Evening settled in Teresa’s dorm room.

Loko sat obediently on the sofa, watching Teresa lounge across from her with relaxed ease.

“My cousin really underestimates me,” Teresa complained, clearly annoyed about Haya’s provocation earlier that day.

“Telling me not to even think about competing with her for status at the academy? Absolutely absurd!”

“She’s been student council president for three years—but only because I wasn’t here.”

“Of course, Miss. With your abilities, victory would be effortless,” Loko replied instantly with a flattering smile.

Watching Teresa act unusually childish before her, Loko relaxed slightly.

When first seated opposite Teresa, she’d feared reprimand—but it was just venting.

Saint Stephen Academy barred servants from campus. Even with daytime followers of her grade, Teresa was alone here at night.

*Maybe… she’s a little lonely?*

Loko immediately chided herself inwardly. *I’m just her servant at her beck and call—why am I worrying about her?*

Teresa showed no pleasure at the flattery. She straightened her expression.

“Loko, I need you to do something for me.”

*Wait, Miss—you already gave me a life-risking spy mission. Now another favor? Trying to work me to death?* Loko mentally grumbled, but kept a servile smile.

“Please instruct me, Miss. I’ll do my utmost.”

“Don’t mention dying,” Teresa frowned. If anyone else said that, she’d ignore it—but not from Loko. “I just need help. No need to risk your life over every little thing.”

*Easy for you to say. This spy job already has me on the line,* Loko thought bitterly.

She nearly forgot how Teresa’s sharp “Are *you* questioning me?” last time had jolted the half-asleep Loko senseless. She’d learned: with Teresa’s dominant personality, just listen. Never ask first.

“I’m running for student council president.”

“Eh?” Loko gasped involuntarily, then quickly composed herself.

“With your talent, Miss, it’ll be effortless!”

“No…”

Unexpectedly, Teresa didn’t take the flattery.

“Haya’s a fourth-year. Three years of connections and resources here. Competing head-on… the pressure is real.”

Loko fell silent—better not to over-speak.

“That’s why I need *you*,” Teresa said with rare seriousness.

Loko dropped the obsequious act. When Teresa spoke like this, she wanted substance—not empty words.

“Campaigns require a full trio: president, vice president, executive director.”

“Beating Haya directly is near impossible. Unless… we field a completely freshman-led slate.”

Loko understood. A youthful team to signal fresh change.

“You ranked second in entrance exams. Shilufei placed ninth.”

At Shilufei’s name, Loko’s eyes widened. *Is Miss planning to recruit her?*

“You guessed right. I’ll invite Shilufei too.”

“But…” Words caught in Loko’s throat.

“I sent you as a spy, yet now suggest cooperating with *her*. Strange, right?”

“Mm.” Loko nodded.

“Because you don’t need to act yet.” Teresa explained. “You saw Shilufei today?”

“Yes.” Loko recounted helping her—originally meant for routine report, but mentioned now since Teresa asked.

“You did well.” A faint smile touched Teresa’s lips; her mood visibly lightened.

“Just build rapport with Shilufei. The campaign is the perfect cover.”

Teresa laid out her plan with quiet confidence. Loko listened, utterly bewildered, and numbly nodded.

“I’ll talk to her, Miss.”

“No rush.” Teresa shook her head. “If you mention it tonight, it links us. I’ll approach you both tomorrow. Act like you know nothing. Understood?”

Loko realized: Teresa was shielding her spy role from the York Family. She agreed promptly.

“Alright, that’s all… Wait.”

Seeing Loko rise to leave, Teresa added casually, “What do you think of Shilufei? Reliable?”

“I’ve only known her half a day…” Loko hesitated. *Praising her might seem like siding with the enemy.*

“But… from first impressions? She has real potential.”

Teresa pondered, then nodded.

“That’s all. You may go.”

“I’ll take my leave. Good night, Miss.”

Loko bowed slightly and exited.

Teresa lowered her head, mulling Loko’s words.

“Potential, huh…”

She *had* considered Shilufei—but ninth place alone wouldn’t earn her the spot. Only useful for Loko’s mission.

Yet… if even Loko saw promise in her… could she truly trust her?