8:00 AM.
The pleasant sound of bells echoed through the Claude family mansion.
With the service of four maids, Adelina Claude slowly rose from her soft bed.
Morning light spilled through the sheer curtains onto her cheeks, casting a soft, gentle glow.
One of the maids gently pulled open the curtains, and sunlight filled the entire room.
They all loved serving Lady Adelina.
She wasn't just Lord Claude's most beloved daughter—she treated her servants with the same tenderness and care.
None of them could have imagined that last night, the radiant "Light of Claude," Adelina, had been misunderstood as a minotaur.
Today, she wore a pale blue dress embroidered with intricate floral patterns along the hem, perfectly complementing her gentle temperament.
It had been a long time since Adelina had stayed overnight at the Claude family mansion.
Recently, with both academies preparing for their centennial celebrations, the student council's workload had grown heavier and heavier.
Not just outstanding alumni—the nobility of the royal capital and even the royal family itself would attend.
Adelina had gone to bed rather late last night, and her head still ached a little. The sunlight was like a warm compress, soothing her temples.
On the desk, papers were still scattered—plans for hosting three VIP guests that Adelina had discussed with the student council the night before:
The immensely popular idol Tsirvini.
Seraphina, the founder of the luxury brand Seraphina.
And Princess Dorothy of the Sivius Empire.
All big names. The workload was truly overwhelming.
"Good morning, Adelina."
"Good morning, Linda."
The voice of Linda came through the communication sigil.
Last night's madness hadn't affected the two student council presidents’ work ethic at all.
"Did you receive the document? To better understand each other's operations, St. Andros Academy will be sending volunteers to assist the student council at Lanche Academy."
"Mm, our school will also send people over to yours."
According to the document, volunteers sent over would be expected to stay close to the person they were assigned to assist at all times.
"Linda, I'd like to ask a favor. There's someone at your academy named Felyn. Could you assign him as my assistant?"
"Huh? Felyn? But Felyn is..."
"His father treated me kindly when I was young. Now I want to help him in return."
Volunteers received a variety of stipends and benefits, making the role quite attractive.
Linda originally wanted to mention the ambiguous relationship between Felyn and Viloti, but seeing how Adelina had already made up her mind, she swallowed her words.
"Got it. You're really too kind-hearted."
After ending the communication sigil, Adelina took a deep breath.
Just mentioning Felyn’s name made her cheeks flush.
Making Felyn her assistant meant she could see him at the student council too.
No, wait—it meant he could see her at school too.
This way, she could tutor him all day without needing an excuse. Then Felyn would be able to pass the joint entrance exams and qualify to participate in the celebration.
Right, and at that time, he'd have to meet her friends with her, eat meals with her, work together, go home together, maybe even meet her parents...
Adelina's heart pounded faster and faster. She jumped back onto the bed and covered her face with the quilt.
Spending all day together—it was just like being a couple.
...
St. Andros Academy.
Late summer to early autumn.
Felyn stepped down from the carriage, narrowing his eyes slightly against the sunlight.
The main gate of the academy was a towering arch carved with intricate patterns, as if telling the story of the academy’s long history.
Beyond the arch stretched a straight stone path, lined on either side with rows of silver maple trees. Their leaves were tinged yellow by the late summer breeze, and occasional leaves drifted down, tracing elegant arcs through the air.
"Eh? Felyn, you're here pretty early today."
Student council president Linda was, as usual, standing at the gate. She wore a cap, her golden hair cascading loosely down her shoulders.
"Good morning, Lady Linda."
Although last time Viloti had scolded her, saying, "You're not allowed to talk to Felyn like that," leaving a deep emotional scar on the girl...
Linda's personality was pretty easygoing. After a good night's sleep, she was fine again.
She didn't dislike Felyn—he was just too handsome.
In this world, good looks really did get you far.
From behind a tree near the gate, Viloti stepped out.
She was dressed neatly in her school uniform today, carrying a heavy handbag in both hands.
The world’s blessings seemed to shine on her; the sunlight acted like a spotlight, making her more dazzling than anyone else.
Viloti Silafiel.
This young lady had left home at eight o'clock sharp.
And she had been standing here for an hour and twenty-four minutes.
"Felyn."
Viloti walked up to Felyn and gave a polite bow.
"Good morning, Miss Viloti. Feeling better?"
Felyn turned his head to find Viloti suddenly standing beside him.
After what happened last night, he thought she would avoid him for a while, but here she was, initiating conversation.
"I'm much better."
A few silver maple leaves floated past the three of them, the soft rustling of leaves audible in the wind.
Watching the two stand silently in front of her, Linda suddenly had a bad feeling.
Wait—they're not going to start anything again, are they?
This time Linda had learned her lesson. She said nothing at all.
If I don't say anything, they can't drag me into their mess.
"I’ll head to the classroom first," Felyn said, breaking the awkward silence, and began walking toward the classrooms.
Viloti trotted a few steps to follow him, sticking close behind.
?
Wait a second.
Why did this harmonious scene feel so wrong?
Linda had noticed earlier that Viloti was lurking behind the tree, but hadn’t paid it much mind.
Turns out she was waiting for Felyn?
Are you kidding me?!
Linda felt like she was being hit with a romance critical damage even though she hadn't done anything.
Watching the two walk off together, Linda’s lips twisted into a wavy line.
The wide, straight stone path led directly to the main school building, its spire piercing the sky, and stained-glass windows gleaming dreamily under the sun.
Viloti followed closely behind Felyn, sneaking glances at his side profile every so often.
Last night, Teacher Sophia had advised her to start interacting with Felyn first.
But... she had forgotten to ask how exactly she should interact with him.
Having never dealt with the opposite sex before, Viloti could only recall how Felyn used to treat her.
As one of the rare geniuses of St. Andros in a hundred years, Viloti's incredible memory allowed her to recall every word and gesture Felyn had directed at her.
In the past, Felyn had always been there to greet her at the school gates.
So today, Viloti had done the same.
They had already walked quite a distance, yet neither had said a word.
When Felyn was about to step into his classroom, he finally couldn't help but speak:
"Viloti, your classroom isn’t this way, right?"
"I like walking."
"Ah? Oh, okay." Felyn found himself unable to argue.
Seeing that Felyn didn't reject her excuse, Viloti let out a breath of relief.
Looks like that excuse wasn't too terrible.
Just like how Felyn used to escort her to her classroom every day, Viloti now accompanied Felyn all the way to the door of his classroom.
Their story had already spread throughout the school.
So when these two top stars appeared in the hallway together, it naturally attracted a lot of attention.
Students pressed themselves against the windows, staring at the pair.
If stares had temperature, Felyn felt like he was already inside a crematorium.
The stares from every direction gathered on him.
He just wanted to run away.
"Felyn, I have something for you."
Just as Felyn was about to slip into the classroom, Viloti quickly reached out to grab his sleeve.
But she misjudged her strength and ended up grabbing his hand instead.
For the first time, she felt the warmth of the boy’s hand in her palm, and the sensation instantly spread throughout her body.
Viloti’s amber eyes widened in shock, and her cheeks flushed.
Her fingers instinctively wanted to let go, but she forced herself to hold on tightly.
Felyn could hear the whole classroom practically screaming, but he had no time to care.
Please don't hold my hand, young lady!
Your father will chop it off!
"I... I brought you some chocolate."
Viloti finally let go, fumbling through her handbag.
"I didn’t know which flavors you liked, so I brought all the kinds we had at home."
These were all things Felyn had once done for her.
Meanwhile, in the classroom, unseen by Felyn, the students were about to lose their minds.
Felyn Sorester.
Able to make the untouchable flower, Viloti, approach him on her own.
This guy—people had thought he was just a humble simp.
But it turned out, he was the true master player!
(End of Chapter)