"Um… Teacher, I just finished sparring with Shilufei and I’m a little tired. How about we save it for next time?"

Seeing Ostia about to use her as a punching bag, Loko quickly made up an excuse.

"What a pity. Well then, next class I’ll have to compete with Shilufei for your attention."

Ostia wore a regretful expression before shifting her gaze toward Teresa in the distance.

Unlike Loko, Teresa was already well-known. Ostia had also heard whispers about the York Family’s unique abilities.

The moment Ostia’s eyes left Loko, she muttered she had something urgent and hurried after Shilufei’s direction.

"Seems she can still run just fine…"

Ostia tilted her head, watching Loko dash away with surprising speed.

…

For nobles, the greatest taboo was having their family insulted.

Naturally, Randolph—newly elevated to nobility—was no exception.

Hearing Loko ruthlessly expose his sore spot, Randolph’s face flushed crimson with rage.

Shilufei watched silently, a trace of coldness flickering in her eyes.

*Could I have been wrong? Was she not sent by Haya… but acting alone?*

If so…

She glanced at Loko. The faint goodwill she’d just felt vanished instantly.

*Right. Trusting Loko was never the right choice.*

"Why so quiet? Son of a baron whose title can’t be inherited?"

Loko deliberately stressed the words *can’t be inherited*.

"Or did you earn your title by doing favors for certain people?"

Fuming, Randolph lunged forward—but a hand yanked him back.

"Randolph, Miss Eve said: do not lay a hand on her."

His companion’s whisper hissed in his ear. Still seething, he jerked free but took no further step.

"Loko, as a junior student, your words are unbecoming. You’re just the youngest daughter of your house. Your elder sister joined the military, didn’t she? You can’t inherit the title either."

He turned away.

"We were merely seniors explaining academy rules to a junior. Don’t misread our intent."

"And your family… isn’t it the same as mine?"

Without waiting for a reply, the group strode off.

…

Loko watched their backs, muttered a quiet curse, then approached Shilufei.

"Shilufei, did they do anything to you?"

Shilufei shook her head.

"Loko… what did he mean? *Your family is the same as his?*"

Loko fell silent a moment, then spoke softly:

"My family… due to certain circumstances, kept only the title—no land."

"The York Family gave us funds to manage part of their downstream industries. That’s how we survived in Rickrode. But in return… we became their vassals."

"This has lasted over three generations. Nearly all of Rickrode’s high society knows."

She held nothing back.

Shilufei was slightly startled. *In my past life, I learned this much later—and she barely mentioned it. Why speak so openly now? Doesn’t she know I hate the York Family?*

"So… you lied when you said you didn’t know Teresa?"

"No!" Loko denied urgently, then lowered her eyes, voice small.

"If ‘knowing’ means meeting a few times… yes. But she always acted like a haughty young lady—ignoring my thoughts, my opinions, never sharing hers. So… I don’t truly *know* her."

"Then as the Yorks’ vassals, don’t you have to serve them?"

"Yes." Loko nodded. "Everything we have—three generations of it—came from them. We owe service. But… not everything. Not willingly."

A quiet resentment surfaced.

"I hate feeling controlled. I hold not a shred of goodwill toward the York Family."

"That’s why… I never told you before, Shilufei."

Shilufei wasn’t foolish—she heard the sincerity.

*But if she hates them… why betray me without hesitation in my past life? Is there something I’m missing?*

Her stance softened. Not wanting to strain things now, she let the question go.

Loko kept her head bowed, humble as before Teresa.

Suddenly, Shilufei’s figure leaned closer in her vision.

Then—warm arms wrapped around her.

"I’m sorry, Loko. For bringing up something painful."

Shilufei’s gentle whisper brushed her ear; the soft press of her body left Loko utterly flustered.

After a brief hug, Shilufei pulled back.

Loko stood frozen, face burning crimson, steam almost visibly rising from her head.

After a long pause, she stammered:

"N-no… it’s nothing… I just… said things I never dared tell anyone… Shilufei, p-please… don’t tell anyone…"

"Of course. This is our little secret—just you and me, Loko."

Shilufei smiled, hands clasped behind her back.

…

"So—you not only failed, but let *that* Loko rescue Shilufei right in front of you?"

In an empty classroom, Eve regarded her returned subordinates, voice perfectly calm.

"Yes…"

A cold bead of sweat traced Randolph’s temple.

"But as I left, I made sure to mention Loko’s family ties to the Yorks. Shilufei likely won’t suspect Loko staged it… but she won’t see her as clean either."

"Hmm." Eve nodded. "The only remotely smart thing you did today. I won’t punish you. The young mistress will send rewards to your households."

"Thank you, Miss Eve!"

Relief lit their faces—failure hadn’t cost them the prize.

Only after they left did Haya step from the side partition.

"Young mistress, about this matter…"

"I never expected perfection. Sowing a little discord between them is enough."

She leaned against the windowsill, gaze drifting to the square below.

"As for Randolph—he handled himself well. Next monster-clearing operation, allocate extra resources to his house. Elevating them to baron rank would be fitting."