After settling Flora onto the bed, Loko and Shilufei finally stepped out of the underground lab.
“I never expected Teacher Flora to be… this kind of person…”
Walking home, Loko mused aloud.
They’d followed Flora to the lab that afternoon; by the time they emerged, deep night had fallen.
Silence draped the academy. Within Saint Stephen Academy’s hushed corridors, only the soft echo of two pairs of footsteps walking side by side remained.
“Still… maybe she just wanted to test the potion’s effect. Didn’t expect it to be *this* potent.”
“…”
Loko fell speechless.
Who tests a potion on themselves? Did she think she was Shennong?
Yet this very trait shifted Loko’s view of Flora—favorably.
At least she was a responsible adult. She wouldn’t risk her two lab assistants testing a potion she brewed herself.
Back at the dorm, time was so late both hurried through washing up and slipped into bed.
In her room, Shilufei carefully locked the door.
She returned to the bedside, pulled a small glass bottle from her pocket.
It held Flora’s potion—but Shilufei had secretly poured out only a trace when Loko wasn’t looking, just enough to barely coat the bottle’s bottom.
Taking more risked Flora noticing upon waking. Better left unexplained.
She tilted the bottle, watched the dwindling liquid, and dripped a few drops into her water cup.
*Just testing the effect…* she silently reasoned, capped the bottle, and tucked it into the bedside cabinet.
The cup already held half a glass of water. After dilution, the clear liquid turned a faint, cloudy pink.
Shilufei swallowed hard, heart pounding.
If this potion could truly benefit her future… she steeled herself.
She lay down, pulled the blanket snug.
Then lifted the cup and downed it in one gulp.
Placing the cup back, she stared at the ceiling.
One second… two seconds…
Was the dose too low? She didn’t feel sleepy at all.
Shilufei’s brow furrowed.
Did she need more to fall asleep?
The next instant—her consciousness cut out.
Light still on, she sank into deep, sudden sleep.
Early the next morning, Loko stepped out yawning—but Shilufei was nowhere downstairs.
Only after sitting awhile did slow footsteps finally sound from the stairs.
“Morning, Loko.”
Shilufei looked vibrant, utterly unlike someone who’d returned past midnight.
*She usually wakes early anyway. Sleeping in a bit would leave her energetic,* Loko reasoned, and thought no more of it.
“Oh right, Shilufei—starting today, the election campaign truly begins.”
“There’s the routine speech event at the square. We’re fourth to speak. This afternoon.”
“This afternoon? Who picked *that* time…”
Shilufei couldn’t help but grumble.
Afternoon was the hottest part of the day. Few ventured out under sun and wind; most stayed indoors to train or rest.
“It’s always been the rule. But it’s the square—if your speech moves people, no one stays unmoved.”
Loko stood, gently patting Shilufei’s shoulder.
“Teresa handles logistics and personnel. This part’s all on you!”
*She’s got that natural warmth,* Loko thought. *Perfect for this.*
Shilufei shot her a wordless look, then sighed.
“Fine, fine. I did agree to run with you.”
Besides… growing closer to them kept the York Family off guard.
…
Saint Stephen Academy, Student Council Office.
Haya frowned at the enrollment document before her.
She glanced up at Eve beside her.
“Serious? This really came from the academy?”
“Mm. Procedures are complete. Once the young lady signs, she enrolls tomorrow.”
“…”
Haya exhaled slowly. Eyes fixed on the name “Charlotte” under *Applicant*, she signed below without a word.
Leaning back in her chair, she seemed to release a weight.
“‘Princess’… No. Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess never attended a noble academy. His Majesty arranged only the finest private tutors.”
“But Saint Stephen gathers the empire’s—and continent’s—brightest minds. His Majesty intends for her to build connections here…”
Were succession matters already in motion?
Yet His Majesty wasn’t even fifty—still in his prime as a ruler.
Eve stood silently beside her.
“Never mind. Even if she enrolls now, student council team registration closed. If she aims for president, she’ll wait till next year.”
And by then, *I’ll* have graduated. Let Teresa handle the imperial entanglements.
…
Saint Stephen Academy, Dean’s Office.
Dean Dreikbo had left his desk, now seated on the sofa with a warm smile for the blue-haired girl opposite him.
“Your presence honors our academy, Your Imperial Highness.”
Charlotte smiled faintly, saying nothing.
“As a mid-term transfer, however, school rules cannot bend for you. The student council election, for instance—I cannot intervene.”
“No need, Dean. I hold no interest in it.”
Charlotte shook her head lightly.
“The class assignment matters little. As long as I study here per my father the Emperor’s wishes, that suffices.”
Relief washed over Dreikbo. At seventy-one, he’d met many royals—but only Emperor Jelka matched Charlotte’s rare consideration, her ability to see *his* position.
No wonder father and daughter shared such spirit.
“Never would I assign carelessly!” Dreikbo added quickly. “As imperial royalty and such a celebrated young figure, Class One is naturally most fitting for Your Imperial Highness.”
A knock interrupted him.
The door opened. Ostia entered, expression stern.
“Ostia, come. Meet your class’s new student—Her Imperial Highness, Crown Princess Charlotte.”
