Chapter 26: The Beautiful Upperclassman

“Afraid of saying the wrong thing?” Xie Yier let out a light laugh, “So it seems you get nervous and shy in front of your master? You’d better watch how others talk in the Academy, learn a bit about how to make people happy—it wouldn’t hurt, you know.”

“Al-alright.” Aier nodded stiffly, completely unaware she was stepping into a trap.

“But you know~” Suddenly, Xie Yier leaned in, drawing close to Aier’s ear, her voice turning gentle and soft, laced with a dangerous sweetness. “If you really become too slick-tongued, using all those messy tricks on me, your master will be very, very disappointed, you know.”

What Xie Yier liked most was Aier’s adorable cluelessness—she wanted her to be easy to tease and easy to train. If Aier really turned clever and glib, it would be no fun at all.

“Then—I won’t learn anymore!” An overwhelming sense of grievance instantly flooded Aier.

(。·︿·。)

It was Xie Yier who told her to learn, and now it’s Xie Yier who regrets it and forbids her from learning!

She felt just like a lump of clay in Xie Yier’s palm, being kneaded and played with at will—even her breathing had to be careful and cautious.

How is anyone supposed to live like this?

“We’re here, Little Ai, let’s get off.”

The carriage stopped a street away from the Academy’s main gate.

In front of the Royal Academy, a long line had already formed.

The Royal Academy didn’t just admit the children of nobles. In fact, the vast majority of students admitted to the Royal Academy were commoners.

The gates of the Academy were imposing beyond compare. Through the thin morning mist, warm sunlight poured down, making the ancient buildings appear especially dignified and elegant in the interplay of light and shadow.

Towering spires and winding stone steps reflected each other. Ivy-covered walls swayed gently in the breeze, as if telling stories from ages past.

Through the main gate, one could see a grand fountain at the center of the plaza, surrounded by flowerbeds blooming with vibrant, colorful flowers.

This was the highest-level academy in the Empire of Dawn, funded by the Royal Family, gathering geniuses from all over the country.

Those who graduated from here would surely become movers and shakers in every field in the future.

The Royal Academy was the dream destination for all young people in the Empire of Dawn.

But for commoners, it was truly a dream far out of reach.

The Empire of Dawn didn’t charge tuition fees, and even had generous scholarship programs—a great support for commoners, easing many financial burdens.

As for Aier, at least she was a reincarnator, with a solid foundation of nine years of compulsory education. Plus, she used to be a noble herself, so it was easy for her to get into the Royal Academy.

In Aier’s original life plan, the Royal Academy was her crucial stepping stone—she was determined to change her fate here.

But now…

Xie Yier took Aier by the wrist, striding past the long line as if no one else existed, heading straight for the entrance.

Teachers and students in line quickly stepped aside, their gazes filled with awe and complex emotions, falling upon this conspicuous pair.

“Master is amazing. She never has to wait in line, no matter where she goes.” Aier whispered. She wasn’t trying to flatter—she genuinely felt this was impressive.

Hearing such a compliment from Aier, Xie Yier couldn’t help but enjoy it.

Though Aier didn’t notice, Xie Yier’s lips did curl up slightly.

Xie Yier said nothing, simply holding Aier’s hand and leading her inside.

There were quite a few people at the registration desk too, but once Xie Yier revealed her identity, the complicated procedures were instantly simplified to the bare minimum, and everything was handled with priority.

Once registration was done, Xie Yier seemed to be in a good mood. She didn’t leave right away, but instead strolled hand-in-hand with Aier along a sun-dappled path under the trees—treating it as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.

Walking along the Academy’s tree-lined path, Aier, for once, took the initiative to start a conversation, her voice soft: “Did you study here before, Master?” After all, Xie Yier seemed quite familiar with the layout.

“Do you think your master would need to be stuck here, buried in books like the rest of them?”

“Uh, of course not, Master.” Aier quickly went along, offering a small bit of flattery.

“Little Ai, you are different from them.” Xie Yier’s tone was disdainful as her gaze swept over the stylishly dressed students nearby. “Most people here just huddle together for comfort, but you are already under my wing.”

Aier: “…”

She couldn’t argue with that—after all, it was an undeniable fact.

“Alright, Little Ai, go get to know your new surroundings. I have official business to attend to. I’ll send someone to pick you up at noon and bring you home.” Xie Yier instructed calmly, then turned and left.

“Oh… okay, Master. Take care.” Aier replied hurriedly.

No sooner had Xie Yier left than Aier felt a light tap on her shoulder.

“Hey! Are you new here today?” A voice rang out, warm and sunny like spring.

Aier turned around and met a pair of sparkling, clear emerald eyes—bright as the first buds of spring.

The newcomer had long, softly curled pink hair, with a playful little braid at her temple that hung naturally beside her cheek.

She had a petite figure, and her pure white Academy uniform shirt and knee-length skirt accentuated her youthful curves. Paired with white knee socks, she looked pure and full of energy.

Aier quickly nodded. “Hello, Senior. My name is Aier, I’m a first-year.”

“I’m Mary, a second-year.” The girl beamed. “You didn’t bring any luggage, so you’re a local day student, right?”

“Uh… y-yes.” Faced with such unguarded enthusiasm, Aier felt a bit flustered.

“Was that your sister who just dropped you off? She looked so familiar, like I’ve seen her somewhere before…”

Mary stared at Xie Yier’s departing figure, lost in thought.

Aier’s heart leapt into her throat.

How should she answer? Should she admit she’s someone else’s caged canary? That would be too embarrassing to spread around the whole Academy.

“Ah~ I can’t remember. Never mind!” Mary quickly gave up, her bright smile returning as her gaze locked onto Aier’s cute face, a subtle glint flickering in her eyes. “Come on, I’ll show you around the classrooms!”

Before she finished speaking, this upperclassman named Mary naturally grabbed Aier’s hand and tugged her along without giving her a chance to refuse.

Aier: “Eh? Wait—”

Caught off guard, Aier was pulled a few steps before she realized what was happening.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief: Thank goodness that woman already left. Otherwise, just being seen holding hands with someone else would be enough to get her in trouble tonight.

However, what Aier didn’t know was that Xie Yier hadn’t actually left.

Just as Aier turned around to respond to Mary, Xie Yier’s figure silently slipped into the shadow of a large tree by the roadside.

At this moment, Xie Yier was hiding behind the tree, her golden eyes cold as frozen amber, staring through the gaps in the leaves, locking tightly onto those hands being held.

“Still not obedient enough…” Without lingering, she turned and left decisively.