At the entrance of the orphanage library,
a young girl was walking down the stone steps, struggling to carry a tall stack of books.
Her silvery-white hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her simple gray dress fluttered gently with each hurried step.

Margaret — ten years old, living at the orphanage.
She loved reading, especially books about magic, history, and the hidden mysteries of the world she could never touch.
Today, she had just returned from the orphanage’s small library, her arms full of worn books borrowed from the archive room.

Thud!

For just a moment, she wasn’t paying attention.
Her foot caught on a small rock, and she stumbled — books flying everywhere.

Before she could hit the ground, someone caught her.

Margaret’s eyes widened.
In front of her stood a tall man, dressed in a dark blue noble’s robe embroidered with golden threads.
His sharp gaze carried an air of authority, yet behind it was a faint glimmer of concern.

— “You should watch where you’re going,” — his deep voice was calm but firm.

The girl stammered, bowing her head.

— “Th–thank you, sir…”

As she bent down to gather her books, a graceful woman in a long elegant gown knelt beside her to help.
The woman smiled gently as she picked one up, but her eyes paused when she saw the title.
She frowned slightly, then reached for another: “Basic Magic Usage.”
Her gaze shifted toward the man who had caught the girl.
He looked surprised.
Then she noticed another fallen book — “A Compendium of Ancient Languages.”

— “An orphan… and she can read these?” — the woman murmured, half to herself, half to her husband.

At that moment, a cheerful voice called out:

— “Aha! Look at that cute little girl!”

A lively fourteen-year-old girl appeared, her golden hair tied with a blue ribbon, wearing a frilly lace dress. Her bright smile lit up her face. (Emilia Wahles.)

— “I still haven’t found anyone I’d like to adopt… why don’t we take her?”

Just then, the orphanage headmistress hurried over, bowing deeply.

— “Your Grace, My Lady, have you found a child you’d like to adopt?”

— “That one,” — Emilia pointed straight at Margaret.

The headmistress nodded, then approached the girl gently.

— “Margaret, there’s someone who wishes to adopt you. The ones standing over there.
If you’re not ready, I can tell them for you.”

Margaret looked toward the couple, then said softly:

— “So… I’m being adopted? Of course I’d like that!”

The headmistress led her toward the noble family.

The Duke spoke to the headmistress:

— “Then, shall we proceed with the adoption papers?”

— “This way, please,” — she said, leading him to the office.

Meanwhile, the elegant woman smiled at Margaret.

— “I am Isabella Wahles, your foster mother.”

The young girl beside her added:

— “And I’m Emilia, your older sister. The man just now is Father — William Wahles.”

A little later, the Duke returned.

— “Let’s go home.”

The luxurious carriage rolled gently down the path leading to the Wahles estate.
Margaret sat properly, clutching the stack of old books the headmistress had given her.
Their spines were worn and faded, yet to her, they were treasures.

She didn’t dare lean back or rest her feet on the soft carpeted floor — as if she didn’t belong there.

I have to behave. Be polite. Don’t cause trouble, she reminded herself.

The grand iron gates opened slowly, revealing the magnificent Wahles mansion surrounded by blooming gardens.
Rows of servants bowed as the carriage came to a stop.
Margaret stepped down and bowed deeply.

— “My name is Margaret. Please take care of me.”

The Duke stepped forward, his gaze stern.

— “You said it wrong.”

Margaret froze.

Did I do something wrong already? Will they send me back?

Her hands trembled slightly.

Then, Isabella knelt beside her, smiling warmly.

— “Your name now is Margaret Wahles.”

At that, the girl’s tense shoulders finally eased a little.

Behind her, Emilia grinned and grabbed her hand—