Chapter 43

The missing persons case in the city had just emerged, and not many details were disclosed, so the conversation quickly shifted… To prevent Fiona, the love-struck girl, from speaking, the girls quickly introduced a new topic.

They discussed how a certain noble from Pulis Academy bullied a commoner, causing severe injuries. Surprisingly, the teachers at the academy didn't take strong actions, and the incident was left unresolved.

In the Sith Empire, the strong class distinctions were evident, and the differential treatment of nobles and commoners at Pulis Academy was just a small reflection of society.

However, for the young commoner students, their experiences were still limited. They continued to harbor hopeful expectations for their future lives.

They believed that no matter how prestigious the nobles were, commoners also had human rights, and individual abilities would be recognized as long as they were outstanding!

With such thoughts in mind and limited by the restrictions at Pulis Academy, they hoped to find good jobs after graduation to escape the uncomfortable differential treatment.

Irene and her friends' gossip session didn't last too long. As the conversation dwindled, they bid farewell, agreeing to meet again next time.

Before leaving, Fiona glanced reluctantly at Ifia, refraining from sharing her love story with Ronnie in Ifia's presence. This left Ifia feeling dissatisfied, but with Irene around, she couldn't do much. She would have to find another opportunity in the future.

Once all the girls had left, the dormitory returned to its calm state.

Ifia could finally put down her novel. Taking out the caramel pudding she had put away earlier, she realized that she had forgotten to devour this little cutie due to the excitement caused by the card!

Opening the lid, Ifia took the delicate silver spoon provided and scooped up a large piece, savoring its delicious taste!

In addition to its enticing and beautiful appearance, the pudding's delicate and smooth texture, combined with the unique sweet fragrance of caramel, created a captivating flavor.

Rich, soft, and sweetly aromatic.

If a score were to be given, the chef hired by Amelia would receive 99 points, with one point deducted for fear of making him too proud!

Due to the meticulous choice of ingredients and exquisite culinary skills, as soon as Ifia lifted the lid, the rich sweet fragrance immediately spread, catching the attention of Irene, who had originally been preparing to study. At a glance, she saw the glass bowl containing the caramel pudding.

With its light and thin appearance and brilliant colors, this was Gorlin glassware!

Irene had seen it before and had a deep impression.

During a match at Pulis Academy, Prince Carloy's cup for drinking water was made of this material. At that time, the nobles watching the game with Irene were all envious.

This Gorlin glass, crafted by master craftsmen, was extremely light and difficult to produce, making it the most expensive glassware in the Sith Empire.

The specific price started with gold coins.

The higher the requirements, the more expensive the price.

The exorbitant prices left a deep impression on Irene's memory. Now, seeing Ifia holding the same Gorlin glassware just for serving dessert, Irene couldn't help but tighten the book in her hand, crumpling its pages, with a hidden jealousy and resentment in her eyes.

Both were common students at Pulis Academy, so why was Ifia so lucky?

Was it just because Ifia was good-looking?

While Irene was worrying about a silver coin, Ifia seemed to have no troubles or worries at all.

Just from the expensive Gorlin glassware, it can be seen that the noble whom Ifia befriended holds a high status. Giving such a costly item casually indicates that the noble is very wealthy and generous!

In Pulis Academy, there are very few nobles who meet the criteria. Unless, the noble Ifia befriended is Prince Carloy himself!

At the thought of this possibility, Irene felt her anger solidify as if it could burn Ifia to ashes.

Irene's gaze was too intense, and even the immersed Ifia, who couldn't help but indulge in the dessert, noticed. She lifted her eyes to glance at Irene, instinctively shielding the caramel pudding in her hands, and then spoke.

"Irene, is there something you want to tell me?"

Chatting is fine, but sharing is definitely not allowed!

The caramel pudding specially delivered by Amelia must go into her own stomach. It wouldn't be shared generously just because they are roommates!

"Nothing, Ifia. Your friend is really nice, bringing dessert so late."

Hearing Ifia's words, Irene didn't panic. She tried to maintain a smile and, compared to sharing the dessert as Ifia expected, she was more interested in knowing who the noble befriended by Ifia was.

When Ifia heard that Irene wasn't eyeing the caramel pudding, Ifia relaxed instantly. She replied with a sweet smile on her face, "Yes, she's really nice. She's my best friend!"

Even though the system task hasn't been completed yet, Ifia unilaterally declared that Amelia is her best friend!

Even if she makes other friends in the future, Amelia's position in her heart is unique!

With these thoughts in mind, Ifia once again scooped up a spoonful of pudding, feeling delighted.

"Is she the noble lady you mentioned in the classroom before?"

Irene probed subtly, and her words fell into Ifia's ears, making her unconsciously frown.

Why bring this up now?

It was Irene who initially mentioned in the classroom that she was staying out late, and Ifia clarified the matter publicly. Bringing up old issues again seemed unnecessary. Is the female lead's brain okay?

"Yeah."

Out of politeness, Ifia gave a reluctant response. After that, she didn't want to pay any more attention to Irene and simply turned her body to slowly savor the dessert. Irene was dissatisfied with this perfunctory answer but had no way to coax more information out of Ifia. She could only continue sitting in her seat, lost in thought, with her original plan for studying completely useless.

...

Ifia skipped classes for two days again, enduring the urge to surprise Amelia by not seeking her out during this time. Finally, after school on this day, she declined Lucy and Jessica's invitation to study and eagerly went to Clifton Street.

She retrieved the custom-made frying pan from the blacksmith and purchased vegetables and spices from a shop she had scouted out earlier. Spending most of the money in her pocket, Ifia stopped shopping only when she was still excited but running low on funds.

However, before leaving Clifton Street, she bought an exquisite little gift box. When there was no one around, Ifia put the commemorative gold coin from Pulis Academy inside, tied a beautiful bow, and placed it in her pocket.

With everything ready, Ifia carried the pot and ingredients and excitedly headed towards Amelia's residence.

"Miss Ifia, greetings!"

Just as she arrived near the villa, Ifia coincidentally encountered the butler, Heber. Upon hearing his respectful greeting, Ifia replied in kind, "Hello, Butler Heber. Is your health improving?"

Since their last meeting, Butler Heber had been ill for a while. His sickly and pale appearance seemed like an incurable condition, but fortunately, he had mostly recovered by now.

"Thanks to your concern, I'm much better now. Are you here to see Miss Barlen?"

"Yes!"

"Miss Barlen is in the living room having tea. Would you like me to show you the way?"

"No need, I can go on my own."

Ifia waved off the butler's offer to accompany her and then walked into the villa carrying a bag of items. Soon, she spotted the elegantly dressed Amelia sitting at the table, sipping coffee with grace. Amelia's beautiful face displayed a subtle expression, as if deep in thought.

Upon hearing movement, she looked up and noticed that Ifia had arrived. Amelia's lips curled into a slight smile. She set down her cup and, with her purple eyes fixed on Ifia.

She calmly spoke, "Ifia, did you have a good time with your 'new friend'?"