Jesina was absolutely furious!

What did George think Pris Academy was?

If exam questions could be leaked so easily, what was the point of being top student?

Her idol, Lady Barron, would be tarnished too!

Absolutely not!

Fuming harder, Jesina continued, “I misunderstood Yifia earlier—I owe her an apology right here. I’m sorry, Yifia. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. My sincere apologies.”

Yifia was momentarily stunned. She never expected Jesina to swallow her pride so completely. Quickly composing herself, she replied, “It’s alright, Jesina. I know you’re upright—that’s why you take things so seriously.”

The moment the words left her mouth, Yifia knew she was in trouble.

Suddenly, it felt like standing on a fashion runway under a flood of stares.

“She’s Yifia? So cute!”

“Hmph. Just a commoner. Big deal.”

“Did she really score full marks on merit? If what that boy said is true, this can’t be ignored!”

“Have you lost your minds? Even if exams were for sale, how could a commoner like Yifia afford it? Would someone skip rich nobles to ‘help the poor’?”

Finally seeing Yifia in person, students erupted into chatter.

Most sensibly focused on her adorable face; only a few grumbled, demanding Pris Academy give a credible answer—not a brush-off. Surprisingly, commoner students formed the majority of the reasonable voices.

Beside Yifia, Lucy pressed her lips tight. Hearing the unfair remarks, she puffed her cheeks angrily, chestnut-red eyes blazing.

They don’t know her at all—how dare they?!

Nonsense-spouters were the worst!

Hmph!

Go for it, Jesina! Put George in his place!

“George,” Jesina declared, battle spirit flaring, “I’m ashamed of my rashness. Now it’s your turn. You accused Yifia of cheating—produce the evidence.”

Seeing George hesitate, she let out a disdainful snort. A mocking smile spread across her face. “No way, no way! No evidence at all? Spreading rumors based on guesses, smearing Yifia’s name? George, did you fail Imperial Law? Baseless slander lands people in prison.”

“I… I was just questioning! If Yifia has nothing to hide, she shouldn’t fear investigation!”

Shaken back to reality by Jesina’s sarcasm, George turned pale. His dangling arms trembled slightly. The anger had vented—but cold dread followed. He could only double down, refusing to admit fault.

“Student George,” the first-year headmaster interjected coldly, “regarding your allegations, the academy has prepared evidence.”

Before George could react, the situation escalated. The headmaster shot him a frosty glance and signaled the Class One invigilator forward.

George’s wild public accusation wasn’t just doubting Yifia—it challenged the academy’s integrity. Pris Academy stepped in without Yifia lifting a finger.

The invigilator strode to the podium, ignoring the frozen George. “Hello, everyone. I am Justin Olin, music instructor. I swear upon the honor of the Olin family: Student Yifia committed no cheating during the exam.”

In the Westis Empire, a family-name oath needed no verification.

Absolutely trustworthy.

But that wasn’t all.

“Students,” the headmaster announced, “this is Yifia’s exam paper. Line up and inspect it one by one.”

Curiosity flared. Whether skeptical or not—this was the perfect-score paper of the year’s top student! They couldn’t see Lady Barron’s legendary script, but here was a stand-in. High-achievers surged forward, racing to the front.

They had to see: How *was* she this good?

Beyond fixed-answer questions, subjective grading existed. A full score meant every teacher found her responses flawless—unimpeachable.

How could someone here barely a week earn unanimous approval?

Unless… she was a rare prodigy.

Silence fell the moment they saw the answers.

Flawless. Some responses even surpassed lecture material—sharp, insightful, hitting the nail on the head.

They’d studied nearly a month longer… yet couldn’t have written this themselves.

Top student? Truly deserved.

The orderly queue finished viewing in under ten minutes.

George’s face twisted in panic. He glanced desperately at Eileen and Fina—but they deliberately looked away. Rejection was clear.

Despair clawed at him. Gritting his teeth, he turned to Yifia. *If she forgives me… maybe there’s hope.*

Noticing his gaze, Yifia arched a brow slightly and queried inwardly:

[System, what was George’s fate in the original storyline?]

[In the original plot, George, jealous of the female lead securing top rank, conspired to frame her. Prince Caroy exposed the scheme. George was expelled and imprisoned.]

*Tsk, tsk, tsk.* She’d almost pitied him—a frustrated student.

But… not a good person after all.

No hesitation needed.

Just as Yifia inwardly tutted, George suddenly cried out, “Yifia! I misunderstood you! Please forgive my rudeness!”

And then—he knelt. Publicly.