Lilianna knew she’d led a sheltered life. From childhood until just recently, every waking moment was filled with tutoring, lecturing, training, coaching, and more than a little nagging. Anyone who interacted with her was carefully vetted by her family beforehand.

And yet, despite her noble upbringing and countless hours of lessons in proper communication, she was absolutely terrified to strike up casual conversation with a total stranger. She could hold her own in any court or ballroom, could talk circles around any fellow noble, but out in the real world? She felt like a baby bird that had just learned how truly small it was in this big world.

Her heart had soared when her talk with Nadrina had started rather well. Even if Lilianna was carrying most of the conversation, it was an actual conversation. No politics, no ulterior motives, nothing. Just honest communication that had her feeling positively giddy.

Then she’d botched it. She’d made the poor girl admit she was a commoner.

Lilianna honestly found that fascinating. She’d never really interacted with commoners before, except for her family’s servants, and was curious how one could make it into a school as prestigious as this one. But as soon as the Asimov family name had come up, Nadrina had put on the same look Lilianna had seen all her life. A look that said she was overwhelmed and intimidated, hoping that Lilianna’s attention would pass over her with no trouble.

Luckily, those annoying family lessons had taught her not to simply lay down and accept defeat. Lilianna had made sure to get to class early today, just so she could be there to greet Nadrina. With any luck, they could move past their awkward beginning and start fresh.

To her surprise, she found all three of her classmates already there. Nadrina was sitting at her desk and already prepared for the day, looking quite pleased to be there. Lilianna’s hope that today would be better died when Nadrina caught sight of her. The innocent smile she’d been wearing went flat, like she’d glued it to her face.

Right, okay. We can do this, Lilianna! We’ve done it a million times before! Establish eye contact, smile, reassure, and show familiarity! Just like they taught us!

“Good morning, Nadrina,” Lilianna greeted, giving the girl her best reassuring smile. “Have I arrived late today?”

“Um, g-good morning, ma’am,” Nadrina replied, speaking more to her notebook than Lilianna. “I don’t think you’re late. We were all just early this morning.”

“Oh, good.” Lilianna noticed that even Caffaret had shown up early. He had a look on his face like he was about to go to war. She hoped he wouldn’t antagonize their professor again today.

“Please, Nadrina, call me Lilianna. There is no need for formalities. I hope you don’t mind me using your name as well?”