A new day dawned with waking up in another world—a routine the girl had grown accustomed to. As usual, she brushed her teeth, changed clothes… The only thing still feeling awkward was wearing a bra.

"Oh dear, struggling again today?"

Miss Caina seemed used to having a roommate who acted "off" every two or three days.

Holding the pink bra, even Moyu Manatsu—the self-proclaimed "seasoned veteran"—blushed furiously.

Life’s racetrack was nothing like the textbooks.

Taking slow breaths, Moyu carefully put on the bra. Then—

"Luno-chan, you’re bleeding from the nose!"

*Guess my training still has a long way to go…*

The girl sighed inwardly.

Aside from the chilly breeze under her skirt, everything else felt normal. Moyu opened the letter Lunorette had left the previous night, as per routine.

*"Today’s experimental magic class. The professor paired me with the student council president. I’m counting on you, Moyu."*

Ever since swapping bodies with Lunorette, two strangers had forged an unusual bond across time and space. Moyu had lost count of their exchanges, but one thing was clear: Lunorette’s attitude toward her kept warming. Using her nickname meant she’d been accepted as a friend. Moyu even found herself thinking it wasn’t bad having someone like that.

*As long as she stops spending my money.*

*"Stop wasting my cash, idiot. I’ll really kill you next time."*

After tucking the letter away, Moyu headed to school. (The next day, Lunorette would read it, get annoyed, and splurge Moyu’s allowance at KTV after their next swap—but that’s another story.)

To Moyu, Lunorette was her first real friend since Yuki. If her friend wanted her to handle today’s experiment, she’d do it properly.

Breakfast with Caina, walking to class together, opening textbooks as the teacher lectured—just like any other day. Except Moyu no longer dozed off like she used to back on Earth.

"Miss Orphis, please solve this problem."

The teacher smiled from the podium.

A week ago, Moyu would’ve panicked. But after days of magical lectures and Lunorette’s meticulous notes, she wasn’t the same clueless girl anymore.

"Yes."

Luckily, it was a basic question. She answered quickly.

"Correct. This was too simple for you, Orphis. Next time, I’ll prepare something harder."

*If she calls on me again, I’m dead.*

Moyu forced a polite smile.

*How does Lunorette survive being a model student every single day?*

"Lunorette… Lunorette…"

A soft voice came from behind. Moyu turned to see a red-haired girl covering her mouth.

"Lend me your notes?"

Without hesitation, Moyu slid her notebook across the desk. After days in Lunorette’s life, she knew her circle well: this was Saria, daughter of a count.

Lunorette had many friends—unlike Moyu.

"Thanks! You saved me~" Saria beamed.

Morning classes flew by. Third period was Magical Materials Lab—the world’s equivalent of chemistry class. According to Lunorette’s note, today’s session mixed first to fourth years. The professor had specifically paired "Lunorette" with a third-year senior.

That senior was no ordinary student.

Wensidia Stro Mirastin. Student Council President. A goddess of beauty and talent in every student’s eyes.

More importantly: princess of the Miralstin Empire. True imperial blood.

*Why pair me alone with a princess?* Moyu suspected the professor’s mischief. But it made sense—Lunorette was Chief Student. Letting her interact with the future empress was a rare opportunity.

*He’s thoughtful… but this "kindness" gives me a headache. I don’t want to do experiments with royalty!*

Bell ringing, Moyu (in Lunorette’s body) entered the lab with Caina.

"Lunorette, I’m heading in~ Oh, be nice to Her Highness~" Saria winked before slipping inside.

The lab resembled Earth’s chemistry rooms—gleaming equipment neatly arranged. Only here, they studied magical reagents, not chemicals.

"Cherish this chance, everyone," the professor announced. "Especially juniors—learn from your seniors."

*This "experiment class" is really just forced networking,* Moyu thought.

"Hello, Senior Lunorette! Fancy meeting you~"

A small figure popped out of the crowd—a cute underclassman.

"Josephine? What a coincidence." Moyu smiled.

"Yes! Let’s do our best! Everyone will admire you even more after today!"

*She idolizes Lunorette… typical starry-eyed junior,* Moyu mused.

"Lunorette."

A golden-haired girl passed behind Moyu. Her voice, sweet as a sparrow’s song, made Moyu freeze for a second.

"Sorry, my partner’s here. Talk later." Moyu stepped aside with an apologetic smile.

"Pleased to meet you, President."

Moyu had seen her portrait circulating the academy. She played Lunorette’s role carefully.

*Though the real thing is cuter than her photo.*

"Call me Wensidia. No need for formalities."

The princess’s effortless, genuine smile was mesmerizing—truly imperial grace. Moyu snapped out of her daze quickly.

"Shall we begin?"

"Of course. Since the professor paired us, let’s show our best."

Wensidia took her hand naturally, like an old friend. Moyu’s cheeks flushed.

*As a princess, her power must be extraordinary. Becoming council president means she’s respected. Paired with Lunorette—the academy’s strongest—she’s definitely top-tier.*

"Is something wrong, Lunorette?"

"N-nothing…"

*Caught calculating a princess’s strength. How rude.*

This "exchange" was clearly the professor’s matchmaking scheme. Befriending the princess would benefit both Lunorette and the academy.

"Lunorette, would you consider joining the student council?"

Wensidia’s smile was dangerously charming.

*They’re not close. Her politeness proves it.*

"No."

Moyu wouldn’t decide for Lunorette’s body.

"Why? Someone as brilliant as you would only gain from it." The princess pressed on.

*She’s right… but my answer won’t change.*

"I’m sorry. I lack the talent for council work."

*Gaming and movies are my true loves. Besides, I’m not Lunorette.*

"You jest. Talents like yours are rare in the empire. And you’ll surely join the Imperial Knights someday—council experience would help your future."

Wensidia’s persistence revealed how highly she valued Lunorette.

"President, I—"

"Call me Wensidia."

"…Wensidia. I want to decide my own path. So no, I won’t join."

*This should end it. She’ll still try to recruit me for the empire—I’m sure of it.*

Wensidia fell silent. Her gaze locked with Moyu’s, then drifted to the microscope on their table.

"You have no background. With nothing to your name, surviving in the empire will be hard. I’m trying to help… Why won’t you listen?"

Her eyes held a flicker of sorrow—so brief Moyu wondered if she’d imagined it.

"Or… are you still—"

Moyu froze.

*What does that mean?*

"My apologies. I spoke out of turn." Wensidia turned back, her elegant mask perfectly in place. The moment vanished like a dream.

They finished the experiment in silence.

Outside the lab, an owl perched on a tree branch. Its crimson eyes glowed with an unnatural light…