“What about Louise’s parents? You just brought her back like this—they must be worried sick, right?”

Hearing this, Lumiere asked with a puzzled frown.

“When I found her, she was wandering alone outside. She knew nothing when I asked. Most likely, she was abandoned, or her parents passed away long ago.”

Leyang glanced at Louise and said calmly.

The group fell silent.

“Alright, enough about that. What brings you two here anyway?”

Leyang shifted the topic, looking at the girls.

“Phoenix kept checking on you because you’ve been missing so long! She was worried about your safety. We just happened to bump into you today.”

Lumiere shrugged, a hint of displeasure in her expression.

“Lord Leyang, where have you been these days? Why didn’t you attend any classes?”

Phoenix gazed at him with deep concern, unable to hold back her question.

“I was doing something meaningful. I might disappear longer next time, but don’t worry—I know what I’m doing.”

“Oh, Phoenix, I have a small gift for you.”

Leyang pulled out a tiny box and opened it slowly. Inside lay an exquisite blue hairpin.

“Lord Leyang, what’s this…?”

Phoenix was slightly taken aback, her voice surprised.

“It’s nothing special. I saw it at a stall and thought it suited you. If you don’t want it, just say so.”

Leyang explained frankly, no hesitation.

“Of course I want it! It’s beautiful. I’ll gladly accept your gift, Lord Leyang.”

Phoenix shook her head, taking the hairpin and clipping it to her right bangs.

“How does it look?”

She glanced at Leyang cautiously.

“Hmm, it suits you perfectly.”

Leyang gave a thumbs-up, praising freely.

“Hehe~”

Phoenix’s heart swelled with sweetness, like honey coating it. A happy smile spread across her face.

“Lord Leyang, where’s my gift?”

Lumiere asked bluntly, seeing this.

“Princess Lumei, please mind your manners. That’s rude.”

Yvette reminded her quietly.

“It’s fine. Phoenix and Lord Leyang aren’t outsiders.”

Lumiere had grown to see them as true friends. She spoke freely—a luxury she couldn’t afford with others due to her royal status. Every word required careful thought; that life was exhausting.

Yvette fell silent.

“I have one for you too. But I fear Her Highness might find it too trivial. Here—a brooch I picked out.”

Leyang handed her a small pouch. Inside lay a single red spider lily-shaped brooch.

“Hmph, do you think I’m materialistic? Since you’re being considerate, I’ll accept it.”

Lumiere pinned the crimson brooch to her left chest. It bloomed like a vivid flower, stunningly beautiful.

“Princess Lumei’s brooch is lovely.”

Phoenix complimented.

“Thanks. Your hairpin is nice too, Phoenix. Lord Leyang, you have good taste after all.”

They exchanged smiles, then turned to Leyang.

That comment questioned his taste—he always had great taste.

Leyang didn’t bother arguing with a kid.

“Has anything happened at Kamila Noble Academy lately?”

He asked casually.

“Just boring basics and noble etiquette classes. But etiquette ends today. From the day after tomorrow, we start practical courses.”

Lumiere clearly hated the etiquette lessons. Unlike Leyang, she couldn’t skip freely. She had to endure it.

“You said it ends today. Why the day after tomorrow?”

Leyang frowned, puzzled.

“Lord Leyang, didn’t you know? Tomorrow’s the academy’s rest day. Princess Lumei and I planned to go out.”

Phoenix smiled gently, explaining.

“Oh, right. I forgot tomorrow’s a rest day.”

Leyang scratched his head awkwardly.

“Forgetting is normal for you. Every day feels like a holiday—you never attend class. Phoenix and I handle all monitor duties while you laze around.”

Lumiere shot him an annoyed glance.

“Haha, I told you the deputy monitor role doesn’t suit me. Ask Instructor Soya Jemi to replace me. Alec Dode could do it—he’s popular.”

Leyang felt helpless. The title meant nothing to him.

“Alec Dode’s a duke’s son, right? He gives me a bad feeling.”

Phoenix hesitated, speaking softly.

“I dislike him. He’s arrogant, self-important, and annoying.”

Lumiere nodded, disgust flickering in her eyes.

Leyang didn’t know Alec well—he’d just recalled Class A’s support during elections. Even kids carried noble politics.

“Oh, important news: in three days, Instructor Soya Jemi is holding an exchange match between Class A and seniors. Ten spots. She says it’ll show our weaknesses. She signed you, me, and Phoenix up. Don’t disappear this time.”

Lumiere added calmly.

“Huh? A match? I never agreed to this!”

Leyang stared, stunned.

“You’re Class A’s deputy monitor and strongest member. Who else?”

“Great. So I’m being forced into this like a duck on a shelf.”