"Hmm, then I'll leave it to you!" I said, clutching my handbag, and bowed deeply with a hint of apology.

"Oh my, it can't be helped," she replied, running a hand through her hair. "Call me Senior Shirley, underclassman—no need to be so formal. Sit here and rest a bit."

"O-okay, Senior Shirley. I'm Misty; you can call me Mist." I smiled gratefully and sat back on the sofa at her gesture.

Senior Shirley nodded, walked to her reception desk, and picked up the phone, seemingly about to ask someone—likely another Student Council member.

Bored as I sat aside, my curiosity surged. I wanted to hear what Senior Shirley would say to others.

So I closed my eyes, quietly activated Hunting Mode, slowing time and sharpening my hearing. Instantly, all sounds flooded my ears, making them tingle slightly.

Senior Shirley's breath, her heartbeat, and the soft parting of her lips filled my mind. Everything else was filtered out.

Hehe, now I can hear her without being noticed, OVO.

"Yes, an unannounced girl claims to see the Lady President. But Senior Wenyan never mentioned this arrangement, so I need to ask what happened..."

"Her name? It seems... Misty? Yes, underclassman Misty. So, the Lady President she—"

"Beep... beep... beep..."

The conversation cut off abruptly. The busy signal and Senior Shirley's surprised tone meant the other side hung up first.

Senior Shirley froze, stunned and unsure. After a long pause, she walked over to me.

"Underclassman Misty, I have bad news..." This time, she looked apologetic. "I contacted the President's senior secretary, but got no answer. So I must ask you to..."

Though unsaid, her expression and my eavesdropping revealed the truth.

"Is that so? Then I'll leave..." I'd expected this, but the thought of walking back with the "Scarlet Queen's Blessing" around my neck made me feel a small breakdown coming on.

This time, it's really public execution! (つд⊂)

"Mm-hmm, remember to book an appointment next time, Misty," Senior Shirley said awkwardly, nodding. She turned to lead me out.

After a mental struggle, I forced a resigned smile and accepted my fate.

How did this happen? Could Senior Thousand Feather be pranking me? Probably not...

"Goodbye then, Senior Shirley..."

As my last word faded, the silent elevator chimed "Ding!" Under our gaze, its heavy doors slid open slowly.

Out stepped a second-year senior in uniform, her long red hair neatly tied, eyes gleaming with sharp intelligence.

Her piercing gaze froze both of us. My legs locked, refusing to move.

She strode over, staring intently, scanning me up and down like needles pricking my skin.

"Is this her?" she asked Senior Shirley coolly.

"...Huh?... Yes, underclassman Misty." Senior Shirley looked stunned, clearly not expecting her descent. "Since you didn't approve her visit, I was sending her away."

The red-haired senior remained utterly indifferent. Ignoring Shirley, her eyes stayed fixed on me.

After a long silence, she spoke in a near-emotionless tone:

"The President remains in the office for one reason: waiting for her."

Senior Shirley's face drained of color instantly, her body stiffening like a porcelain statue.

She turned to me, dismissing Shirley completely. "Misty, come with me. The President..."

"...has been waiting for you a long time."