The candlelight flickered faintly outside the bathroom. Wind from the window at the corridor’s end swayed the tree shadows.

After her bath, Tiyi carefully opened the door, gathered her used underwear and towel, and headed back. At the top of the stairs, a gentle breeze carried a delicate floral fragrance.

*Hm? Where’s this faint scent coming from…*

The stairs were empty. Moonlight streamed softly through the windows, illuminating the forest beyond.

*Could it be flowers blowing in from outside?* The scent lifted Tiyi’s spirits slightly, and she took another deep breath. But she couldn’t linger—not like this. If someone saw her… trouble!

She hurried back to her room.

Her chamber now held the damp, subtle fragrance of her bath—but it was utterly different from that earlier floral whisper.

*Thankfully, I’ve been careful these past days. No one lives on this floor. Sneaking out to bathe… no one’s noticed.*

Yet that strange sensation lingered, stirring unease in her chest.

*Seen? No, surely not. But hiding like this… it’s no solution.* Leaning against the door, Tiyi shook her head slightly. The dim candlelight traced her slender, graceful silhouette through the thin silk nightgown—curves and planes hinted at beneath the fabric.

*I need an identity for my female form. Otherwise… every night I must become a girl. And twice a month, even by day. Sooner or later, someone will catch me. The longer the night, the more dreams it breeds…*

Her smooth fingers brushed the white lace strap of her camisole. A blush spread across her cheeks.

Of course she hadn’t *chosen* such sensual sleepwear. She’d only owned the clothes Selys gave her when she first became a woman. These nightgowns, the lingerie—all prepared by Xialda and Dilovei. She’d needed disguises to infiltrate the Academy, after all. She’d only specified one set of Yedi’s male attire; the rest… well.

They’d taken it upon themselves.

Every style of underwear and nightgown imaginable—just no *proper* ones.

*Perhaps that’s the Witch way.* Yet every time Tiyi opened her suitcase, she felt Xialda’s knowing smirk and Dilovei’s expressionless cunning.

But wearing Yedi’s clothes outside? That would raise even more questions. So however alluring, however *seductive* these nightgowns were—she had no choice.

*Seductive. Alluring. Even… wanton.*

Words that branded her male soul. Just remembering them filled her with shame, making her tremble.

*When will this end…?* Pressed against the door, Tiyi turned her flushed face aside, thumb resting on her lips.

…

The next day, the sky hung heavy and gray, threatening rain.

Finally back in his true form as the steadfast youth Yedi, he stood in the headmaster’s office.

“Rare to see you seek *me* out,” Headmaster Koushou remarked, her long legs crossed as she sat behind a broad, dark oak desk. “Speak. What do you need?”

“Must I need something to visit you?” Yedi countered.

“Enough wordplay—it doesn’t suit you. Though I prefer this side of you. If every male teacher were like Clayton…” A flicker of displeasure crossed Koushou’s refined features, though not directed at him. “Out with it. Or did you truly come for a drink?”

She leaned forward, arms crossed atop the desk. The movement parted her deep red noble hunting jacket, revealing a deep, striking cleavage.

*Teasing a chaste Holy Temple Knight… sometimes it’s simply fun.*

“Ah…” Yedi—now male—didn’t blush easily, but he turned his face away slightly. “It’s about a distant cousin’s younger sister. She wishes to study here. I know… the Imperial Sacred Academy’s standards aren’t bent by connections. But she’s exceptionally gifted. Truly worthy. Her faith… is pure and devout. I vouch for her.”

“Oh?” Koushou’s brow had furrowed initially. Many nobles begged favors for untalented heirs; the political tangles were endless. She hadn’t expected *Yedi* to ask such a thing.

But *gifted*? Her expression softened.

“Yedi, this is normally troublesome. But if *you* deem her talented…” Koushou sat back in her high leather chair, fingers interlaced over her knee.

Who was Yedi? The survivor of the Holy Demon War. The one who’d secured humanity’s victory after countless heroes fell. His judgment needed no questioning.

“How old? What year?”

“Sixteen. She studied at a remote academy on the Empire’s border. Currently in her second year.” *He couldn’t admit she was his age.*

“When does she wish to enroll?”

“As soon as possible. This stage is critical. With me here… earlier guidance would help.”

“Hmm…” Koushou considered. “I’ll handle the vice-headmaster and Academic Affairs. You’d never sway them. It’s troublesome, but if you’re advocating for her… she must be a rare talent. A gain for the Empire.”

“Bring me her recommendation letter and academic records. I’ll arrange a special entrance exam. If she excels, she’s in. As a friend, I trust your eye. But this is the Empire’s premier academy—procedures must be followed.”

“Understood. I’ll prepare her. Thank you, Headmaster.” Yedi nodded thoughtfully.

Beneath the Academy’s towering castle, cherry blossom petals drifted onto the courtyard fountain, light as thoughts resting on the water’s mirror of sky and stone.

“Spring has come…” Gallilu murmured. She stood in her maid uniform—fine vertical stripes tracing the fabric—watching the scene.

“Miss Gallilu.”

“President Qingruo.” Gallilu turned to see the Student Council President approaching along the pebbled path, flowers brushing her academy skirt.

Qingruo stopped before her, hands clasped demurely at her waist. “I just left Academic Affairs. Schedules keep changing lately. New teachers? Has anyone moved into the faculty apartments?”

“No one new. Only Teacher Yedi has returned.” Gallilu shook her head slightly.

“I see…” Qingruo’s clear eyes held genuine respect. “Does Teacher Yedi still reside in his old room? We in the Student Council deeply admire him. We wished to pay our respects now that he’s back.”

“Same room. Unchanged.” Gallilu’s reply was calm, certain.