Loyning knelt before me. Her expression suggested she'd confess anything I asked.

"If only Feyn Senior were as obedient as you!" I said. "Sister Luo, how do you deal with her?"

"Huh?"

"You've been her assistant for ages. You must know her secrets, weaknesses, or leverage points."

"I'm not her lackey! Just her assistant..."

"Cut the crap, bitch! Answer this princess!"

"Ah..." Sister Luo trembled slightly at my words. "I—I truly don't know, Princess. I'd never dare hide anything. But Tianlin Feiyan is flawless—in the academy, the knights, and imperial nobility. Her beauty, figure, virtue, and strength are impeccable. Even after studying and fighting together constantly, I found no flaws. Feyn is perfect. Countless suitors chase her in the capital. Sadly, she's devoted herself to the gods as a celibate Temple Knight, vowing never to marry. Half the empire's nobles mourn it."

"Hmph! You're all fooled by her holy facade! She's actually... a... a slut!"

"Huh? That—that can't be! But... Princess, there's a strange rumor. I don't know if it's true."

"Speak."

"Among girls, we whisper that Feyn Senior has an overly close bond with a lower-year student—beyond friendship. But it's just gossip. None of us, including me, have ever seen proof."

"Who is she?"

"I don't know. Without seeing it, how could we know her identity?"

"Do you know Xueno?" I asked.

"Xueno? Yes. A pretty lower-year girl, often sick. She took long leaves, quiet with few friends. Months ago, she vanished. Some say she's too ill for school; others say she's... dead." Loyning knelt, recalling softly.

"What's Xueno's relationship with Feyn Senior?"

"Huh? Relationship? With Senior? I recall almost none. In my memory, Senior barely spoke to her once or twice."

I studied Sister Luo's eyes. She spoke truth—she knew nothing of their bond. Perhaps Feyn's Xueno wasn't Youyuan.

But my gut insisted Youyuan Xueno was connected to her.

"Understood. I have duties. Sister Luo, you may rest now."

"Huh? Princess, where? I—I won't return to that cold, dark cell! I can't face those terrifying Fiendish Monster guards again. Princess, take me in? I swear absolute loyalty. I'll do anything—even... that sort of thing." Her pleading eyes and devout kneeling showed true submission. I might need her here. In this Undercity, I couldn't fully trust my subordinates' loyalty.

"Hmm. Very well. Sister Luo, though you're a lowly human, your loyalty earns you a place. From today, serve under Bessdaitiel in my maid guard."

"Huh? R-really?" Genuine joy, satisfaction, and relief flooded her face. I wondered if calling her a bitch was too harsh.

But as a princess, constant kindness isn't wise. Sister Luo craves domination by a petite, younger girl like me. If I'm kind, she might betray me.

"Loyning, outside, you're my maid and guard. In my chambers, you'll be... hmm? You understand?"

"Yes! Princess, you're my goddess! My life is yours. I'll obey any command!"

Loyning prostrated herself, kissing my feet repeatedly.