It was already past midnight when the Supreme Astrologer's eldest daughter returned to the order's residence. It was dark and quiet, the moon hanging low in the sky, not yet full but striving towards it. The girl silently ascended the wide staircase as moonlight illuminated her face. As if enchanted, she couldn't stop smiling.

  This was an extraordinary sight, for no one had ever suspected that Iliana Alseid could have such an expression. As the family heiress, she had always behaved with restraint and nobility. Even her smile was nothing more than a well-rehearsed element. But this time, the girl was smiling genuinely. And the only witnesses were the moon and stars.

  At least, that's how it should have been at such a late hour. But suddenly, a shadow stirred in the darkness.

  "You've finally returned."

  The archivist, who had been waiting for Iliana's return all this time, rose to his feet. He descended the stairs towards her. The smile on the girl's face slowly faded. Soon it was replaced again by a cold and polite mask.

  "Master Padalio, good evening."

  The old man's face bore an expression of extreme displeasure. He might even have started shouting if he hadn't wanted to wake up the entire palace.

  "Tell me, where have you been?" the archivist asked as calmly as possible.

  Iliana's dark green eyes flashed.

  "Is that important?"

  "Yes, it is."

  "Since when have you started taking an interest in my personal life?"

  "Since it became necessary, in my opinion."

  Iliana Alseid smiled slightly: "Master Padalio, you truly are a persistent person."

  "So, are you going to tell me?"

  "I'm not sure we should continue this conversation."

  The girl intended to bypass him and return to her chambers. But the archivist was assertive and clearly not going to leave this situation just like that. Without turning around, he threw out didactically:

  "But I know. It seems you enjoy spending time in the company of that spawn. So much so that you're ready to forget your honor."

  She frowned and stopped.

  "What do you mean?"

  Padalio Xian chuckled bitterly.

  "Your Honor, do I really have to explain this to you?"

  "…"

  The warm, quiet night outside. Two figures, illuminated by moonlight, stood on the marble staircase and tensely exchanged glances.

  The Astrological Order's heiress closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and slowly said:

  "If it doesn't affect my work, I can spend time with whomever I want."

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  "Is that so?" the archivist stood before her. "Are you saying that little nobody doesn't influence you at all?"

  Iliana looked at him coldly. Until she assumed the position of head of the family, Padalio remained subordinate to her father. At any moment, he could simply go and tell the head about what had happened. Therefore, one way or another, she had to choose her words.

  "Can you call a child a 'nobody'? She's only eight years old and hasn't done anything to you." such words could have come from anyone's mouth, but from Iliana, given her position, this seemed unthinkable.

  The archivist stared at her as if she had just uttered a vulgar curse.

  "Your Honor, do you even understand what you just said...?!" he desperately burst out. "What's wrong with that?" the girl's expression remained neutral.

  "That witch... That witch has certainly bewitched you! Otherwise, you would never have behaved like this!!!"

  The old man pointed a trembling finger.

  Until now, Padalio Xian had restrained himself for only one reason — Iliana was the ideal candidate for the next head of the cult. Impeccable behavior, no laziness, attention to rules, and most importantly — sincere commitment to their common idea. Despite her youth, the girl was wise beyond her years and always obeyed her elders. Moreover, she never questioned the decisions of the stars.

  But lately, something had suddenly changed.

  Out of the blue, Iliana decided to help a girl cursed by an unlucky star. It was only by a miracle that this hadn't reached Halias Alseid's ears. Since the girl had never exhibited bad behavior before, the archivist decided that the head's daughter had merely suffered a one-time lapse of reason. He did everything possible to preserve Iliana's reputation in her father's eyes, for she truly was the ideal heiress. He thought he was acting for the common good.

  But now... He could no longer turn a blind eye to such things.

  Now Iliana had dared to say something like that. In terms of severity, it was comparable to blasphemy among believers. How could one dispute the verdict of the stars? The very birth of this girl was a sin. The heavens did not approve of her, and therefore, neither should people. It was as natural as a leper being deprived of the right to a normal life in society. But while the former carried disease, the latter carried troubles and misfortunes.

  Iliana, immersed in their community and faith since childhood, could not be unaware of this.

  The heiress of the Astrological Order, whom Padalio Xian had known all his life, would never have said anything like that. Therefore, only one explanation remained — this little brat was having a negative effect on her. Perhaps witchcraft or a curse. And before the situation worsened, something had to be done about it.

  "Your Honor, you leave me no choice. Tomorrow I will go straight to His Eminence and report everything to him."

  Iliana frowned.

  "Master Padalio, are you sure you want to do this?"

  "I believe only His Eminence can cure you of this affliction," the old man answered unwaveringly.

  The girl sighed and tilted her head back.

  A short silence ensued, during which Iliana looked at the stars, and the archivist looked at her. He had already made his decision and was only waiting for Iliana's reaction. But the girl remained surprisingly calm. The soft moonlight enveloped her face and made her attractive features glow.

  "Do you know why I did it?" she unexpectedly uttered hoarsely, closing her eyes.

  "…"

  "Because, probably for the first time in my life, I had fun."

  The old man stood tensely, listening to her.

  "Everyone around me treats me the same. Even my father sees in me only his successor... Everyone except this child," Iliana continued impassively. "I know this is my duty, and I won't shirk it. It's my obligation as someone born into this family. But can't I forget about it for just one evening?"

  At these words, the man's gaze didn't soften but became even more severe.

  "Nothing," he said dryly. "Soon this infatuation will pass, and you'll come to your senses. Then you'll understand what you've done."

  Iliana's face darkened. She looked as if a storm was brewing inside her. The girl slowly opened her mouth:

  "Why are you so unyielding? She's just a child."

  "It's simple. I am convinced that those like her should not be born and live among ordinary people."

  Iliana tensely pressed her lips together.

  "Before taking the position of chief archivist, I visited not one house of noble lords. And such offspring... Bring nothing but problems. After a couple of years, the parents themselves realize this and try to get rid of them."

  "…"

  "And I also had occasion to visit the Carter residence."

  The emerald eyes, previously gloomy and detached, widened. She stared at him. The old man smirked.

  "I immediately told Duke Carter to get rid of her. But he didn't listen to me."