Charlotte seemed to have come solely to listen. Finding the following speeches unappealing, she simply nodded to Loko and left.

This left the short-haired girl speaking onstage in an awkward spot.

She already knew Charlotte’s identity—and that Charlotte had chosen to leave precisely during *her* speech. It was hard not to assume her presentation was lackluster.

Frozen mid-sentence, she momentarily forgot her next words, eyes glistening.

Loko silently felt for her.

Yet admittedly, after Charlotte left, Loko breathed easier.

If interpersonal dynamics were a food chain, Loko sat somewhere in the middle. Shilufei hovered near the top—but hadn’t fully matured. The one who’d just sat beside her? A true apex predator. Someone whose mere words could end her.

Loko wasn’t alone in feeling this.

Shilufei visibly relaxed too. She scanned the room, then leaned toward Loko and whispered,

“Senior Eve’s gone.”

“Huh? She… probably went to report to Senior Haya. After all… Her Highness the Crown Princess suddenly enrolling *is* unexpected…”

“Yeah. Should we tell Teresa later?”

“No need.”

A voice cut in beside them.

Teresa appeared behind them, glided to the empty seat on Loko’s other side—the very spot Charlotte had occupied—and sat down.

Loko’s body, just loosened, snapped taut again.

*One apex predator leaves… another arrives.*

“Speeches over? How’d it go?”

Teresa didn’t glance at Loko. Her wine-red eyes settled on them as she spoke calmly.

“I think it went well! Her Highness seemed to enjoy Shilufei’s speech,” Loko hurriedly added.

…

Teresa’s expression showed no joy—only deep thought.

“W-well… ahem. Her Highness’s stance might give us a slight edge. With Shilufei’s strong performance, I’d say our odds are over fifty percent.”

Loko nearly slipped on the title and hastily pivoted.

Shilufei narrowed her eyes slightly, inwardly sneering.

*So Loko really thinks I know nothing.*

“We don’t need her help to win,” Teresa replied—uncharacteristically rejecting the obvious advantage.

Royal power was poison. Once tasted, hard to quit.

Teresa refused entanglement. Not yet.

The York Family championed noble-emperor co-rule. As future leader of the noble alliance, growing too close to the future empress would fracture unity.

Alone, the York Family would be exploited—just like the Lancaster Family decades ago.

That was why, after eliminating the empire’s greatest threat as its “white gloves,” they’d rallied nobles to stand equal with the throne.

“Why?” Shilufei asked, genuinely puzzled.

“You’ve always wanted student council president. Why reject a boost?”

Their hushed debate worried Loko. Afraid others might overhear, she weakly raised a hand.

“Um… maybe we should talk somewhere else?”

Inside a quiet café, the three sat together.

“Teresa… can you explain now?”

Teresa frowned.

Loko jumped in: “Ahem—Shilufei’s just straightforward. She didn’t mean to rush you…”

Teresa’s expression softened. She sipped her coffee.

“Shilufei. Next year—do you still plan to stay on the council? Aim for the executive board?” She stressed the words: *“only three members.”*

Shilufei froze.

*Before results are even out… already planning to discard me?*

“This year, Her Highness enrolled late. If we win *because* of her prestige, what will others think? That *she* secured the victory?”

“Next year’s strongest ticket will include her name. Who do you think she’ll pick as running mates?”

Shilufei’s eyes widened.

*Thinking ten steps ahead…*

Loko stayed silent. She knew Teresa had only voiced step two. What came after graduation remained unspoken.

“Our goal is unity. This team must stay solid through fourth year.”

“We prove *our* strength—not lean on a sudden outsider. Unless you plan to quit.”

Teresa fell quiet, sipping her coffee.

Shilufei bowed her head, weighing her choice.

After a pause, she lifted her gaze.

“I understand. Thank you for clarifying, Teresa. I’ll avoid contact with her.”

She stood, bowed slightly, and left.

Loko sensed the stiffness in her departure.

As she moved to follow, Teresa’s hand caught her wrist.

“Young Miss…?” Loko turned, confused. Teresa set her cup down gently.

“Just because *she’s* upset… does that mean *I’m* fine?”

“When did you start prioritizing *her* feelings?”

Loko’s breath hitched.

“But… you told me to get close to her. Lower her guard. It was the plan—”

“How many times have we met since the palace banquet?”

Loko fell silent.

“Stay.”

A soft pause.

“Please?”

This time, no command—only a quiet plea.