It was only now that Rong realized as a new student, she was allowed just two days per week—48 hours in total—inside the library.

For most students, this was plenty of time, as few ever used up their limit. But for Rong, she had been kicked out after maxing it out.

Standing outside the library, she stared blankly for a moment before an alarming realization hit her.

'I don’t have a place to stay!'

At Seven Shields Academy, accommodations were notoriously expensive, and unfortunately, her funds were nearly nonexistent.

Her original plan had been to practically live in the library. She figured she could endure it, sleeping in short spurts when necessary, and continue researching ways to make her succubus race more combat-effective.

But she had never expected the library to have time limits.

Her earlier confidence now seemed laughable, and she had no choice but to face the consequences of her shortsightedness.

While the realm of 'Dreamland' was incredibly wealthy, as the princess of the succubus race, Rong had fled from there. She had no access to any surplus funds.

Now, unable to afford housing, she was effectively homeless.

She eventually found herself sitting by Crescent Lake in a nearby park, lost in thought.

Around her, other students were in groups, laughing and chatting. Some pairs strolled together, basking in the romantic atmosphere of the lake.

Rong, however, sat alone on a bench, hugging her knees as the beautiful scenery around her only emphasized her solitude.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the other students dispersed. Some went to dinner, others returned home.

The breeze blowing across the lake grew cooler, sending ripples across the water’s surface. Rong shivered slightly, shrinking into herself as the chill seeped into her bones.

By the time twilight arrived, Rong looked every bit the picture of loneliness—a petite figure curled up on the edge of a bench, hiding her face in her arms.

Her heart twisted with self-reproach.

'I should have listened to Shia.'

“You’ll regret this,” he had said to her before.

And now, she truly did regret it.

She had hoped that just getting into Seven Shields Academy would be enough. Disguised and low-profile, she had planned to slip through unnoticed.

But now, with no recognition for her achievements in the legendary dungeon and ranked at the bottom of her class, she had access to minimal resources.

Barely able to afford food, let alone a place to stay, she felt utterly defeated.

She thumped her head lightly with her fist, muttering curses at herself.

'Stupid, stupid, stupid!'

Footsteps approached, the sound growing louder.

Under the glow of the streetlights, a shadow stretched across the ground, elongated and distorted by the dim light.

Even though the figure was slightly warped, its upright and confident posture was unmistakable.

Rong tensed, frozen in place, praying the person wouldn’t notice her.

'You don’t see me, you don’t see me…'

“Yo, long time no see.”

The familiar voice startled her.

The speaker, a tall figure with a magnetic and calm tone, plopped down on the other side of the bench. Though he kept a bit of distance, the sound of his voice made her freeze.

She knew that voice. She had spoken to so few people since arriving that it was impossible to mistake it.

Turning her head slightly, she saw Shia sitting casually at the other end of the bench, his handsome face illuminated by the streetlights.

“You’re homeless, aren’t you?” he said, his tone almost regretful.

He hadn’t just stumbled upon her by chance. Shia had been expecting this.

No money, no ability to stay at the library—of course, it would lead to this.

Rong pursed her lips, refusing to respond. She turned her head back to the lake as if admiring the scenery, ignoring him entirely.

'I’m not embarrassed. I’m not embarrassed…'

Rong tried to convince herself.

But the truth was, her body was stiff and her limbs had gone numb from sitting too long in the chilly evening breeze.

“I could offer you a place to stay,” Shia said after a moment, his voice calm.

Rong’s ears perked up immediately, though she kept her head turned away, pretending not to hear him.

“I could use a maid,” Shia continued bluntly. “How about working for me?”

Hearing this, Rong snapped her head around, startled to find Shia’s face mere inches from her own.

She leaned back reflexively, her heart racing.

'A maid? Me?'

She was a succubus princess! How could she possibly become someone’s maid? Even without her royal status, they were classmates. It was an absolutely absurd suggestion.

She shook her head furiously, her dark hair flying as she refused.

“If you don’t want to work, then how about just staying for free? My house is big enough,” Shia offered, his tone almost casual.

Rong shook her head even harder.

'Accepting handouts? That would be humiliating! You’re insulting my dignity!'

Shia sighed, leaning back against the bench as he stared at the lake.

For a while, the two sat in silence, the lake’s gentle waves and the chirping of insects filling the air.

The scene was oddly peaceful, like that of two quiet lovers enjoying a date.

Finally, Shia broke the silence.

“You don’t want to work for me, and you don’t want to take my offer to stay for free. Fine, I get it. But we’ve been teammates before. I wouldn’t have gotten where I am now without you.”

“I see you as a friend. I can’t just leave you out here like this. How about you pay me rent?”

The words hit like a bolt of lightning.

Rong flinched, her face burning. If she had money, would she even be in this situation?

Shia’s words were a direct stab to her pride.

“Or…” he began again.

Rong finally spoke, her voice soft and hesitant. “Could you… lend me some money?”

Her cheeks flushed crimson as she forced the words out, feeling as though her face might burst into flames.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com