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As the first light of dawn peeked through the clouds, casting a gentle golden hue over the vibrant city of Selta Bastion, Meadow awoke with a smile. The invigorating scent of autumn wafted in through her window, filling her heart with excitement for the day ahead. Today was a day she had marked in her mind to indulge in her absolute favorite treat: ice cream.

"Today, nothing much to do, huh? I guess ice cream is cool," she mused aloud, stretching and shaking off any remnants of sleep. After a quick morning routine filled with enthusiasm, she decided to take a new route to her favorite ice cream shop. As she stepped outside her dorm room, a colorful tapestry of autumn leaves greeted her, painting the streets in shades of orange, red, and yellow.

Selta Bastion was a city bustling with energy; the laughter of children, the chatter of merchants, and the distant sound of music filled the air. As Meadow strolled through the lively streets, her eyes caught sight of something unexpected — a woman who exuded an aura of elegance and grace. The woman had long, flowing platinum blonde hair that shimmered in the sunlight, framing her flawless face. Her striking blue eyes held a depth that intrigued Meadow, and at her waist hung a pair of beautifully crafted long swords, reminding Meadow that beauty and strength could coexist.

In a moment of surprise, Meadow found herself so captivated that she tripped over her own feet. With a gasp, she stumbled forward and barely managed to catch herself, but it was too late. The woman noticed, and her expression shifted from surprise to concern as she approached Meadow.

“Are you okay?” the noble asked, her voice smooth and comforting.

Meadow looked up, her heart racing at the sight of such beauty before her. “I-I’m fine,” she stammered, flustered, as the noble helped her regain her footing.

“Good,” the woman replied, her voice a calming caress. “I’m Beatrix.”

“Are you a noble?” Meadow suddenly blurted out, curiosity piqued by Beatrix’s regal air.

A moment of silence stretched between them, and Meadow felt a strange energy; Beatrix was lost in thought, mesmerized by Meadow in a way she couldn’t quite understand. After what felt like an eternity, Beatrix smiled shyly and said, “I’m a transfer student from Fletcher Academy.”

Meadow's mind swirled with rumors of a noble transferring to Selta Academy. This had to be her. “My name is Meadow. Since you’re going to attend the same school, I can show you around.”

“Thank you,” Beatrix replied, her blue eyes sparkling with relief and admiration.

The two headed toward Selta Academy together. The moment Beatrix laid her eyes on the grand structure — an architectural masterpiece reaching toward the sky with its spiraling spires — her jaw dropped in astonishment.

As they approached the entrance, a towering steel golem stopped them. “Citizen, only students and teachers are allowed during the weekend,” it stated with a firm voice.

Meadow presented her student ID, and after a brief scan, the golem nodded. “Selta Academy student, you are allowed to enter.”

Turning to her guards, Beatrix commanded, “You both stay outside; I will go with Meadow.” The guards bowed their heads obediently.

Once inside the dazzling academy, Beatrix’s eyes widened in wonder at the opulence that surrounded them: grand halls adorned with intricate chandeliers, sculptures, and murals depicting historic battles and legendary figures. “This school is really beautiful,” Beatrix marveled.

“Yeah, my friend's father owns this school,” Meadow replied casually.

“Your friend’s father?!” Beatrix echoed, surprise etched on her face, only to feel an inexplicable wave of jealousy wash over her.

Meadow noticed Beatrix's blush and couldn’t help but sense some unspoken tension between them. “Are you... alright?”

“Uh, yes…” Beatrix stuttered, her curiosity blossoming into something stronger. As they walked side by side, Beatrix shyly asked, “Meadow, do you have... a lover?”

“What? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you,” Meadow replied, ever oblivious.

“Nothing,” Beatrix muttered, considering how her feelings were rapidly becoming more complicated.

Soon, they found themselves at the uniform fitting room, greeted by Juliana, a seamstress who nearly lost her composure. “Are you the new transfer student?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly at the sight of two such beautiful girls.

After Beatrix accepted her uniform, they headed into the fitting room. As they assisted each other, they shared flustered laughs and shy moments. Beatrix’s heart raced as Meadow reached out to help her, a mix of embarrassment and something sweeter filling her. They could feel the air around them change, as though it crackled with unspoken words and promises.

Once dressed in her new uniform, Beatrix looked at Meadow with wide eyes. “Wow, it really fits you well,” Meadow admired.

“Th-thank you,” Beatrix managed, both relieved yet yearning for more of these moments together.

After their clothes were adjusted and the embarrassment diminished, they wandered the streets again, laughing and sharing stories. Time seemed to fly by, and as night descended, the city transformed into a mosaic of lights.

When they finally approached the female dormitory, Beatrix paused to admire the shimmering strands of silver in Meadow’s hair, sparkling like moonlight. “Your hair glows silver... because of your father, right?”

Meadow nodded, eager to share this part of herself. “Yes, my father is a Crescent Moon Wolf. They shine with silver at night.”

“Really? That’s amazing,” Beatrix whispered, captivated not only by Meadow’s words but by the girl herself.

With a promise to meet again the next day, they parted ways, the weight of the evening lingering between them. As Beatrix lay on her bed later that night, her heart full, she couldn’t help but whisper, “Meadow… did you just put a curse on my heart? I just feel like I want to see you again…”

With dreams of her new friend swirling in her mind, Beatrix drifted off to sleep, ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited her at Selta Academy, all with the hope that, together, she and Meadow could face anything that came their way.

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