When graduation came, the ranking boards were displayed publicly. Esteemed households selected first from the top scorers.
She remembered standing there, gloved hands steady while her heart pounded.
Name after name was called.
She waited.
And waited.
Then—
"Chosen: General Soren Markhelov."
Silence had rippled across the hall.
The Black Dragon.
A name that carried weight.
And he had chosen… her.
Not the top etiquette scholar.
Not the most decorated tactician.
Her.
Even now, she didn't fully understand why but when she arrived at the floating island, she had resolved one thing: she would not disappoint.
She obeyed Sir Mikael's instructions without deviation. Memorized schedules. Maintained posture. Suppressed unnecessary emotion.
She became efficient, quiet and precise. Like a robot.
Only responding when spoken to.
Only moving when required.
She thought that was perfection.
Until the little furball arrived.
Miss Blanca.
