Noble family

Ash woke early, the soft golden light of dawn filtering through the window of his room. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and morning dew.

He stretched, rolling his shoulders, shaking off the last remnants of sleep.

Today was another day to learn.

After freshening up, he stepped out to find Aria already awake. She sat by the wooden table, sipping a steaming cup of herbal tea. A plate of bread, honey, and fruit rested in front of her.

"You're up early," she noted, glancing at him.

Ash smirked. "Figured I'd beat you for once."

Aria snorted. "Please. I was up before you even stirred."

He took his seat, pulling a piece of bread onto his plate. "I'm heading back to the library today. Need to finish that book."

Aria hummed. "Good. You should be learning as much as you can." She paused, her fingers tapping against her mug. "And don't push yourself too hard."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "Worried I'll get too smart?"

Aria rolled her eyes. "Worried you'll overthink everything instead of letting things come naturally."

He didn't argue. She had a point.

After finishing breakfast, she gave him a blowjob and left the cottage, parting ways near the center of the village.

Aria had her own duties to attend to, leaving Ash free to continue his studies.

The path to the library was quieter than usual. Early morning mist still clung to the trees, giving the world a hushed stillness.

By the time he arrived, the grand doors stood open, revealing the vast hall of knowledge within.

Ash made his way inside, weaving between towering shelves of ancient tomes. The library was nearly empty, the only occupants being a few dedicated scholars and record keepers lost in their research.

He found his book from yesterday, its worn leather cover familiar beneath his fingers. This time, he deliberately chose a different seat—a far corner at the end of the hall.

'Not because I'm afraid of her,' he told himself. 'I just don't need distractions.'

Settling in, he resumed reading.

The sections on combat classes fascinated him. Destroyers, air conjurers, object controllers—all of them had strengths that required balance, skill, and discipline.

Minutes passed.

Then, just as he turned a page, he felt it.

A presence.

He glanced up.

There she was— the lady yesterday.

She walked in with that same confident stride, the golden book from yesterday tucked beneath her arm. She headed directly to her usual seat, dropping into the chair with practiced ease.

Then, her eyes scanned the room.

Their gazes met.

She scoffed. "That's where you're supposed to sit."

Ash smiled, shaking his head, and turned back to his book.

She made a low sound—half amusement, half exasperation—but didn't push further.

For a while, silence stretched between them.

Then, something changed.

The lady's brows knitted together, frustration flashing across her face. She shifted in her seat, looking around, her expression tightening.

Ash noticed.

She searched beneath the table, patting the surface as if expecting something to be there.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. She muttered something under her breath.

Ash smirked inwardly. 'She's missing something.'

Then, her gaze snapped toward a nearby table.

And landed on a small wooden structure—one used to prop up books for easier reading.

It was right beside Ash.

He knew what was coming.

"Hey," she called.

He didn't react.

A pause.

"You. Reading."

Slowly, Ash lifted his head.

Her eyes narrowed. "Give me that." She motioned toward the wooden stand.

Ash leaned back. "Ask politely."

Ivana's lips parted slightly, caught between irritation and disbelief. "Seriously?"

He shrugged. "Weaklings like you shouldn't be ordering me around."

The words hit their mark.

Her nostrils flared. "Weakling?"

Ash smirked.

She leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, studying him as if reassessing her opinion.

"You don't look like someone who could survive a challenge against me," she murmured.

Ash scoffed, setting his book aside. He did pick up the wooden structure and placed it on her table, but as he did, he met her gaze.

"If you think you're strong enough," he said, voice casual, "let's test it."

She arched a brow. "Test it how?"

"A hand battle." Ash smirked. "Whoever wins keeps the seat."

A slow grin spread across her lips.

"With my seat at stake?" she mused. "You're either confident or stupid."

"I'll let you decide," Ash replied.

She leaned back, laughing softly. "Fine. But don't cry when you lose."

They placed their elbows on the table, hands clasped. The moment their grips tightened, Ash felt it.

She was strong.

Stronger than she looked, and she already looked powerful.

She pushed first, testing him, expecting him to falter.

He didn't.

Instead, Ash pushed back, his muscles straining against hers.

Her eyes widened slightly.

He might not have the refined combat experience of a warrior, but raw strength? He had plenty.

Their hands trembled, neither giving in.

But slowly, she gained the upper hand.

With a final surge, she slammed his hand down onto the table.

Victory.

She exhaled, shaking out her wrist, a bead of sweat at her temple. "Damn," she muttered. "You're actually strong."

Ash stretched his fingers. "Not bad yourself."

She studied him for a moment before asking, "What's your name?"

"Ash."

She nodded. "Ivana."

Ivana leaned back in her chair, eyeing him curiously. "You lost, but you put up a fight. I like that."

"Does that mean I get to sit here anyway?" Ash asked, smirking.

She snorted. "I suppose."

There was something different in her expression—not hostility, but interest.

For the first time, someone had challenged her and not backed down.

Most people avoided her because of who she was.

Ash didn't know it yet, but her family was feared. Respected, but feared.

She didn't tell him that. Instead, she asked, "Where do you live?"

Ash hesitated. "With Aria."

Ivana tilted her head. "Aria… as in that Aria, the botanist?"

"You know her?"

"Not personally," she admitted. "But she's got a reputation."

Ash filed that away. "What about you?"

Ivana hesitated, then smirked. "I live in a big house with too many people who care too much about things I don't."

Ah. Rich.

It explained her confidence.

Their conversation flowed easily after that. They took breaks to read, but they talked more than they studied.

Eventually, Ash finished his book.

Ivana scanned the shelves, then handed him another. "Read this. It explains how the kingdom works."

He took it, flipping through the pages.

That's when he saw it.

Black Leaf.

His breath hitched.

Thikana had mentioned that yesterday.

Frowning, he read further.

A Black Leaf is given to the queen as a formal challenge. If accepted, the two combatants fight before spectators. The loser forfeits whatever was wagered.

Ash's stomach twisted.

Aria's in serious trouble.

Thikana was a fighter. A real fighter.

And Aria…

Ash clenched his fists.

This wasn't just a petty grudge. This was a battle for everything.

And if Aria lost…

She'd lose more than just her pride.