All the apprentice sisters’ gazes converged on Samimi.
Some were suspicious, some expectant, some envious, some quietly admiring; emotions far outweighed reason, such is the experience of being the center of attention.
The late performance was a set of dance steps stolen from Miworm.
Samimi could only reproduce them one hundred percent as they were, there was no way to modify or embellish, and she herself didn’t have that level of proficiency.
Samimi walked with graceful, refined steps.
Her little hands brushed lightly in the air, eyes closed as she took two steps, each one exactly the same length, as if tracing the Gemini Dance Steps themselves.
No one even felt she was moving; she seemed to glide like a fairy from another realm.
Even the usually strict and sharp-tongued Feizu Lady Tutor was left momentarily speechless, when she would normally offer a stern critique or two she was so surprised she couldn’t utter a word.
The Priestess apprentices had never seen the Feizu Lady Tutor at a loss for words.
No matter how satisfied she was, she always found something to say.
How long had it been since anyone had managed to leave the tutor speechless?
Even Samimi herself froze.
She never intended to stand out, never wanted to appear so flamboyant.
Yet the original Samimi, so reserved and sly by nature, was, as a Feizu lady, astonishingly skilled in her professional techniques—flawless and impeccable.
After finishing the Noble Etiquette Course, Samimi became the brightest star among them all.
“Sabana, did you learn those dance steps back in the county?”
“Saheim, can you teach me as well?”
The moment class ended, Samimi was surrounded by enthusiastic classmates.
Everyone was practical, when you were of no use, they wouldn’t even glance at you, but now they were all over her.
Still, this made Samimi a bit uncomfortable.
She didn’t like being surrounded by so many people, but etiquette demanded she smile and greet them, though inwardly she wished they would just leave her alone.
In the end, she didn’t care about their attention.
Her real fear was encountering one of those clichéd “schoolyard drama” scenarios that seemed to pop up everywhere.
“Sabana, could you step outside for a moment? There’s something we’d like to ask you about.”
Sure enough, what you fear most always comes to pass.
Three apprentice Priestesses who clearly didn’t come with good intentions blocked her way, heads held high and faces twisted with arrogance.
Seeing these three approach, the other Priestess apprentices made way immediately.
This must be the notorious bullying clique.
“What is it you want?” Samimi feigned innocence, trying to gently defuse the situation.
“Let’s talk outside. It’ll be more convenient.” one of the apprentices replied coldly.
Samimi acted unfazed and followed them quietly to the small grove behind the Priestess Dormitory.
As soon as they entered the grove, one of the Priestess girls, with twin ponytails, shoved Samimi against the wall.
The cute hairstyle didn’t match her harsh expression, her face pressing close as she barked, “So you know a little dancing. Don’t get too full of yourself.”
But Samimi no longer wore the “innocent little bunny” expression—her face turned cold and emotionless as she stared at them.
She found this sort of thing truly insufferable, but it was bound to happen eventually.
It’s the same old story: wherever there are people, there are grudges; where there are grudges, there is conflict.
It has nothing to do with like or dislike.
Power is power, relationships are relationships.
They won’t refrain from bullying you just because you’re kind in fact, being too nice only invites more trouble.
But how should one deal with bullies?
Samimi, half a social recluse, had more than enough experience handling this sort of thing.
“Tsk~ You’re pretty brave, Samimi.” She looked up at them coldly, her eyes empty.
“What did you say?” The twin-ponytailed Priestess apprentice sneered, sensing an unfamiliar threat.
In the next instant, Samimi suddenly jabbed the Runic Staff at the girl’s leg, then forcefully thrust it upward—the staff slipped under the other’s skirt and jabbed her hard.
“Ah!” The twin-ponytailed Priestess let out a humiliating yelp, face turning bright red.
“Since there’s no one around, I suppose I’ll have to make things clear. Besides the Noble Etiquette Course of the Feizu, I’ve also learned a little bit of the Treasure Maiden Self-Defense Art.” Samimi delivered a swift one-handed chokehold, yanking the twin-ponytailed Priestess toward her and locking her neck with her arm.
The other two apprentices rushed to help, but Samimi quickly extended her Runic Staff from under her skirt to block their way, scaring them so much they dared not come closer.
Samimi lifted her Runic Staff a little, threatening to hoist the twin-ponytailed Priestess up—if not, she really would pass out.
“This is just a warning. If you try anything again, things won’t be so simple.” Samimi shoved the girl away with one hand, her Runic Staff still damp.
The twin-ponytailed Priestess collapsed to the ground in a heap, unable to get up for a long while.
“A bunch of spineless fake nobles. You can keep dreaming of marrying rich men your whole lives. I’m not from your world—keep your little turtle shells, I’ll keep my silkworms. Let’s mind our own business.” Samimi scoffed, face expressionless, and walked away.
She really had to thank Qiqi.
Thanks to her words, Miworm had finally reverted to that carefree, thick-skinned self again.
After class in the afternoon, Samimi finally managed to find the dining hall.
As expected, it was huge.
She didn’t have anything else now, but she did have plenty of money—even her magic books were gilded.
Alone, she ordered a large table full of dishes.
She hadn’t eaten breakfast, so she was starving by lunch.
Even so, Samimi maintained elegant and refined movements the whole time, taking small bites but eating at a quick pace, leaving an impression of orderliness.
This was also part of her self-training—practicing rapid eating while maintaining grace and precision, making sure each bite went straight to her mouth.
Of course, this drew attention from the other Priestess girls.
Her mannerisms were impeccable, but everyone was left wondering what exactly was so odd about her.
After all, there was nothing wrong with how she ate, and it wasn’t unrefined—if she could afford to order more, so what? Still, it was just…strange!
After eating her fill, Samimi took out her map and looked it over, soon spotting a place marked as the [Women’s Bathhouse] in one of the great Cathedrals labeled “Star Garment.”
She couldn’t help but grin mischievously.
Who cared why a Cathedral would house a Women’s Bathhouse?
All she knew was, that must be her own little paradise.
Without another thought, Samimi hurried back to her room in the Priestess Dormitory, grabbed a change of clothes, and set out for the Priestess Hall.
From a distance, she saw a sprawling, steaming complex—the special composite Cathedral, with ventilation chimneys all over the roof, but every window tightly sealed to prevent prying eyes.
Nearby, she spotted some Valkyries on patrol.
Their attire was much like that of Kunqi, so they must be members of the so-called Valkyrie Order.
Nowadays, the Church was relying on this business of training Priestess wives for nobles and the wealthy, expanding its influence without limit.
Almost everywhere, there were Priestess Feizu Lady Tutors trained by the Church.
This was a kind of special networking, and since the wind at the border was so hard to guard against, marrying a Priestess wife meant the Feizu and wealthy magnates were all but half-members of the Church themselves.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.