Though he didn’t know what had happened, Lorin could clearly sense Xueyi’s mood had lifted slightly. Since returning last night, she hadn’t acted sulky like before, and when talking to him, her expression wasn’t so cold anymore.

He wasn’t sure why, but things seemed to be heading in a better direction.

As the carriage neared the academy, Lorin glanced out the window. “Aren’t you getting off today?”

Xueyi shot him a glare. “After your stunt last time, nearly everyone knows I’m staying at your place. Do you think hiding it still matters?”

If not for Lorin’s actions yesterday, no one would’ve known she lived at his estate—at least not so soon. His recklessness had ruined her efforts. She’d been angry then, but now, she couldn’t muster even a trace of that anger.

Lorin didn’t dwell on it. Attending this academy felt like a daily chore anyway. With the Bookkeeper around, he didn’t need to fill gaps in his world knowledge.

When they stepped off the same carriage, onlookers were still surprised—even knowing they lived together. That was probably thanks to Xueyi’s reputation at the academy.

Just like yesterday, Lilith greeted Xueyi first, then blinked in surprise seeing them side by side.

“You two get along well,” Lilith remarked.

Xueyi flicked a glance at Lorin. “Impossible! How could I possibly get along with this guy?”

Lorin shook his head, used to this. “You two chat. I won’t interrupt.” He headed to class alone—standing between Xueyi and Lilith drew too much attention.

Watching him leave, Xueyi pouted slightly. “Still mad?” she muttered under her breath.

Lilith covered her mouth, giggling. She’d never seen Xueyi act like this before.

Even standing together, they had little to discuss. Lilith carried the conversation while Xueyi gave brief replies.

Remembering yesterday, Xueyi asked about Lilith’s health—a small gesture that surprised Lilith. Xueyi would never have cared before.

Since they had different classrooms, they parted ways in the hallway like yesterday. The moment Xueyi entered her classroom, she felt every gaze snap to her. But this time, the hostility seemed mixed with something else.

She ignored it, spotted Lorin’s seat, and walked straight over.

“Huh… eh?” Lorin, half-asleep, jolted awake. Seeing it was Xueyi, he relaxed slightly. “Why sit here today?”

Xueyi’s old seat was also in the back, but far from his—proof they barely interacted.

“None of your business. I’ll sit wherever I want.”

“Fine, fine. Suit yourself.” Lorin waved a hand. It wasn’t a big deal anyway.

During class, while everyone focused intently, Lorin dozed off again, looking utterly sleep-deprived.

“Hey… hey.” Xueyi nudged him softly. “Aren’t you listening at all?”

She’d caught him napping before, but never for a whole class.

Lorin roused a little, eyes still hazy. “Why bother? It’s useless to me.”

Xueyi frowned. That sounded like giving up. She lowered her voice further. “Don’t you care about the throne at all?”

“That?” Lorin shrugged. “It’s already decided. And it’s got nothing to do with me.”

He meant he wasn’t from this world—he’d leave after his mission. Who became emperor was none of his concern.

Or rather, whoever wanted it could have it.

Unnoticed by Lorin, Xueyi’s expression darkened.

After class, Lorin finally woke up, stretching lazily. Most students had already left.

“Why don’t you just sleep to death?” Xueyi snapped, exasperated.

“Not bad,” Lorin said, gathering his things. “Same as yesterday—you head back first. I need to visit that contact.”

The black market dealer should’ve finished investigating Laei Mog by now. He just needed to collect the report.

“I’m coming too,” Xueyi declared.

“What?” Lorin frowned. “Why?”

Yesterday, she’d secretly followed him, causing trouble. He’d explained everything—she had no reason to tag along now.

“Then I’ll follow you up again,” she mumbled. “My legs, my choice. You can’t stop me.”

Lorin rubbed his forehead. Either his investigation or the black market could ruin his reputation if rumors spread. He really didn’t want Xueyi involved.

“Fine,” he sighed. “You can come, but you follow my lead. No wandering off.”

“Tch.”

“Scoffing won’t help.”

Last time, if he hadn’t shown up, who knew how badly things would’ve ended. Still, having her where he could see her was better than her sneaking around.

“Take this when we go in.” Lorin pulled out a mask he’d prepared—the same one he wore yesterday. Since she was coming, she couldn’t go unmasked like before.

“What’s this?” Xueyi eyed the mask, recognizing it but wrinkling her nose. “Your taste is ugly.”

“You—”

Lorin reached to take it back, but Xueyi dodged sideways and stuck her tongue out at him.