By noon, students living nearby began leaving Saint Stephen Academy. Loko was tidying up her dorm room.

After finishing, she walked to Shilufei’s door and knocked.

Footsteps approached. The door opened. Shilufei stood there in a loose shirt, blinking at Loko with mild confusion.

“Loko? What’s up?”

“I’m heading home for a couple days. Back Monday.”

At Loko’s words, Shilufei felt a faint pang of disappointment.

“Ah… okay.”

Seeing her expression, Loko remembered how vulnerable Shilufei had looked just days ago while confiding in her.

“Um… Shilufei, do you have weekend plans?”

She gathered her courage and asked.

“Me? Probably just train at the grounds and stay here…”

“Then…”

Loko reached out her hand.

“If you’re free this weekend… wanna come to my place?”

“Huh?”

Shilufei looked up, eyes wide with surprise.

Flustered, Loko rushed to explain:

“No misunderstandings! I’ll be bored alone at home, and I need a training partner. Plus—Rickrode’s the imperial capital! Lots to see. I can show you around…”

“But… won’t your family mind a stranger visiting?”

“No way! Dad and Sis actually worry I have no friends. Bringing home someone like you so soon? They’d be thrilled.”

“Mm…”

Shilufei hesitated.

But when she glanced up again, ready to refuse, she saw Loko gazing at her with a soft, pleading look.

“So… I really am not enough?”

“No, no!”

Shilufei shook her head quickly, then sighed in surrender.

“Alright. This weekend… I’ll be in your care, Loko.”

“Mm.”

…

York Family Mansion.

“I heard you clashed with your cousin at the academy?”

In a spacious study, Teresa sat on a side sofa. By the window, Drake remained seated at his desk.

“No.”

Teresa sipped her tea, shaking her head gracefully.

“Father overthinks. Haiya and I are simply competing fairly. No rule says younger cousins must yield to elders.”

“Besides, our methods are legitimate. No harm to the family’s reputation—or interests. At least, not from my side.”

Drake glanced up from his scroll, then looked down again.

“Outwardly, family unity must be preserved. Your uncle served the family greatly. However flawed Haiya may be, she must not be slighted.”

“So she should rest on her laurels forever?”

“Mind your words.”

Drake’s tone sharpened slightly.

“Haiya’s current ability rivals the younger generation. And like your uncle, she acts with principle.”

“She’ll be your ally someday—not your enemy. Not everything requires a fight. Learn when to let go.”

“But I’ve already drawn my bow. If this arrow misses… it won’t just stain my name. Yours too, Father.”

Silence stretched.

Finally, Drake sighed deeply.

“Very well. It’s only a student council election. But if you win… leave your cousin some dignity.”

“Mm.”

Teresa agreed readily.

“Provided she doesn’t harm the family.”

“Enough.”

Drake waved a hand.

“How goes your watch on Shilufei? I heard you’re running together—with that Gallina Family girl too?”

Teresa tensed instantly.

“Father… do you disapprove?”

“No.”

Drake shook his head.

“If Shilufei can be useful, make her your ally. If not… remove her early.”

A chill tightened Teresa’s chest.

“The choice is yours. Don’t wait until it’s beyond your control before asking me to clean up.”

“I understand. This daughter will decide.”

“Good.”

Drake closed the scroll and stood.

“Tomorrow evening, His Majesty hosts a banquet. You’ll accompany me. Build a little political capital for your future.”

Teresa bit her lip, reluctant.

But she nodded.

“Understood.”

…

Loko and Shilufei rode the carriage home.

At the gate, a maid swept fallen leaves. Spotting Loko, she brightened and hurried over.

“Miss Loko! You’re back! Master’s missed you terribly!”

“I’ve only been gone days,” Loko muttered, lips twitching.

“Oh! And Miss Vera’s here too—she delayed returning to barracks just to wait for you!”

As if on cue, the door swung open. A girl with green shoulder-length hair—strikingly similar to Loko but sharper-featured—stood there.

Before Loko could react, she was tackled into a tight hug, stumbling back.

“Loko~! Big sis missed you sooo much~!”

Vera nuzzled her cheek against Loko’s.

“Let me check—did school starve you?” Her hand drifted toward Loko’s waist.

“Sis Vera! Don’t dump barracks frustrations on your innocent little sister! I’m blameless!” Loko squeaked, eyes glistening with mock grievance—making her look even more endearing.

Vera laughed an apology, then turned to Shilufei. Her smile vanished.

“And you are…?”

Realizing the oversight, Loko stepped in.

“Shilufei, this is my sister Vera. Sis Vera, this is Shilufei—my academy roommate.”

“Oh! Loko’s friend!”

Vera’s grin returned, warm and open.

“A guest from afar—please, come in!”