Walking beside her senior, the height difference between them always gave Tiyi a conflicting mix of loss and admiration.

Along the path, no one else was around—only petals drifting down occasionally. Today’s pollen felt lighter, or perhaps Tiyi had grown used to it. She couldn’t help recalling that day when Qingruo filtered pollen for her using her own clothes. The method had Tiyi’s nose pressed against Qingruo’s chest…

"Tiyi, I’ve arranged your accommodation. Move to the girls’ dormitory as soon as possible," the senior said, her long hair swaying slightly with each step.

"Okay…" Though reasonable and necessary, Tiyi felt conflicted inside. Unlike the open-style dorms of the Underground Witch Church, this was a true, typical girls’ dorm—naturally more luxurious than ordinary academies.

"Since you’re a second-year and not in the Student Council, I couldn’t place you in my building. I’ve assigned you to the second-year girls’ apartment block."

Tiyi didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed about not sharing a building with her senior. It followed academy rules, and Qingruo—so fair and strict—hadn’t abused her power.

"But if I were in her building, would she put me near her quarters? At night, wouldn’t I become her little maid, summoned to serve her whenever she wished? Such academy life was unimaginable…" Just thinking it made Tiyi weak and trembling.

Yet living near her would help Tiyi reclaim that humiliating contract. As for guarding Qingruo, the dorm was sufficient for now.

Somehow, they wandered together to the back garden where they’d first met. Deep twilight cast a gloomy air, but sunlit spots held a warm golden glow—like the shimmering, still fountain.

The garden was quiet, the fountain silent.

"Tiyi, have you prepared everything for enrollment?" the senior asked, her tone caring.

"The custom uniforms will take days; I’m wearing temporary ones now. Other things are covered at Teacher Yedi’s apartment," Tiyi answered truthfully—nothing to hide. Reaching this spot, she recalled Qingruo’s reflection task. Tiyi feared she’d ask about it. Though lying was possible, Qingruo might see through it. So Tiyi gave detailed answers, hoping to distract her from that memory.

"Hmm…" The senior gazed at Tiyi, thoughtful. At this closeness, a breeze carried her feminine scent. It was intoxicating, but Tiyi dreaded her remembering that incident.

"Oh, right," the senior suddenly said. Those words made Tiyi’s heart skip.

"Tiyi, after moving into the girls’ dorm, I must remind you of something," Qingruo said, her eyes scanning Tiyi’s chest.

Phew—it was dorm-related. She hadn’t recalled the kneeling punishment. Tiyi felt a trace of relief.

"Senior, please go ahead."

"It’s a shared dorm. Most second-year girls live there. Be mindful of your influence there, understand?"

"Huh? What do you mean, senior…?"

"Hmm, playing dumb?" The senior’s sternness made Tiyi’s heart tremble. "I mean your clothing. Everyone will watch in the dorm. Stop wearing such alluring pajamas. And your underwear—nothing indecent. Parading around nightly in those, seen by others… it’s immoral, understand?"

A faint blush rose on the senior’s face as she spoke.

"Ah… oh, I… I understand… I’ll be careful…" Tiyi turned away, avoiding her gaze pointlessly.

"Hmm?" The senior’s eyes sharpened. "Tiyi? Why stammer? Am I wrong?"

"Ah? No, no—you’re right, senior…" Tiyi forced a smile.

"Hmm? Alandiye, could it be… you lack proper underwear?" The senior’s gaze turned piercing.

"Eh!??"

She’d hit the mark! As a girl, Tiyi truly struggled to lie or hide things. Every evasion was seen through instantly. She sighed inwardly.

"Hmph? So it’s true?" The senior closed her eyes, displeased.

How was this my fault? The Witches prepared those clothes. I, Yedi, naturally had no other women’s wear. The school issued only outerwear—not underwear or pajamas. Tiyi felt helpless but couldn’t explain.

"Tiyi, why do you, as a girl, always bring such improper clothes? Was it the same at your old academy?" The senior was clearly angry. "I went out of my way to arrange your dorm, asking staff to care for you. What will others think of me?"

"I’m sorry, senior. Some things… are hard to explain!" Tiyi bowed deeply, at a loss.

Qingruo’s chest rose and fell rapidly; she was genuinely upset. After a pause, her delicate shoulders shrugged slightly. "Alright. Tomorrow’s weekend—I’ll shop in town anyway. You’ll come. We’ll visit an underwear store. I’ll pick modest, suitable pieces for you."

"What? This—"

"That’s settled." Senior Qingruo didn’t glance at Tiyi’s shocked face, clearly not seeking consent.

Tiyi recalled they were alone now—the contract still in Qingruo’s hands…

But that wasn’t the real issue, was it? As a guy, shopping for underwear with Senior Qingruo? Even as a boyfriend accompanying a girlfriend, it’d be awkward enough.

This wasn’t just any store—it was a women’s underwear shop, buying for Tiyi herself… and Qingruo would decide the styles.

"Why? Does Senior Qingruo get to choose my underwear?" Tiyi felt gloomy and deeply ashamed. Her male dignity couldn’t face Qingruo, and now even her female privacy was controlled.

Just because she was "hers"? But Qingruo had unilaterally extended the contract.

"Because she’s powerful, dominant, a young lady—she can ignore reason? She claims she doesn’t trust me yet, but now I’m enrolled, she hasn’t mentioned returning the contract." Tiyi only dared think this.

Today might have been the chance to ask for the contract back. But the pajama issue angered the senior. Bringing it up now would invite trouble. Tiyi decided to plan carefully later…

"Stay at the teachers’ apartment tonight. Tomorrow at eight, wait here. Don’t be late," Senior Qingruo commanded, allowing no objection.