Yueci Porcelain gave the door a light knock. A gentle "Come in" floated from within.

She turned the handle and pushed open the principal’s office door.

Stepping inside, she spotted two or three police officers seated on the sofa.

But occupying the central chair was Lait Academy’s principal—Eiko Sakurai.

Her attire today differed from the restaurant meeting: a beige trench coat over a crisp white blouse, its hem neatly tucked into pale yellow wide-leg trousers.

The warm-toned ensemble radiated softness and grace.

As the door opened, all eyes in the room lifted toward the newcomers.

Eiko’s gaze held a flicker of anticipation—until she saw Yueci Porcelain enter with spiky, multicolored hair and thick-rimmed glasses.

The ever-present warmth in her smile faltered for a split second.

She quickly composed herself and introduced the officers to the bewildered Yueci and Hiru Kawakami.

"These gentlemen are from the Metropolitan Police Department."

"They have a few questions. No need to be nervous—just answer honestly and relax."

As if on cue, the officers nodded politely.

Hiru visibly shrank back, hiding behind Yueci to avoid eye contact with the police and principal.

"One of you will need to step out first," announced an officer holding a notepad. He cleared his throat, gesturing for one to leave.

Yueci glanced at Hiru’s anxious face. "You go first," she murmured.

Hiru blinked, pressed her lips tight, and silently slipped out.

"Sit," the notetaking officer instructed Yueci, pointing to the chair opposite him.

She sat, hands folded on her knees, pulse quickening. *What could this be about?*

"Where were you yesterday between 3 PM and 6 PM? Who did you meet?"

His sharp eyes locked onto hers, as if ready to pounce on any lie.

Yueci mentally retraced her steps: meeting Hiru at 3 PM, browsing bookstores and shops afterward, then running into Shanwu Lingsheng...

Nothing unusual. She answered truthfully.

The officer scribbled notes. Another passed him a notebook. After scanning it, his gaze turned severe.

"Shanwu Lingsheng—your homeroom and Chinese teacher?"

Yueci nodded, puzzled.

"She claims she drove you home last night after encountering you. Is that accurate?"

*So they’ve already questioned Shanwu-sensei... What’s her involvement?*

"Accurate," Yueci confirmed.

He jotted more notes, then abruptly shifted tone.

"Describe your impressions of Teacher Shanwu—and the student outside, Hiru Kawakami."

Yueci weighed her words carefully. *Why won’t they explain what’s happening?* She stole a glance at Eiko, who stood smiling serenely nearby.

*Nishikino An mentioned Lait dislikes frequent police visits. With both here today... something major must’ve happened. Since they’re asking about yesterday afternoon, it’s unrelated to this morning’s suicide case...*

"Teacher Shanwu is... very kind. Dedicated to her students."

*Despite that motorcycle yesterday,* Yueci thought, *her core impression remained "gentle" and "responsible."*

"As for Hiru..." She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, glancing at the closed door.

"She’s kind-hearted. Just... easily frightened."

The officer noted this down.

"You mentioned meeting your classmate Gangmen Yanzuo at a bookstore yesterday?"

"Describe that encounter."

*Gangmen Yanzuo? Are the police investigating him too?*

"I only transferred to this class recently. He’d been absent—I barely know him. It was a coincidence at the bookstore."

The officer closed his notebook. "Thank you for your cooperation. You may leave now. Send Hiru Kawakami in."

Relief washed over Yueci as she stood.

The moment she opened the door, Hiru stood fidgeting with her sleeve nearby. Yukiho Doi watched from a distance.

Seeing Yueci exit, Hiru’s face twisted with dread as she shuffled inside.

Yueci waited by the door.

Hiru emerged quickly, visibly relieved.

"It was okay... no terribly hard questions..." She patted her chest.

*Their interrogations must’ve been similar,* Yueci deduced.

The officers soon exited, nodding politely as they passed the girls toward the stairs.

"May we return to class?" Yueci asked Yukiho Doi.

Yukiho’s gaze lingered on Yueci, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Hiru may go back. But Yueci—you’re to stay. Principal Sakurai wishes to speak with you privately."

*What could she want? Has she discovered my true identity?*

Yueci masked her unease, calmly telling Hiru to return to class before reentering the office.

"You’ve come..."

Eiko’s elegant voice drifted from across the room.

Seated behind her desk, fingers steepled on the polished surface, she looked up at Yueci. Despite her gentle aura, an undercurrent of quiet authority filled the space.

Silence stretched between them.

Then Eiko broke it, her tone deceptively soft:

"You were brought into this school by Nishikino An, weren’t you?"

The air turned glacial.