Chapter 55

With just one glance, Amelia was sure that Daphne would act as she had expected.

Strike the snake at its weakest point.

Daphne was unwilling to let things escalate, thus stepping in to prevent it. She seemed like a rational person, but it was an act of helplessness.

No matter how well disguised, there was still a noble pride in her. With just a bit of control, it would explode.

Given Carloy's hypocritical nature, he wouldn't let Irene be completely ignored. Consequently, their involvement would increase, making it difficult to shake off like a sticky piece of toffee.

This worked out well.

It also saved Carloy from idleness, always scheming behind the scenes.

Humans were synonymous with trouble.

She was fed up with human greed and transparent conspiracies. If it weren't for some constraints preventing her from taking action, wiping them all out, the world would likely be quiet and peaceful.

As for human extinction, demons couldn't feast on souls to their satisfaction. It was simple: survival of the fittest. To avoid hunger, smaller demons could devour each other.

In the cafeteria on the second floor, Amelia played with her knife and fork, lacking interest. The tempting steak on the table didn't arouse her appetite. However, watching Ifia enjoying her meal across from her improved her mood.

Not all humans annoyed her. Aside from those full of schemes, there were pure and simple ones like Ifia.

Moreover, Ifia was a skilled cook, one couldn't forget after trying.

"Amelia, the steak on the second floor is delicious! No wonder it's so expensive," said Ifia, already hungry and looking forward to another round of tender steaks.

In the beginning, the Pulis Academy cafeteria was not so distinctly divided. Both noble and common students could freely choose their meals.

However, despite the freedom of choice, the prices were not free.

Compared to the affordable first-floor cafeteria, the premium ingredients used for the dishes on the second floor made them expensive. Not to mention they were carefully cooked by specially hired chefs. Even a seemingly ordinary egg sandwich was beyond the financial reach of common students.

As a result, common students gradually stopped going to the second-floor cafeteria, while noble students flocked to it.

This unwritten rule formed at the Pulis Academy, where the second floor was exclusively for the nobility.

During the last exam period, after Ifia was caught by Jessica outside the classroom, she shamelessly dragged Lucy to the second floor to eat and drink. At that time, they were shocked by the expensive menu prices.

Three silver coins for a regular glass of juice?

Is this juice infused with gold?

However, Jessica, despite their not-so-good relationship and even being adversaries, generously treated them to a free lunch and dessert afterward.

After tasting the overpriced juice, Ifia realized it was just like any other, expensive because it had sugar added.

As everyone knew, in the Sith Empire, any food with added sugar justified a high price.

This led Ifia to reflect on her previous world where sugar was inexpensive. In fact, due to health concerns, some high-sugar foods even used sugar substitutes.

Alas, she regretted not cherishing what was easily obtained. Now it was too late.

"If you like it, come again next time."

Ifia's cat-like craving expression amused Amelia, who chuckled lightly. Then, she set down her utensils, took out a small wallet from her pocket, and opened the button with a 'click.'

Taking out a coin-sized brooch, Amelia handed it to Ifia, who looked puzzled.

When Ifia took a closer look, her eyes widened in immediate shock.

A pure gold brooch!

The background image of the small brooch depicted a shield and sword, with a central, intricately hollowed-out design forming a three-dimensional image of a roaring one-eyed tiger.

It looked more like a piece of art than a brooch.

One with considerable collectible value.

"This is the emblem of the Barlen family, no one dares to forge it. With this emblem, you can spend freely in the capital, and someone will take care of reimbursing any expenses… Don't worry, I have the authority to use these emblems, so feel free to spend."

Interesting toys require careful nurturing.

Before Ifia could speak, Amelia had already revealed everything she wanted to know. In the end, she considerately added a couple of sentences, telling Ifia not to worry too much.

This left Ifia momentarily speechless.

Amelia was really generous!

Right now, she felt like a little hamster daydreaming about falling into a rice bin and becoming rich overnight.

However, after admiring the brooch, Ifia ultimately declined. While she was okay with sharing meals and drinks, even with friends, she couldn't accept such a valuable gift.

She had nothing to offer in return.

Ifia firmly believed that a friendship built on genuine feelings, free from too many interests and obligations, would last longer and avoid a bitter end.

Interpersonal relationships should have a limit for comfort.

Moreover, she didn't have anywhere to spend money right now. Even though she bought some expensive ingredients last time, the remaining money was enough for her daily life. Speaking of which, when she had time, she wanted to cook some dishes and share them with Jessica and Lucy.

Lucy was her good tablemate, and Jessica was the economic source of fortune, although the money came from a bet they made…

However, Jessica had now integrated into the small group, and she couldn't exploit her anymore.

Ifia had principles, she would never take advantage of her own people!

Although Amelia regretted that Ifia didn't accept, she didn't force her. Within controllable limits, she respected Ifia's choice.

After finishing lunch, Ifia should return to her dorm to rest. However, before she could say goodbye to Amelia, Amelia took her back to the dorm first.

Soon, the usually stern dorm supervisor, whose voice was comparable to a horn, was now bowing and speaking softly in front of Amelia.

Amelia didn't waste any time and directly arranged for Ifia to switch to a single dorm.

From a shared room to a single room, this was a privilege only available to noble students.

However, with Amelia present, the dorm supervisor dared not utter a word.

In this way, Ifia moved into a luxurious single dorm. Even in the afternoon class, she couldn't snap out of this pleasant surprise. Sitting in her seat, she couldn't help but daydream, feeling the urge to pinch herself to check if it was a dream.

No more facing Irene's face!!

Long live Amelia!!!

—

"Ifia, did Miss Barlen really help you out in the cafeteria? If I had known, I wouldn't have gone to that wretched family gathering! Sob, I regret it so much!"

During the break, Jessica sighed, pounded her chest, and stamped her feet while Lucy raised her hand to cover her mouth, suppressing a laugh. The three of them became the center of attention… well, to be precise, only Ifia was being scrutinized.

After all, she was the protagonist of the cafeteria incident, rumored to be the one recognized by the Duke's daughter.

But whether it was true or not, remained uncertain.

Facing the speculations of their classmates, Ifia paid no attention. She just looked on, thinking it wasn't a big deal. After all, she was happy because of the dorm change, and these were just trivial matters.

"Ifia, is Ifia here?"

At that moment, someone at the classroom door called out Ifia's name. When Ifia looked, she saw a noble student she didn't know smiling at her. The next moment, the noble said something that left everyone in the class dumbfounded.

"Ifia, the Art Club is about to start an internal activity, and all members must participate. Please make sure to join us after school."