Seeming to find the asymmetry of one side in a ponytail and the other loose unsettling, Loko returned her sword to the rack, then simply untied the remaining hair tie and clamped it between her teeth.
She shook her head, gathered her long hair at the nape, and began tying it into a single ponytail like Shilufei’s.
Shilufei walked over just then.
“Sorry, Loko. I got a little carried away earlier.”
“I’ll replace that hair tie for you later.”
“Hm? It’s fine.”
Loko didn’t seem to care at all.
“Oh, Shilufei—can you help me tie it? I can’t see behind me.”
“Ah… sure.”
Shilufei took the hair tie and stepped behind her.
Fresh from sparring, both were slightly damp with sweat. Shilufei noticed a single bead glistening on Loko’s neck. Leaning closer, a sweet, gardenia-like fragrance drifted into her nose.
“Um… don’t move, Loko.”
Shilufei gently lifted Loko’s hair.
Meanwhile, Teresa stiffened at the sight.
When did they get this close?
Their sparring had been sharp and serious—no holding back. Yet the moment it ended… one was already tying the other’s hair?
Was Loko moving *that* fast?
Unaware her own feelings had subtly shifted, Teresa watched.
Shilufei finished the ponytail neatly and stepped back.
Somehow, that floral scent still lingered in her senses.
“T-That’s all for today… I’ve got things to do. I’ll head out first.”
Without waiting for a reply, Shilufei turned and hurried from the training hall.
Loko moved to follow—but a hand landed on her shoulder.
She turned. Ostia, who’d been observing other students moments ago, now stood beside her.
Unlike her usual icy demeanor, the teacher wore a faint smile.
“I was impressed by your fight. Care for another round?”
…
Outside, Shilufei leaned against the wall, eyes closed, breathing deeply.
Her heartbeat slowly steadied.
Just as she’d suspected: though this life differed slightly from her past one, Loko’s strength, abilities, and fighting style remained nearly identical.
Unless something major changed… Loko would still kill her at her most vulnerable moment, just like before.
Remembering how she’d deliberately slowed her movements—just to linger near that scent—a chill ran through her.
She’d warned herself countless times. Yet again, she’d let her guard down.
“No… Shilufei, stop. She’s your enemy. Don’t be fooled.”
“Yes. Exactly.”
Lost in her whisper, she didn’t notice shadows closing in.
“Hey. You’re Shilufei, right? The ninth-ranked freshman?”
A golden-haired youth smirked, flanked by others who slowly advanced.
Still shaken, Shilufei shot him a cold glare. He froze mid-step—as if staring into a beast’s eyes.
Then he scoffed. “What was *that* look? How dare you glare at a senior?”
She remained silent, icy-eyed.
Fuming but restrained (no duel request meant no violence), he delivered his message bluntly:
“Heard you’re running for student council.”
He glanced at his laughing companions.
“And if I am?” Shilufei replied coolly.
His group burst into laughter.
“Pffft—hah! Who do *you* think you are? A nobody with no background, no power. Got in here on talent alone—and now you think you can rise above your station? Lord it over *us*?”
Shilufei understood. Haya’s informants were everywhere. Her meeting with Loko and Teresa had been reported.
They’d sent these thugs to warn her off.
…Wait. What about Loko?
*Why am I thinking about her again?*
“Withdraw from the election. For your own good,” the youth pressed. His cronies nodded.
“Our patron’s connections reach the heavens. Every year, graduates from Saint Stephen Academy… some vanish right after. Think carefully.”
“Oh? So you’re bullying me with power?”
Shilufei had been hesitant about running—but this brazen threat ignited her resolve.
“No,” the youth shook his head. “We’re *advising* you to accept your place. This is a noble’s academy. You, a nobody—no matter how talented—are only fit for menial tasks.”
“Hey. That’s enough.”
Loko’s voice cut through from behind them.
The golden-haired youth turned, frowned. *Her.* Off-limits per orders. Time to retreat.
“Tch. Lucky break.”
He turned to leave—but Loko called out, voice sharp:
“I heard *everything*! Stop. Apologize to Shilufei. Properly.”
“Oh?” He dropped the act, locking eyes with her. “If it isn’t Miss Loko of the Gallina Family—second in the year. Standing up for your roommate?”
Loko blinked. “You know me?”
His smile faltered.
“We met at a banquet. I’m Randolph, heir of the Lebu Family.”
“Lebu Family? Is your father Langstaff?”
Loko searched her memory. Only one name surfaced.
Randolph’s face brightened. “Exactly.”
Noble etiquette demanded restraint…
“That Langstaff’s just a baron—a title that can’t even be inherited. And you *dare* call yourselves a family?”
Randolph’s smile froze solid.
