The next morning, I go downstairs early for breakfast. I am the first to arrive at what has effectively become my table, and as soon as Vincent appears, I hurry to ask him:

  "Good morning, Vincent. Do you know anything about Ronan?"

  "I expect him to come down for breakfast shortly," he replies as he takes a seat.

  I let out a little squeal and almost spill my breakfast as I push myself up from the table, one hand landing in my tray.

  "He's free?"

  Vincent gives me a satisfied smile.

  "Last night, I went to see Duskmere. Well, first, I requested a meeting with the rector, who agreed to see me. I told him everything, but he said he couldn’t overrule a royal investigator. So then I went directly to Duskmere and got him to tell me what evidence he had. It was just the testimony of Kai Greylark, who was in my sister’s group."

  "The one who was injured and unconscious?" I ask.

  Of course, I am thrilled and relieved that Ronan is free, but that doesn’t lessen my desire to confront Sol. I also can’t help thinking how amazing it must be to be able to speak to professors and officials late at night without an appointment—perks of being a prince.

  "Yes. Duskmere questioned all the students about the aquatic dungeon. For some reason, he hasn’t spoken to you yet—or maybe he plans to. Anyway, when it was Kai’s turn, he claimed that at one point, when the group reached a fork in the path, they split up. Kai went one way, while my sister and Darius went another."

  I instinctively glance toward where Darius usually sits, intending to ask him if it is true. But he isn’t there yet. It is just me, the early riser, the prince, and his two childhood friends who have come with him. Honestly, I’ve been so eager to find out if Vincent has managed to do anything that I’ve completely ignored them.

  I glance at them now and smile apologetically.

  Vincent continues:

  "Kai said that while he was alone, he heard a sinister chant. He approached cautiously and saw Ronan performing some kind of ritual spell that transformed several small spiders into those monsters some of you fought."

  "That’s absurd," I protest.

  "I know. That’s why I went straight to Kai. I spoke to him seriously and explained the consequences for him and his family of giving false testimony in a case involving the safety of two royal children. He turned pale and, stammering, admitted that a girl had asked him to lie for her if he wanted her to even consider going to the ball with him."

  What a witch…

  "A girl?" Theodore chimes in. "But he was sitting at Sol’s table last night."

  "That’s what I asked him—if he meant Sol. He denied it. Since I didn’t want to waste more time, I took him to Duskmere. The moment he confessed he’d lied, the investigator apologized to me and immediately released Ronan."

  "Wait, slow down. She blackmailed him into lying just to consider going to the ball with him? Is that guy an idiot?" Alistair blurts, exasperated. "Also, isn’t it obvious to everyone that Sol is after you, Vincent?"

  Well, I know that because of the otome game. If you choose the prince’s route in Mary’s storyline, Sol makes your life hell. Actually, she does that regardless of the route because of the whole commoner thing, but if you go after the prince…

  Vincent has never been engaged to Sol or encouraged her, but because her sister Faith has managed to secure a marriage proposal from the crown prince, Sol seems determined to do the same. Apparently, Faith and Vincent’s older brother met at this academy three years ago and fell in love.

  "Sol means nothing to me," Vincent is saying. "I’ve barely interacted with her. She seems refined and well-educated, but perhaps excessively superficial."

  I scoff.

  Vincent looks at me, puzzled.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "Superficial? She’s manipulative. I had to save Mary from her the other day because she despises her for not being a noble…"

  "That’s what happened?" Theodore asks, having heard a watered-down version of events.

  "Yes." I shrug. "Her manners are impeccable, sure—befitting the daughter of a duke—but she only cares about power."

  "Well, the manners part is true because you, Bianca…" Alistair smirks at me.

  He has just as little filter between his brain and his mouth as Darius. Or me, sometimes, if I’m honest.

  "Oh, and you’re one to talk, Lord Son of a Marquis. You ignore etiquette just as much as I do." I winked at him.

  I’m not offended; I know he’s being honest and right. If only he knew I didn’t actually have the upbringing the real Bianca had…

  "Let’s stay on topic," Theodore cuts in. "This is about Sol. She needs to be stopped."

  "She needs to be taught a lesson," I add, my eagerness evident in my voice.

  "Bianca," Vincent says seriously, "you can’t do anything reckless. Her family’s status is above yours. I know you’re close to Ronan, but leave this to me, okay?"

  I don’t answer. My plan is already to confront her as soon as she leaves breakfast, before class. For the record, she hasn’t arrived at the dining hall yet.

  "Bianca…"

  "No."

  "Bianca?"

  I exhale sharply.

  "Fine," I say reluctantly.

  Because I have no intention of listening to him.

  Vincent gives me a skeptical look. At that moment, Ronan and Mary enter the hall together. Mary is holding his arm, looking absolutely delighted.

  Isn't someone with high light affinity supposed to be repelled by someone like Ronan? Why is she touching him so casually?

  "Ronan!" I call as he approaches. "I’m so sorry about what happened to you. I think it’s my fault."

  Theodore, Vincent, and Alistair all stare at Mary’s hands gripping Ronan’s left arm.

  Ronan, noticing their attention, gently removes Mary’s hands and replies:

  "My lady, I am sorry to have worried you. I do not believe it was your fault, but if it were, it was an honor to bear it."

  "Don’t say such nonsense," I snap.

  Honestly, his way of speaking doesn’t bother me anymore—I’m used to it. Besides, I can’t be mad at him; I’m too happy to see him free.

  Everyone else misinterprets my words, and combined with Mary clinging to his arm, it creates a somewhat awkward silence.

  Mary eventually breaks it, her innocence intact, unaware of the tension.

  "We ran into each other on the way here. Isn’t it wonderful that he’s free?" she says brightly, smiling at the questioning looks from the three romantic interests.

  "But holding his arm?"

  "Oh, that." She suddenly seems to realize and blushes. "I… I was just so happy he didn’t have to spend the night alone and locked up again. I didn’t want him overwhelmed by terrible memories."

  "Mary, it’s fine. Don’t worry. I’m not claustrophobic," Ronan says calmly.

  The three guys relax, realizing there is no deeper meaning behind her actions.

  There aren’t many people in the dining hall yet, but I am sure rumors will spread. Then I see her enter, followed by Ashe and Caroline, walking with her usual elegance. It's just that now I feel like punching her.

  Vincent must notice because I feel him grab my hand and squeeze it slightly.

  "Alright, I get it," I say, trying to calm myself.

  I keep looking into the prince's eyes. Fine, this way I won't get upset staring at that villain. Did I really admire her?

  Get a grip, Bianca, I tell myself. You can’t admire a villain, no matter how beautiful, well-dressed, or high-status she is. By definition, she’s a bad person.

  What I feel for her now is resentment and disdain.

  "Are you completely free then?" Alistair asks Ronan.

  He and Mary have taken a seat to talk with us, but they'll have to go get their trays with breakfast.

  “Yes, Vincent came with Duskmere to release me. I’m completely free now. The one who gave the testimony confessed that it was false, that he acted in a moment of impulsive irrationality.”

  “The real question is, why is Sol still here?” I say aloud, though I don’t actually expect anyone to answer. After all, I already know the reason.

  “Because Kai didn’t expose her,” Vincent replies. “He apologized to me in private for causing trouble for my friend but assured me he couldn’t speak ill of her or reveal her identity. When I asked if it was Sol, he denied it so vehemently that I’m convinced it’s her. But I have no proof—not even Kai’s testimony. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Duskmere managed to extract her name in private. And once he rules out any motive she might have had to divert the investigation regarding a supposed attack on my life or my sister’s, he’ll likely pass the matter to the headmaster. And I highly doubt the headmaster, considering that she’s the daughter of the duke who donated a new wing to the library, will punish her in any meaningful way. It will probably amount to a simple reprimand or some symbolic punishment.”

  I open my mouth to protest, but Vincent raises a hand to stop me and continues:

  “Look, Bianca, I do understand the boy. He’s the son of a minor noble and wants to protect the woman he’s courting. As long as he takes responsibility for what he’s done, I don’t find it entirely unforgivable.”

  Mary stares at him, a bit starstruck, as if what he just said were romantic.

  I barely manage to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

  “But you’ll make sure she doesn’t get off scot-free, right?” I remind him.

  It would be the height of injustice if she hid behind her family’s title and influence and faced no consequences.

  “Yes, don’t worry. It’s just not going to be as quick as you’d like.”

  Am I that transparent?

  Yes… I probably am.

  I sigh. “Fine.”