Xanthia was strolling leisurely around the campus with Luciel.

  Thessaloniki First High School boasted a sprawling campus with well-maintained greenery. Walking here felt like taking a stroll through a park. When they grew tired, they could rest on benches along the paths.

  The morning csses had a long break, especially on Saturdays. With the day dedicated to self-study, there was no need to rush through the breaks to focus on academics. Bancing work and rest was essential for improving learning efficiency.

  This philosophy suited Luciel perfectly. She was the epitome of diligence and took her studies seriously.

  Xanthia, on the other hand, didn’t adhere much to the concept of "work-life bance." For her, life tipped heavily towards leisure. Rexation and enjoyment were her priorities—human nature, she believed, favored comfort over toil.

  "Xanthia, that Jimmy in the back seat is so obnoxious. Getting caught himself was bad enough, but dragging you down with him? Then he had the nerve to draw attention by being so loud about it," Luciel compined, her tone brimming with indignation.

  Xanthia merely shrugged, unbothered. She had always embraced a carefree approach to reliving high school life.

  Her cheerful demeanor in such situations occasionally annoyed her cssmates—especially those who noticed that the teachers often turned a blind eye to her behavior.

  Students generally held conflicting attitudes. They craved attention and guidance from teachers but resented strict oversight. A little privilege felt desirable—after all, who didn’t appreciate some freedom? But if teachers entirely ignored them, anxiety and unease would creep in.

  "Luciel, I’m fine, really. What Jimmy said wasn’t wrong. I was reading manga when the teacher walked in to catch students," Xanthia replied with a smile.

  "You’ve already finished your homework and prepared for the monthly exam. What’s wrong with rexing a little and reading manga? The problem is Jimmy disturbing others by chatting so loudly," Luciel decred, clearly holding a double standard. "I just hope the exam comes soon. You’ll prove yourself then. Let’s see if certain people in our css dare to look down on you after that!"

  Luciel disliked how some cssmates underestimated Xanthia, including her current deskmate, Hera.

  Hera had smirked smugly when Jimmy exposed Xanthia. Turning to Hannah, she had remarked snidely, "They say if you’re poor, you should study harder. But look at Xanthia—terrible grades, loves to sck off, and cks social skills. She’s just trying to get attention by pying the victim."

  Hera’s attitude was nothing new. She divided people into rigid categories, openly looking down on those she deemed inferior.

  Luciel, with her protective streak, couldn’t hold back. "Hera, you’re actually bold enough to talk about grades? Xanthia just had one slip-up on a diagnostic test. She’ll bounce back. And you? Third worst in the css and the lowest among the girls. How many marks do you even get?"

  Hera, taken aback by the confrontation, was momentarily speechless. Though she and Luciel had a cold retionship, they maintained a sembnce of civility. This time, Luciel’s fiery outburst broke that veneer.

  Hannah, Hera’s deskmate, instinctively leaned toward Hera’s side. She initially considered joining the ridicule, but Luciel’s fury made her hesitate. Hannah wasn’t keen on offending either side. A habitual fence-sitter, she maintained a surface-level camaraderie with Hera while occasionally fttering Luciel. This time, she decided to back down quietly.

  Hera, meanwhile, grew visibly flustered. Though she had the confidence of a wealthy heiress, she avoided direct conflict when the odds weren’t in her favor. If Luciel cked charm or popurity, Hera might have escated her bullying. But Luciel’s status as the css favorite—and even the “css flower”—deterred her. Confronting Luciel could lead to social isotion, a risk Hera wasn’t willing to take.

  Feigning composure, Hera retorted, "Luciel, we’re not even in the same league. I don’t need good grades. I’ll still have the power to boss around top students in the future. Do you even know who my fiancé is? Dionysios El Papadopoulos. That’s his value."

  Luciel, initially angry, couldn’t help but ugh. Was this seriously Hera’s trump card?

  If Dionysios truly valued someone like Hera, Luciel would lose respect for both of them. In her eyes, even Dionysios was a mere stepping stone.

  Hera, realizing her tactics weren’t working, decided to drop the argument. But inwardly, she was plotting— If I can’t take on Luciel directly, I’ll find another way. Just wait and see!

  Meanwhile, Xanthia, overhearing Luciel’s passionate defense, felt warmth blossom in her heart. She couldn’t help but smile.

  Hugging Luciel, she leaned close and whispered, "Luciel, you’ve got such a boyfriend vibe. No wonder your dormmates call you ‘hubby.’ You make people feel so secure!"

  Luciel, caught in the embrace and surrounded by Xanthia’s scent, felt a hint of intoxication. She relished the moment. Hugging Xanthia tightly in return, she decred, "Xanthia, you’re too soft and easy to bully. From now on, I’ll protect you. No one will dare hurt you again!"

  Luciel saw Xanthia as the archetype of a delicate and gentle girl, someone like a fragile porcein doll. The idea of Jimmy targeting such a person filled her with anger. In Luciel’s mind, Jimmy was emotionally clueless and destined to remain single forever.

  Xanthia, however, snuck a gnce at her system panel, observing her attributes like constitution, strength, and agility. Her stats had improved significantly thanks to her accumuted happy points." By now, she wasn’t exactly a fragile girl anymore. But she had to admit—she liked being protected by Luciel.

  Enjoying the warmth and care, Xanthia resolved to continue her “soft girl” act. If it brought her happiness and strengthened her bond with Luciel, why not?

  At the same time, Xanthia silently vowed to support Luciel whenever trouble arose. Helping a friend in need was natural, especially when that friend’s actions boosted her own happiness points.

  Luciel commented thoughtfully, "Compared to Jimmy, your deskmate seems decent. Dematero shows responsibility and loyalty when it counts. Having him as your seatmate is reassuring."

  Xanthia nodded. "True, he’s a bit chatty, but he’s kindhearted. His name suits him well."