"I think this was the way yesterday..."

Lilina murmured uncertainly to herself, her index finger pressed against her lips.

She hadn’t remembered clearly because she’d been anxious the day before.

"Little Dark, do you know the way?"

Lilina asked her Contract Beast for advice, but found Wu Yan looking utterly bewildered.

Lilina sighed and decided to ask someone.

Just then, a girl passed by, and she hurried over.

"Wait a moment—could you tell me how to get to the Student Council?"

"The Student Council? They haven’t recruited anyone lately. Who are you... Ah, it’s you!"

The girl turned, took in Lilina’s face, and her eyes widened in shock.

Lilina felt puzzled. "Do... do you know me?"

"Hmph, of course. You’re that commoner Junior Mage trailing President yesterday. President personally guided you, yet you didn’t even remember it gratefully. Disgusting!"

Lilina sensed inexplicable hostility and grew uneasy.

"Oh—you’re from the Student Council too. Um, my fault for forgetting. Could you just tell me the way?"

"To the Student Council? Did President recruit you? Why would President take in such a useless Junior Mage? How did you bewitch her!"

"I didn’t!"

"Hmph, no excuses. I challenge you to a duel!"

"Eh?"

"President recruited you, so you must have some talent. I’ll duel you to see what you’re really worth!"

Lilina hadn’t expected this stranger to show such malice. She was only a Mage Apprentice, while even the weakest Student Council members were Junior Mages. She stood no chance.

"But I—"

"What’s happening, Lilina!"

Hearing her name, Lilina turned to see Scottia approaching.

"P-P-President!" The challenging girl stammered, flustered by Scottia’s arrival.

"P-Scottia!" Lilina almost said "President," but a sharp glance from Scottia made her correct herself instantly.

"W-why..." The girl couldn’t believe Lilina had used President’s first name.

"You’re from Publicity, right?"

"Y-yes, President!" The girl thrilled—President remembered her! She nearly sobbed with emotion.

"This is Lilina. Starting today, she’s my secretary. Spread the word: she’s preparing for the Academy Tournament. I won’t tolerate anyone bothering her."

"President, secretary..." The girl froze, stunned. Had she misheard? Had President ever had a secretary?

"Understood?" Scottia’s tone turned icy. The girl nodded frantically. "H-heard it, President! I’ll announce it immediately!" Her eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill.

"Let’s go." Scottia ignored her, striding past to lead the way without waiting for Lilina’s reply.

Lilina shot the girl a sympathetic look—only to get a glare back.

*Wu Yan thought: Queenly girls are truly untouchable. Wherever they go, others end up crying.*

He shuddered. For his safety—Stephanie’s sake—and harem harmony—Scottia’s sake—he’d avoid such girls forever.

*(Join the cult, join the cult!)*

*(Come, join our Queen’s Cult! Embrace the Queen’s lash together, ahhh...)*

Wu Yan brushed aside the weird voice in his head.

The girl glared at Lilina’s retreating back, fury burning in her eyes.

*Hmph, Lilina? Basking in President’s favor? Academy Tournament... just wait. I’ll make sure you fail the preliminaries.*

"Come in, Elina. You’re dismissed—I need to speak with Lilina alone."

"Yes, President." Elina left reluctantly, shooting Lilina a venomous glare before closing the door.

Lilina finally realized: becoming Scottia’s secretary wasn’t all good. Two encounters, two new enemies. If the whole Council found out...

The terrifying thought made her hug Wu Yan tighter.

*Ahhh—felt it again. But so small? My little loli’s malnourished.*

*Magical girls need nutrients, hehehe...*

Wu Yan cringed. He was drifting far from pure love.

*No—I can’t be this lewd. It’s the Tentacle Monster’s fault. That bastard Tentacle God!*

*Yes. It’s not me—it’s the Tentacle God!*