The next day, news of the Imperial Princess’s appearance at the academy spread like wildfire.

Just as students buzzed with speculation—certain she’d side with Teresa…

Inside the training ground.

First-year Class One had gathered together, a rare sight.

Ostia stood before them, face cool and unreadable. Charlotte then stepped slowly to her side.

“Some of you may already know: Charlotte has temporarily passed the academy’s review and joined our class. Her status is unique, but I hope you all treat her kindly while here.”

Charlotte smiled, gave a light wave to the group, and walked straight into the crowd.

All eyes followed her—until she stopped beside Loko.

Just as she opened her mouth to greet Loko, Shilufei gently tugged Loko closer.

“Make a little more space for Her Highness,” Shilufei said, her tone perfectly reasonable.

In truth, a full half-meter separated Loko and Charlotte, while Shilufei pressed arm-to-arm against Loko.

Charlotte said nothing. She made no move to close the gap.

She simply stood firm, waiting for Ostia to speak.

Ostia cleared her throat lightly.

“Today’s session proceeds as usual: paired sparring. Ask me if you’re unsure.”

“Also…”

Her gaze settled on Loko.

“Loko. Step forward.”

“Huh? Me?”

Loko froze, then hurried out of the group.

“Last time you said you were tired. Surely not tired today?”

Loko’s heart fluttered—Ostia remembered.

“Mm.” Ostia nodded.

She turned to the others.

“Everyone else, disperse. No partner? Activate the training golems over there.”

Her eyes returned to Loko.

“I’m curious about your ability. Try it with me?”

Ostia grabbed two iron swords from the rack and tossed one to Loko.

Loko caught it, voice still timid.

“Teacher Ostia… you’re a Celebrity. I’m just a Proficient. The gap is too wide…”

“No worries. I won’t use my abilities. I’ll hold back. Fair?”

“Besides—your skill’s already enough to handle ordinary Celebrities, isn’t it?”

Before Loko could refuse, Ostia raised her sword, stance sharp and ready.

“Enough talk. I’m coming!”

She moved in a flash.

Loko shut her eyes instantly, tracking Ostia’s position and distance through subtle shifts in ambient temperature.

Ostia’s lips curved. *Unshaken. As expected—this girl’s ability is practically cheating in combat.*

Nearby, Charlotte and Shilufei watched the duel.

Footsteps approached. Charlotte’s gaze shifted to Teresa standing beside her.

“Oh? Teresa. What is it?”

“Your Highness, I heard you’ve reached the Celebrity realm. May I… spar with you?”

“No problem.”

Shilufei stayed put, eyes fixed on Loko’s match.

Ostia’s strikes fell like a storm—relentless, bold, with sudden lethal feints hidden within.

Yet Loko, guided by her ability, always sensed the real threats.

Round after round passed. Ostia gained no advantage.

Onlookers stared, stunned.

*No wonder she’s second in the year—holding her own against a teacher!*

They knew Ostia held back, but paired with her sweeping style and memories of Lesson One, the spectacle gripped them completely.

“Good. Very good. You can already take on ordinary Celebrities alone.”

Steel clashed—sharp, ringing.

Ostia’s praise was open, but pressure mounted on Loko.

Sweat dampened her bangs; strands clung to her flushed skin.

Her limbs grew heavy under the strain.

“But your constitution… seems lacking.”

A hint of disappointment colored Ostia’s tone.

“Such talent, yet such frailty. This is the hurdle on your path to Celebrity.”

Next move—raw force shattered Loko’s guard.

Her sword flew skyward, then clattered to the ground.

Loko opened her eyes, head bowed in exhaustion.

“Teacher… I lose.”

“Mm. Because this time, I used full strength.”

Ostia’s voice stayed calm.

“Your ability is exceptional. But your body holds you back. If it’s innate, seek constitution-enhancing remedies. Progress will come faster.”

Not a wasted spar. Loko now knew her weakness.

*Improve my constitution…*

Shilufei’s eyes lit up.

She remembered Flora’s reward—the precious vial of potion she and Loko had guarded like treasure.

If it helped Loko… could she use it to win her over?

Loko’s thoughts clearly mirrored hers.

She murmured thanks to Ostia, then sat aside to rest.

Defeat stung—but losing to someone vastly older and experienced? Acceptable.

Then—BOOM!

A thunderous crash echoed across the field.

All heads turned.

Two figures faced off: one in white, one in blue.

Teresa sat astride a massive beast-type Familiar, gazing down at Charlotte.

The famed bloodline ability of the York Family.

“Not an official duel… but a fight without stakes feels hollow,” Charlotte mused, arms crossed.

Her eyes sparkled.

“Teresa—if you lose, let Loko be my personal attendant at the next banquet. Deal?”

Teresa’s brow tightened, expression darkening visibly.

“And if *Your Highness* loses?”

“Then *I’ll* be Loko’s personal attendant. Fair?”

*So it’s all about Loko? Don’t you have servants? Friends? Why keep trying to poach from my side? And even if I win—would Loko dare accept you as her attendant?*

A vein throbbed on Teresa’s forehead. She silently cursed Charlotte.

“I refuse. And it’s not my decision alone.”

“Oh… what a pity.”

Charlotte sighed lightly, as if she’d expected it.

“Then… we’ll just have to ‘keep it light’.”