Haya returned to the dormitory, followed by her long-time servant, Eve.

Since enrolling, Eve had posed as her classmate and roommate, quietly supporting her every step.

Now, the flaxen-haired girl stood respectfully behind Haya.

“Young Miss, please don’t be too upset. Miss Teresa has always been like this. Even if you’d warned her beforehand, she wouldn’t have changed.”

“I know.”

Haya gave a slight nod.

“I know exactly what Teresa is like. But I never expected her to be so disrespectful to her elders—just because her father is clan head, she ignores me, her own cousin.”

“And what is Drake, really? If my father hadn’t sacrificed himself for the family, he’d be nothing!”

Haya’s voice grew sharper with each word. Behind her, Eve’s face paled in shock.

“Young Miss… please don’t say such things. If Madam hears, she’ll be furious.”

“It’s fine.”

Haya waved a dismissive hand.

“I’m just venting. And I’m only saying it here—no outsider will hear.”

The words carried a quiet warning.

Eve lowered her head and fell silent.

“Find out who’s planning to run with Teresa. Apply some pressure.”

If she couldn’t touch Teresa directly, others were fair game.

Within the entire York Family, only Drake’s faction made her cautious.

Eve murmured a soft “Yes,” then slipped out, leaving Haya alone.

…

In the cafeteria, Shilufei stood frozen after hearing Teresa’s earnest trust.

In her past life, this girl had always looked down on her. Now? Inviting her to co-run for student council?

And praising her so highly…

Loko’s heart hammered. Teresa had nearly quoted her verbatim from yesterday.

*If Shilufei refuses… will Teresa blame me?*

*Ugh. One misstep, and everything unravels.*

Just as Loko silently prayed, Shilufei smiled gently.

“Since Teresa holds me in such regard… I accept.”

“Good. Then our alliance is sealed.”

A graceful curve touched Teresa’s lips as she extended her hand.

Shilufei’s face showed flattered surprise—but inwardly, she scoffed.

*So now I’m performing for a master-servant duo instead of one.*

*The more they underestimate me, the better my chances to turn the tables.*

The rest of the meal passed lightly. Teresa left early, having already settled the bill.

With Shilufei, Loko felt genuinely relaxed.

After all, this Shilufei posed no threat—and their bond felt solid.

(Though that certainty lived only in Loko’s mind. It was enough.)

Noticing Loko’s sudden ease, Shilufei tilted her head.

“Loko… you seem kinda scared of Teresa?”

“Huh? You might not know—Teresa’s the York Family’s legitimate eldest daughter. No one here dares cross her.”

Loko shot her a bewildered look.

“But *you*? You spoke so freely just now! Weren’t you worried about offending her?”

The question nearly stopped Loko’s heart.

“I figured… someone that powerful wouldn’t care about my words.”

“If she gets angry over one sentence? Then maybe she’s not fit for her position.”

Panicked, Loko clamped a hand over Shilufei’s mouth—ignoring how intimate it looked.

She darted glances around. Only after confirming no one was near did she exhale.

“Phew… Thank goodness she’s gone. If she’d heard that…”

Pulling her hand back, Loko looked like she’d narrowly escaped doom.

“Loko… do you know her well?” Shilufei asked, eyes wide with feigned curiosity.

*If I’m acting, I’ll act completely.*

She’d casually highlight every crack in Loko’s words—waiting for the mask to slip.

Loko shook her head weakly.

“I don’t know her. I just… don’t want to die.”

…

Near the cafeteria entrance, students chatting idly watched Teresa leave.

Their eyes flicked inside, locked onto Loko and Shilufei’s features, then hurried toward the dorms.

Night fell. Eve returned with a compiled report.

She tapped lightly on Haya’s door. At a soft “Enter,” she stepped in.

Haya reclined on a chaise lounge, eyes closed in repose.

Her loose nightgown revealed generous stretches of fair skin across chest and thighs—utterly unconcerned about being seen.

“Results?” Haya’s voice drifted out, lazy and low.

“Yes.” Eve steadied her breath.

“Miss Teresa lunched with two people. One is Loko—the Gallina Family’s second daughter, ranked second among freshmen.”

“That girl… rings a bell. Wasn’t she Teresa’s little lackey?”

“Yes.”

“Hmph. Never thought *she’d* reach second place. Teresa does have a sharp eye.”

Eve stayed silent, stung. Her own ranking had barely scraped twenty-ninth.

Just comparing servants made her feel overshadowed.

“And the other?”

Thankfully, Haya shifted focus.

“Shilufei. Ninth in the year… but seemingly no background.”

“No background? Why would Teresa invite her?”

“Perhaps because Shilufei is Loko’s new roommate. Loko likely recommended her.”

“Tch. When one rises, even chickens and dogs ascend. Roommates for *one day*, and she’s already pushing her up? How impatient.”

Haya relaxed visibly.

Favoritism in recommendations was timeless. Shilufei might be capable—but not Teresa’s wisest choice. If Teresa followed Loko’s suggestion? Proof she’s swayed by flattery.

“Of course, Miss Teresa still can’t compare to you, Young Miss,” Eve added smoothly.

“Enough. Save that for Teresa. You know what I value.”

Haya sat up.

“Arrange someone to… *pay special attention* to Shilufei. Loko’s a dog—I’d need Teresa’s permission to touch her. But Shilufei?”

A faint smirk.

“Tripping her up will remind Teresa exactly whose turf this is.”