Nozomi woke with a hangover and a sense of defeat. She knew she had to move off the lounge and get ready for the day but for once, she just wanted her body to sink to the bottom of the couch.

She rubbed her head and looked at the time.

7 am

Nozomi looked around surprised to see no one else was awake. When she looked at the couch, Kaveh had rolled over, sprawled out. Some of his blond hair covered his face and in his mouth, she chuckled watching some of his hair blow from his snoring.

"Well at least I'm not the only one hungover although now someone needs to cook breakfast." she sighed. "Why does it have to be on the last day that I'm leaving?"

Nozomi stretched and then started to make her way around the kitchen. She kept her cooking simple, scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Yawning, she placed two sourdough bread on three plates and piled the scrambled eggs on top. Her hands sprinkled diced chives and placed two tomato slices to the side.

She grinned as she saw Kaveh sniff the air but rolled over. She also heard Alhaitham walk in beside her and start the kettle. She blushed as the only thing Alhaitham was wearing were boxers. For the month she had been living there, Alhaitham would usually wear a robe or a shirt.

"Uh, Good Morning Alhaitham… care for breakfast?"

Alhaitham turned his head slowly and blinked. "Coffee first…then food."

"Man you sound more tired than usual, are you doing okay?" Nozomi stared, now concerned.

Alhaitham shrugged. "Fine as I usually am… questions after food please."

Nozomi suppressed a giggle then gathered all three plates and set them down on the table. After setting the cutlery, she walked over to Kaveh and shook him.

"Hey… Mum, it's time to wake up. I need to go to school." She kept shaking him. "I got food on the table."

"Urgh…" Kaveh rubbed his eyes. "I have a headache honey… can you give me five more minutes?

"Tch, five minutes and your food will get cold. Come on you nagged me the past month to be up earlier. Why's today any different?"

Kaveh's eyes slowly opened and blinked a few times. His amber eyes looked at her dazed then he held out his hands.

"Help me to the table, I feel old," Kaveh mumbled. "Also I'm not your mum."

Nozomi laughed then leaned back, holding Kaveh's hands and helping him take a seat. She pushed his plate towards him and then filled his glass with juice. Kaveh looked up at her grateful and smiled.

She rolled her eyes. "Anything else your Highness?"

Kaveh then held up one finger and pointed to Alhaitham.

"See what his problem is."

Alhaitham at that moment chose to skull down a full cup of coffee and refilled it just as fast. After placing his cup on the table, he looked at Nozomi.

"My problem is you two came home at 4 am drunk… I was waiting to speak to you Nozomi but evidently, you'd prefer Kaveh's company."

Nozomi had her first bite and swallowed. "Kaveh invited me out for drinks, knowing that I'd probably move out today. Look I know you were going to bring up the issue of paying rent today and also having a job." She gave a sad smile. "I'm sorry to disappoint, but I must inform you that I have neither the resources nor the funds. Hence, I will be vacating your place today. I just want to finish class today before I collect my stuff. Is that suitable for you?"

Before Alhaitham could respond, Kaveh interrupted.

"It isn't for me… who's going to be clean?"

Both Alhaitham and Nozomi glared at Kaveh who bowed his head in silence.

Alhaitham turned to Nozomi.

"You still have until midnight to come up with the funds, I'll wait till then." He pointed at the clock. "The Crux will be here tomorrow morning for passengers to Inazuma or Liyue, you don't have to leave immediately. Also Kaveh, it's helping me clean… can you be any more hungover?"

Nozomi tilted her head confused as Kaveh scowled at Alhaitham.

"I thought you'd be keen to get me out of your hair… I mean I'll see what I can do but I wouldn't hold my breath."

"Kaveh seems to think it's worth having you here for as long as possible. I'm inclined to agree because at least in his defense, I won't have him down my throat every week about groceries or the upkeep of my house. Also," He gestured towards Kaveh. "That is the only time where I'm nice to Kaveh."

"You could have fooled me…" Kaveh muttered. "I'm not fussed if you choose to stay the night at Lambad Tavern or here. It's the least I could do."

Nozomi felt her face redden and gave Kaveh's hand a squeeze.

"I'll do my best."

All three spent the rest of their breakfast in silence, Nozomi smiled sadly when they weren't looking.

Not sure how the hell I'm going to make it but, at least Alhaitham is being nice… I suppose.

*

Nozomi stood outside the corridor and looked at the student billboards about accommodation.

"Let's see… most want 4 million mora upfront for bond and two weeks worth of rent. The hell is anyone meant to keep up in this economy as a broke student!" Nozomi shook her head. "I can't just rely on my Scholarship, yeesh I'll have to abandon the entire course at this point."

She sighed in defeat and walked into her classroom. Nozomi walked past everyone, not noticing that many eyes were following her, and sat down next to Layla. Layla's head sprung up from her small nap, her eyes blinked staring at Nozomi.

"No..zomi? I thought you were leaving yesterday… did you manage to find a job?" Seeing Nozomi shake her head, she added, "Oh… okay. That's sad for… me. I'll miss you."

Nozomi shrugged and pulled out her books. She stared at the Haravatat symbol, a bull, and an hourglass. Opening through the first few pages and re-reading the notes left by Alhaithams father felt somehow cathartic.

"I guess I'll have to return these to Alhaitham tomorrow then."

"Nozomi uh, I hate… to interrupt your thoughts, but have… you heard," Layla yawned. "About the new novel that was released this… morning?"

"Nah, to be honest, I can't be bothered thinking about much else. Maybe I'll buy the novel to read on The Crux. Is it any good?" She looked at Layla.

"Oh… I haven't read it yet… either. I overheard a few classmates talk about it though." Layla looked away. "I hope your journey to Inazuma is comfortable."

"I'll write to you, I promise." Nozomi smiled and grabbed her hand. "You can write to me anytime."

Layla closed her eyes and smiled back. Both turned to face the front as Professor Rajkumar dropped his clipboard down and called out everyone's name. Once he had accounted for everyone, he wrote up a list on the chalkboard. A date for the next week meant another assignment was due. Nozomi sighed, assignments weren't the end of the world but she'd miss studying here. By the next week, she anticipated training with the Kamisato Clan.

The class passed by in a matter of minutes and Nozomi drifted in a daze on the way to the next one. She noticed a few students pass her by, all staring at her. This time she felt uncomfortable.

Did someone find out I live with Alhaitham and Kaveh? Or is my uniform the wrong way or something seriously… why is everyone staring at me?

Nozomi dug her hand into the pockets of her uniform and hunched, avoiding any eye contact on the way. Another student stopped and stepped in front of her. Nozomi looked up and prepared to go into a fighting stance or run. She narrowed her eyes and glared.

"State your business, I don't have time for chit-chat." Nozomi widened her stance. "Am I so attractive that every student can't get enough of me in the Akademiya?"

The student in question stepped back and held his hands up in front of him.

"I- don't know what you're talking about! I just wanted to know… are you Nozomi Ogawa?" he smiled nervously.

"Who's asking?" Nozomi raised an eyebrow. "Or, why the sudden interest?"

"I am of course! Apologies my name is Warren from Fontaine…" He pulled out a book. "If you're the Nozomi Ogawa, then I am absolutely in awe of meeting you in person!"

Warren grabbed both hands but she shook them off. Nozomi stared back, confused.

"What do you mean in person? I'm just a student in the Akademiya… wait what is that book?"

Warren bowed his head and showed the book to Nozomi. Its hardcover was purple, with two women inscribed in a golden outline. A witch's hat and a familiar hair tie belonging to two characters she had worked on were now clear as day to Nozomi. She took the book in her hands and looked at the bottom title.

"A Librarian and her Lair." She whispered. "I… can't believe it. When did you buy this?!"

Nozomi looked at Warren who had his hand behind his head. He turned his head nervously away while blushing.

"It just got released today… did you really not know your own works release date? Anyway… I was wondering if I could grab an autograph. I really liked how you portrayed Miss Lisa from Mondstat."

Nozomi was too speechless to respond back. She opened the front cover, feeling its edges as reality sunk in slowly that she was holding her first published Light Novel. Warren handed her a quill and she signed it quickly. Warren and Nozomi bowed to each other, then both spun on their heels and ran.

Only that, Nozomi ran towards Alhaithams house instead of her next class.

"Oh my god… I need to tell the boys. I can't believe this…" She kept repeating to herself. "I'm actually a Light Novelist!"

Nozomi ran down Treasure Street and saw Alhaithams house as she approached. She ran over to the letterbox and opened it. Nothing but an empty shell was exposed. Running her hands through her hair she decided to try her luck inside the house. Nozomi paced through the loungeroom and then the kitchen.

Two large envelopes laid on the kitchen counter, each with a wax seal of a fox.

"Yae Publishing… let's see what we have here."

She tore open the package, two volumes of A Librarian and Her Lair were inside. Nozomi almost squealed at her work being in front of her in the flesh. She opened the next envelope and a check with Yae Miko's signature lay inside.

"Wait am I reading this right… 2 Million Mora!? My manuscripts couldn't have been worth this much?" She shook her head. "Nevermind, I need to find Alhaitham… where would he be at this time of day?"

She paced around the house and then decided to walk back to the Akademiya. Nozomi moved on impulse while muttering in excitement about her first Novel. She looked up, surprised to find herself back at Alhaithams office. By now it was late afternoon and a lineup of Scholars stood in front of his office. Many had looks of exasperation and stress, some clinging to their application papers and some even wiping sweat off their brows. Nozomi could feel their anxiety and wondered how she was even accepted.

After a few minutes of being in the queue, Alhaitham called out a number and Nozomi made her way inside. Alhaitham was busy sorting through one application to another, his quill marking accepted or rejected like clockwork. He looked up as he saw Nozomi and gestured for her to wait beside his desk. He then stood up, looked at the clock, and gripped both sides of the door.

"Please come back tomorrow during office hours, I will process any applications then."

With a deadpan look, he closed the doors and a loud clink could be heard as he locked them. As he stepped back, noises and wailing could be heard outside. She tilted her head as either curse words or groans of disappointment alongside footsteps could be heard leaving outside.

Nozomi smiled wrily as Alhaitham took his seat and then held his hands together.
"Um… I wasn't interrupting anything was I?"

Alhaitham closed his eyes, she thought a slight grin could be seen but she couldn't tell.

"Not at all, it was time for me to clock out anyway. My office hours are from 8 am - 5 pm." He shrugged. "You just walked in and reminded me to clock off for the day."

She narrowed her eyes and took a seat across from him.

"Remind me how the hell I managed to pass the application process and gain a scholarship. Because a lot of people out there looked like they counted on their thesis being approved." Nozomi gulped. "I mean, some were even from Fontaine."

"Not my problem if they didn't get past the door at the right time. As I've said, you passed because you filled out every part of the application correctly. The Bachelor of Arts Scholarship has a low entrance fee so it wasn't hard for me to make up my mind." He opened a drawer and placed her old application in front of him. " You did have many errors in your grammar, but the Akademiya is always open to help you improve in literature classes."

He folded his arms, his grey hair falling to one side revealing both iris.

"Speaking of, you were meant to be in the Literature class a few minutes ago. Why have you skipped?"

Nozomi facepalmed. She had forgotten in her excitement about attending the next class. She placed her check on the desk. She couldn't tell if Alhaitham was pleased or surprised as he held it.

"Huh… 2 million mora. I'm impressed." He slid it back towards her. "Keep 1 million Mora to yourself, you've earned it."

"What? But I have two months' worth right here." She pushed it back. "Besides I don't have a job yet."

Alhaitham pushed the check back and then stared. "About that-"

Loud knocks could be heard at the two doors, Alhaitham sighed as he yelled out.

"Office hours are from 8 am - 5 pm-"

"Let me in Alhaitham! I've got your rent for the month."

The voice was Kavehs'.

Alhaitham stood up with an annoyed expression and turned to Nozomi.

"Wait here, I haven't finished discussing your career yet."

Nozomi watched as Alhaitham opened the doors and stood to the side to let Kaveh through. Kaveh looked up at Nozomi and smiled widely then took a seat next to her. Alhaitham pulled out his chair and then took a seat. He folded his hands together.

"Well, this is a day where everyone actually putting their best foot forward. I'm actually relieved to see the two of you with rent paid on time." He looked at the clock. "Five hours early no less."

Kaveh flicked an envelope to his desk and leaned back.

"Just get to the point and stop making us wait. Is Nozomi able to stay with us now or did you really want the extra room for your ugly woodcarvings?" Kaveh's face scrunched up. "Either way I will be shopping with either one of you."

"Wait what's this about woodcarvings?" Nozomi leaned forward but was interrupted.

"You do realize that you just paid off a month's worth of rent and that knowing your track record afterward, you've barely got any Mora left to cover anything personally. I hope this three-year project pays you to get by."

Kaveh rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, you'll get your million mora per month as agreed. I'll just need to cut back on personal expenses that's all."

"You mean listening to every sob story in Sumeru about how children in poverty are needing donations for charities? You really leave me in suspense." He turned to Nozomi. " What I just said is true by the way. He literally listens to every sob story about how people aren't able to get by. Hence why he's always broke and never used to pay any rent."

Kaveh and Alhaitham narrowed their eyes at each other while Nozomi nearly laughed at their banter.

"At least Nozomi paid on time," Alhaitham added. "Plus she may have a job as an assistant Scribe starting tomorrow."

"Wait what?" Both Kaveh and Nozomi said in unison.

Alhaitham opened a drawer and pulled out a thick pile of documents. He pushed them towards Nozomi and she looked down. Her eyes quickly scanned the page and her name and date were on the bottom.

"Nozomi, I'd like to offer you a position as an assistant Scribe starting tomorrow. You will be helping me go through Sumeru's thesis and course applications as well as editing or marking whichever mistakes are in every application. I myself will be marking applications from other nations to let you get used to the job." His finger pointed at a bit of text. "This will be a part-time job to allow you to focus on your studies and your work as a Light Novelist. Any questions?"

Nozomi stared at Alhaitham speechless. It was surreal as it was just holding her first published Light Novel much less having a job. Doubts sprang to mind.

"So um… I've never been the greatest at editing as you'd know, much less grammar. Plus wouldn't I need a few years of experience?"

Alhaitham leaned back and nodded at the shelves of books.

"I will be personally overseeing your training for the next year and make sure you get better at marking off applications. This… job position only came up recently so you don't need to worry about being experienced."

Nozomis's face reddened and Kaveh's eyes narrowed.

"Oh so that's how it is… someone made a complaint and you want Nozomi to be your little helper so you can get your afternoon naps, is that it?" Kaveh scoffed. "I can't believe you sometimes, using mora to expose her kindness."

Nozomi looked at Kaveh as Alhaitham looked up at the ceiling.

"You know Kaveh, sometimes being a little mean can enforce people to think for themselves. Which is a quality I know Nozomi possesses. Besides, the pay rate is only 10,000 mora less than mine… which might I remind you, I still earn the same rates as the current Grand Sage."

Kaveh's eyes widened and looked at Nozomi. "What?! How did you manage to convince everyone to give Nozomi such a huge paycheck!?"

Nozomi watched as both men argued over paperwork and paychecks. A lot of their arguments went right over Nozomi's head as she looked down at the contract. She grabbed her quill and her hand hovered over it.

"Wait, why is it a big deal what I'm paid? I mean as long as I cover rent, any amount should be fine right?"

Both looked at her, and Kaveh smiled apologetically.

"Sorry, we should explain." He pointed to Alhaitham. "He earns more than enough to own the Akademiya itself if he wished. You're going to be earning way more than you'd need per year. Think… millions of mora."

"Although being paid that amount, I do expect you to learn fast within a year." Alhaitham pointed to the piles of papers on the floor. "You'll need to have a quick eye for detail and be able to sift through all of those in a day. Hopefully, by six months, you'll be able to do this. After, I want you to be able to manage this autonomously while I attend meetings with the Sages."

Nozomi nodded though felt like her mind exploded from looking at the piles.

I mean… what have I got to lose? I need to… no, I want to study here. I want to have a new life here.

She looked at Kavehs' face and smiled gently. Nozomi turned to Alhaitham and scribbled her signature on the contract. Alhaitham scanned the page and then pulled out another copy of the contract for her to read. Nozomi thought a slight smile crept on his face.

"As your employer and now new roommate, I welcome you to the Akademiya and Sumeru. Congratulations, I hope you can work well." Alhaitham held out his hand.

Nozomi took his hand and was surprised to feel an electric current run through her arm. She flicked her arm and looked at him.

"I look forward to working with you." She turned to Kaveh and grinned. "We need to celebrate! You want any drinks?"

Kaveh chuckled and stood up, holding his hand out.

"Unfortunately like Alhaitham said, I am broke until next month."

"I'll cover drinks for you both for tonight." Alhaitham walked with the two towards the door. "Just clean the house next week."

Nozomi was about to react when she realized Alhaitham was smiling at her. He placed both hands on Kaveh and Nozomi's backs, hurriedly outside the office. Alhaitham had shut the doors and walked, bickering with Kaveh on another matter. Nozomi waited until both were out of earshot and she looked up at the ceiling.

"What was that? I must be having a stroke if Alhaitham is smiling at me… maybe it's just a good day." Nozomi shrugged. "I just hope I can keep up with the workload. Well, hello world to a new start."

Nozomi walked on ahead and caught up with Kaveh, not realizing that Alhaitham had reached behind his back to his pouch. An outline of a book with a purple cover corner was slightly exposed.

*