Belle sat quietly in the tram, her freckled face turned toward the window as the city of Plownonida unfolded before her.

The streets were broad and busy, lined with elegant storefronts and grand facades that seemed almost surreal in their polished beauty.

She was used to simpler sights—the narrow lanes around her orphanage, the small shops she'd seen now and then.

Here, everything seemed so large, so meticulously crafted, as though each corner of the city held a story it was waiting to tell.

Her fingers toyed nervously with her scrunchie, a bright pop of color against her dark, wavy hair, which was pulled into two low buns that framed her face.

As the tram glided along the glowing blue lines, she noticed how the city's unique energy cast a faint, magical hue around her.

The blue glow flowed beneath the tram's floor, tracing its path, and now that the morning had grown brighter, the light was subtler but still captivating, like a secret only the city held.

Belle tried not to stare, though she found herself glancing down more than once, taking in the strange and beautiful power that moved the tram forward without the rattle and clank of machinery she'd imagined.

Around her, other passengers sat in quiet conversations, dressed in fine coats and polished shoes—so different from the worn streets and familiar faces back home.

Her heart gave a small, nervous flutter as she thought of the day ahead.

Today was her first day at this grand academy, and she would be giving a speech as the representative for new students.

She pressed her lips together, her hand subconsciously smoothing her uniform, making sure it looked presentable.

The other students she'd seen all seemed so polished, and she worried that her freckles and simpler style might stand out too much.

Still, she knew she was here for a reason; they had chosen her, and she'd do her best to make her orphanage proud.

The tram came to a smooth stop near the academy, and Belle gathered her courage, stepping onto the platform.

The academy loomed before her—tall, elegant, and bustling with students from noble families, many arriving in carriages that shone in the morning light, their polished surfaces reflecting the city's subtle glow.

She noticed how the carriages would pull up at a drop-off area near the main gate, and from there, students would step out, often followed by servants who busied themselves with bags and preparations.

Everywhere she looked, there was an air of practiced elegance that made her feel both out of place and strangely fascinated.

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

As she moved closer to the entrance, her gaze fell on a young noblewoman, just stepping down from her carriage.

Though she couldn't quite place why, there was something distinct about her presence, as if an invisible aura set her apart from the other nobles around her.

The girl's posture was poised, her expression calm, and she was accompanied by a young man with a sharp, observant gaze.

Belle could hear a few students murmuring nearby, wondering out loud which noble house she might belong to.

The girl's grace and quiet dignity made Belle's heart skip; there was an undeniable strength about her.

She shook her head, refocusing as she made her way through the gates.

Her goal was clear: she needed to find the teachers' building and check in for her speech.

But as she wove through the unfamiliar pathways, Belle began to feel her confidence slipping.

The academy grounds were vast, with manicured gardens, towering buildings, and statues of dignified figures whose names she didn't know.

The paths twisted around in elegant curves, leading to grand courtyards and fountains, and after a few minutes, she found herself completely turned around.

She bit her lip, realizing that she might actually be lost.

Belle wandered further, her eyes taking in every detail around her—the intricate carvings on the building walls, the neatly arranged flowerbeds, the faint hum of distant conversations.

A part of her wanted to appreciate the beauty of the grounds, but nerves kept her from fully enjoying it.

Just as she was about to turn back, hoping retracing her steps would lead her somewhere familiar, she noticed a quiet garden tucked away from the bustling main paths.

To her surprise, in this secluded spot, she saw the same noble girl she'd noticed earlier.

The girl was crouched by a flowerbed, her gaze focused on a delicate blossom she was examining with a gentle curiosity.

Nearby, the young man who had accompanied her from the carriage stood, arms crossed, his watchful gaze briefly flicking over to Belle.

She felt her cheeks flush, realizing she had walked into their quiet moment.

Unsure of what to say, Belle hesitated, feeling both nervous and oddly enchanted by the scene.

The young man—his sharp eyes narrowing slightly—broke the silence.

"Are you lost?" he asked, his tone direct but not unkind.

Belle opened her mouth, about to respond when the girl looked up, her green eyes warm with curiosity.

The girl's gaze softened as she took in Belle's expression, and a small smile played at her lips.

"Hello," she greeted, her voice gentle.

She tilted her head slightly, studying Belle with a friendly openness.

"You look like you're searching for something."

Belle, feeling unexpectedly at ease under her gaze, nodded, her voice honest as she replied, "Yes... I, um, got a bit turned around. I was trying to find the teachers' building. I have to check in... for my speech."

The girl's eyes brightened with understanding.

"Ah, the teachers' building—it can be tricky to find if you're not familiar with the grounds.

I've been here a few times before, so I can guide you.

You just took a wrong turn and ended up here," she explained, her voice carrying an easy confidence.

Belle felt her nerves ease as the girl explained the path.

"Thank you," she said earnestly, her voice soft but grateful.

She cast one last glance at the girl, noting how her smile had seemed to brighten the entire garden.

There was something almost magical about it, a warmth that lingered even as Belle turned to leave.

With a slight bow, Belle made her way back down the path.

She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes catching on the two figures she was leaving behind.

The noble girl remained standing, watching Belle go with a soft, encouraging smile that seemed to carry a silent message of reassurance.

At her side, the young man's gaze stayed on Belle as well, assessing but respectful, as if ensuring she found her way.

Belle's heart felt unexpectedly lighter.

As she turned the corner, she could still feel their eyes on her, an unspoken support that lingered as she finally found her bearings on the winding path.