Anya's Squinty-Eyed Form!

"This is the dining hall. The finest chefs in the entire country work here, preparing exquisite meals for everyone every day."

Henry led the students of all three classes into the dining hall and pointed to a door at the far end. "Beyond that door is a special dining room reserved for Imperial Scholars. Anyone who achieves outstanding results and earns eight stars can become one of these honor students, so work hard, everyone."

The students answered in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Next, Henry's gaze settled on Anya at the back of the line. She was the only child in his class whose entrance exam score had been below fifty.

He paused, his tone growing stern. "Conversely, underachievers will face punishment and expulsion based on the number of Tonitrus Bolts they receive. Be prepared."

"Stars can only be earned through contributions and achievements, but any teacher can issue Tonitrus Bolts. You must all follow the school rules and respect your teachers."

"Yes, sir!"

Henry kept his eyes fixed on Anya as he spoke.

For some reason, Forger's daughter always leaves me feeling uneasy, as though she might make a mistake the moment she lets her guard down. Why is that?

Anya was panicking. Why did the teacher keep staring at her?

Karen figured he was no longer needed. If he stayed, the "Filter Fist" might never happen, so he needed an excuse to slip away.

"I haven't had breakfast yet, so I'll grab a bite first."

After letting Mr. Henry know, Karen stayed in the dining hall. Only once the students of all three classes had disappeared from view did he pick up two pastries covered in powdered sugar and hurry after them.

As a CP Shipper, he had to witness this scene firsthand.

Damian was at the back of the line, basking in the other students' flattery.

His status alone guaranteed that he would be the center of attention in this class.

Damian finally noticed that the girl he had thought was cute earlier was still staring at him.

Ah, being too charming can be such a burden. I suppose I'll give this girl a little attention.

Damian brushed back his hair and walked over to Anya.

At that moment, Anya was listening to Becky complain about how stupid these people were.

Damian was utterly overbearing. A little taller than Anya, he looked down at her and held out one hand as though offering charity.

"What about your family? What do your parents do? If they're important enough, I might let you be my friend."

"Um... a doctor who heals minds."

"Hmph, what's that supposed to be? How useless. Your family probably doesn't have much treasure anyway. Lame." Damian immediately lost interest in Anya.

He scoffed and turned to leave.

Anya pointed at Damian, her father's mission still foremost in her mind. She had to become good friends with the evil boss's son, then go over to his house to play.

"Anya wants to come to your house to play."

Damian's two little lackeys, Emile and Ewen, shoved Anya aside.

"What are you talking about? Know your place, you uggo!"

"Commoners really have no shame."

"You'll infect us with your commoner germs! Get lost!"

Damian and his two friends walked away haughtily.

Anya clenched her fist. She had spent two days learning the fists of justice from her mother, and now was the perfect time to use them.

But...

"Listen carefully, little Anya. Someone who acts purely on emotion and resorts to violence cannot be called truly strong."

Her mother had said that too. For the sake of her father's plan, she had to learn to be patient.

Becky looked at Anya with her head lowered, disappointment crossing her delicate little face. "You're so useless. At least talk back!"

"Hmph, Anya doesn't care at all."

There it was!!!

One of Anya's signature skills-Squinty Eyes!!

Now it was Damian's turn to clench his fists. Anya's narrowed eyes wounded his lofty pride.

She... what's with that condescending look in her eyes?!

Becky's opinion of Anya changed instantly. She thought Anya seemed mature, handling other people's taunts with ease.

"I'm starting to see you in a new light. You're surprisingly mature!"

"Mature!" Anya immediately brightened. Mr. Karen had been right. Becky really did have good judgment. Anya was a mature girl.

Delighted, Anya continued looking at Damian with squinty eyes.

For some reason, Damian actually blushed under that gaze and started waving his arms.

"Don't get full of yourself, uggo! Uggo, uggo, uggo..."

"What's your problem? Sure, she's uglier than me, but you don't have to go that far!"

Becky had just stabbed Anya in the back too, though not deliberately.

Henry thumped his cane heavily against the floor and looked at the two noisy children at the back. "You two over there! How many times must I tell you? Do you want to receive a Tonitrus Bolt on your very first day?!"

One was the daughter of the Forger family he admired, and the other was the son of the National Unity Party's chairman. Why were they making such a racket without a shred of elegance?!

At Henry's scolding, both quickly stood at attention. If they received a Tonitrus Bolt on the first day, peace between East and West-or getting his father's attention-would be a complete failure.

Damian glared viciously at Anya.

She actually made me embarrass myself this badly. I'll never forgive her!!

Anya panicked under Damian's gaze too. She had clearly followed her mother's advice, so why had it backfired?!

Mother lied. Smiling doesn't help at all!

Eating pastries behind them, Karen nearly burst out laughing. He pinched his thigh hard.

These two little rivals were so much fun together. He could deliberately put them on the same team during PE later, too...

Hehehe, I'm really, really, really looking forward to it!