breathless. This would be her second and final year at the academy. A small smile shaped her lips.

If I work hard enough, maybe I can become a diplomatic scholar someday. The thought made her chuckle. What a dream.

As she walked, voices drifted toward her… mocking, familiar.

“Well, well. Look who’s still here.”

Aster barely had time to react before Flavia Gardner and Isadora Topaz stepped into her path, their smirks as sharp as ever.

Flavia, with her strawberry curls and aristocratic air, tilted her head. “Still pretending you belong?” She sneered. “Didn’t we make it clear last year that this place isn’t for you?”

Beside her, Isadora let out a theatrical sigh, her auburn hair cascading in soft waves over her shoulders. Her honey-gold eyes flickered with amusement as she added, “Honestly, it’s pathetic. Commoners who reach too high are just begging to fall.”

Aster clenched her fists, biting back a retort. Stay calm. Stay composed. She had spent years fighting for this opportunity…she wouldn’t let them ruin it.

Just two years ago, she had been a student at a public school, dreaming of becoming a diplomatic scholar one day. Through relentless studying, she had earned the highest grades and caught the attention of her teachers, who recommended her for a scholarship at Celentine Academy.

Her journey hadn’t been easy. The nobles who surrounded her made it painfully clear she wasn’t welcome. Flavia Gardner, the daughter of a count, had been her most persistent tormentor, and Isadora Topaz, the daughter of a viscount, was always by her side, ensuring Aster knew her place.

But Aster refused to be broken. Instead, she buried herself in her studies, her dreams outweighing their cruelty.

Just as she was about to step around them and walk away, a familiar voice interrupted.

“Ladies, what a pleasant morning. Fancy meeting you here.”

The teasing lilt sent a rush of warmth through her.

Ranley.

Her stomach twisted as Ranley Bramstone strolled toward them, his ever-present grin making him seem effortlessly charming. His brunette hair gleamed in the morning light, and his emerald eyes sparkled with amusement.

Flavia’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before she recovered. “Lord Ranley,” she purred, flipping her hair. “Come, let’s go. The opening ceremony is about to start.”

Instead of responding, Ranley’s gaze flickered to Aster. “You’re the scholarship student, right? The transferee from last year?”

Aster smiled awkwardly. “Uhm… yes, that’s me.”

Flavia stepped in before she could say more. “Honestly, Lord Ranley, stop wasting time on her. Let’s go.”

Ranley didn’t respond right away. He simply looked at Aster, a small, unreadable smile playing on his lips. Then, with a nod, he turned and followed Flavia and Isadora.

Aster remained frozen in place, her cheeks burning. He smiled at me.

She barely noticed Flavia’s smug glance as they walked away. All she could think about was Ranley’s smile, a simple gesture that sent her heart racing. Aster didn’t have friends at Celentine Academy, but that didn’t bother her. She had bigger goals…to prove that even a commoner like her could rise above the odds. But if she was being honest with herself, there was another reason she worked so hard: Ranley Bramstone.

Ranley was everything a noble should be; good-looking, effortlessly charming, and brimming with confidence that made people gravitate toward him. His brunette hair and striking emerald eyes set him apart, but it was more than just his looks that commanded attention.

Though his family had only recently gained nobility ten years ago, they had risen remarkably fast, securing a viscount’s title through their wealth and royal connections. Even before their elevation, the Bramstones were far from poor commoners; they had already established themselves as prosperous merchants and craftsmen, known for producing tools and materials of exceptional quality. Their breakthrough came when they supplied innovative magical reinforcement materials and enchanted architectural tools, crucial in constructing the kingdom’s grandest structures, including some of the renovations in the Royal Palace and the Grand Fortress that safeguarded the capital. Their contributions were so invaluable that the crown rewarded them with land and noble status, solidifying their place among the aristocracy.

Despite not being of the highest rank, Ranley was wildly popular. Their family was a royal’s vassal, after all. He often bragged about the time he had met the king during a visit to the castle, a minor formality for his family’s business, yet it only made him more admired. Aster found herself captivated by him, convinced that he was the one who had given her the Moon Crystal necklace ten years ago. Though the memory was hazy, she could still picture a warm summer day in Sunnybrooke Village, the glimmer of sunlight on the lake, and the kindness in the boy’s voice. The name “Ranley” was the only thing that remained clear.

Loving him from afar felt like a dream. Still, she held onto that dream, hoping that one day, she could stand as his equal. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose, a burning desire to make the most of every moment. This year would be her last here, and she would give it everything she had.

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