Yuri secretly poked Yuriko and teased, “Yuriko, she’s your biggest rival on the way to becoming the Star of the Academy~”
“I was just asking casually, Yuri, so don’t make fun of me,” Yuriko replied.
Though she spoke lightly, in her heart, Yuriko had already marked the blonde girl as her competitor.
Her gaze remained fixed on Olesia.
Even when alone, Olesia always appeared flawless, without the slightest hint of fatigue or imperfection.
Is this truly my greatest rival?
Silently noting down the name Olesia, Yuriko prepared to look away.
Perhaps sensing Yuriko’s gaze, Olesia suddenly turned, and their eyes met before Yuriko could avert her own.
As she turned, the white-haired girl beside her—the same girl who had given Yuriko trouble in class—also looked over.
When she realized Olesia was looking at Yuriko, her expression hardened.
Oh no, I’ve been caught spying!
Yuriko felt embarrassed and drew back her eyes, intending to say something to Carmilla to ease the tension.
However, Olesia simply stood up and, with the white-haired girl, approached Yuriko.
“What’s going on? What do they want now?”
Alarm bells went off in Yuriko’s mind.
She had only glanced at Olesia, and now Olesia was coming over to confront her?
Judging by the aggressive stance of the white-haired girl, Olesia clearly had no friendly intentions!
“Whoo, they’re coming over! Is it because Yuriko’s charm is so strong that they’re interested in you too?”
Yuri called from behind, clearly enjoying the scene.
“Uh…”
Yuriko didn’t know what to say.
“Was Yuri going to stir up more trouble?”
What tone should she use—firm or gentle?
In that brief moment of hesitation, Olesia had already reached Yuriko’s desk.
“Hello, Ruri.”
“Ah, hello.”
The radiant blonde tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave Yuriko a warm, sunny smile.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Windham Olesia, the student council president this term. This is Kipling Nomily, my friend and a fellow member of the student council.”
“I understand. You’re Windham and Kipling, right? May I ask what brings you here?”
Yuriko responded while carefully observing Olesia and Nomily.
At such close range, she could finally study Olesia’s face properly.
Previously, she had only caught a quick glance from the podium, which was striking.
Now, up close, Yuriko saw perfection: flawless skin, a delicately shaped face, and dazzling golden eyes. Her beauty was even more stunning.
Yuriko suspected Olesia could be a television star.
Even typical celebrities could not match her radiance.
Next to Olesia, Nomily was less dazzling but still cute when ignoring her spoiled personality.
Petite and delicate, she seemed like a nimble little sprite.
“During class, Nomily said some really harsh things to you. Although it was for my sake, that’s no reason to trouble a fellow student. I brought her to apologize.”
Olesia looked at Nomily, signaling her to apologize to Yuriko.
Nomily pouted, clearly displeased by Yuriko’s presence, but under Olesia’s insistence, she reluctantly spoke:
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have embarrassed you in front of everyone…”
Though apologizing, her tone showed no genuine regret.
Yuriko understood this and was not surprised—it was clear Nomily was acting under Olesia’s direction.
Yuriko also had to maintain her persona as a kind girl and show that she was unbothered.
“That’s alright, I don’t—”
Just as she began, Yuri suddenly interjected from behind:
“Hey! That doesn’t count as an apology, Nomily~”
Yuriko groaned inwardly.
By now, she had almost figured out Yuri’s nature—always looking to stir the pot.
“What? I already said sorry!”
Nomily placed her hands on her hips, defiant.
“I said I’m sorry in front of everyone! Isn’t that enough?”
“Whoo, just saying it isn’t enough. You embarrassed Yuriko in front of the whole class. Do you realize how crushing that is for a girl who just started here?”
“Then what do you want me to do?”
Nomily eyed Yuri warily.
She knew Yuri loved pranks and might be plotting something tricky.
Seeing Nomily take the bait, Yuri’s lips curved into a smile as she whispered:
“Since Nomily embarrassed Yuriko in front of everyone, you should apologize properly—kneeling and bowing fully in front of the class.”
Nomily’s eyes widened, and she stepped back.
“What? That’s shameless! Kneeling and bowing fully? I’ve never heard of anyone apologizing like that!”
Such an outrageous demand was impossible to accept.
She immediately hid behind Olesia, glaring at Yuri.
Yuri cheerfully approached and whispered again:
“No, think about it. You troubled Yuriko for your sister’s sake. Now, your sister herself asks for an apology. If you can’t even handle a small thing like this, won’t you lose face with your sister?”
Nomily hesitated.
Yuri’s logic seemed… partially correct, but still strange.
“Even if you say that, a full bow is too humiliating…”
“Then compromise a little—half bow will do.”
“But…”
Nomily still resisted.
Half a bow was hardly better than a full bow.
Yuri played her final card:
“You don’t want your sister to dislike you over something so trivial, right?”
Hearing Olesia’s name, Nomily trembled.
She did not want Olesia to dislike her.
Even if it meant bowing to someone she did not respect, she could not risk losing Olesia’s favor.
“Okay, fine! I’ll do it!”
Reluctantly, Nomily began undoing her uniform buttons, her face a mix of resentment and humiliation.
Seeing Nomily actually prepare for a half bow left Yuriko utterly shocked.