Turning the corner of the corridor, disappearing from Margaret's view, Benita lowered her voice and asked with great concern:

"Lily, how did you offend Margaret?"

Margaret was of noble birth and held herself in high regard. The only opponent she considered worthy of her attention was Sophia.

This was the first time Benita had seen Margaret actively target an overlooked viscount's daughter.

"How would I know," Celitia replied casually with indifference. "And I haven't permitted you to call me that."

"They all call you that," Benita retorted quietly. "Why can't I?"

Sophia's attention wasn't on what names were being used; she was still bothered by Margaret's attitude:

"How could she be offended? Margaret is just like that, looking down on everyone. Even a dog passing by would get kicked by her!"

"What, she kicks puppies too?" Shanie clearly misunderstood, indignantly declaring, "I get it now, she's a villain!!"

"That's not what I meant..." Sophia fell into an awkward silence.

Celitia glanced wordlessly at Shanie—she was good in every way except that her head didn't quite think things through. She would probably count money for someone who had just cheated her.

The four walked along the corridor toward the exit when they encountered another uninvited guest.

Charlotte hurried toward them, spotted Benita beside Celitia, and her eyes flashed with astonishment:

"Benita, even you're sticking to her... what's so good about her?"

Charlotte's gaze swept past Benita, finally landing on Sophia.

She stared at Sophia and Celitia's joined hands, her expression revealing deep hurt.

Seeing Charlotte's expression, Sophia was taken aback. Remembering that Charlotte had always been sincere to her, she immediately softened: "Charlotte..."

Sophia searched for words to say more, but Charlotte bit her lip, quickened her pace, and ran away from the four.

"Sigh..." Sophia let out a long sigh.

"Aren't you going after her?" Celitia asked.

Sophia knew exactly what was bothering Charlotte.

When someone you dislike becomes a friend of your friend, and your friend neglects you because of them, it's naturally hard to accept.

She silently shook her head, her face showing internal conflict. After a while, she managed to say:

"Charlotte is just being a bit stubborn... she'll come around once she thinks it through."

"Is that so," Celitia said indifferently. "Sophia, in this world, there are few situations where you can have it both ways."

"This means that choosing one might mean giving up the other... have you thought about that?"

Hearing this, Sophia was stunned, unconsciously stopping in her tracks.

Celitia also stopped, turning her head to patiently look at Sophia.

"Sophia, I'm not forcing you to make a choice, just reminding you that this possibility exists."

She truly didn't intend to make Sophia choose herself.

Having experienced betrayal, Celitia knew very well that even for the closest people, she might not be the victorious side of the scale.

She just didn't want Sophia to regret.

In the misty eyes of the girl, Sophia saw a desolate tenderness.

It seemed that from the beginning, Celitia had accepted the outcome of being abandoned, as if she were already accustomed to it.

Otherwise, why would she remind Sophia, even with an encouraging tone suggesting she should go after Charlotte?

Sophia didn't understand what Celitia had experienced to show such a lonely yet gentle look.

She bit her lip, acknowledging her inner wavering: "I don't know..."

Caught between the two, Sophia was actually the one suffering the most.

Sophia didn't have many friends. Charlotte had been by her side for several years, and despite occasional conflicts, she could be called a friend.

As for Celitia, although they hadn't known each other for long, Sophia felt she wanted to get to know her better.

Standing at this point of divergence, Sophia was very confused, not knowing how to make a choice.

"What's there to choose?" Benita muttered softly. "I don't like Charlotte at all."

Shanie didn't directly express an opinion but couldn't help nodding slightly, agreeing with Benita's words.

A look of struggle appeared in Sophia's eyes, and she was almost about to make a decision.

"Don't rush to choose," Celitia sighed lightly. "Go after her, Sophia. Have a good talk with Charlotte before making a decision."

Benita looked at her, not understanding.

If it had been Benita, she would probably only think about how to draw the Princess to her side, never giving others a chance.

Celitia sighed again, her smoky purple eyes increasingly misty with rain, gentle and helpless.

The possibility of peaceful coexistence between herself and Charlotte was very small.

Perhaps she should choose a method more beneficial to herself, but...

She didn't want Sophia to be in a difficult position, and even more, she didn't want her to have regrets.

"Sophia, some opportunities, once missed, may never come again for reconciliation."

Sophia looked hesitant: "But..."

"No buts. Seize the opportunity and have a good talk with Charlotte."

Celitia gently patted Sophia's shoulder and waved at her.

"We'll go to the classroom first. When you're done, come find us."

Under that gentle gaze, Sophia was stunned for a long time.

Hesitation gradually turned into determination, and Sophia finally nodded: "Alright!"

She turned and ran, following Charlotte's direction.

Catching Charlotte before her attribute test, Sophia finally intercepted her.

"Charlotte, wait!"

Sophia had run urgently, slightly out of breath.

Seeing that Sophia had actually followed her, Charlotte's downcast expression showed a hint of pleasant surprise:

"Sophia? What is it, do you need something?"

"Are you still angry, Charlotte?"

Sophia had organized her thoughts for a long time, carefully asking, "I understand how you feel. A lot has happened recently, and you must be feeling quite upset. I'm very sorry..."

Charlotte widened her eyes, a sense of disbelief rising in her heart.

Sophia was actually apologizing to her?

She felt increasingly flattered, and the grievance in her heart dissipated a bit:

"A little, but it's not entirely your fault, Sophia."

Thinking that Sophia had just been with Celitia but now came looking for her, she must have kicked Celitia aside and chosen her. Charlotte's expression improved considerably.

Carefully observing Charlotte, seeing her expression change from gloomy to cheerful, Sophia felt there was hope and quickly said:

"I know there's some conflict and misunderstanding between you and Lily. However, Lily doesn't intend to oppose you. She even actively encouraged me to come talk to you.

"Since there's no irreconcilable hatred, why don't you try to reconcile? I hope my two friends can get along well—"

Hearing this, Charlotte's expression suddenly changed. That bit of good mood just now was thrown to the winds.

She had no patience to hear Sophia finish and incredulously interrupted:

"How long has it been? One day, or two days, and you're already calling her so intimately, and now you're speaking well of her to me?"

"Charlotte!"

Not expecting Charlotte's sudden emotional outburst, Sophia became anxious.

"If it's just a misunderstanding, why can't it be resolved? To me, you're both my friends, and I don't want to lose either of you!"

"What if I force you to choose one?"

Charlotte raised her chin, her face full of stubbornness. "I hate Celitia, and I just don't want to get along with her!"