Time had passed since Alyssa ‘s shocking introduction, yet most of the students still couldn’t stop talking about her.
Arrogant, obnoxious, we should tell our fathers to have her removed…
Most of the chatter consisted of harsh criticisms, but among them were clear notes of admiration:
Beautiful, a natural stance for someone with power, she’s destined to become someone great…
All of it, however, was just baseless gossip from people who knew nothing about her.
Even I, her older sister who had watched over her the longest, found it maddening not to understand her true intentions.
Alyssa … why did you act like that? You used to be cautious, overthinking every decision to the point of frustration.
…It’s infuriating. I want to grab her and demand answers, but she coldly pushes me away.
How dare she.
“Lady Amy, you look pale… I’ll handle things here, so please return to the dormitory and get some rest—”
“No, I’m fine. I’m just… angry.”
Alyssa , as a child, you used to trail behind me, constantly asking questions. It was annoying, but at least you were better than you are now.Â
When you challenged Lady Sharen to a fight, or when you snuck out to confront bandits alone without telling me.Â
And now.
You keep trying to handle everything on your own, without telling me anything—even though it all involves me as well.
I don’t know where you’ve gained this strength, but if you think you can look down on me just because of it, you’ll get hurt, Alyssa .
I’m quite experienced at making your life difficult.
“Lady Marybell , let’s head to the S-Rank classroom. Staying here any longer doesn’t seem worthwhile.”
 “…Understood, Lady Amy.”
“Please address me as Lady Amy.”
“…Lady Amy.”
Accompanied by the visibly flustered Marybell , I made my way toward the S-Rank classroom.
 While I hoped to catch a glimpse of Alyssa , I was more intent on seeing the principal’s face as soon as possible.
Alyssa said she had gotten the principal’s approval for everything she mentioned, didn’t she?Â
I need to understand why they allowed such a thing.
If things go well, I might be able to convince the principal… though that’s unlikely.
The damage is already done; Alyssa has already left, and the golden opportunity to apologize and undo it has passed.
The S-Rank classroom we arrived at was far superior to any other classroom.
It was as if several rooms had been combined, lavishly decorated with opulent furnishings.
I questioned whether this level of extravagance was necessary for a place of learning, but considering the competitive nature of the academy’s entrance exams, it might have been a deliberate choice to foster rivalry.
“Amy, you’ve arrived?”
As the door opened, the first person I saw was Lady Sharen, seated at the center of the room.
Her bright demeanor hadn’t changed since yesterday, but in my current irritable state, it felt unnatural.
“Lady Sharen, have you been here the whole time?”
 “Yes, I’ve had other matters to attend to.”
“Did you know about this?”
“…I did.”
“I see.”
Considering her disposition, it wasn’t surprising.
She’d always been the type to walk away from the academy, declaring there were no interesting people around.
“Amy, um… it feels strange for me to say this, but are you not angry?”
“Who knows? I don’t see any reason for me to be angry.”
“…Frightening. Truly frightening.”
If Lady Sharen had influenced Alyssa , that would change things, but I was certain this was Alyssa ’s own doing.
At most, she might have gathered a few collaborators, but she wouldn’t have acted on anyone else’s words.
My sister isn’t that native.
“Lady Sharen, do you know where Alyssa went?”
 “Hm, I do… but I can’t say. She made me promise, you see.”
“Understood.”
It seemed Alyssa had no intention of showing up here.
Perhaps she didn’t want to face me.
Not that it mattered—she’d already rejected my hand.
“Marybell , why is Amy so angry?”
“You’d know better than I, wouldn’t you, Sharen? I wasn’t privy to this plan.”
“…As I thought.”
After a brief exchange between Marybell and Lady Sharen, the classroom fell silent, the three of us immersed in our own thoughts.
I was busy trying to figure out how to force Alyssa to confess her plans.
She must have some motive for acting this way, and I needed to hear it.
If her plan was reasonable and justified, I wasn’t entirely unwilling to cooperate—but I was certain it wasn’t.
The childish pranks I used to pull, like dirtying her dresses or making her overeat, wouldn’t work anymore.
I’d have to find something she loved and use it to corner her.
What does Alyssa like… steak?
Pretty dresses?
Thinking of ways to torment her was starting to wear on me—it only brought back memories of our childhood.
I’d have to ask Ameri once I returned to the dormitory.
Ameri had looked after both of us and might know more about Alyssa’s preferences.
“Lady Amy, the principal will be here shortly.”
 “…Ah. Thank you, Marybell .”
“My pleasure.”
Finally, I’d get to see that face.
Just what kind of words did they use to deceive my sister?
Or were they simply too foolish to resist her?
Whatever the case, I already despised them.
Drururuk.
“Yeyo! Hello, everyone!”
“…Huh?”
White hair grown to shoulder length, small stature, and violet eyes.
The person who entered the classroom was an even smaller figure than Alyssa and Sharen.
If it weren’t for Lady Marybell clapping beside her, no one would have guessed she was the principal.
“Today’s been eventful, hasn’t it? I’ll keep the explanation simple, so hurry back to the dorm and rest!”
“…Excuse me for a moment.”
Before the principal could start, I stood and approached her.
Her face, gazing up at me blankly, didn’t seem like it belonged to someone in such an important position.
But at this point, there was no room for doubt.
“You must be Alyssa’s sister, right? She wasn’t lying when she said you’re beautiful! Yup!”
“…Thank you. Before that, I have a few questions. May I ask them now?”
“Sure, sure. The others don’t seem to have any complaints. Ask anything you want; I’ve got plenty of time!”
“Thank you. Let’s start with the first question: Is everything Alyssa said true?”
“Yup! Everything was approved by me, and it’ll be the guiding policy for Philia Academy for the next year!”
“…Understood. Then why did you approve such measures?”
“Huh? Didn’t Alyssa tell you? Just because no one’s using the authority doesn’t mean it disappears!”
“That’s beside the point. I want to know why you approved not only the policy but also the expulsion measures. Did she tell you something in private?”
“Ahaha! That’s what you’re curious about?”
The principal clapped her hands, laughing either because my words were amusing or because she was recalling something funny.
After wiping her eyes, she looked back up at me.
What an irritating person…
Normally, I wouldn’t even bother interacting with someone like her.
But because of Alyssa, I have no choice.
I’ll remember this grudge.
“Well~ When she suddenly brought it up, I was going to refuse, but the more I listened, the more sense it made. The academy has been getting too lax lately, after all.”
“So, I told her if she could take responsibility for her actions, she could use my name.
She agreed readily.
And then, she actually went through with it! Isn’t she an interesting kid?”
It didn’t seem like a lie.
I wasn’t skilled at uncovering falsehoods, but if someone could laugh so gleefully while lying, they wouldn’t be someone I could defeat in a conversation anyway.
Alyssa… What were you thinking, working with someone like this?
If things go wrong, this person will definitely blame you.
She practically said so herself.
If I had known this would happen, I should have tightened my reins on Alyssa.
I loosened up just a bit, and now she’s gone off the rails.
“And that’s why! I just announced everything in the auditorium. Since it’s already been approved, all of you at Philia Academy will have to follow this policy for the next year.”
“…Understood.”
At least she’s providing minimal support.
Her direct declaration would lend weight to Alyssa’s words, so at the very least, Alyssa should be safe within the academy until I set her straight.
“Are your questions done? Can I get back to what I was saying?”
“Do as you please.”
I returned to my seat, organizing my thoughts.
In the end, there was only one conclusion: unless I hear directly from Alyssa, I won’t know the full scope of her plan.
“So, for now, you’ll all join the general class for lessons! Normally, S-rank students have separate lessons, but with the new policy, there’s no helping it!”
Huh? What did the principal just say…?
“If you don’t get the highest score in the quarterly exams, you’ll be expelled from S-rank. Do your best! On the other hand, if you maintain your rank, you’ll receive the best treatment!”
Expelled… from S-rank?
Normally, it wouldn’t matter much, but if I drop out of S-rank now, it’ll be even harder to keep tabs on Alyssa.
I’ll have to maintain my rank no matter what.
Sigh… Another bothersome task was added to my plate.
Alyssa won’t be teaching me magic at night anymore, so I’ll have to self-study…
Hmm.
Wait. I’ve got a good idea.
Heh… Ahaha!
“Whoa, Alyssa’s sister… Amy, was it? You laugh like a villain. The only other person I’ve seen laugh so evilly is His Majesty the Emperor. Geez.”
“Mind your own business, Principal.”
“As expected of Alyssa’s sister. Your fierce personality is just like hers. Oh well, whatever. That’s all I’ve got to say. Your new homeroom teacher will explain the rest tomorrow, so listen carefully! Dismissed!”
The moment the principal left the classroom, I stood up.
I was itching to find Amery and get information about Alyssa.
“Lady Marybell, Lady Sharon. I’ll see you tomorrow. Please stay well.”
“Understood, but Amy, I hope you don’t chase after that child too much. I’m sure Alyssa had her reasons.”
“That’s for me to decide.”
“Hmm… As you wish.”
“Lady Amy, shall we head back together? I need to finish some tasks at the dormitory.”
“Thank you, Lady Marybell.”
On the way back to the dormitory with Lady Marybell, who volunteered to escort me, we passed a few other students.
They all wore worried expressions.
It must be because of Alyssa’s policy.
To be honest, if it weren’t for Alyssa being the one behind it, I’d be deeply concerned too.
“Lady Amy, if you ever need my help, please call on me anytime. I will come running.”
“Thank you for your kindness. Stay well.”
Lady Marybell’s excessive goodwill felt burdensome, but at this point, there was no one more reliable than her.
Her help was invaluable to someone unfamiliar with the academy’s layout and workings like me.
I’ll have to repay her someday.
‘First, I need to find Ameri.’
I’ll learn what Alyssa’s been hiding from me and figure out how to make her talk.
Good.
Today is going to be a busy day.