Twilight settled over the Starry Kingdom and the grounds of Sword and Roses University.

Angelica returned to the dormitory with her sword bag slung over her shoulder. In her hand was a gold-edged invitation. "I just came back from sword combat class. Someone asked me to deliver this invitation to Sonya."

Adele leaned over, glanced at the card, and scoffed. She tossed it casually into the trash. "Where does the viscount get the nerve to send this? It's like a frog trying to swallow a swan… Angelica, listen carefully. For invitations rated below three stars, just say, 'I'm not very close to Sonya,' and refuse politely. If there's one moon star, you can accept it. That means the sender is at least a legitimate heir to a countship."

Angelica asked, "What about those with one shining star?"

She might be of...