Diana had long seen through Lia’s deliberate secrecy.

Though they only spent a few days together each year, Diana knew Lia’s character well.

Lia would never do anything wrong. Her dedication to becoming a Spirit Cardmaster was genuinely moving—she had never once slackened her efforts.

That was precisely why Diana felt so curious. What could possibly make someone like Lia—so passionate and gifted—postpone her enrollment for a whole year?

Wait… her grandfather? Could he be on his deathbed?

Diana turned immediately, only to find Grandpa Lia standing energetically behind the counter, fidgeting like he had ADHD.

Unable to guess further, Diana chose not to press.

“No worries. I was just asking. Lia, the Academy has decided to waive your enrollment fee—and send a carriage for you. To avoid missing more practical training sessions, we’d leave right away. Is that okay?”

Diana expected joyful agreement. Lia did brighten for a moment—but before a smile could form, she lowered her head.

From behind the counter, Grandpa Lia nearly jumped out of his skin. He stretched his neck and whispered urgently, “Just say yes! The Spirit Card Academy is personally coming to take you—that’s an honor almost unheard of!”

As if steeling herself, Lia took a deep breath. “Senior Diana… could one more person come with me?”

“One more person?”

A chill shot down Diana’s spine.

Lia nodded. “I know it’s selfish. I’m truly grateful to you and the Academy… but I can’t leave Su Hong behind. I need him with me.”

*Kraaak!*

Grandpa Lia let out a bizarre cry, scrambled over the counter, and yanked Lia back two steps.

“You foolish girl! Do you have any idea how strict the Imperial Capital’s Spirit Card Academy is? Only seven hundred students admitted nationwide each year! For them to come fetch *you* is a massive honor—and you’re asking to bring Su Hong as an exception?! I know you like him, and he likes you, but think long-term! He can train harder and find you next year, or the year after—wouldn’t that work?!”

Lia bit her cherry lips lightly, silent.

Entering the Imperial Capital’s Spirit Card Academy and becoming a powerful Spirit Cardmaster wasn’t just Lia’s dream—it was her grandfather’s too.

The Academy’s personal invitation made her ache to go. But then she thought of her grandfather’s age… of Su Hong, who had only just begun to step out of loneliness, whom she’d painstakingly coaxed from his secluded world. Leaving them both behind filled her with deep guilt.

*Even if I took only Su Hong and left all the gold coins for Grandpa… it would feel a little better.*

“Senior Diana… is it possible?”

Diana had heard every word of Grandpa Lia’s plea. She understood: Su Hong was Lia’s boyfriend.

She didn’t refuse outright. “This Su Hong… how does his skill compare to yours?”

“He’s far behind. He only just learned the basics from me…” Lia hurriedly added, “B-but sometimes he’s astonishing! And before he lost his memory, he was an incredibly skilled Spirit Cardmaster!”

Diana shot her a baffled look. *Amnesia? How did he lose his memory? Was he beaten?*

Confused as she was, she grasped the core: Su Hong was a total beginner. Using Spirit Cards was basic life skill—people at his level were everywhere.

If he’d had talent like Lia’s, maybe she could’ve pleaded for him. But an ordinary beginner? Impossible.

“Lia… without talent like yours, there’s no way to make an exception for him.”

“I see…”

Lia’s voice dropped, heavy with disappointment. She fought to steady herself. “Then… I won’t go either. Thank you so much, Senior Diana. Thank the Academy. I’m sorry.”

Diana was utterly stunned.

How could a completely ordinary guy hold such power over Lia—to make her sabotage her own future?! Her talent was valued by the entire Academy! How could she throw it away like this?!

Having long seen Lia as a friend, Diana felt both bewildered and fiercely protective.

“Where is Su Hong?”

A flicker of hope sparked in Lia. *Maybe if he shows his skills…*

“He’s at my place. He should be here soon. Senior Diana… would you like to meet him?”

Diana glanced at her again.

*Living at her place? Already cohabiting?*

And while Lia worked, Su Hong was lazing at home napping?! *How naive can she be?! Hurting others is one thing—but daring to drag down someone like Lia? He’ll pay for this.*

“Mm. I’d like to meet him. Our mentor is on his way too. We’ll wait here.”