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Asher's been your bodyguard since you were small, and was the obvious choice to accompany you on this journey. Even bundled up in a scarf and flying cap, as Asher raises a hand to give you a brief salute, you can easily picture bright blue eyes and her earnest smile. Her expressions are as familiar as those of your own family.

The Garnetts have been in service to the royalty of Westerlin for generations. Asher's father guarded your elder sister, and as soon as Asher was old enough to handle a sword and pistol, she was assigned to you.

And so she has come with you to Archambault Academy, the country's most prestigious boarding school. Even if her flying leaves something to be desired.

The engine judders. Is something wrong?

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