Yifia listened to Britney’s words and slightly raised an eyebrow—not at all surprised.

Britney and that short nobleman had been partners. Now that Amelia had dealt with him, Britney, as his accomplice, must’ve gotten the news.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be flattering Yifia like this.

But did Britney know Yifia’s backing was the duke’s daughter? Didn’t seem like it. If she had, she’d never dare set foot in Pris Academy again…

Yesterday, Yifia had watched Amelia calmly utter a few words to dismiss that nobleman—without even sparing him a glance. In that moment, Yifia thought: *Amelia is seriously, unbelievably cool!*

Even back when she was a third-gen rich kid, she’d never been this cool.

Was this the difference between wealth and power?

“Yifia, did I hear right? Britney actually *praised* you?!”

Like the rest of the class, deskmate Lucy gaped, mouth agape. After swallowing her shock, she turned eagerly to Yifia.

Since meeting the haughty Britney, she’d never seen her treat a commoner this way.

So even Britney couldn’t resist Yifia’s cuteness?!

Lucy had befriended Yifia purely for her looks—now, Britney’s praise felt like finding a kindred spirit.

But Britney’s past behavior ran too deep. As just a commoner, Lucy only dared think it inwardly.

“Of course you heard right. She did praise me.”

Yifia skipped the messy details, wearing a proudly pleased smile.

The hint of pride on her fair face wasn’t off-putting at all. With crescent-moon eyes and dimples peeking at the corners of her mouth, she looked like a doll in a shop window—someone you’d want to scoop up and cuddle.

Lucy nodded firmly, subtly shifting closer.

She *really* loved Yifia’s adorable face~

While Yifia and Lucy chatted, tension thickened around Britney.

Jesina—the noble who’d accused Yifia of boasting—stared in disbelief. She’d thought Britney shared her contempt for those leech-like commoners. *And this was the result?!*

Despite the expulsion bet, Britney praised Yifia?!

Where was her noble pride?!

Fuming, Jesina ignored the stares, frowned, and snapped, “Britney, what’s wrong with you?! Yifia’s just a commoner—not like us, born of noble blood!”

Watching Jesina’s rage, Britney almost laughed.

*She’d been exactly like this days ago.*

Envious of Yifia’s beauty, certain a mere commoner couldn’t stir waves… only to fall right here. Regret was useless now.

She didn’t know who backed Yifia—but toppling a count’s house? Only a marquis or duke could do that. Immovable giants. Unopposable.

Despair had shattered Britney’s courage.

Her arrogance had vanished with Xinqu Sen’s disappearance. All she wanted was to slip away quietly—leave Pris Academy before they traced it back to her.

The bet no longer mattered. A few kind words might earn Yifia’s mercy.

She truly regretted it.

Trapped in this classroom any longer, she’d go mad.

“Jesina, I’m just stating my thoughts.”

Britney had no patience for this stubborn girl. She packed silently, then paused at the door. “Never underestimate anyone. Or you’ll regret it.”

Without another word, she left.

Confused but seething, Jesina whirled toward Yifia.

*All because of this commoner!*

Freshly enrolled, barely touched a textbook, yet boldly claiming the top rank?! Did she think she was *Lady Barron*—Jesina’s most revered idol?!

Ridiculous!

“Yi—”

*Ring!* The class bell cut her off.

The professor entered on cue. Spectators scattered to their seats.

Most Pris Academy teachers were high-ranking nobles—enough to rein in extreme students and keep order.

Jesina shot Yifia a sullen glare before slumping into her seat.

*Hmph!*

No matter. After school, she’d have time.

She *would* make this commoner admit her arrogance.

Meanwhile, Eileen let out a soft snort. A mocking smile graced her delicate face; a flicker of jealousy—unnoticed by herself—glinted in her eyes.

*Of course Yifia’s no ordinary girl.*

Enrolled mere days, yet made the troublesome Britney backtrack?!

Still, Eileen felt no fear. Only sharper drive.

Backing or secrets meant nothing in Pris exams. This top rank mattered.

She *would not lose*.

That sudden competitive fire pushed her harder. She’d bought past papers—tomorrow’s test would show results.

(Fina and George didn’t know. Everyone looks out for themselves.)

Compared to Jesina’s fury and Eileen’s tension, Yifia stayed blissfully light.

So many disliked her—where did Jesina rank?

As for Eileen? Wait for the scores.

Noting Jesina’s stubborn glare, Yifia quietly prepared. After zoning out the whole class, the dismissal bell rang—and before the professor left, Yifia was already gone.

Jesina stomped her foot in frustration. *After school!* She *would* catch that slippery eel!!!

Yet by exam day, she still hadn’t.

In class, Jesina glared daggers at Yifia’s back—but Yifia felt zero pressure. She turned, winked playfully, and only stopped teasing once Jesina’s face flushed crimson, smiling sweetly.

Soon after, the invigilator arrived.

Pris Academy’s first exam had officially begun!