Haya, who had been standing beside Charlotte, watched her leave and followed her gaze.
Upon spotting her cousin Teresa, Haya’s smile froze instantly.
Nearly everyone else assumed Charlotte was heading straight for Teresa.
After all, Teresa was the York Family heir and the empire’s future second-in-command—allying early seemed highly likely.
Only Loko, standing beside Teresa, felt a flicker of nervousness as Charlotte approached slowly.
True to expectation, Charlotte halted gently before them. Then, to everyone’s surprise, she spoke first—not to Teresa, but to Loko.
“Full yet?”
The odd question left the nobles baffled. Only Loko—and Teresa, who’d heard the story—understood.
“Uh…”
Loko awkwardly lowered her head, unsure how to reply.
Charlotte shifted her gaze to Teresa with a smile.
“You must be Miss Teresa of the York Family?”
She extended her hand.
Faced with the Imperial Princess’s gesture, Teresa couldn’t refuse.
Their hands met slowly, then parted just as gently.
“Your little attendant is quite interesting.”
Just as Teresa feared—the words she dreaded most.
Inwardly, she blamed herself for bringing Loko, yet kept a calm smile.
“She’s not my attendant. We’re all nobles; our statuses are equal.”
*Equal?* Loko thought bitterly. *If it were truly equal, I wouldn’t be stuck as this dangerous spy.*
From a distance, Haya watched the odd scene unfold, the corners of her mouth curving slightly upward.
*They both look stunning tonight—especially Loko. Standing together, if you overlook her innate shyness, she’s actually the most beautiful of the three.*
*And Teresa… holding her own against Her Imperial Highness—no, the Imperial Princess now. Who else would she target?*
“Mm, I agree,” Charlotte said warmly.
Then, unexpectedly, she turned to Loko and offered her hand again.
“Let’s reintroduce ourselves? I’m Charlotte. What’s your name?”
“…L…Loko.”
Loko stammered. Nobles showed no reaction outwardly, but many sneered inwardly.
*No wonder the Gallina Family is fading. Even their promising youngest daughter has zero social grace. How could that please the Imperial Princess?*
Yet Charlotte—whether acting or sincere—held Loko’s hand longer than Teresa’s.
Not a trace of displeasure crossed her face.
“We might meet again. No need to be so tense around me. I liked you better when you were yourself.”
With that, Charlotte withdrew her hand, turned, and returned to the banquet’s center.
For the rest of the evening, Loko’s mind stayed in a daze. She remembered nothing.
Only when the banquet ended did she board Teresa’s carriage.
Inside, Teresa gazed at her and spoke softly.
“Your sister’s military service these past two years has been impressive. I brought you to make an appearance—so we can arrange rewards for your family.”
After all, the empire thrived on collective noble interests, not just a few.
“The past generations’ grievances are long forgotten by the imperial house. The Gallina Family, as founding contributors, can’t fade without land or influence.”
“More banquets await… but your performance was lacking. Stay by my side for training first.”
Loko lowered her head silently.
“I understand, Miss.”
“And don’t dwell on the Imperial Princess’s words. Avoid the palace and court events—you won’t cross paths with her. Ignore what she said.”
“Your mission remains: watch Shilufei.”
“Understood.”
The carriage halted before Loko’s home. She rose to leave.
“Oh, Loko.”
Loko turned back, confused.
“I finally see why you caught the Imperial Princess’s attention today.”
Teresa offered a rare, genuine smile.
“You looked truly beautiful tonight.”
As the carriage rolled away, Loko stood frozen at her doorstep, unmoving.
Head bowed, her ears burned crimson.
…
Saint Stephen Academy, dormitory area.
Shilufei lay on her bed, listening to crickets chirp outside. An unexplained restlessness stirred.
“She… should still be at the banquet, right?” she murmured.
“How does someone with *her* personality handle those nobles?”
She sighed deeply.
“Ugh… why do I even care so much?”
But Loko wasn’t in the dorm. *Should I check her room?*
*If I find letters between her and Teresa… that’d be leverage.*
She sat up instantly, slipped on her shoes, and walked to Loko’s door.
The hallway was silent and empty.
Shilufei turned the knob—click—the door opened easily.
“She still hasn’t learned her lesson…”
She recalled walking in on Loko changing last time and muttered under her breath.
Still, this carelessness worked in her favor now.
She flipped on the light and searched the desk.
Nothing.
Loko’s room was tidy—just a bit more clothing than usual, otherwise ordinary.
Sighing, Shilufei straightened the mess she’d made.
*No letters… so they meet face-to-face.*
*Could I follow her next time?*
Just as she turned to leave, a sound came from outside.
Alert, she killed the light, slipped out, and crept downstairs.
Pushing the door open, she exhaled in relief.
Just a cat chasing insects in the bushes. *I thought someone was watching me.*
She slipped back inside.
