Neris’s mind was boiling.

During the transfer to the student council room, she had thought of dozens of excuses to give to Abelus and Nellusian.

However, all these thoughts revolved vaguely around the assumption that Natasha, who had put the exam papers under her bed, was the culprit, creating a sense of confusion.

What could be Natasha’s reason to want Neris expelled?

Moreover, although Neris had experienced it in her previous life, Natasha preferred an immediate and thoughtless approach. She was not the type to set up such a complicated trap.

So, what was the purpose of leaving the exam papers there? Did Abelus perhaps catch on to something? Or was it related to Nellusian?

There was no corner to neatly fit the deduction with insufficient evidence.

However, in the moment Neris saw the familiar face comforting Idalia, she realized a lot.

It was Idalia.

The one who left the exam papers in Neris’s room.

The person who, in her previous life, had cooperated with Yustas to betray Neris.

Perhaps during the kidnapping incident, Natasha also knew about her younger brother’s plan. However, the share Natasha held in that plan was undoubtedly lower than what Neris had speculated.

Idalia would have been much more proactive.

Or would she have given away a close attendant and timekeeper from her childhood!

Now, inside the student council room, there were Abelus, Nellusian, and Neris. Neris could closely observe Abelus’s thoughts.

He was probably rolling his crude mind to figure out if Neris was the one who took out Claudwin last night. He might be considering the possibility of betrayal by the Elendria family. And, of course, he would be keeping in mind the possibility of Neris being the actual exam paper thief.

‘From any side.’

She shouldn’t arouse suspicion. Not yet.

Neris made a slightly perplexed expression, the kind that a first-year, low-ranking noble girl might have when facing a prince.

“I regret that a thief got in, Your Highness. But why am I suddenly suspected? It’s embarrassing because I didn’t go near any teacher’s office last night.”

Abelus’s eyes briefly rolled. Nellusian spoke.

“I heard that all other first-year students were in class yesterday evening.”

That was the most detailed hint he could give. Neris knew that Nellusian wasn’t seriously suspecting her. At least, that was fortunate.

Looking at the student council members in the morning, with messy hair and gathering, it seemed that the theft of the exam papers was reported as early as this dawn.
Sheridon Kyung was in her office until just before going to the social test rehearsal last night, so theft could have occurred at any time since he left his office until this morning.

Still, the fact that he was emphasizing the evening hours without any evidence pointing to Neris other than her attendance status likely meant that he didn’t have solid grounds to pin Neris as the culprit.

It would be more comfortable that way. If she created a situation that made sense and fitting, Nellusian would find another culprit on his own.

Abelus spoke.

“The missing item was obviously an evaluation material related to the first year. So, the thief must be a first-year, and among the first-years, you were the only one absent from the seat yesterday evening.”

Neris looked very puzzled.

“I… but I didn’t do anything like stealing. I really didn’t.”

“Really? Then what did you do yesterday evening?”

“As I mentioned, I was in my room. I had a severe headache.”

“Lies.”

“Why do you think it’s a lie?”

“Just because of a headache, did you go to the classroom and then return to your room?”

“Huh? I couldn’t even get to the classroom yesterday. I wandered from the adjacent building. Natasha senpai kindly showed me the way, but my head started hurting while trying to find the right building. But how did you know that I went near the classroom, Your Highness?”

Abelus pondered if there was any trap hidden in what Neris said. Nellusian filled the conversational gap.

“You greeted Joseph yesterday evening. Joseph told me. Your head hurt? Then, did you go to the infirmary by any chance?”

Since it was where young nobles gathered, the school had a resident doctor to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

“I wanted to go, but the curfew had already passed, and…”

Neris’s explanation lacked evidence to support it. Abelus’s eyes gradually became more fierce.

“Hey, Miss Trued. If you keep making these lame excuses, Nellusian can’t protect you either. Right now, you’re the only suspect. If you can’t prove it, you’re expelled.”

Neris remained silent. Just before Abelus’s suspicions turned into certainty.

“…Actually, I suddenly started my period… So, I couldn’t go to the classroom because of that.”

The student council room fell silent.

A twelve-year-old girl revealing a secret shocked Nellusian, and Abelus raised an eyebrow.

In front of the two men who grew up seeing only pretty and innocent girls, a woman mentioning menstruation would be like holding it within three fingers. She could gamble.