Though Xingyu’s sketch was rough, Tiyi’s instincts screamed this was no coincidence. The mysterious senior had just traced the exact shape of the Witch Mark hidden on her inner thigh.

The Witch Mark was the definitive proof of a witch’s identity—absolutely forbidden from outsiders’ eyes.

Tiyi had long mastered concealing it. Since arriving at Holy Academy, it had never surfaced visibly. Only the Underground Witch Church knew of its existence.

Which meant…

She was the witch sent to extract her.

“Xingyu? What are you doing here?” Qingruo stood nearby. Tiyi forced her expression neutral, pretending familiarity, though her heart churned like stormy seas.

*This is the witch Alandiye mentioned—the one embedded in the academy. How did she find me? Was she eavesdropping in the garden? Did she see everything?*

“Oh dear?” Xingyu kept holding Tiyi’s hand like a close friend while tugging at the tight fabric across Tiyi’s chest. “Alandiye, this uniform still seems a bit snug on you?”

Qingruo’s expression darkened slightly. “What’s this about?”

“Ah…” Xingyu covered her mouth, feigning guilt. She turned to Qingruo with a bow. “My apologies, Senior Qingruo. I broke school rules.”

Qingruo’s delicate brows lifted. “Hmm?”

“I lent Alandiye my academy uniform,” Xingyu admitted meekly, her silky hair falling forward. “Well—not mine. I borrowed it from a classmate with a similar build. But it’s loose at the waist while still tight across the chest.”

Tiyi flushed, torn between embarrassment and exasperation at this backhanded compliment to her figure.

“Lending uniforms violates regulations,” Qingruo pressed sternly. “Why did you do it?”

“Teacher Yedi asked me to look after Tiyi. He’s often away from campus lately. Since she’s staying at his apartment temporarily, he wanted her to get acquainted with us before officially transferring.” Xingyu kept her head bowed, humble yet precise.

“I see…” Qingruo gave a slight nod. Xingyu was a second-year—Yedi’s arrangement wasn’t unreasonable.

Crucially, Xingyu was an unassuming honor student with no stake in this drama. Her testimony perfectly aligned with Tiyi’s story, lending it sudden credibility.

*An impartial witness…* Qingruo studied Xingyu’s familiar demeanor with Tiyi.

Tiyi stole a glance at the senior’s face. The harsh judgment—viewing her as a teacher-seducing harlot—had softened. But full trust? Unlikely.

“It’s late. Xingyu, escort her back to the apartment. Since Teacher Yedi arranged this, I won’t interfere further.” Qingruo’s tone shifted to measured authority. “However, as an exemplary student who usually follows rules impeccably, I’ll overlook your uniform violation this once. Report to the Holy Church for penance. And keep her from wandering.” Though only a year older, Qingruo carried the weight of a true disciplinarian.

“Yes, Senior Qingruo. I’ll sincerely repent and pray the Holy Empress grants me the same mercy you’ve shown.” Xingyu bowed lower.

“Mind your words!” Qingruo’s eyes flashed. “Never equate me with the all-loving, supreme Holy Empress. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that blasphemy.”

“Sorry…” Xingyu stuck out her tongue playfully. “We juniors simply admire you so much.”

Qingruo let it pass. Her gaze drifted back to Tiyi, recalling how Xingyu had rushed over to cling to her. A faint unease stirred—but she couldn’t forbid hand-holding after ordering the girl to kneel.

“Tiyi. Come here.”

“Huh?”

Without explanation, Qingruo strode toward a weathered stone pavilion at the garden’s edge. Tiyi followed obediently while Xingyu remained behind with a respectful bow.

Inside the pavilion, Qingruo faced away, fingers brushing the stone pillar.

“I can’t place you in the dormitory yet. Until your enrollment is official, stay cautious. If other teachers or guards spot you…” Her strictness bent only where Yedi’s reputation was concerned.

“Yes, I understand.” Tiyi bowed, stealing glances at the senior’s elegant back.

“Also, limit interactions with students. Maintain distance.”

“Yes.”

Qingruo suddenly turned. She stepped close, leaning down to whisper in Tiyi’s ear: “Tonight, kneel by your bedside for half an hour. Reflect properly.”

“Huh? But I didn’t do anything improper! You know that!” Tiyi’s face flushed crimson. How could she decree penance over nothing?

“That matter remains unresolved. This punishment is for wearing indecent sleepwear where others could see.” At this proximity, Qingruo’s breath felt like a command.

“But—why now?” Tiyi silently fumed. Minutes ago, Qingruo hadn’t mentioned punishment. Xingyu had even helped her case.

Yet Tiyi’s mind instantly pictured herself kneeling alone in her room.

*Ridiculous. I’m not actually doing it.*

Qingruo swept away, leaving only the ghost of her fragrance. Tiyi stood frozen in the pavilion, hands clasped maidenly before her, watching the senior’s slender figure vanish around the garden bend.

“Is it wise to stare so openly at her back?” Xingyu materialized beside her, citrus-scented breath warm against Tiyi’s ear. She took Tiyi’s hand again. “The senior ordered me to walk you home. Let’s go.”

Tiyi didn’t resist as they strolled toward the faculty apartments, two girls hand-in-hand across the castle grounds.

“Um… When exactly did Teacher Yedi ask you to help me?” Tiyi ventured.

“Must you still pretend?”

Xingyu shoved Tiyi behind a towering cedar tree. They’d entered a secluded grove between the castle and apartments.

Tiyi scanned the empty woods warily.

“Alandiye,” Xingyu murmured, rising on tiptoes to whisper inches from Tiyi’s face. “Teacher Xialda told me everything. Including… details. The newly discovered Exceptional Candidate. Promoted to Full Witch just two weeks ago—”

“Enough. Please stop.” Tiyi turned away. The reminder of her witch identity—spoken aloud by a stranger—made her skin crawl.

“How did you find me?” Tiyi leaned against the rough bark, breathless. The garden confrontation, Qingruo’s interrogation, the pollen storm… her body still felt weak, flushed.

Xingyu noted every tremor Tiyi didn’t realize she showed.

“Teacher Xialda and I share a special communication method. She told me everything. Even the secret on your inner thigh…” Xingyu’s gaze turned shadowed.

“I know that much,” Tiyi muttered, heat flooding her limbs. “But you couldn’t have known my cover identity here. Xialda never mentioned your role—I had no way to contact you.”

“Heh.” Xingyu’s laugh was velvet. She pressed close, lips brushing Tiyi’s ear. “If I couldn’t uncover such basics, would Teacher Xialda trust me with this dangerous, vital mission?”