After Unification 2945, Boreaux, Starsbough
A little girl with brown hair and eyes was born: Magdahlia Sherwood.
Despite being part of the Sherwood family lineage, Magdahlia's parents were merely immigrants carrying Sherwood blood. They were not nobles and did not inherit the Sherwood family's "Gift."
Magdahlia grew up on the outskirts of Boreaux. She was known as a smart and critical child, standing out among her peers. While her magical and physical potential wasn't exceptional, her brilliance more than compensated for these shortcomings.
By 2957, Magdahlia enrolled in the North Branch Mage Society, where she met Merida Antanova. Their friendship grew strong, and Merida revealed a shocking secret—she was a princess of the fallen Merida Kingdom.
Merida's father, King Borka IV, had been overthrown by his people due to his tyranny. While Merida bore no hatred for the rebels, she was bitter about the aftermath. She and her mother, who was merely a royal concubine, had also become targets of the uprising.
"Honestly, I don't understand those people. While my father may have been a scoundrel deserving crucifixion, my mother and I had nothing to do with his deeds. I'm lucky that The Raven saved us and gave us a way to escape," Merida said one day in class.
Although Merida was three years older than Magdahlia, they shared the same classroom due to Magdahlia's intellect and maturity.
"Yes, hatred toward King Borka has deeply rooted itself in the rebels. It seems inevitable there would be 'collateral damage.' But don't worry, Starsbough is politically detached from other nations. You can start a new life here," Magdahlia reassured her.
The two formed a legendary duo, with Merida as the muscle and Magdahlia as the brains. Together, they became an iconic pair in Starsbough.
By 2960, Magdahlia and Merida were living on the outskirts of Boreaux and spending their time playing together. Despite Magdahlia's brilliance, her lack of financial resources meant she couldn't continue her formal education. Many of the townsfolk expressed their regret over this missed potential.
In response, Magdahlia created her own study group, consisting of herself, Merida, Anton, Nor, Amir Barkah, Noe, and several children from the outskirts of Boreaux. Magdahlia quickly became the center of attention. Her intelligence captivated many, but others were concerned about Merida's blunt and critical remarks, especially regarding the Atopia family, who Merida believed lacked firm principles.
Although Starsbough was a newly formed nation, Merida criticized the Atopia family's overly "friendly" approach, which led to a lack of respect from neighboring countries.
"The Atopia family is too focused on their political interests, ignoring the suffering of Starsbough's people!" Magdahlia shouted one day during a protest, handing out pamphlets that called for reallocating military funds to education, ensuring citizens had access to proper schooling.
Merida, Nor, Amir, and Noe supported her, distributing pamphlets as Magdahlia rallied the crowd. Initially, only a few people listened, but gradually, a large audience gathered. Among them was a small blonde-haired girl who stepped forward and received a pamphlet directly from Magdahlia.
"What's your name, little girl?" Magdahlia asked with a warm smile.
"Aurelie," the girl replied shyly. Unbeknownst to Magdahlia, Aurelie was accompanied by three bodyguards watching over her.
The guards, frustrated with Magdahlia's constant disturbances, gathered twelve officers to chase after her. Sensing danger, Magdahlia signaled her friends to scatter, but this time, the guards focused solely on her.
"What? Everyone, run in different directions!" Magdahlia shouted as she fled.
"We won't fall for that again," one of the guards sneered. "As long as we capture you, the others will surrender."
Magdahlia ran as fast as she could, weaving through the market and slipping through a small hole in a wall. A guard quickly vaulted over the wall and continued the chase. Magdahlia whistled sharply, signaling her friends, just as one of the guards was about to grab her. A fruit cart suddenly slammed into the guard, thanks to Merida's intervention.
Merida motioned for Magdahlia to follow her, leading her toward a bridge. Merida leapt into a nearby lake, drawing attention away, while Magdahlia climbed onto a dilapidated building. The guards pursued her relentlessly, but Magdahlia used her agility to jump from rooftop to rooftop, evading capture.
Eventually, she encountered Noe, who tossed her a magical scroll containing a firework spell. With quick thinking, Magdahlia activated the scroll, creating a dazzling display that drew the crowd's attention. Amid the chaos, Magdahlia managed to escape—or so she thought.
As she neared their hideout, Magdahlia's relief was cut short when a hand grabbed her from behind. A guard had been lying in wait, capturing her. Magdahlia struggled, but her small stature was no match for the guard's strength.
Her friends rushed to her aid, pleading with the guards to release her.
"She hasn't done anything wrong! She was just voicing her opinions!" Merida argued.
At that moment, Aurelie ran toward the scene.
"Uncle, why are you arresting her?" Aurelie asked the guard.
"Oh… Miss Aurelie," the guard stammered, clearly startled by her presence.
"Put her down! Is this how a guard treats their citizens?" one of Aurelie's bodyguards said sternly.
The guard hesitated before reluctantly releasing Magdahlia.
As Magdahlia was released, a chilling aura enveloped the group. A black-haired elf clad in silver armor with a star emblem on his chest approached the scene. The guards immediately saluted him, their demeanor shifting to one of respect and fear.
"Captain Jules," the guards said in unison, bowing deeply.
Jules, the 5th Captain of the Stars Knights, the protectors of Starsbough, observed the situation with a calm yet authoritative expression.
"I see there's been some commotion here. What's going on?" Jules asked.
The guards nervously attempted to downplay the situation.
"Nothing significant, Captain. Just a minor issue," one of them stammered.
However, Aurelie intervened, running to Jules and tugging on his hand.
"Uncle Jules, that girl didn't do anything wrong! Why were the guards trying to arrest her?" Aurelie protested.
Jules knelt to meet Aurelie at eye level, his demeanor softening.
"Don't worry, Miss Aurelie. It seems there's been a misunderstanding. I'll handle this," he said gently before standing and addressing the guards.
"Return to your posts. I'll take responsibility for this matter," Jules ordered.
The guards saluted and quickly departed, leaving the children alone with Jules.
Jules turned to Magdahlia and her friends, who were visibly tense.
"Don't worry, I'm not angry," Jules said with a chuckle, his cold exterior melting into a more approachable demeanor.
He gestured for them to sit with him on a nearby bench, a gesture that surprised them.
"You're not mad at us, Captain?" Magdahlia asked hesitantly.
"Why would I be? When I was your age—well, at least in my thirties—I was just like you. In fact, I once spent two weeks in a juvenile cell for my antics," Jules admitted with a laugh.
The children's tension eased, and Magdahlia, ever curious, asked,
"Do you think what we're doing is wrong, Captain?"
Jules nodded thoughtfully.
"I've read your pamphlets, and to be honest, I like what you're trying to do. But you must understand, our country isn't like the Republic of Rimba. Starsbough isn't a democracy; it was built by the Stars Knights and the Atopia family. Voices outside their faction are rarely heard," Jules explained.
His words dampened the group's spirits, but Jules smiled reassuringly.
"If you truly want your voices to matter, I have a suggestion—join the Stars Knights," he said.
Magdahlia looked puzzled.
"Join the Stars Knights? Isn't that nearly impossible?" she asked.
"It's not easy," Jules admitted, "but if you're determined to change this country for the better, you must fight for it. I can recommend you as recruits, but from there, it's up to you."
The group exchanged glances, their determination slowly solidifying. Magdahlia was the first to stand, her eyes filled with resolve.
"I'll do it. I'll join and make this country better," she declared.
Merida, smiling at her friend's courage, stood up as well.
"If Dahlia's in, I'm in too!" Merida exclaimed.
The others followed, one by one, until the entire group stood united.
"Very well. One week from now, I'll return to your hideout and formally recruit you," Jules said, nodding approvingly.