Perhaps it was Villainess Heiress Amelia’s stunning beauty that had raised expectations.

After the dorm door opened from inside, Yifia ignored her travel fatigue. Her eyes widened with renewed energy as she peered in.

What kind of female lead could she be?

A fragile little white flower? Cheerful and warm-hearted? Or a universally adored beauty?

Instead, she saw an utterly ordinary face—not unattractive, just plain. Let alone compared to Amelia… she wasn’t even half as cute as Yifia herself!

*This* was the female lead?

She must’ve entered the wrong room!

Yifia stepped back in disbelief, turned to check the doorplate—254—and double-checked. It was correct.

“Hello, I’m Eileen, your roommate.”

Unlike Yifia’s shock, Eileen remained perfectly calm. Even faced with a strangely acting future roommate, her expression barely shifted.

As fellow commoners, Eileen wasn’t surprised by Yifia’s late enrollment. Pris Academy’s costs were steep—tuition waived or not, other expenses crushed ordinary families.

Every year, commoner students dropped out.

One semester cost just one gold coin… trivial to nobles.

Eileen’s family had been comfortable before her admission. Now strained, her parents hadn’t bought new clothes in ages.

She hadn’t wanted to burden them, but they insisted she continue.

A Pris Academy diploma meant enviable careers and boundless prospects.

So Eileen burned with quiet determination: she *would* be top of her grade.

Pris held monthly exams. First place was recorded. After three years, the headmaster awarded the best graduate—a coveted position in the imperial palace.

Beyond that honor? Material rewards.

Each month’s top student received an exquisite gold commemorative coin.

Designs changed monthly. Nobles collected them—trading ten gold coins for one. Selling it could fund graduation.

Countless advantages awaited the top spot.

Yet not all nobles were idle. Some, raised with elite training, claimed first place effortlessly.

Like Duke Barren’s only daughter: Baron Amalia.

Stunning looks paired with a sharp mind.

Since enrolling, she’d held first place every single month—never once slipping.

Eileen felt inwardly relieved. Thank goodness she’d enrolled two years late. Competing against Baron Amalia directly? Nearly impossible.

Now, nearly a month into term, she *had* to surpass everyone.

Without another word to Yifia, Eileen returned to her desk, reviewing fiercely—aiming to stun everyone in five days.

Yifia watched the hardworking female lead, shock still lingering on her face. Distractedly making her bed, she had too many questions for the System.

[System, is Eileen *really* the female lead???]

[Yes.]

[You’re kidding! Amelia’s gorgeous yet just the Villainess Heiress? Eileen’s not even that cute! Is the prince blind?! Choosing Eileen over Amelia??]

Maybe because the System labeled her the female lead’s counterpart, Yifia couldn’t warm to Eileen.

Between gentle, considerate Amelia and Eileen? Yifia clearly favored “her own side.” After all—they stood against the female lead. Partners.

[System refuses to spoil. Explore on your own, Host.]

[Hmph. That’s all you ever say.]

Sometimes Yifia wished the System had a body—just so she could kick it across the room.

*So* convenient for venting.

She kept making her bed, enduring… then couldn’t hold back.

She nudged the System again.

[Is it Eileen’s “resilient positivity” that blinded the prince? Making him ditch the Villainess Heiress?]

[Then he’s a total jerk!]

[He’s *engaged* to her! Calling it “true love” while chasing another woman? Disgusting~]

Even ignored, Yifia rambled on.

Finally, the System snapped.

[Host. Though I cannot spoil… heed this: Trust no one lightly. Truth hides in shadows.]

[Hmph. Always riddles. Can’t you be clearer?]

Annoyed by her huffs, the System vanished instantly.

Left with no one to rant at, Yifia felt oddly bored.

Bed made. Nothing left to do.

She glanced at diligent Eileen, tiptoed quietly out of the silent dorm, and set off to explore Pris Academy.

The campus was massive—she’d nearly gotten lost during registration. A kind student had guided her.

Meticulously trimmed trees shaped into whimsical forms. Precious blooms competed in the flowerbeds, releasing rich fragrance. Butterflies fluttered over serene marble paths.

Just watching calmed the soul.

Graceful nobles strolled by in exquisite gowns, laughing carefree—no shadow of worry.

Yifia’s thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the slums: haphazard shacks, garbage crawling with insects. A plump rat darted across a sewage puddle, ripples spreading. Starving eyes followed it, mouths watering.

Two worlds, coexisting in one empire.

She shook her head, frustrated. Back home as a third-gen rich girl, she never dreamed of saving the world. Why start now?

Focus. Mission first: become Amelia’s friend.

She cast aside the melancholy.

New student. Amelia had two years’ head start. Different grades. Mismatched schedules. No chance encounters.

Impossible?

Nah.

This clever girl already had a plan.