The story begins with Ray, a noble, visiting the Commercial Guild to request the processing of a unique amethyst magic stone. Guild member Jean Humphrey is surprised by the request, as Ray is known to be skilled in alchemy, yet he claims difficulty with this particular stone. Ray is also interested in the source of a highly effective, anonymously produced "miracle potion" that is occasionally supplied to the royal palace, believing the alchemist capable of creating it might also be able to process his magic stone. Jean, though hesitant to pursue the potion's origin due to its secrecy, agrees to help Ray by arranging for the stone's processing.
Meanwhile, at a secluded mansion surrounded by a forest on the outskirts of the capital city Eurys, Harold Will Swinton visits his sister, Fiona Anastasia Swinton, in her atelier. Fiona is a gifted alchemist, capable of producing potions with exceptional efficacy, known as "miracle potions," which she discreetly supplies to the royal palace through a secret channel. She has successfully processed Ray's magic stone, noting its complex design, suggesting it was intended for an alchemist of high skill. Fiona expresses her passion for alchemy, and Harold, her supportive brother, acknowledges her talent. They share a close bond, having supported each other since their parents' death thirteen years prior. Fiona demonstrates her alchemical skill by creating a magical core within the magic stone to store magic, a technique she conceals by stating that magic does not exist in their world.
The narrative then shifts to Fiona's past at the Royal Academy. She is engaged to Abel of the Marsden Marquis family. During a public confrontation in the cafeteria, Abel breaks off their engagement, accusing Fiona of bullying Mia, a new transfer student from the Adoram Baronet family. Mia, seemingly fragile and tearful, corroborates Abel's claims, supported by Fiona's friends, Julia and Dorothy. Fiona is devastated and unable to defend herself, fainting from the shock.
It is revealed that Mia transferred to the academy a year prior. Fiona, a member of the Swinton Magic Earl family, possesses the rare ability to use magic, a skill long thought lost to the world. This ability is a closely guarded secret between her and Harold. The Swinton family's status as Magic Earls is based on ancient achievements, but with magic's disappearance, their influence is waning. Fiona, due to her introverted nature and fear of her abilities being discovered, deliberately underperforms in alchemy at the academy.
Mia, initially appearing innocent, is revealed to have manipulated the situation. She envied Fiona's privileged life and engagement to Abel. Mia orchestrated the bullying accusation, using her charm and the academy's social dynamics to isolate Fiona. She exploited Fiona's kindness and her own perceived victimhood to turn others against her. Despite Fiona's attempts to befriend Mia, Mia continued to undermine her, even using Fiona's alchemical expertise for her own gain in exams. This led to Fiona's academic decline and Abel's increasing coldness, culminating in the engagement's annulment.
After leaving the academy, Fiona retreats to her family's atelier, haunted by her past. Harold informs her that the Swinton family is facing financial ruin and that he is to marry into the Morgan Viscount family. To ensure Fiona's future, Harold arranges for her to work as a maid in the royal palace, specifically in the herb garden, where she can continue her research. He also provides her with a potion to alter her appearance and identity, allowing her to avoid recognition and potential encounters with former acquaintances.
Fiona, now working under the alias "Fine Ana Courtney," begins her new life at the palace. She is assigned to the herb garden, a place that allows her to continue her passion for alchemy and research. She encounters Nate, a seasoned worker in the herb garden, who is impressed by her knowledge. During her work, Fiona ventures into a forbidden area of the garden and accidentally uses magic to retrieve her hat. She is discovered by Prince Reynaldo, the Crown Prince, who recognizes her use of magic. Fiona, using a hastily made fertilizer, manages to conceal her magical abilities but reveals her talent for alchemy. Meanwhile, Mia, now a probationary alchemist at the palace, struggles with her lack of fundamental alchemical knowledge, regretting Fiona's absence and her own past actions.
