Tobias sprang to his feet the moment Alicia entered the room, his greeting brimming with genuine enthusiasm. However, as soon as Akuto made his way upstairs, a shadow seemed to cross Tobias' expression. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment, a silent exchange passing between them. Akuto offered a slight nod in acknowledgment, but Tobias swiftly averted his gaze, turning his face away.
"You haven't changed since then," Alicia remarked, striding over to Petronella.
"Is that an insult, President?" Petronella countered sharply.
Tobias interjected swiftly, his tone firm, "Miss Petronella, you must show respect with her."
Petronella and Alicia were separated by only four years in age, both having attended the academy. When Alicia assumed the role of president of the student executive board, Petronella was the sole junior who declined her invitation to join.
