Time rewound to the moment Shilufei stepped out of the café.

Though Teresa’s words were brutally blunt—just shy of saying outright, “You don’t belong with us”—Shilufei swallowed her pride.

She knew she wasn’t Teresa’s match yet. Unlike her, Teresa wasn’t a reincarnator; her judgment was sound.

Anyone choosing between her and Charlotte would pick Charlotte without hesitation.

Yet after today’s small victory—earning Loko’s praise—only to be so bluntly dismissed by Teresa… it stung.

Alone at the street corner, Shilufei lingered.

In her mind, she’d replayed Loko chasing after her countless times. Ten minutes passed. No footsteps followed.

She glanced back.

Through the café window, Loko sat beside Teresa.

Their hands… tightly clasped.

A sharp pang pierced Shilufei’s heart.

*Why…?*

Weren’t you planted beside me as a spy? Shouldn’t you be chasing me now to win my trust?

Her gaze locked on their intertwined fingers.

She turned abruptly and ran.

As she sprinted, she silently cursed Loko—and especially that idiot. If she’d just comforted her now, trust would’ve deepened so easily. Such a perfect chance… wasted.

Only after defeating several magic puppets set at Proficient level in the training ground did Shilufei return to her dorm, utterly drained.

Night had already fallen.

…

Back in the present, Loko froze at Shilufei’s question.

She didn’t know how to answer.

She’d said she disliked the York Family. To Shilufei, her bond with Teresa should’ve been purely superficial.

But… they’d only been roommates for a week. Was that enough to choose sides?

Loko shrank back.

That hesitation alone told Shilufei everything.

“You really are afraid of Teresa, aren’t you?”

Since Loko was sent to spy on her… could she be turned? Loko was capable. An ally like her would be invaluable.

Shilufei pressed gently.

“Because your family depends on the York Family, you can’t afford to offend Teresa—their future heir. So you obey every order, right?”

*Including betraying me.*

“No… it’s not like that…” Loko stammered.

“Then what? The student council election—was it your idea, or hers?”

Shilufei’s tone sharpened.

“Can you truly be happy serving someone so selfish, who only thinks of herself?”

The words struck deep.

Loko flashed back to the night before school began.

[*“If Shilufei becomes a threat to your life… prioritize your safety.”*]

If Teresa truly cared only for herself, she could’ve threatened her with the contract. Why worry about her feelings?

She remembered Flora’s class—forced onstage, humiliated. Returning home to find Teresa furious.

[*“Miss, it’s not worth it for someone like me…”*]

[*“Don’t you dare say that!”*]

*Was she really that selfish?*

Loko reflected: Teresa was stern, playful—but only in private. Never shamed her publicly. Always shielded her.

Even as a pawn… that care felt excessive.

“Shilufei… stop. Maybe… maybe none of us truly understand her.” Loko shook her head, voice faint.

“I… am afraid of Teresa. But she’s not as you describe.”

“Perhaps she just expresses care poorly. What she said today… she likely meant to protect you.”

To her own surprise, Loko was defending Teresa.

“Is that so…” Shilufei’s eyes narrowed slightly. A colder chill settled in her chest.

Loko’s loyalty had become dangerously blind.

Still, she hadn’t expected to sway her today. If Loko betrayed Teresa so easily… *that* would be suspicious.

Her tone softened.

“I’m sorry, Loko. I got carried away. Just… forget I said it.”

Loko nodded.

She had to pretend she hadn’t heard. If Teresa sensed even a hint of hostility from Shilufei, the York Family’s methods would force her hand—and leave no room to maneuver.

Suddenly, Shilufei’s fingers slipped into Loko’s hair. The ribbon loosened; strands tumbled down her back.

“But since you didn’t comfort your roommate today… consider this a peace offering.”

Shilufei glanced at the ribbon, hesitated, then tucked it into her pocket.

She stood. “Off to bathe. See you tomorrow, Loko.”

Loko touched her hair.

*That ribbon… the one Shilufei gave me after snapping mine during sparring.*

Was this… a quiet return?

She undid the other ponytail—lopsided now. *Might as well change it after my bath.*

…

In the steamy bathroom, Shilufei soaked in the tub, watching mist bloom across the ceiling.

Her gaze drifted to the golden ribbon resting on the shelf.

The blush on her cheeks deepened.

“Idiot… I gave it to you… and you actually used it…”