The carriage door closed with a soft thud, and Kione leaned back against the seat, frowning.

“What the heck... how did that girl beat me?”

He shook his head in disbelief before muttering aloud,

“No way! I’ve got to study harder—there’s no way I’m letting that loss stand!”

At the Duke’s mansion, Margaret was having dinner with her family.

Duke Wahles spoke first,

“Margaret, tomorrow you’ll take the entrance exam for Everine Academy.”

“Yes, Father,” she replied, blinking in surprise.

Immediately, Emilia slammed her hands on the table.

“That’s awesome! We’ll get to study together!”

She leapt to her feet, dancing around the dining table like a little kid.

Clink! — Duchess Isabella gently set her wine glass down.

“Emilia, what kind of behavior is that?”

Bonk! — A loving yet firm tap landed on Emilia’s head from the Duke.

“Stop acting like... a cow.”

Emilia rubbed her head and muttered under her breath before reluctantly sitting down again.

That night, Margaret sat by the window while Aricia — her maid and caretaker — brushed her silky hair.

“My, your hair’s so smooth, milady. Which pajamas would you like to wear tonight?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“Then... how about the one with the bunny prints? It’s super cute!”

Margaret nodded slightly, a faint smile on her lips.

Knock, knock.

The door creaked open and Emilia peeked inside, her face sparkling like a puppy begging for treats.

“Margaret, can I sleep with you tonight~?”

Margaret sighed... but nodded anyway. Who could say no to that face?

Emilia jumped onto the bed, pulling out a fairy tale book.

“I’ll read you a bedtime story!”

“No need... I’ve heard them all since I was little.”

“Come on~ Just one!”

But when she turned back, Margaret had already fallen asleep.

The next morning.

Knock, knock.

Aricia’s gentle voice came through the door,

“Lady Emilia, Lady Margaret, it’s time to get up.”

Hearing her, Margaret opened her eyes and quietly went to unlock the door. Aricia stood there with her usual kind expression.

“Lady Emilia is still asleep,” Margaret said softly.

A few minutes later—BAM!

“Aaaaahhhh!”

A loud crash echoed down the stairs. Emilia had slipped and rolled all the way down to the first floor.

“My lady! Are you all right?!” Aricia gasped, running to her. The Duke and Duchess rushed out from the dining room as well.

But Emilia instantly sprang to her feet.

“I’m fine!” she declared, sprinting straight to the dining room as if nothing had happened.

Everyone else just... stared in silence.

A few moments later, the Duke and Duchess entered with serious expressions.

“Emilia,” the Duke began, “your debut ball is next week. How are your preparations going?”

“What?!” Emilia yelped, as if struck by lightning.

The Duchess smiled calmly.

“But today, there’s something even more important.”

“What... what is it?” Emilia asked nervously.

“Etiquette, art, and dance lessons.”

“NOOOOOOOO! I don’t want to study!” Emilia wailed.

The Duke shook his head.

“Not you. Today, Margaret will take her entrance exam for Everine Academy.”

“Oh... right.” Emilia immediately fell silent.

The Duchess gently placed a hand on Margaret’s shoulder.

“You’ll be starting two years late, so the exam will just cover primary-level material.”

“I understand. I’ll do my best,” Margaret replied with a nod.

After breakfast, Aricia entered and curtsied.

“Lady Margaret, Professor Rine has arrived to conduct your entrance test.”

From across the room, Emilia shouted,

“But it’s Saturday! I was gonna go out!”

Before she could run, a strong pair of arms lifted her off the ground — it was the Duke, glaring sternly.

“You’ll study etiquette and dance today. It’s part of your debut preparation.”

“B-but I had other plans...”

The Duchess strolled in gracefully.

“Oh? And who’s your dance partner, then?”

“Kione! I was gonna ask Kione!”

“Perfect,” Isabella said, smiling. “Then start planning the menu.”

At once, Emilia’s eyes sparkled.

“Yes, ma’am!”

Meanwhile, in a quiet study room, Margaret sat with the exam papers in front of her. She read each question carefully, thinking,

“This... is easier than I expected. I’ll probably finish in half the time.”

When she was done, she looked up.

“Professor, I’ve finished my test.”

“Very good,” said Professor Rine. “You may take a short break while I grade it.”

Margaret decided to visit the library, but as she passed the kitchen, a thick black smoke billowed out from under the door.

“What’s going on... is something on fire?!”

She peeked inside—then nearly fainted.

Emilia stood in the middle of the smoky kitchen, holding a ladle and a pot that was bubbling ominously.

Seeing her sister, Emilia brightened.

“Perfect timing! Try this!”

She held up a plate of... something. Black. Mysterious. Possibly lethal.

Before Margaret could respond, Aricia rushed in.

“Lady Margaret, your test results are ready. His Grace wishes to see both you and Lady Emilia immediately.”

Margaret exhaled in relief.
Saved... by the bell.