Ever since that short noble’s failed ambush attempt, Yifia hadn’t seen him again at Pris Academy.

Clearly, Amelia’s execution capability was truly exceptional!

Still, thanks to Yifia taking the “unconventional” route of borrowing money from Eileen, her original problem was easily resolved. She didn’t bother Amelia again and simply returned to her dorm to rest.

Truth was, Yifia did miss the lovely Amelia… and those delicious sweets.

But she wasn’t shameless enough to show up empty-handed every day. Even on a tight budget, you *should* bring *something*.

So Yifia decided: once she claimed the top-rank reward, she’d swap it for cash and prepare a proper visiting gift.

Not some flashy luxury item—just fresh veggies, spices, and a custom pot. Time to wow Amelia with her cooking skills!

Just wait and see what Yifia could do~

With only one day left until Pris Academy’s freshman exam, Yifia was already daydreaming about her shopping list.

Meanwhile, the classroom buzzed with tension.

Aside from nobles just coasting through, every high-achiever was grinding hard for a good score. The trio of main heroines? Deep in the academic rat race.

After the Fina borrowing incident, Yifia’s rapport with Eileen’s group stayed lukewarm. She didn’t force her way back in—instead, she switched desk mates to Lucy.

Still, dorm life kept her updated. Every time Yifia returned, Eileen was studying. Even during midnight bathroom trips, Eileen remained buried in books!

George and Fina weren’t far behind—their dark circles looked like they’d taken a punch.

They were practically betting their lives on this exam.

Tsk tsk.

Compared to them? Yifia felt *deliciously* idle~

Well… she *had* the system. They didn’t.

Choosing to overlook its quirks for now, Yifia felt smug. She propped her cheeks on her hands, ready to zone out again—

After Amelia’s comfort, Yifia had joined the Art Club. Official member now… though she’d stayed invisible to other members.

Only the club president and Amelia knew.

When asked whether to announce it, Yifia decided: keep it quiet until *after* exams.

Give her stressed classmates a breather. No need to distract them right before finals.

Rumors said a commoner joining the Art Club would instantly top Pris Academy’s trending charts.

Become campus-wide gossip.

(Yifia would *never* admit she was avoiding hassle.)

She shifted, slumping comfortably onto her desk—cheek resting on her arm, drifting into happy daydreams—

When she spotted Britney. Back in class after two days.

Britney moved furtively, like a thief tiptoeing to her seat.

Normally dripping in flashy jewelry over her uniform skirt, today she wore *nothing*. Her once-glowing face looked dull; her eyes darted, avoiding all contact.

Even seated, her shoulders stayed rigid.

*How?* Yifia was just a commoner—yet wielded such power!

She’d made Sinkusen vanish without a trace.

That same day, the Grey Family lost their title.

By tomorrow? The entire family had evaporated. Not a whisper left.

Erasing an earl’s lineage… just *thinking* about it sent chills down her spine.

If she’d known Yifia had *that* kind of backer, she’d never have provoked her like a fool.

Two days trembling at home. Only family pressure dragged her back to Pris Academy—to inquire about class transfer.

She *could not* share a classroom with Yifia anymore.

If possible? Leave the academy entirely.

Her life mattered more than uncertain futures.

What if Sinkusen sold her out? Revealed *she’d* given the secret potion?

Britney fidgeted, terrified of becoming the next victim. The classroom air felt suffocating—but transfers took time.

She had to stay for exams. So she shrank smaller, praying Yifia wouldn’t notice.

Futile hope. Yifia had already seen her.

But Yifia wouldn’t leverage Amelia’s influence over Britney.

The bet was binding: after exams, Britney *would* leave Pris Academy.

Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Favors were precious—used sparingly.

This was trivial. No need to trouble Amelia.

Revenge? *She’d* handle it herself.

(Though… if Britney weaseled out of withdrawing? Amelia’s help *would* be needed. Petty Yifia never forgave those who wished her harm. Britney *was* the accomplice who supplied the potion.)

“Yifia… don’t you need to review more?”

After class, Lucy—her new desk mate, freckled face etched with worry—glanced at Yifia’s relaxed posture. *How* could she possibly rank first?

Look at Eileen’s group! They studied like they’d devour their textbooks!

Yifia casually patted Lucy’s shoulder, flashed a confident, cute grin, and declared: “Lucy, tomorrow you’ll see what a true academic god looks like!”

*Hehehe.*

A former slacker saying *that*? So cringey!

She hadn’t whispered. Nearby students heard.

A noble girl, face flushed with anger, yanked Britney up: “Yifia! Remember—there’s always someone better! How dare you claim top rank?”

She meant to rally mockery against the “presumptuous commoner.”

But Britney jerked away like she’d seen a ghost.

Pale, head bowed, she shrank into her seat and muttered: “Sorry… not feeling well. But… I believe Yifia *is* capable. She might truly secure first place.”

Silence. Then—explosion.

Britney’s words hit like a nuke. Every eye locked on her.

Even Eileen’s group froze, textbooks forgotten, shock stamped on their faces.

Playful students gaped, convinced they’d hallucinated.

*Britney?* The nobility’s staunch supporter… publicly backing the commoner she *despised*?!

Everyone knew: Yifia was part of Britney and Fina’s bet.

By saying this… was Britney *choosing* to withdraw?