With Charlotte's usual temper, at this point she should have already flown into a rage and started arguing with Benita.

But the current Charlotte only let out a cold snort and pretended she hadn't heard anything.

"Don't you think it's abnormal?"

Shanie tugged at Celitia and whispered in her ear, "That Miss Charlotte actually didn't get angry?"

Celitia remained noncommittal and only sighed softly: "Don't put Sophia in the middle and make things difficult for her."

"Fine..." Benita was a bit reluctant.

"Oh my," Shanie nudged Celitia with her elbow, "As expected, Lily's first thought is always about Princess Sophia's feelings!"

Celitia felt helpless: "Don't talk nonsense. I just don't want to see you all arguing and giving me a headache."

The conversation between the three drifted into Sophia's ears.

Originally, Sophia had been very worried that Celitia might not accept Charlotte, and then she'd be caught in the middle with no good way to handle things.

But from what she could see now, perhaps...

Compared to personal grudges, Celitia still put her feelings first.

She didn't want to make things difficult for her.

Celitia was always like this—gentle to the bone, yet unwilling to say anything out loud, constantly yielding for the sake of those she cared about.

Thinking of this, Sophia's heart filled with deep bitterness.

What exactly should she do to ensure those lonely, cold yet gentle expressions no longer appeared in her eyes?

Sophia didn't know.

But she... didn't want to give up.

Today's first class was magical experiment class.

The purpose of the experiment class was for students to construct spell formations on their own based on the theoretical knowledge they had mastered, consolidating their understanding of magic.

According to the teacher's requirements, they could complete it alone or find a partner to work in teams of two.

Since this class had begun, Celitia had always formed a fixed partnership with Sophia.

But this time, Charlotte stepped forward first and said to Sophia:

"Sophia, we haven't finished last week's project yet. Let's continue this time."

"But..."

Sophia was very conflicted and couldn't help turning to glance at Celitia.

When they had this class last week, Charlotte had come over saying that since Sophia's partner was absent, she hoped to team up with her temporarily.

Thinking it was just a temporary partnership, Sophia had softened and agreed.

And the project from that time had indeed only been half completed.

At this point, Sophia couldn't very well refuse.

But looking at Celitia standing alone not far away, silently watching them, Sophia couldn't bring herself to agree to Charlotte either.

While Sophia's mind was in chaos, Queen Marianne's words suddenly flashed through her mind.

Sometimes, you need to stimulate her a little...

Sophia's eyes lit up, and she resisted the urge to go find Celitia, looking up at her with eyes full of expectation.

Maybe seeing Charlotte being so proactive would make Lily more proactive too?

Sophia had already decided that as soon as Celitia came over, she would take the opportunity to refuse Charlotte.

"Lily, go for it! Push her aside!!"

Shanie at the neighboring table saw everything, cupped her hands around her mouth like a megaphone, shouting while frantically making eye signals at Celitia.

But Celitia stood in place, unable to move a single step, only silently lowering her eyes.

She had clearly made the decision to keep her distance from Sophia.

Yet seeing Charlotte by her side, this heart felt so dejected.

Why couldn't her heart beat according to her own thoughts?

Why couldn't she control it...

Celitia didn't like this.

She felt once again the pitch-black flames burning fiercely in her chest.

She didn't want to continue like this.

Otherwise, sooner or later, she would no longer be able to restrain herself.

Celitia silently stepped back, making room: "Since your project isn't finished, then continue with it."

Sophia's eyes involuntarily widened, and a strong sense of loss surged in her heart.

The slight stimulation had instead caused Celitia to retreat, leaving Sophia completely at a loss.

In contrast, Charlotte's expression was full of joy and some smugness.

Their little drama immediately attracted the attention of other students.

They whispered among themselves:

"Could the rumors be true? Are Miss Celitia and Princess Sophia having a falling out?"

"Right, but for us, doesn't that mean an opportunity has come?"

Celitia's popularity now was incomparable to before, and countless people were waiting for a chance to approach her.

Moreover, Celitia's abilities in magic were well known.

Partnering with her, how could they worry about not passing this magical experiment class?

Immediately, whether they had partners or not, everyone swarmed around Celitia, surrounding her in layers.

"Miss Celitia! Partner with me!"

"Partner with me—I have a project here that you'll definitely be interested in!"

"Miss Celitia, don't listen to them. They all have partners already, but I don't!"

Charlotte's previously smug face immediately fell completely.

Although she was somewhat used to it by now, Charlotte still couldn't understand why Celitia was so popular.

What exactly was so outstanding about her?

Jealous emotions surged from her chest, almost drowning Charlotte entirely.

Celitia was firmly surrounded by people and couldn't even walk, giving her a headache.

A somewhat familiar-looking female student pushed to the front of her, her cheeks flushed, nervously clutching a piece of paper in her hands.

"Miss Celitia, I don't have a partner yet. I've been waiting for you… This is my project. My foundation isn't very good, so I haven't been able to keep up with the pace... Would you be willing to take a look?"

Looking at the girl's face that was red enough to emit steam, Celitia had some impression that she had seen her before.

If she remembered correctly, her name was Jolin, the first person to slip a love letter into her hands.

Forget it, she should quickly find a random partner to break up this encirclement...

Celitia reached out to take the materials from Jolin's hands.

Sophia had been watching the situation on Celitia's side and saw her movement, causing a surge of anger to rise from the bottom of her heart.

You dare?!

The princess's murderous gaze fixed deadly on Jolin.

That gaze was so terrifying that cold sweat broke out on Jolin's back, and her hands froze in mid-air, not daring to move.

Celitia reached for the stack of materials, but Jolin didn't let go.

No, she would die, really die—she would be killed by the princess!

Jolin's mind went dizzy.