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Just as Aster was about to settle into a quiet corner with her book, a loud crash echoed through the library.

She jolted up, heart pounding. If that was a shelf tipping over, Madame Briswell would be furious.

Madame Briswell, who had been peacefully flipping through her own reading material, slowly lowered her book. Her sharp gaze peered over her spectacles.

Aster jumped to her feet before Madame Briswell could rise. “I’ll check,” she said quickly and hurried toward the noise.

Turning the corner, she found a girl sitting on the floor, surrounded by a mess of fallen books.

Aster’s eyes widened.

The student–clearly a noble from her refined posture and crisp uniform was rubbing her lower back with a wince. A thick, open book rested on her head like a misplaced crown.

She looked completely unbothered.

Aster stepped closer, concerned. “Are you okay?”

The girl removed the book from her head and let out a slow breath. “That could’ve gone better.”

She spoke so calmly, as if toppling half a shelf of books was just a minor inconvenience.

Aster extended a hand. “Here, let me help.”

The girl studied her for a second before nodding. She took Aster’s hand, steadying herself as she stood. Once on her feet, she dusted off her uniform with quiet composure, as if regaining control of the situation.

“Thank you.” She glanced at the mess. “I was trying to reach a book on the higher shelf… but I may have miscalculated.”

Aster exhaled. “Oh. So that’s what happened. What book were you looking for?”

“Something about mages and magic.”

Aster blinked, surprised. Magic existed naturally in their world, but only royals and mages had the ability to wield it. For everyone else, magic was accessible only through enchanted tools and inventions created by mages-used for convenience, military strategy, and kingdom affairs.

“You want to study magic?” Aster asked, tilting her head. “Sorry if this is too forward, but… are you a royal?”

The girl chuckled. “Oh, no. I just want to understand how it works for a study I’m doing. My father has high expectations of me, so my dream is to become an artificer—or at least someone who can invent something useful for the kingdom.”

Aster’s heart skipped with excitement. An artificer was a skilled craftsman, inventor, or magical engineer specializing in creating enchanted objects, magical tools, or advanced mechanical devices for military use. Most nobles she had met cared only about fashion, social teas, and status. But this lady—her interests were different. They aligned with hers. She wanted to create something meaningful, something that could truly help people.

Katharina noticed the glimmer in Aster’s eyes and, sensing they were on the same wavelength, introduced herself first.

“Katharina. Katharina of house Denvier.”

Aster recognized the name immediately. The Denvier family was a formidable force, both noble and military, renowned for their strict discipline and unwavering sense of duty. Katharina’s father held the prestigious title of Count Marshal, making him not only a high-ranking noble but also one of the kingdom’s top military commanders. With such a legacy, Katharina was not merely any noble; she was expected to be exceptional.

“Aster Winslow.” She said softly.

Katharina nodded firmly, then glanced at the scattered books. “I should clean this up before Madame Briswell finds out.”

Aster sighed in relief. “Well then, let me help you.”

“You work here?”

“Part-time,” Aster answered, hesitating. Would Katharina look down on her once she realized she was just a scholar?

She shifted uneasily. “If… If it’s uncomfortable talking to me, you don’t have to. I’ll handle the mess. If Lady Gardner and her friends find out you’re speaking to me, they’ll-“

“What?” Katharina cut her off, frowning. “I follow no one. I talk to whoever I want.”

Aster blinked, caught off guard. “Oh. That’s right. Sorry.” Embarrassment crept over her. She had underestimated Katharina.

Katharina stifled a chuckle. “Silly. Don’t be.” She rolled up her sleeves. “Come on, let’s clean this up before Madame Briswell finds out.”

They knelt down to gather the books, and as they worked, Aster couldn’t help but feel something unfamiliar–something rare.

For once, she wasn’t being looked down on.

Katharina was different.

And for the first time in a long while, Aster thought… maybe she had found a real friend.

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「 ✦ Author’s Note ✦ 」

This chapter is a bit on the shorter side, and the story may move slowly at first. I’m taking my time to introduce the characters gradually so you can get to know them and feel connected to their journey. Thank you for being patient, and I hope you enjoy meeting them as much as I enjoyed bringing them to life. ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و