As soon as the bell rang, Serena swiftly packed her books. Looking up, she saw the two "noble heiresses" behind her rising from their seats, just as she had anticipated.
Elena Windsor, with her long, deep purple hair tied high, carried an air of pride and sharpness in her features. She was also the younger sister of the heir to the Windsor Trading Company. Vivian Crowley, on the other hand, was more reserved, her short, light brown curls framing a gentle smile that never left her lips.
Due to their family backgrounds, the two had close ties and naturally formed an "alliance" upon entering school. They held significant influence in the social circles of the future.
However, in Serena's memories from her previous life, Elena and Vivian had a falling out due to personality clashes by the next semester.
Now, Serena needed to integrate with them.
With a smile, she approached them and spoke naturally, "Shall we have lunch together? The first Imperial History class was quite dull... but when the teacher mentioned the Fire Spirits, it reminded me of something interesting."
Elena raised an eyebrow slightly. "You're interested in mythology?"
"Of course," Serena's lips curved upward. "Have you heard of the mythological book *The Starry Tales*? It contains many prayers left behind by the Elven faith. I really like that book."
Vivian smiled gently. "I didn't expect you to be interested in mythology as well. My family has many books about elves."
"Yes, anything related to magic and elves fascinates me. I've also heard that Miss Elena's family possesses numerous books on magic. Would you be interested in discussing them together?"
Elena gave a cold smile. "You seem to know quite a bit."
"Because I'm very interested in both of you," Serena winked, as if making a casual joke.
The three of them eventually walked to the cafeteria side by side.
Serena skillfully steered the conversation, occasionally bringing up courtly flower festivals, discussing magical arts, and naturally agreeing with their viewpoints. Her demeanor was appropriate—neither servile nor overbearing.
By the time they sat by the window with their trays, they were chatting comfortably, like old friends.
Unknowingly, evening arrived. Serena pushed open the door to her dormitory and immediately noticed a solitary figure—Ivy had returned.
She sat at her desk, meticulously organizing her study materials.
Unlike their first meeting during the day, Ivy had changed out of her uniform into a light gray home dress, making her appear much softer.
Serena gently closed the door, walked to her bed, and began unpacking without speaking. Then, as she passed by Ivy to fetch water, she softly asked, "Was today... tiring?"
Her voice was gentle and unforced, as if making casual conversation.
Ivy was slightly startled, her fingers pausing on the page. She then shook her head lightly, her voice as soft as a feather. "...It's okay. The schedule is denser than I expected, but I like Imperial History."
"You're more diligent than I imagined," Serena turned her head with a smile, her eyes sincere. "You're quick at organizing notes. I haven't even opened my book yet."
Ivy instinctively wanted to say "It's nothing," but when she met Serena's gaze, she hesitated. She looked away, her voice barely audible. "Just used to it... If I don't work hard, I'll be abandoned."
Realizing she had said too much, she immediately lowered her head and continued reading, curling up slightly like a small, timid animal.
Serena didn't press further. She softly said, "Then let me work hard with you."
Her tone was light, but her eyes were serious. "I don't want to be abandoned either."
Ivy looked up slightly, gazing at her for a few seconds before softly replying, "Mm."
The room returned to silence.
But it was a different kind of silence—one filled with a newfound sense of peace.
Leaning against her bed, Serena glanced at the quiet figure, feeling a softness in her heart.
She suddenly realized that some people, at certain moments—even without words—had already come closer than in her previous life.
---
**Nightfall at the Academy**
As night fell and the academy's lights dimmed, Serena donned a dark cloak and quietly left the dormitory.
Her destination was the most secluded corner of the teaching building—the classroom of Class 1-E.
Unlike the spacious and well-decorated classrooms of Class A, Class E's classroom had long been neglected, with resources barely meeting basic standards.
Even though the students were noble children, in the "competitive" Isilia Royal Academy, even nobles were divided into classes.
Serena remembered that Class E suffered from several "traditional disadvantages":
1.Outdated Textbooks: Class E used old versions discarded by other classes, often incomplete and damaged.
2.Limited Practical Classes: The mandated three weekly magic/swordsmanship practice classes were often reduced to two or even canceled.
3.Poor Dormitory Conditions: Most Class E students lived in slightly dilapidated old dormitories, frequently complaining about the conditions.
These had become unwritten rules behind the academy's regulations. For noble families, even if their children ended up in Class E, obtaining a diploma from Isilia Royal Academy was sufficient for them to inherit the family business.
Standing before Class E's door, Serena's emotions weren't stirred by these injustices.
—She was waiting for someone.
She gently pushed open the classroom door, the old hinges creaking softly. Without lighting a lamp, she walked in, guided by the faint moonlight.
The classroom was silent, the air damp and dusty. She walked to the backmost seat—the one she had occupied in her previous life. She touched the desk, dust falling away.
Memories of her past life surged in her mind.
In the autumn of her third year, when she was assigned to Class E, her daily life became a living hell. Those so-called "noble children" treated her as a scapegoat, simply because she was a "failure" from Class A.
And that person—
Elvin Cassano.
The black-haired, golden-eyed boy who, in her past life, occupied the deepest, most silent corner of this classroom.
Each night, he sat alone, back to the window, fingers sometimes twirling a pen, sometimes staring silently at the blackboard, as if plotting some unspeakable plan.
He didn't belong to the Class E bullies, yet he never intervened in their actions.
When the "riot" broke out—turning Class E into a battlefield—the true mastermind was him.
In her past life, Class E experienced an unprecedented riot in the third year, resulting in the deaths of several students and teachers. Serena had "fortunately" avoided the disaster due to falling ill from being doused with cold water the previous day.
She narrowed her eyes.
This incident led to her suspension that year, preventing her from attending school. Later, "Claude" never gave her another chance to study, forcing her to stay within the family.
Serena slowly walked to the last row by the window. The seat was still empty, but the desk and chair were neatly arranged, free of dust.
"Seems he hasn't come tonight."
She wasn't sure if Elvin's personality had already begun to twist, but if she could approach him earlier... perhaps she could change everything in this life.
"I need to find a way to connect with Elvin and prevent any tragedies from happening..."
She sat in the darkness, gazing out the window.
Quietly waiting.
Waiting for that figure to step into this classroom once more.