The farce between Xueyi and Lilith ended without resolution after Lilith woke up post-treatment with no lasting issues—just needing rest.

The next day, Lorin didn’t spot Xueyi Gleiter in their shared classroom. She remained absent even after all classes ended.

"Did Xueyi Gleiter take a leave today?" Lorin casually asked a girl.

At the mention of Xueyi, the girl hesitated, her expression flickering with unease before she shook her head. "I’m not sure."

"Thanks."

"My honor, Second Prince."

Watching her hurry away, Lorin frowned. She’d clearly flinched at Xueyi’s name.

*Did that girl lie? Does she know where Xueyi is?*

Rubbing his temples, Lorin turned to his Bookkeeper. "Compile a list of places Xueyi frequents. Or her friends."

He dismissed the second request instantly—Xueyi had no friends here. She moved through the academy alone.

"The library," the Bookkeeper replied. "It’s where she spends most time outside her home."

But when Lorin arrived, the library doors were shut. Though it usually stayed open after classes, it closed by dusk.

*Was I imagining things? Did she simply skip school?*

As Lorin turned to leave, a faint *"Meow~"* drifted from a nearby corner.

Noble academies like this barred stray animals—they risked disease. The cat glanced at Lorin, then darted into the shadows.

*Strays here?* Curious, Lorin followed.

Tracing its path behind the library, he found overgrown shrubs and trees. A familiar, weakened voice reached him before he rounded the corner:

"Sorry, I didn’t bring anything today."

Peeking sideways, Lorin saw Xueyi crouched, petting kittens. The cat that led him here called softly. The kittens abandoned Xueyi, slipping after it through a hole in the wall.

Xueyi stayed frozen, watching them vanish. "Lucky you," she whispered.

A rustle snapped her head around. Lorin leaned against the wall.

Her usual composure returned instantly. "What are *you* doing here?"

"*Me?*" Lorin strolled over. "I came for the kittens."

Up close, he saw her drenched clothes—water dripping from her skirt hem and hair. Her soaked dress clung to her skin, and one side of her face was faintly swollen.

Lorin’s brow tightened. "Who did this?"

"None of your business!" Xueyi hunched her shoulders, tugging the wet fabric tighter.

*So that’s it.* The girl’s earlier reaction made sense now. After Crown Prince Romon publicly scolded Xueyi over the Lilith incident, his admirers had united against her. One-on-one, few could match Xueyi—but ambushes were different.

Without a word, Lorin shrugged off his coat and draped it over her.

"What are you—?" She tried to shrug it off, but he pinned it down.

"If you value your ladylike dignity, keep it on." His gaze fixed on her bruised cheek. "And this? Your brother’s work?"

Xueyi turned away, silent. But Lorin heard muffled sobs.

*Guessed right.* Her brother Liral was among Lilith’s admirers. With his sister hospitalized—allegedly poisoned by Xueyi—he’d taken his anger out on her. Only family would dare strike a Gleiter heir so brazenly. Whether Xueyi actually poisoned Lilith remained unknown; the court already condemned her.

Sighing, Lorin pulled Xueyi up by her arms.

"Hey! What are you—?!" She clutched his coat to avoid exposure.

Ignoring her protests, he dragged her toward the exit. "Planning to sleep here tonight?"

She had been. Drenched and alone, she’d risk fever by dawn.

"Let go! I won’t go home!"

Lorin didn’t loosen his grip. "Who said anything about home? If you’re guilty, run. But if you’re innocent? Rest up. Tomorrow, prove to everyone you won fair and square—no poison, no tricks. Look at you now! Do you really think you’re some soaked stray cat?!"

"I..." Words died on her lips. She let herself be pulled toward the carriage waiting at the gates.

The steward’s eyes widened as Lorin approached, towing a dripping Xueyi. "Your Highness, what happened?"

"Prepare dinner for two tonight."

"R-right away, sir!"

"I won’t go with you! Let me go!" Xueyi struggled.

Lorin’s grip stayed firm. "If you’re innocent, fight back tomorrow. Not like this."

Her protests faded as he lifted her into the carriage.