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The morning air nipped at Aster’s cheeks as she made her way toward her classroom, her thoughts lingering on the silver-haired boy from the market. She groaned internally.

‘I must’ve looked so stupid back then.’

The memory replayed in her mind: the accusation, her flustered reaction, and the unexpected way he had defended her, all in the span of mere moments.

Not that it mattered.

‘Well, it’s not like I’m ever going to see him again.’

With a shrug, she pushed the thought away and focused on the day ahead.

“Aster!”

Katharina’s voice jolted her from her thoughts. Her best friend caught up beside her, grinning as she noted the distant look on Aster’s face.

“I’ve been calling you from afar! What were you thinking about this early in the morning? You look like someone who barely slept.”

Aster hesitated before exhaling. “Things just got… weird over the weekend.”

“How weird exactly?” Katharina pressed, but before Aster could answer, a group near the classroom entrance flaunting their things caught their attention.

Isadora flicked her hair back, her polished nails glinting under the sunlight. “This ribbon was custom-made from imported silk,” she said, adjusting the deep crimson bow tied neatly around her collar. “It’s a shade exclusive to noble families. Not something just anyone can wear.”

Flavia let out a dramatic sigh, brushing a hand over her brooch. “Well, my family had this crest adorned with real gemstones. A personal design by the royal jeweler himself.”

Renie smirked, toying with the pearl pin on her sleeve. “My mother had mine handcrafted in Helios. Their artisans are unmatched.”

Aster and Katharina stepped inside the classroom, passing them without a glance.

Leaning casually against a desk nearby, Ranley chuckled. “Impressive. I didn’t know fashion statements extended to school uniforms.”

Aster’s gaze flickered toward him. ‘Maybe… just maybe, if I talk to him, I can learn something about my past.’

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.

“Lord Ranley, uhh…uhmm…have you—have you ever been to Helios?”Ranley raised a brow at the sudden question but remained relaxed. “I’ve traveled to many kingdoms, but I don’t recall much about Helios. Why do you ask?”

Aster’s stomach sank. “You really don’t remember anything?”

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “Sorry. My family has always moved around. Faces and places blur together after a while.”

Just as Aster reached for the crescent moon necklace hidden beneath her uniform, Flavia scoffed.

“Honestly, seeking attention again, are we?” She crossed her arms, her expression dripping with condescension. “As if you could be from Helios. Do you even realize how much it costs to travel between kingdoms? You’d need a fortune just to step foot there.”

Renie sighed dramatically. “Pathetically ambitious,” she muttered.

Isadora smirked. “More like delusional. Helios? Please. Just because you dream of nobility doesn’t mean you belong with us.”

Katharina was about to step in, but the sudden presence of the headmaster at the doorway silenced the entire room.

Heads turned as Headmaster Reginald entered, followed by Professor Lily. A ripple of murmurs spread among the students.

“The headmaster? Here? That’s unusual…”

“Why is he here with Professor Lily?”

The headmaster raised a hand, calling for silence. His gaze swept across the room before settling on Flavia.

“Lady Flavia Gardner, your duty as Regent leading the Academy Council is hereby concluded. With the appointment of a true Archon, you now return to your rightful station as second of the council, to serve in counsel and support.”

Flavia’s face stiffened. “What?”

“As of today, we welcome our newly appointed Archon.”

The headmaster stepped aside, and the students finally noticed the tall figure standing just behind him.

A hush fell over the classroom.

The silver-haired young man from the festive town square Aster had met stood before them, exuding an effortless elegance. His expression was composed and reserved, carrying a hint of mystery. He carried himself with a quiet grace and a regal presence. It was as if he had stepped out of a storybook—pristine uniform, composed demeanor, and an air of authority that made it clear he was no ordinary student.

Flavia’s frustration evaporated in an instant, her eyes gleaming instead. She had been prepared to argue but now, her anger was replaced by sheer admiration.

Around the room, students whispered in awe.

“He looks like a prince…”

“Who is he?”

Yet, while everyone else was captivated, his gaze was fixed on only one person.

Aster.

Aster, whose heart had skipped a beat, fidgeted under his stare.

‘What’s he doing here?’ Her thoughts scrambled.

For a split second, she swore his gaze was locked onto hers.

‘Wait. There’s no way he recognizes me, right? Does he? No… that can’t be. I was disguised as a boy at that time.’

As if sensing her thoughts, the silver-haired man suddenly turned his head to the side, breaking eye contact.

Aster blinked.

‘Yeah, there’s no way. I’m just reading too much into this.’

The headmaster’s voice rang out, silencing the murmurs.

“Everyone, I present to you Lord Randall of House Aurelius. Son of Marquess Aurelius and your Academy Council Archon.”

The room tensed.

A Marquess’s son?

Ranley’s jaw tightened slightly, as if he had just been thrown into a competition he never asked for. He had always been the center of attention but now, every girl in the room was entirely fixated on Randall.

Yet, despite the admiration swirling around him, Randall remained expressionless.

Aster exhaled, trying to steady herself.

The man she had convinced herself she’d never see again was now standing at the front of her classroom.

The classroom buzzed with murmurs, yet eyes were inevitably drawn to Randall—his poised stance and steady blue gaze made him impossible to ignore.

Flavia quickly straightened, smoothing down her skirt. “Marquess Aurelius’s son… How unexpected.” Her voice was laced with admiration, her earlier irritation forgotten.

Ranley, however, was far less impressed. His easygoing smirk faltered as he noticed the way every girl, including Flavia and Isadora was completely fixated on Randall.

Randall remained composed, barely acknowledging the murmurs around him. His expression was unreadable, as if none of this interested him in the slightest.

Then, finally, he spoke.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” he said, his voice smooth yet distant.  “I look forward to learning alongside you as your classmate, and serving as this academy’s new Archon.” 

Some girls let out hushed giggles, while others whispered excitedly.

“He’s looking at me.”

“What do you mean? It’s obvious he’s looking at me!”

Flavia rolled her eyes at the giggling girls.

As for Aster?

She couldn’t move.

He hadn’t looked at her again since that first fleeting moment but she still felt the weight of it.

‘Yeah, maybe I was just overthinking it.’

As soon as the Headmaster left, Professor Lily clapped her hands.

“Alright, that’s enough distractions. Lord Randall, take a seat at the vacant desk. Let’s proceed with the lesson.”

The students quickly quieted and composed themselves.

As fate would have it, the only available desk was at Aster’s right. With Katharina on her left, that spot had long remained empty—no one wanted to sit beside a commoner like her.

Randall took his place without a word.

Even though their desks were one seat apart, Aster’s heart pounded.

‘Too close. This is too close.’

Katharina leaned in and whispered, “You’re so lucky! Can we exchange seats?”

“Okay. Maybe later,” Aster whispered, still stiff.

Katharina barely held back a laugh. “This just got interesting.”

Professor Lily began the lesson, but Aster found it impossible to focus. Every so often, she caught glimpses of Randall from her peripheral vision… as if he was looking at her, too.

Maybe Isadora was right.

Maybe she really was delusional.

And that realization sent a shiver down her spine.

‎₊˚✧[Lunch Break]✧˚₊

The moment class ended, the room erupted into chatter.

Flavia wasted no time. She spun on her heel and leaned forward against Randall’s desk. “Lord Randall,” she purred, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “As a Regent, you must allow me to give you a proper welcome. Perhaps a tour of the campus?”

Randall merely blinked at her, his expression blank. “No need. I’ve already familiarized myself with the grounds.”

Flavia’s smile faltered for the briefest second before Renie chimed in.

“Oh? Then maybe you’d like to join us for lunch? I’m sure you have many questions about our academy.”

Before Randall could answer, Isadora latched onto Renie’s invitation. “Yes, you must sit with us. It would be an honor to have the Archon at our table.”

Flavia scoffed, flipping her hair. “Oh, you must. Not beside a commoner like her. How dreadful.”

Randall’s gaze flickered between them. Then without a word, he stood up.

For a moment, it seemed like he might accept their offer.

Instead, he turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at Aster.

Aster stiffened.

“Actually,” Randall said, his tone polite but distant, “I prefer somewhere quieter.”

Flavia’s expression darkened. “Oh? And where might that be?”

He didn’t offer an explanation. He didn’t need to. The disinterest in his voice was sharper than any outright rejection. Without hesitation, he walked past the group, leaving the classroom.

The girls were left stunned, exchanging glances of disbelief.

Ranley, who had been watching silently, suddenly smirked. “Well, that was unexpected. Guess not all noble sons fall for flattery.”

Katharina nudged Aster. “Did he just—”

“Oh, right,” Aster cut her off quickly. “We’ll exchange seats, right?”

Katharina grinned. “I’m glad you asked.”

As they finally switched places, Aster felt the tension ease from her chest. At last, she could breathe again.

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