"Miss Loko, Miss Teresa wishes to see you."

Before Loko could even relax in her room, a man’s voice came from beyond the door.

In an instant, the flicker of resolve in the girl’s heart was snuffed out.

Her slender hands trembled slightly as she reached for the doorknob and slowly pulled the door open.

Sure enough—just like in her dream—a guard from the Teresa household stood before her bedroom door.

"Miss Teresa awaits you in the first-floor parlor. Please prepare and join her promptly."

Though Loko hailed from a minor noble house, hers was dependent on the Teresa family. Thus, though both occupied servant-like roles, the guard’s tone remained neutral—neither deferential nor rude—before turning and leaving.

Leaning against the closed door, Loko glanced at the diary pinned to the wall beside her, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

*Surely Teresa isn’t summoning me because she discovered I’m a spy?*

After all, according to the original timeline, Saint Stephen Academy didn’t open until tomorrow. She hadn’t even begun her assignment—betrayal wasn’t yet possible.

*So… it’s probably nothing serious.*

*Maybe, like before, she just wants to bully me.*

Shaking off the thought, Loko quickly freshened up and headed downstairs.

Pushing open the parlor door, she stepped inside.

This time, she carried herself with slightly more composure—but still dared not meet Teresa’s eyes.

Her gaze fixed only on the hem of Teresa’s long dress, and lower, the calves sheathed in black stockings.

"Young Miss… did you wish to see me?"

"Mm."

Beyond Loko’s line of sight, Teresa nodded. Then Loko saw her stand.

"Why keep your head down? Afraid of me?"

Amusement tinged Teresa’s voice—but Loko knew better. This wasn’t warmth.

Teresa was a woman who masked her emotions perfectly. The brighter her smile, the darker her thoughts.

"N-no… I feared overstepping, Young Miss…"

"Overstepping?" Teresa stepped closer. Loko’s chin nearly vanished into her chest—any lower, and the view would be utterly improper.

A weight settled on Loko’s shoulder. Her body stiffened instinctively, ready to beg.

But Teresa merely cupped her chin—just as in the dream—and lifted her face.

Satisfied, she gave a small nod.

"Such a pretty face. Why hide it?"

"Eh?"

Loko had braced for a strike. Instead, Teresa’s gentle gesture left her frozen.

Unbothered by Loko’s shock, Teresa released her and settled back onto the sofa, crossing one leg over the other. Loko’s eyes flickered to the tip of her blue shoe.

*Is she… expecting me to kneel and lick it?*

But Teresa did no such thing.

"Loko. Saint Stephen Academy opens tomorrow. You recall our prior discussion, yes?"

*Here it comes.*

Loko’s focus sharpened. *She summoned me for business.*

"I understand. My roommate is Shilufei. You tasked me to monitor her closely—and cause minor disruptions when needed. Correct?"

Teresa’s brows twitched.

"Are you *asking* me?"

Realizing her error, Loko bowed her head hastily.

"I’m sorry, Young Miss! My mistake!"

Her sincere apology seemed to soften Teresa’s expression.

"Very well. Let me be clear: Shilufei’s family is… unusual. Father ordered me to handle her. I placed you there out of necessity—you are the one I trust most."

*Trust?* Loko scoffed inwardly. *Of course. My life is bound to you. Who else could you trust?*

Memories of childhood flashed—how naive she’d been to sign that contract under Teresa’s sweet deception. Such magic required genuine consent from both sides…

Seeing Loko silent, Teresa mistook it for hurt.

"I know it stings. You’re a noble lady, yet must fawn over a commoner. I’ll increase your family’s stipend—consider it compensation."

*There it is.* Classic manipulation disguised as care. Pocket change to her.

Outwardly, Loko nodded with devoted earnestness.

"Thank you, Young Miss! I shall spare no effort—I will die in the attempt!"

Teresa raised a hand, paused, then cleared her throat lightly.

"Your loyalty is noted. But ‘die in the attempt’? Unnecessary. You must stay alive."

*Obviously. Alive = useful tool. I get it.*

"Rest well tonight. School begins tomorrow." Teresa smoothed her skirt, stood, and paused beside Loko.

"Oh—and one more thing."

"If Shilufei ever threatens your life… prioritize your safety above all."

To Loko’s shock, the words held a rare, genuine warmth.

Her heart skipped. Pupils tightened.

Then she steadied herself.

"Thank you for your concern, Young Miss."

Teresa’s expression shifted—complex, unreadable—before she turned and left without another word.

Only when the door clicked shut did Loko exhale deeply.

*That cunning woman… I almost fell for it.*

A cold snort escaped her.

Teresa wasn’t the type to cherish pawns—especially disposable ones like her.

"All that ‘trust’ and ‘safety first’…"

*She was testing my resolve. Fail, and I’m discarded. My fate arrives sooner.*

Outside Loko’s home, Teresa boarded her carriage.

She glanced back toward the parlor window, silent for a long moment.

"Fool," she murmured softly.