Shock! Kiana Actually Listens Attentively in Class!

"Even if we're both Singapore survivors, you can't waste my nap time!" Xina was utterly unyielding, already plotting what to use to tie someone up as she turned around.

"Hah?! I'm such an outstanding Valkyrie teacher, and you're telling me I'm not as important as a nap?" Warith stared at Xina, disbelief plain in her eyes.

"That's right! I don't even know you!" Xina shot back, utterly unashamed.

"You..." Warith seemed genuinely riled, her full chest heaving rapidly with each sharp breath before she finally steadied herself after a long moment.

"Hmph! A tasteless little brat. Lead the way, then!"

"Oh." Xina scratched her head and tucked her whip back away.

For the entire walk, Warith didn't exchange another word with Xina.

After being dropped off at the teacher's office area, Xina pulled out her device, cheerfully calling up her mission panel, and pressed her finger against the yellow submit button.

Warith, sulking by the window, watched Xina's bouncing figure pass by downstairs and finally snapped. She slammed her palm onto her desk, fuming, "Damn brat. You'd better pray you can keep up with my lesson this afternoon, or else—hmph ╭(╯^╰)╮!"

"~~~"

Back at the villa, with Theresa holed up in the Headmaster's Office reading comics and not returning home, the girls were all lounging in their rooms.

Seizing this golden opportunity, Himeko pulled a bottle of red wine from a hidden compartment under the sofa, planning to enjoy a few sips.

As she twisted off the cork and filled her glass, she spotted Xina walking in from the door, humming a tune with a gentle smile on her face, clearly in a good mood.

Hiding the bottle behind her back, Himeko wasn't sure if Xina had seen her move and asked cautiously.

"You're this happy just from stepping out? Something good happen?"

"Nothing much. Just finished my mission and realized I still had time to come back for a nap."

"Alright."

Hearing Xina's answer, Himeko could only nod. She knew her student well—rain or shine, that midday nap was an unshakable ritual.

Watching Xina change into slippers and head upstairs, Himeko let out a sigh of relief, silently congratulating herself: "Good, she didn't notice..."

"Teacher Himeko, remember to open the window for ventilation after you drink! Otherwise, the smell won't clear out, and the Headmaster will be hunting for wine all over the house tonight!"

Before entering her room, Xina paused at the door to whisper a reminder.

Himeko: "..." This kid...

The lovely nap time passed quickly. In the afternoon, Full of Energy Xina trailed behind Kiana and the others, the last to arrive at the classroom.

As they entered, everyone noticed a set of cosmetics on their desks, apparently prepared for this course.

"Hey... Mary, you were the first one here. Were these already on the desks when you arrived?" A Trainee Valkyrie picked up the makeup kit on her desk, examining it for a while before poking the classmate who'd come earliest that afternoon.

"Yes." 'Mary' turned with a smile and explained softly, "They were here when I arrived."

Staring at the empty lectern, Kiana couldn't help but complain, "Hey, class has been going on for a while now. Isn't that substitute Valkyrie teacher here yet?"

"Maybe she is, but you just didn't notice." Xina's seat was perfectly positioned in a corner, giving her a full view of the entire classroom. She fixed her gaze on a classmate who'd been out on a mission yesterday afternoon but was back in class today, a faint smirk curling at her lips.

A few more minutes passed, and the Trainee Valkyries still hadn't seen their substitute teacher. Growing restless, they huddled together, their chatter rising noticeably in volume.

Just as the noise hit a tipping point, a 'Trainee Valkyrie' who'd been quietly reading since she walked in, only speaking when someone specifically asked her something, suddenly stood up and walked to the lectern. She looked down at the students and uttered that all-too-familiar line:

"Take a walk down the hall—our class is the loudest in the whole building!"

"..." ×N

In an instant, the classroom fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"Mary... you..."

Staring at the 'Mary' on the lectern, whose demeanor was completely different from her friend's, a Valkyrie finally caught on. She stood up, glaring fiercely at 'Mary,' and demanded, "Mary... no, Mary went out on a mission yesterday and won't be back until next week. Who are you, really?"

'Mary' on the lectern didn't answer directly. Instead, she shook her head with a disappointed expression and said, "Tsk. From the moment I sat down here, over twenty minutes have passed, and not a single one of you noticed my presence. Honestly, I'm very disappointed in you all!"

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Warith, a Valkyrie from the Central Intelligence Department. During this period, I'll be teaching you disguise, makeup, and infiltration. You can also call me Teacher Warith."

Warith swept her hand across her face, reverting to her true appearance.

"Mei, did you see that! This new teacher can change her face! Seriously, I didn't even realize Mary was fake..." Kiana tilted her head, whispering.

"Idiot Kiana, that's not changing faces—it's disguise and makeup..." Bronya couldn't help but douse Kiana's amazement with cold water as she watched her marvel at Warith's impressive cosmetic skills.

"Today's lesson, I'll teach you some handy tricks. Before class ends, I'll check your results. I hope everyone pays close attention."

With that, Warith pulled some cosmetics from her bag and began her unique lesson in front of the students.

To be fair, as scatterbrained as Warith could be, her teaching skills were solid. In just ten minutes, she had the entire class's attention locked on her—including Kiana, the professional class-sleeper.

Himeko happened to pass by the back door and glanced through the window at her students, only to witness a sight she'd never forget—Kiana wasn't sleeping; she was actually paying attention in class!

"Is that... Kiana?!" Himeko instinctively rubbed her eyes, thinking she might be seeing things.

After double-checking that her vision wasn't playing tricks, and that the habitual truant Kiana was genuinely listening intently, Himeko couldn't help but shed two streams of tears.

If even Kiana could focus in class, then what in this world was impossible!?

With that thought, Himeko clenched her fist, a look of unwavering confidence spreading across her face!