The next morning, rumors explode through corridors, courtyard, and dining hall. Ara becomes the center of a story she did not write.

Tovin tries to explain the rumor while not being blamed for knowing it. Ara's face hardens as the social trap becomes clear.

Lysia Orlan enters the courtyard surrounded by admirers, wearing concern like a crown. Ara recognizes the original story's beloved heroine.

Lysia questions Ara in public. Each gentle line offers rescue while making the rumor harder to deny.

Ara tries to end the conversation politely, but Lysia keeps her pinned in social daylight.

Kael enters the courtyard. The whispers die in a visible wave before he reaches Ara and Lysia.

Kael places himself between Ara and Lysia with courtly precision. He names the rumor as slander, not scandal.

Kael destroys the rumor with legal precision. His words are calm, but the courtyard feels like a courtroom execution.

Lysia tries to retreat gracefully, but Kael makes clear that Ara is not available for public handling.

Kael turns from Lysia to Ara. His expression changes so completely the surrounding students feel it like a shock.

The public claim detonates. Ara, Lysia, and the watching students all react at once.

Kael takes Ara's hand. The Support System violently updates, framing the engagement as a survival quest with lethal penalty.

Kael leads Ara away through the stunned courtyard, still holding her hand. The system death penalty hangs above them like a blade.