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Astarion, an empire whose national emblem is the Camellia flower, symbolizing harmony, honor, and affection.

Beyond those meanings, the Camellia was also chosen as the imperial emblem because it bore the name of Astarion’s first empress, a pivotal figure who stood beside the founding emperor in expanding their dominion.

The deeds of the two have been honored and immortalized to this day.

One of those legacies lives on in the names of two of the empire’s three great knightly units.

The Michael Unit, an elite order of knights whose duties are centered in the imperial capital.

Then, the Camellia Unit, home to knights of above-average talent, gathered from across the land.

It was within this unit that Evelyn Aldeforch was placed after her graduation from the Academy, under Camellia’s banner.

Unlike the elite unit, which is permanently assigned to safeguard the capital, particularly the imperial palace and the residences of the royal family, the knights of Camellia rotate their postings every six months, each time blending into the local garrisons of the regions they serve.

And now, it had been more than five months since Evelyn’s assignment in the south.

Her duties involved patrolling and inspecting the coastline after reports from villagers of a suspicious vessel, believed to belong to pirates.

Her meeting with Roslin and Ashley came about after Evelyn’s horse suffered a minor injury, slipping on a muddy road after rainfall. Fortunately, she had encountered them.

Thanks to their help, Evelyn was escorted to the nearest outpost, where she could stay a few days while her horse recovered.

In return, she occasionally joined their patrols, guarding the area and assisting the locals in need.

The next day, after rescuing a lost child in the Misty Forest, she hurried to continue her journey toward the knights’ main garrison in Evermere, the capital of the southern region.

Her posting was nearing its end. As a representative, she was required to deliver her final report to the local lord, Marquess Everheart.

And with that, it would soon be time for Evelyn to return to the imperial capital, awaiting her next assignment.

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In the early hours before dawn, the sky was still dark, the quiet steps of her horse carrying her down the road.

Her long, wavy black hair was neatly tied, its dark hue rivaling the heavens above, swaying loosely with each movement.

Her eyes, matching the color of her hair, scanned the surroundings with vigilance.

Ever watchful for lurking danger.

From time to time, a soft hum escaped her lips, breaking the silence.

“Oh!”

Her lips curved into a small smile.

A memory from the previous night suddenly crossed her mind.

“How embarrassing…”

Her curiosity had been stirred that evening.

The figure before her had been captivating enough to hold her gaze for several seconds.

A delicate face framed by long lashes, a sharp nose, and damp hair that fluttered softly in the night breeze as it dried.

She had watched for a moment, thinking that if left alone, the person might catch a cold.

But the thought evaporated the instant their eyes met.

Though she tried not to show it, Evelyn had been flustered.

So, to avoid feeling more awkward, she quickly led her horse into the inn’s stable, exchanged a polite nod in greeting, and hurried inside to her room.

Her chest had tingled like a spark of electricity from that fleeting glance alone.

Evelyn shook her head lightly, scattering her wandering thoughts.

Now was not the time to dwell on something so trivial.

That person was merely one of the countless faces she had seen, strangers with no bond or connection.

Soon enough, with time, they would fade away like dust swept off by the wind, just another passerby, forgotten.

Perhaps…

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Tak. Tak. Tak.

The sharp rhythm of hooves pounded the road. The oversized shirt Kael wore fluttered wildly with every surge of speed.

“At last!”

His hair bounced freely, reflecting the joy bubbling in his heart.

The borderlands lay just ahead.

It had been more than five days since his escape from home.

If he kept riding without rest, he would reach Greathollow by noon.

His heartbeat raced with anticipation.

“Once I arrive, I should look around a bit.”

There was so much he wanted to do.

Before settling into the place he had chosen to live on his own from now on, he had decided to make a brief stop to explore.

Kael rubbed his stomach, unwilling to slow his pace. He had to reach the city quickly, lest he faint from hunger midway.

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“Mmm, that was good.”

The bowl of soup and the plates of main and side dishes were all empty.

As expected, when he passed through the border gates, the sun had still been blazing high overhead.

Luckily, the weather was splendid that day.

What Kael hadn’t expected was how lively the city was. At first, he thought a festival must have been organized by the local lord.

Bubbles floated through the air above Greathollow, decorations hung along the streets, and people handed out flowers, candies, and small brochures.

Naturally, Kael didn’t want to miss out.

Meanwhile, his horse, Porshe, was left in the stables, probably enjoying herself too. The place offered excellent care, high-quality feed, comfortable rest stalls, even massages for her strong, overworked muscles. If Porshe could, she’d probably dance with joy and shower her kind master with affection.

Stepping out of the eatery, Kael’s eyes fell on the leaflet in his hand.

[Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Astarion Imperial Post Office, capture and share your everyday moments with new friends!

Alstroemenia is always ready to be the bridge of friendship between you and your loved ones~

Available at all branches of our beloved Astarion Imperial Post Office!]

No wonder the city was so bustling. Surely, Evermere and the other regions were holding equally grand celebrations.

[We look forward to your letters. Alstroemenia Post Office is open 24/7.]

“Oho~ This looks fun~”

Kael nodded, clearly intrigued.

“Maybe I should try it.”

Full of interest, he began to wonder…

What kind of friend might he find?

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