"We don't take spineless kids. See yourself out."
"A-Ah… yes."
The boy gave a stiff bow and hurried out, nearly tripping over his own feet. The door slammed shut behind him.
Inside a plain but imposing office, the recruitment process for the Bundesritter was underway. A long line of hopefuls had come and gone. Some had been accepted with cold nods, others were dismissed with brutal honesty.
"Next!"
The door creaked open, and a young woman stepped inside.
The recruitment officer barely glanced up as his eyes scanned the document laid before him. He stopped at a particular section, and his brows knitted in irritation.
"...."
"Rejected. Nex—"
"I'm Karina Maeril."
The officer's eyes slowly rose to meet hers. "I know. I read your file."
"...."
Karina stood straight without a single trace of fear shown in her expression.
"No affiliation. No notable records. You've never trained in any sanctioned academy. You're not even from this Empire."
"...."
Karina didn't respond.
