NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Chapter 6~ You Are Mine
Dormitory Room 104 – Late Afternoon
The door closed softly behind them, and for the first time all day, Ashia exhaled with visible relief.
The lecture hall had been overwhelming — a sea of noble heirs, sons of generals, daughters of archmages — and she, a maid in uniform, had sat among them as an equal. Even now, her hands trembled slightly at the thought of having to return to that place again and again for six years.
Sylves noticed, of course.
"You did well," he said, his voice calm, reassuring. "They stared because you were different — not because you didn't belong."
Ashia lowered her gaze, lips pressed into a soft line.
Sylves checked the clock mounted on the wall. "It's nearly five. Let's not keep the staff waiting — we're expected at the Academy Headquarters."
Ashia blinked. "They… called for me too?"
Sylves nodded. "Professor Magren didn't say why, but he made it clear both of us were to attend. You'll be fine. I told you — you're safer with me." He offered a small grin. "It's okay to lean on your master now and then."
Ashia's fingers tightened around the hem of her dress — then loosened.
"…Yes, Master."
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Imperial Asphalia Academy – Staff Headquarters
The marble corridors leading to the Staff Wing felt more polished, more pristine, and far more intimidating. They stopped before a tall oak door engraved with gilded sigils. Sylves knocked twice.
"Come in," came a woman's voice from within.
As the door swung open, Ashia's eyes widened at the sight: dozens of professors and administrators moved with purpose, weaving between desks and enchanted filing shelves. Magic quills scribbled across parchment midair. A soft hum of arcane energy filled the space like music on the wind.
A tall woman in long robes approached them, her steps graceful, her presence commanding.
"Good evening. Are you perhaps… Mr. Ellesmere?"
Sylves gave a polite bow. "Yes, Professor. I am Sylves Ellesmere. And this is my companion and maid, Ashia."
The woman gave a courteous nod to them both. "Professor Alya Stephan — instructor of Light Magic and Void Theory. You're to appear before the Faculty Union Council. Please follow me."
Ashia's heart pounded in her chest, but she followed closely behind Sylves. Somehow, the steady rhythm of his footsteps gave her calm.
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Council Chamber – Staff Headquarters
The chamber they entered was vast — circular, domed, with glowing glyphs inscribed into the ceiling above. A long crescent table stood at the far end, behind which sat several senior professors, all cloaked in academic robes of varying colors. The air was dense with power and importance.
At the center sat a broad-shouldered man, silver-streaked hair pulled back into a formal knot, a sigil of the Imperial Phoenix embroidered over his heart.
He stood as they entered, voice resonating across the chamber.
"Welcome, Mr. Ellesmere. I am Professor Gardinant Blackwood, Principal of the Imperial Asphalia Academy."
Sylves stepped forward with dignity, placing a hand to his chest.
"An honour, Headmaster."
Gardinant's steely eyes shifted to Ashia. "And this is the young companion of noble birth you chose to accompany you… or rather, the girl of humble background now standing beside a Catalyst Sovereign."
Ashia lowered her head respectfully. "I… am grateful to be here."
Gardinant didn't smile — but his tone softened slightly.
"You are both here because today was no ordinary first day. The Academy has seen prodigies, nobles, even heirs to kingdoms. But never in its recorded history has a Catalyst Sovereign joining in a first-year classroom."
He folded his hands.
"Your presence changes many things, Sylves. The political landscape. The curriculum. And potentially… the fate of this continent."
Sylves remained silent — respectful, but unflinching.
Gardient continued. "You will be monitored closely. Not out of mistrust — but necessity. A power such as yours may inspire loyalty… or provoke fear. You'll need allies, discipline, and control."
He turned toward Ashia.
"As for you, Miss Ashia. Your presence here is unprecedented. A maid accepted into our student body? Many nobles would see it as scandalous — but you handled yourself with grace. You are to remain in class. You will be trained, educated, and tested… just as any other student."
Ashia blinked. "Y-Yes, Headmaster. I will do my best."
Gardinant gave a single nod.
"Very well. You may return to your dormitory. Classes begin in earnest tomorrow. And Sylves—"
"Yes, Headmaster?"
"Be prepared. You will be tested… sooner than you think."
Dormitory Room 104 – Nightfall
The sky outside had turned a quiet shade of violet. Stars twinkled faintly through the high dormitory windows as the gentle hum of magical lanterns flickered low.
Sylves and Ashia returned from the Staff Headquarters in thoughtful silence, their minds filled with everything that had happened — the first lecture, the council, the weight of expectations that now loomed like a crown of fire atop Sylves's head.
As they entered the room, the soft click of the door echoed louder than usual. A hush settled over them.
Sylves let out a small breath and began to unbutton his formal outer coat. "Long day," he murmured.
Ashia stood by the door, unmoving. She clutched the hem of her skirt, eyes flicking toward the bed.
He noticed.
She hesitated, then finally spoke — her voice quieter than a whisper. "On second thought… I'll sleep on the floor tonight. I—"
Sylves turned to her, brow furrowing.
"I… I don't want to bring shame to your name," Ashia continued quickly, words spilling out. "You've already been generous by bringing me here. If anyone were to know that a maid shared her master's bed, they'd twist it, mock you… You've already carried enough today."
Sylves stared at her for a moment.
Then he stepped closer and interrupted her gently, but firmly.
"Ashia," he said. "It's alright. You're still scared. That's fine. But you're forgetting something."
He lowered his voice.
"Do you remember what your mother told me? Her daughter's life is in my hands now."
He placed a hand over his chest. "That wasn't just a formality. It meant something. You're mine to protect — not in chains, not in ownership, but in responsibility."
Ashia looked up, startled by the calm strength in his tone.
"I chose you," Sylves continued, "because you're close to my age… and because I trusted we could grow together here — as equals in spirit, if not in title."
He turned away, drawing the curtains and dimming the lights. "It's late. Let's sleep."
Ashia stood frozen a moment longer… then gave a small nod. "Yes, Master."
She moved to the corner to change behind the screen. When she returned, she quietly slipped into the bed, the mattress shifting slightly as she settled beside him — careful to stay on her side.
The room fell into peaceful darkness, save for the soft sound of crickets and the ticking wall clock.
Ashia lay with her back turned, eyes fluttering closed.
Then, just as sleep began to take her, she heard his whisper through the shadows:
"You're a maid… Yes. But you're mine — to protect. To guide. To trust. Goodnight, Ashia. Tomorrow… another big day awaits."
Ashia smiled faintly in the dark.
Not out of romance.
Not out of fantasy.
But because, for the first time in a long time…
She felt like she belonged.
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