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Sora is a figure of quiet resilience, hailing from the noble Argoros clan that rules over the city of Epicrotea—a city renowned for housing the largest library in all of Calradia. Her story is one of struggle, solitude, and eventual success, an inspiring tale that has captured the attention of many, particularly in the noble circles where she now thrives as an expert on fief management.

Early Life in the Shadow of the Argoros Clan

Sora's life began with tragedy. Her mother died during childbirth, leaving her under the care of a family that would never truly embrace her. Her father, though a nobleman of great stature, was distant, and her stepmother saw Sora as an afterthought, favoring her own children. Growing up in the Argoros household was not easy for Sora, who from an early age suffered from chronic illness. Her weak health kept her confined to her room for much of her childhood, depriving her of the rigorous education and socialization her family’s status would have normally afforded her.

With no real parental affection to count on, Sora’s closest relationship was with her maid, who cared for her as though she were her own daughter. This maid was a constant source of love and warmth, filling the emotional void left by Sora's family. Yet, the maid’s compassion could only soften the harsh reality so much. Sora’s stepmother, who ruled the household with cold authority, saw her as a burden rather than a daughter. This lack of affection extended to Sora’s siblings. Her brother, Maurentious, was a devoted warrior in training, following in his father's footsteps and dedicating his time to martial pursuits. He barely noticed her, too absorbed in his own duties and ambitions.

Sora’s step-sisters, on the other hand, were far less indifferent. They saw her as weak, unworthy, and, above all, unattractive. They often bullied her, mocking her for her frailty and for not possessing the beauty or grace expected of a noblewoman. Their cruel words left lasting scars on Sora, who began to internalize their criticisms. Her confidence shattered before it had the chance to take root. She grew up clumsy, unsure of herself, and convinced that she could never meet the standards imposed by her family and society.

Escape and Self-Discovery

When Sora came of age, the Argoros household began to view her as a potential political tool, a piece to be played on the marriage board for alliances and power. The idea of being used as a pawn in an arranged marriage, or worse, terrified her. She was unwilling to sacrifice her autonomy for the sake of her family’s ambitions, so she made the bold decision to leave.

Shattering any remaining connection with her family, Sora struck out on her own. She sought freedom, not just from the physical confines of her home but from the emotional shackles that had bound her since childhood. Her heart yearned for the world beyond the stone walls of Epicrotea, a world she had only ever read about. With little more than her wits and a longing for independence, Sora began to travel across Calradia.

During her travels, she visited numerous cities, marveling at the diversity of culture, politics, and landscapes that made up the Calradian Empire. She spent much of her time in libraries, absorbing knowledge wherever she could find it, driven by a deep curiosity that had been stifled for so long. Her love for reading had always been her refuge, and now it became her path to self-reliance.

Rise to Fame

Sora’s keen mind and growing expertise in various subjects, especially those related to governance, soon gained attention. Her first book, written during her travels, focused on effective fief management—a subject she had studied relentlessly while exploring the holdings of nobles across the land. This work, Principles of Fiefdoms: The Scholar's Perspective, detailed strategies for maximizing agricultural output, managing vassals, and ensuring economic stability in a region. What set Sora apart from other scholars was her ability to make complex topics accessible, practical, and immediately useful.

Nobles from all over Calradia began to seek her counsel. Sora’s reputation as an astute scholar spread, and she soon found herself teaching the very lords and ladies who might have once looked down on her. She rose to prominence in elite circles, not through family connections or marriage, but through the strength of her intellect and the depth of her knowledge. She began to accumulate wealth, not just from her books but from private consultations with noble families seeking her advice on how to govern their fiefs more efficiently.

The Turning Point

Despite her successes, Sora's old insecurities still haunted her. The scars left by her childhood lingered, and there were moments when she doubted whether she truly belonged in the world of nobles she now frequented. One such moment occurred while she was browsing a jewelry stall in a busy marketplace. She found herself staring at a beautiful emerald bracelet, admiring its craftsmanship but feeling unworthy of such finery. Her stepmother's words echoed in her mind—words that had once told her she was plain, unlovable, and clumsy. Even with her newfound success, Sora could not shake the belief that jewelry, or anything beautiful for that matter, was not meant for someone like her.

It was during this moment of doubt that Augustus, a mercenary passing through the same market, spoke to her. He had noticed her hesitation and approached her, suggesting with a genuine smile that the emerald bracelet would suit her well, highlighting her natural beauty. Sora, taken aback by the compliment, felt a flicker of something she had not experienced in years—self-appreciation.

For so long, she had been told she was unworthy of admiration, yet Augustus' simple words caused her to see herself in a new light. His compliment, delivered without any hint of ulterior motive, was like a spark that ignited a long-dormant sense of self-worth. Without bargaining or second-guessing, Sora purchased the bracelet. The 400 gold coins it cost her seemed trivial in comparison to the newfound confidence she felt.

Legacy and Impact

Though Sora remains somewhat reclusive, preferring the solitude of her books and studies, she continues to influence the noble houses of Calradia. Her books have become essential reading for any aspiring lord or lady wishing to manage their estates effectively. She has built a reputation as one of the most insightful and respected scholars of her time.

Despite her achievements, she remains humble, perhaps due to the hardships she faced in her youth. Her relationship with her family remains distant. She has no desire to return to the life she left behind, knowing full well that she would have been little more than a pawn in their political games. Now, Sora lives on her own terms, traveling when she pleases and continuing to write and teach. Her story serves as a reminder that even those who begin their lives in the shadows of self-doubt and neglect can rise to prominence through determination, intellect, and, most importantly, self-belief.

In the end, it was not the validation of her family that Sora needed to thrive, but her own realization of her worth. The girl who once doubted her every step had transformed into a woman whose every word carried weight in the halls of power. And while she may never forget the pain of her past, she no longer allows it to define her future.