"Aerin, is your obsession with 'surnames' because you have nothing else to your name besides that label?"

"Might as well just call you Cardiff then. After all, first names are optional." Tilisha’s radiant smile made it sound like a casual greeting, yet Aerin’s expression slowly stiffened.

Classmates within earshot stared in disbelief at Tilisha’s gentle smile. Cornered into an impossible situation, Tilisha struck back with a single devastating remark. Now it was Aerin’s turn to stand speechless under everyone’s gaze.

Onlookers were either stunned by Tilisha’s bluntness, grinning like spectators ready for gossip, or openly relishing Aerin’s discomfort. Those who knew Aerin well understood the second daughter of the Cardiff family would never ignore such a challenge from a Wild Divine Maiden.

"Morning classes are over. If you’ll excuse me." Tilisha packed her notebook, preparing to leave. She maintained basic courtesy toward troublemakers—but only just.

Truthfully, Aerin’s words were sharp, but only by Divine Maiden standards. These pampered young ladies had never cursed, nor even heard a curse. In Tilisha’s words: *"Their vocabulary’s too limited. Needs more bite."*

*Please.* In her past life, she’d been an honorary member of Sun Club and a level-12 veteran of Anti-Stress Bar. These roundabout jabs didn’t even make her flinch. If this body could swear, she’d drag Aerin’s entire ancestry through the mud.

Besides, she wasn’t born a Wild Divine Maiden. That title was just baggage to her—utterly meaningless. She couldn’t care less about surnames. And her classmates’ opinions? Irrelevant. Worldviews shaped social circles. They weren’t her people. No common ground. Besides, homeroom hadn’t even finalized class divisions yet. They might never cross paths again.

"Stop right there."

Aerin’s voice cut through the air as Tilisha reached the classroom door. Tilisha paused—not out of willingness to argue, but simple politeness.

"Something else, Aerin?"

"Tilisha, do you think attacking me with baseless accusations hides your own origins?" Aerin had regained her composure. Her smile vanished. Cold eyes pierced the back of Tilisha’s neck like a naked blade. "Typical of a Wild Divine Maiden. No manners."

"Expected. No parents, no upbringing—no one to teach her." The Divine Maidens around Aerin sneered. "No surname. That hideous scar across her face. What a freak."

"Wonder if she got it stealing bread? Bet the baker chased her down with a knife." Their mocking laughter followed her.

Tilisha ignored the jeers, but they stirred unpleasant memories.

*Arrogance. The same arrogance.*

Elves weren’t the only ones who had it. Humans did too—just less refined. That high-and-mighty judgment grated on her nerves.

"How dare you speak to her like that?" Aerin suddenly stepped forward, voice dripping with false sympathy. "So she lacks formal Divine Maiden training and family recognition. Big deal." More classmates snickered.

*Outsiders get crushed everywhere.*

That was Tilisha’s hard lesson in this world.

Just as Elves scorned half-Elves, Divine Maidens rejected Wild ones. It was superiority born of bloodline and tradition—young elites weaponizing it to cement their status.

"Wild Divine Maidens can’t be expected to know etiquette."

"Someone who can’t read the room and forces friendliness is ruder." Tilisha didn’t turn around. "Before feeding your vanity and superiority, maybe enrich your mind and heart first." She walked out.

"..............." Aerin’s eyes flashed with malice as she watched Tilisha leave.

"Aerin, are you alright?" A friend asked worriedly.

"Perfectly fine." Aerin beamed. "I wouldn’t waste anger on a homeless Wild Divine Maiden."

"Right. Not worth getting worked up over some ill-bred mongrel."

Aerin smiled but said nothing, inwardly scoffing.

*That ‘ugly duckling’... Just a discarded bastard child with no name, no legitimacy!*

She’d only meant to test Tilisha—to make her submit.

*Fine. We share this classroom now. We’ll have plenty of time. Let’s see how long that proud face lasts.*