The two sat in silence.

Only when the last ray of the setting sun vanished did Teresa loosen her grip on Loko’s hand.

Her expression was calm as still water—no trace remained of the fleeting vulnerability she’d shown earlier while pleading with Loko to stay.

“It’s about time. You should head back.”

“Young Miss…”

Loko glanced at Teresa with concern.

“Aren’t you supposed to keep Shilufei company?”

Teresa simply cast her a brief glance with crimson eyes.

Loko fell silent.

For a moment, she *had* wanted to stay longer.

But Teresa was right—if Loko could use that excuse to leave, Teresa could just as easily use it to send her away.

“Then… Young Miss, please rest well. I’ll take my leave.”

Loko stood and walked out of the café.

Through the glass, Teresa watched her figure step into the dusk… and slowly fade away.

…

“Your Highness, I heard you attended the student council election speech at Saint Stephen Academy this afternoon?”

Inside the carriage returning to the palace, the head court maid turned to Charlotte and asked softly.

Assigned by Jelka specifically to mentor the princess, she waited for a reply.

“Mm.” Charlotte nodded. “I found it interesting.”

The maid sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Your Highness, now that your identity is public, every move reflects the Crown’s stance. I heard you favor the faction led by the York Family’s young miss?”

“You mean Loko and her friends?”

“Yes.”

“They *are* wonderful. And fun.”

“Your Highness…”

The maid launched into a earnest lecture.

Charlotte gazed out the window—listening, yet not.

“So… I shouldn’t show I like them?” she finally asked, turning back.

“Well… not that. His Majesty simply hopes you’ll balance the factions. Favoring one… isn’t wise.”

“I know. Father’s always been like that.” Charlotte pouted.

Jelka prized stability above all. Anything threatening it? Erased—no questions asked.

“Honestly… he shouldn’t have revealed me. I’d just be a normal student. No trouble…”

She muttered under her breath. The maid pretended not to hear.

*Current emperor. Future emperor. Neither is safe to offend.*

“How about I speak privately with Haya, Augustine, and Francois tomorrow?” Charlotte suggested, chin resting on her palm.

“Yes, Your Highness is wise.”

Relief softened the maid’s face.

…

Loko returned to the dorm—pitch black. Shilufei wasn’t back.

She switched on the first-floor lights, climbed upstairs, and knocked.

No answer.

Ear pressed to the door: only silence.

“Where’d she go…?”

Puzzled, Loko retreated to her room.

Opening the wardrobe, she searched for pajamas.

“Hmm… was this folded here before?”

She eyed the neat stack. *I haven’t worn the second one. Why’s it on top?*

*Tried it on by accident?*

Frowning slightly, she dismissed it and pulled out her pink fluffy sleepwear.

“Magic really is convenient… dyes like this, mass-produced…”

She shook the pajamas with a quiet marvel.

Placing them by the bed, she’d just started undressing when—a door creaked downstairs.

She tugged her top back on and hurried down.

Shilufei sat on a stool, drenched in sweat. Her clothes clung tightly, highlighting her toned frame.

Golden hair spilled over her flushed, glistening cheeks.

Hearing footsteps, she turned.

“Shilufei… where were you?”

“Training ground. Practiced with golems. Just got back.”

Her breath still came in soft pants.

“When I’m upset, I train—tire my body out. Stops the sad thoughts.”

No hiding it. She even smiled at Loko. “See? Better than at the café, right?”

“Yeah… definitely.” Loko nodded.

*Internally, she broke into a cold sweat.*

*Does exercise really make people happy?*

*Not for me. Not to this extent.*

*If I activated my bloodline ability now… I’d feel the heat difference between us.*

Still…

Loko sat beside her.

“Shilufei… about what Teresa said earlier. I won’t say ‘she meant well’—that’s hollow. But she didn’t say it to hurt you.”

“I know.” Shilufei nodded.

“You nobles need a commoner like me to show inclusivity. It’s fair. I benefit too.”

She truly seemed unbothered.

“But… Loko? Straight talk: I don’t like Teresa.”

Loko flinched—instinctively wanting to defend her, but holding back.

“Why? You don’t have other issues with her, right?”

“Mm.”

Shilufei’s tone shifted.

“Our personalities just clash. Maybe working together will change things.”

*Despair crept into Loko’s heart.*

*So it’s true. Shilufei and Teresa—their rivalry was inevitable. Even my efforts couldn’t stop it.*

“Also…” Shilufei added softly.

“When I left… you didn’t follow because *she* asked you to stay. Right?”

*That* was the real sting.