Elin, now 14, has become a seasoned hand on Joeun's farm. But her peaceful life is turned on its head when Joeun's son shows up from the royal capital, urging him to return to his former post as headmaster of an academy for the country's elite. Life in the capital would take them far away from the beasts and animals Elin loves, to where people look down on her Ahlyo heritage. Worse yet, as a girl, she won't be allowed to attend the academy, and will soon be expected to find a suitable marriage match...