Chatting with Amelia was incredibly pleasant. After all, who could resist a kind, thoughtful, and beautiful woman?

But Amelia was busy with the afternoon tea party, so Yifia had to say goodbye first.

Though Amelia invited her, the thought of sharing a room with a crowd of noble heiresses made Yifia instantly lose her nerve. Honestly, chilling back in the dorm sounded way more comfortable.

After settling on tomorrow afternoon for club registration, Yifia waved goodbye with a hint of reluctance.

The more she looked at Amelia now, the more she liked her. Even without the system’s mission, Yifia felt she’d still want to be friends with Amelia~

Having wandered enough, it was time to head back.

Guided by the system map, Yifia returned to the dorm. There, the diligent female lead was still buried in study—so focused it brought back vivid memories of Yifia’s final year of high school.

Back then, she’d watched classmates study day and night, dark circles under their eyes like they’d been punched, muttering notes while walking—practically turning into non-stop study machines.

She? Totally different. Manga in class by day, gaming till dawn by night… In the end, her family donated two campus buildings and sponsored five labs, securing her spot through connections.

Honestly, the privileged class always lives comfortably. Those exposed in scandals? Just not connected enough. At least, nothing ever touched Yifia during her time there.

But fortunes change. Now stripped of status and wealth, she was just a poor, helpless girl with no tuition for next semester.

Sigh.

Yifia flopped onto her soft bed to quietly lick her wounds—though snacks, drinks, and light novels would’ve helped…

Still, after oversleeping yesterday, she felt wide awake.

Propping herself up on one elbow, she glanced at the still-absorbed Eileen, then thought of that clueless Prince Caroy… Enrolling a month late left her clueless about the current plot.

That useless system gave zero hints—everything was guesswork!

After a pause, Yifia tentatively dipped her toe in. “Eileen, any big names at Pris Academy? I’m kinda curious!”

Maybe tired, maybe polite, Eileen set down her pen, glanced up, swiveled her chair comfortably, and replied, “Big names? Certainly. Miss Amelia, Duke Barren’s daughter—a noble worthy of respect. Her wisdom is admirable. She’s held first place for three years straight.”

Yifia blinked. Amelia was the *first* person Eileen mentioned? She nodded eagerly.

So the female lead actually admired the Villainess Heiress? Eileen’s eyes even sparkled at Amelia’s name. Then how did they end up hating each other? Because of Prince Caroy?

Suddenly, Yifia was genuinely curious.

“Miss Amelia is impressive. Anyone else?”

“Prince Caroy, the royal heir, is remarkable too. Gentle, courteous, hosts charities often—he’ll surely be a beloved king.”

Unlike her poised tone about Amelia, Eileen suddenly flushed, eyes darting shyly. Classic first-crush vibes.

Yifia pursed her lips, let out a soft *hmph*, then grinned. “So… how are Prince Caroy’s grades?”

“…”

*Target locked. Fatal blow delivered.*

Eileen’s adoring expression vanished. She pursed her lips. “He’s only slightly behind Miss Amelia. But I believe he’ll keep striving.”

“So… perpetual second place, huh?”

“…”

Any girl would bristle hearing her crush dissed.

Eileen shot Yifia a speechless glare, shoved her chair back noisily, and turned away—done talking.

But Yifia hadn’t reached her real question yet. No way she’d quit now.

“Sorry,” she said sincerely. “I just admire top students. They must’ve poured endless effort into it. Their achievements shouldn’t be dismissed.”

Yifia knew when to yield. Her words clearly softened Eileen.

Seizing the moment: “Eileen, have you ever interacted with Miss Amelia or Prince Caroy?”

“No. Different years rarely mix at Pris Academy. Unless same club or public event… Oh! Maybe spot them in the cafeteria. Nobles dine upstairs—they look down on the first floor’s ‘coarse’ food.”

Though crushing on Prince Caroy, Eileen clearly disliked other nobles.

*Crucial detail.* If the main plot hadn’t started yet… was that grove scene an Easter egg? The reason Prince Caroy despised Amelia?

Yifia pivoted smoothly. “Eileen, have you joined any clubs?”

“Mm. My published poems gave me a small reputation. Poetry Club invited me. Yifia, decided yet? Pris Academy requires mandatory club membership this year—fail, and you’re expelled.”

*Yep. Supporting characters can’t compare to the female lead.*

Hearing “expelled” again, Yifia wilted like overripe fruit.

“Are clubs really that hard to get into?”

“Yes.”

Confirming her own incompetence, Yifia surrendered. *Guess I’ll take the connections route after all.*

Remembering Amelia’s Art Club mention—and seeing Eileen still chatting—Yifia asked lightly, “Eileen, what do you think of the Art Club? I’m considering joining.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Eileen’s expression shifted.

She stared at Yifia in shock, eyes screaming *“Are you serious?!”*

Clearly, Pris Academy’s Art Club was no ordinary club.