Saint Stephen Academy, the most prestigious institution in the Empire of Saint Velia, maintained a surprisingly intricate internal governance system.
Haya and Teresa’s fierce rivalry over the student council election stemmed from one simple fact: the council held immense authority within the academy.
From drafting class schedules to assigning teachers, its approval was required at every step.
It also oversaw daily student discipline—the aspect of campus life most directly felt by everyone.
As the figure wielding the greatest power, the student council president naturally represented the entire student body: a paragon of both academic excellence and martial prowess, embodying the academy’s prestige.
Council officers routinely attended major academy events and key decision-making sessions.
Naturally, such a pivotal role drew the attention of many outstanding students.
When Haya first enrolled, she leveraged the York Family’s connections to form a campaign team blending youthful energy with senior students’ experience. She won the election smoothly and secured two uncontested re-elections afterward.
It wasn’t that no talented challengers emerged—only that the York Family’s vast network and resources proved insurmountable.
But times had changed. With Teresa, another York Family member, now enrolled, Haya’s sole remaining advantage was the personal connections she’d built over the years.
…
The next morning, Loko woke up.
She hadn’t overslept today. As the sky outside brightened, she blinked her eyes open groggily and checked the wall clock.
Just as Teacher Ostia had said yesterday, students at Saint Stephen Academy could choose their own path: training with instructors, seeking guidance, or self-study—as long as final assessments were passed.
Every admitted student was considered a prodigy. Even the lowest-ranked carried a hint of pride.
An unspoken competition was about to begin.
Seeing the clock read seven, Loko rubbed her eyes, yawned, and rolled out of bed.
Barefoot, she padded across the wooden floor, quietly rummaged through her wardrobe, and gave a small nod.
Aside from formal events requiring uniforms, casual attire was permitted for daily classes.
She pulled out a white shirt and a black skirt.
Still half-asleep, Loko sat back on the bed with her outfit.
She unbuttoned her nightgown slowly, one button at a time.
Her snow-white skin and gentle chest curves were briefly exposed to the air.
After slipping on her undergarments, she eased her slender arms into the shirt sleeves, one side after the other.
“Hmm… a little tight?”
Tugging the fabric, she felt unexpected pressure near her chest. With a sigh, she left the top button undone and reached for a jacket.
She hooked her index fingers into her sleep pants’ waistband, slid them down slowly, and tossed them aside.
Her slender legs came into view, but seemingly accustomed to her own body, she calmly pulled on the skirt and tied its sash.
Standing, she rose onto her tiptoes and spun gently—the skirt fluttering lightly around her.
She sat again and picked up a pair of white silk stockings.
Stretching one, she rolled it from the toe, lifted a leg slightly, and bent forward.
Holding the rolled stocking open, her fair toes slid in slowly.
Heel, calf… all the way to mid-thigh vanished beneath the smooth white fabric.
Releasing it, the elastic cuff gently snapped against her skin—soft as velvet snow—with a faint whisper.
She stepped before the mirror, leaned close, gathered her flowing hair with a hair tie, and carefully adjusted it.
Twin tails were her favorite style—a habit born from childhood.
Back then, Teresa had complimented how lovely they looked. Ever since, Loko kept this hairstyle.
But as for what came after…
After tying her hair, she gazed at the girl in the mirror and sighed.
Then, she pressed her index fingers to the corners of her mouth and lifted them firmly.
“Hmm, gotta stay cheerful!”
With that, she left the room.
True to her diligent nature in the original story, protagonist Shilufei was already finishing breakfast downstairs. Seeing Loko descend, Shilufei froze for a moment.
Loko had been striking in her uniform, but today’s casual outfit made her even more captivating—like stepping straight from memory, still breathtakingly beautiful.
Then, an internal alarm flickered in Shilufei’s mind.
*Almost fooled again by her appearance.*
She schooled her expression back to calm seriousness.
“Loko, up early today?”
Loko felt flustered. *This hour is normal… but Shilufei—*
She glanced at Shilufei’s nearly empty plate and the teacup beside it.
*She’s almost done eating? Must’ve woken up an hour earlier…*
“It’s fine,” Loko replied. “But Shilufei, do you rise this early every day?”
“Mm. Habit.” Shilufei nodded.
A pang of inferiority struck Loko. *The protagonist has better talent AND works harder. No wonder I’m stuck as a villainous side character…*
But then she relaxed slightly. *I still hold some advantages. If I start now, I might still catch up to the top tier in the original story.*
This world’s combat system split into two paths: conventional combat and special abilities.
Conventional combat blended martial arts and magic—neither superior, each suited to individual strengths.
Special abilities were mostly held by nobles, though most were unremarkable.
The Gallina Family’s ability? Heightened temperature sensitivity.
Prestigious houses like the York Family could summon Familiars to aid in battle.
And Shilufei’s noble lineage? The power to manipulate ambient elemental forces—concentrating or dispersing them—a tremendous asset in combat.
