A clear bell rang through the campus, marking the end of the day's lessons at the Frensberg School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Angela Carles carefully packed her belongings. She placed Elementary Magic Tutorial, Introduction to Magic Modulation, and her notebook into her bag. Several experimental materials and spoons were put into her crucible. When she finished, she walked out of the classroom, carrying her bag in her left hand and the crucible in her right.
"Angela, wait for me!"
Bianca hurried after her, the crucible in her hands clanking noisily. She was a lively girl with brown hair and noticeable freckles across her face. "Why didn't you wait? Let's go back to the dorm together."
"Alright," Angela nodded. "But you'll have to walk faster. I still need to wash my brother's clothes."
"You and your brother," Bianca teased. "You talk about him all day. Think about yourself for once." She pulled an envelope from her robe. "Look, my beauty. This is the sixth love letter someone asked me to pass to you. This time it's a third-year senior. Very handsome. Want to consider it?"
"No." Angela's tone was calm. "Please thank him for me. Just say I'm not interested in dating right now."
"Oh my God, you say the same thing every time!" Bianca exaggerated. "Don't waste your youth! I'm dying for a passionate romance."
"Bianca, we're only thirteen," Angela said helplessly.
"So what? Youth doesn't wait for anyone!" Bianca leaned closer and studied Angela's delicate face. After a while, she sighed dramatically. "Being pretty really matters. No one's ever written me a love letter."
"Please stop," Angela said. "Can we talk about something else?"
"Fine! Let's talk about your brother." Bianca's eyes lit up. "I heard he defeated several senior challengers recently, and one of them was seriously injured. Is that true?"
"…Yes," Angela admitted softly. "But how did you know? Not many people do."
"Professor Ando mentioned it in class today." Bianca shrugged. "He loves criticizing your brother. He said precise control is the mark of a true magician. If someone gets seriously hurt, it means the caster's control isn't good enough."
Angela sighed. "My brother did it on purpose. He thought they were too annoying and wanted to make sure they wouldn't come back."
"I knew it!" Bianca clapped her hands. "Senior Rezard is my idol! How could his control be bad? Honestly, your Carles family's bloodline is enviable. You're beautiful, and Senior Rezard is so handsome. If I could be his girlfriend, I'd die happy…"
"You're being ridiculous again." Angela shook her head and took a step away from her.
"In our academy, no one is more impressive than Senior Rezard. He's already the strongest fourth-year. Even some tenth-years can't beat him. And he's incredibly handsome."
"My brother has never said he's the strongest," Angela corrected. "He's always said he isn't confident he could defeat Senior Mertina."
"Oh please! Senior Mertina? She's the princess of Her Majesty, the Magic Queen Kalena! They say people from the pure magic bloodline can chant spells from birth. She's been trained by a Holy Realm mage since childhood. How can ordinary people like us compare? Only a genius like Senior Rezard could stand on equal ground with her!"
"We're here," Angela said, clearly unwilling to continue the gossip. "I need to do the laundry. Bye."
"Alright, alright, bye." Bianca headed toward her own dorm, muttering, "Today's homework is so hard. I don't have a genius brother. Life is suffering…"
"She really is full of energy," Angela said with a faint smile as she closed her door.
Founded by the seventeenth-level Holy Mage Kalena, the Frensberg School of Magic was the most prestigious academy on the continent. Among its students, two rising stars—Mertina and Rezard—had firmly secured the school's top position.
Bianca came from a merchant family and possessed only average magical talent. She had been admitted because her family could afford the tuition. In the eyes of ordinary people, she was wealthy and fortunate. But within the academy, she often faced discrimination. Some noble-born students would not even speak to her.
Although Angela was also from a noble family, she never cared about such things. That was how she and Bianca became friends.
Angela knew Bianca was often treated unfairly. Yet she always remained lively and optimistic. Angela quietly admired that strength.
Outsiders only saw Angela's beauty.
What they did not see was the pain hidden in her heart.
In some ways, she understood Bianca better than anyone else.
The Carles family was a powerful noble house in Astoria. As the youngest daughter, Angela was beautiful and obedient. To outsiders, she must have been cherished like a jewel.
But reality was the opposite.
Her childhood had been filled with hardship. She had endured countless grievances. The reason was simple: her mother had not been a legitimate wife, but merely a low-ranking maid.
Such a mother and daughter were naturally thorns in the eyes of the lawful wives and their children. How could they show them kindness?
Even now, faint scars still remained on Angela's body. Her mother had passed away many years ago.
Angela clearly remembered the faces of every so-called brother and sister who had driven her mother to death, who had beaten and abused her without mercy.
Those memories would never fade.
And yet—
There was one exception.
The Count's seventh son.
Rezard Carles.
Angela washed the clothes carefully. Every movement was gentle and precise, as if she were handling something alive.
Because the clothes belonged to Rezard.
In Angela's heart, aside from her mother, he was the only family she truly acknowledged.
Even now, she could not forget what happened that afternoon.