The morning sun streamed through the window, illuminating Selene Valmond's face as she awoke. She rose from her bed and steadied her breathing slowly. Last night's promise. Training with Walter Schleich. She changed from her nightgown into a deep green training outfit borrowed from the academy. It fit her perfectly and allowed for easy movement. After gathering her hair, she checked her reflection in the mirror. Her amber eyes gleamed quietly. (If things proceed as calculated...) Selene murmured this to herself and left the room. --- Selene arrived at the Aosora Tower's training grounds just as the morning sun crested the building's peak. Aosora Tower—the headquarters of the "Aosora Knights," the emperor's elite knight order. A symbol of the empire's greatest military power. The eight-story white stone structure towered in the center of the imperial capital, Filastel. Surrounding it stretched a vast training ground. Stone-paved floors were laid out with wooden training posts scattered throughout. Dozens of knights were already engaged in their morning drills. The sound of wooden swords rang out in steady rhythm, and men's voices cut through the air. The smell of sweat permeated everything. The moment Selene stepped into the training grounds, all eyes converged on her. A jilted noblewoman's daughter—what was she doing in a place like this? That was the nature of their gazes. Surprise and confusion flickered across the knights' faces. Whispers could be heard. "That's the Valmond family's..." "I heard her engagement was broken off..." Selene heard these voices but kept her expression composed. She walked toward the designated training area. Gracefully, unhurried, at her own pace. There he stood. Walter Schleich. Commander of the Aosora Knights—the supreme commander of the empire's greatest knight order. Twenty-eight years old. His jet-black short hair gleamed deep indigo in the morning light. Clad in black training attire, his frame exceeded 185 centimeters, radiating overwhelming presence. On the middle finger of his right hand sat the Aosora Knights' ring—a symbol of power and responsibility worn only by the order's leader—reflecting light faintly. His gray-blue eyes fixed on Selene. His gaze contained an evaluative quality. "You came." His voice was low. Quiet, yet laden with deep intimidation. "As promised." Selene replied respectfully, though with a hint of irony. "Then we begin." Walter produced two wooden swords and handed one to Selene. The movement was economical. A soldier's movement. "Show me your stance." --- Training began. Selene gripped the wooden sword and followed Walter's instructions. But his guidance was merciless. "Too slow." Every time she attacked, that single phrase came back. "Sloppy. That movement won't defeat an opponent." "Your aim is unfocused. Being a nobleman's daughter won't excuse you on the battlefield." Selene swung the wooden sword desperately. In her previous life, she'd never held a blade. But surviving in this world required this skill. Her body moved according to his teachings. Sweat dripped from her forehead. Her training outfit clung to her skin. Her breathing grew ragged. Both arms grew heavy. But she had to continue. Selene gritted her teeth and swung again. Then Walter moved. He circled behind her and took her arm. His large hand enveloped her slender arm. "Like this." Walter's low voice resonated near her ear. His warm breath brushed against her. Selene's heart pounded violently. "Relax. Unnecessary tension dulls your movements." Walter's fingers adjusted her wrist. Her elbow. Her shoulder. He moved his hands across her body, confirming every detail. Heat rose to Selene's cheeks. The gazes of the surrounding knights pierced her. But she tried to maintain composure. This was merely training. She couldn't let emotion sway her. Yet Walter's body heat was too close. "Do you understand?" "...Yes." Selene answered. Was her voice trembling slightly? She became aware of it—aware that her heartbeat was anything but normal. "Then continue." Walter released her. --- Training lasted two hours. Selene's body had reached its limit. She dropped to one knee, breathing heavily. Sweat dripped onto the stone floor. Her hair was completely disheveled, her training outfit clinging to her skin with perspiration. Sweat trickled from her neck down to her chest. Walter looked down at her. His gray-blue eyes observed her. That gaze— shifted. From her lips to her neck. To her sweat-dampened collarbone. To the neckline of her training outfit. Selene noticed that gaze. Her heart skipped a beat. (You're looking, aren't you?) Still on one knee, Selene looked up at Walter with upturned eyes. "I'm assessing your training progress." Walter replied without expression. Yet his gaze clearly contained something beyond mere training assessment. He was beginning to see her not only for her star vein aptitude—her body's capacity to channel stellar power—but as a woman. Selene calculated this shift. It could be useful. "Water." Walter offered a water flask. Selene took it and drank deeply. Water traced her throat. Droplets wet her lips. Walter watched intently. "Not bad." He murmured. His first compliment. In that moment, his face—barely perceptibly—smiled. Selene's heart surged violently. (This can't be calculated. This emotion is...what?) She realized something was stirring in her chest. Beyond calculation. Outside the framework of theory. --- Minutes after training ended. "There's something I need to discuss." Walter invited Selene to his office on the Aosora Tower's top floor. A room overlooking the entire imperial capital. White stone walls. A large desk with organized documents. A space for two alone. "Your star vein aptitude exceeds my expectations." Walter stated this directly. "No. Was this your purpose?" Selene replied coolly. "Half of it." Walter drew closer. Toward Selene. "And the other half?" When Selene asked, Walter lifted her chin with his finger. His touch was cold, yet firm with intent. "I'm interested in you yourself." That moment— Knock, knock. A knock sounded. At the door. The door opened. Standing there was— "Commander Walter, might I borrow Miss Selene? There's a matter regarding star vein magical research at the academy I'd like her assistance with." Ashley Roaden. Headmaster of Starweave Academy—the empire's premier institution for studying magic and star runes. Twenty-six years old. Soft, wavy chestnut hair. Clear green eyes. A small star-shaped earring on his right ear. A gentle smile on his face. "I would greatly appreciate her cooperation." Walter's hand fell from Selene's chin. "By all means." Walter replied coldly. Selene felt the weight of her position—standing between two men. Two protectors. Receiving protection from the same person, yet their motivations were entirely different. Walter wanted her star vein aptitude as military strength. Ashley wanted it as a research subject. And neither understood the other's purpose. (The competition for patronage begins in earnest.) Selene's amber eyes gleamed quietly. Yet in their depths lay a deep fear of abandonment and an unbearable sense of loneliness. Selene herself did not recognize this. She refused to recognize it.