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Chapter 10 - The Fox (6)

There was a brief misunderstanding, but it was quickly corrected.

The definition of taming. It seemed the girl took it in a rather bold sense.

Fortunately, I quickly added an explanation...

\'I almost got labeled as a shameless bastard...\'

How could she have understood it that way?

Of course, I meant to suggest becoming friends. Has she never read a fairy tale in her life?

I glanced at the fox with squinted eyes.

"...."

Irene turned her gaze away and sat down.

She was acting indifferent, but her ears were already red.

Her tail was fluttering wildly.

She seemed embarrassed by the naughty thoughts she had entertained on her own.

Seeing her fidgeting made me involuntarily smile.

Is this what they call a gap moe?

She exudes a prickly atmosphere but collapses when poked.

I spoke up.

"You have a surprisingly cute side, don’t you?"

A mischievous remark.

The moment I said this, Irene flinched, then shot me a fierce glare.

"...I said I was sorry."

"This is revenge."

"No..."

"I was startled to know you had such devious thoughts."

"...."

In the end, the fox was sinking.

Seeing her bow her head so deeply made the corners of my mouth twist into a smile.

An ominous grin spread across my lips.

\'This is fun.\'

There\'s something enjoyable about teasing her.

She was quite popular in the original story for these kinds of moments.

Especially, her chemistry with the quirky Little Prince drew explosive reactions from users.

[Irene\'s reaction is so cute hehehe]

[Irene was prickly and unlikeable, but after this episode, she became my favorite character!]

[Charlotte and Irene yuri route?]

[What yuri?]

[The game company already stated there are no romance routes]

[Until all the glaciers in the Arctic melt]

[Bobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobobob]

[Get out;;]

These were comments left on my video.

There are some weird comments scattered throughout, but... let’s ignore them.

In any case, Irene’s impact was significant. She even secured third place in the character popularity poll for [The World Seen By the Little Prince].

\'I naturally picked Regia...\'

But seeing it firsthand, I could understand why fans liked her.

Tsundere characters always have a demand, don\'t they?

It\'s a stark contrast to the gentle nature of Regia.

"Miss Irene."

"...What?"

"Please cheer up. I’ll stop teasing you now."

I patted the fox’s head a few times to soothe her.

The growls of annoyance came, but I mostly ignored them and casually withdrew my hand.

"Seems like we’ve gone off track. Let’s get back to the main topic."

Clap-clap!

I clapped to refocus attention.

Irene, thoroughly riled up, glared at me but didn’t dare act out, simmering with frustration.

I continued, playing it smooth.

"I promised to ensure the safety of the children, didn’t I?"

"Yes."

"In return, Miss Irene promised to become my \'friend.\'"

"I’m not exactly sure what that means, but if it means protecting the children, I’ll do anything."

"Anything?"

"...Within acceptable limits."

"Hehe, of course. Please don’t worry."

I gave a casual wave of my hand.

Even though I was treating Irene playfully, it was just a one-sided advance.

She’s probably scared and doubtful at the moment.

It\'s not a problem.

We have plenty of time. We\'ll continue to be together and build trust over time.

"Then, Miss Irene."

"What now?"

"As a friend, here’s my first request. Note that refusal is not an option."

The snake flicked its tongue.

The dangerous golden surface seemed ready to engulf the fox at any moment.

I whispered lightly.

"You need to come with me to the academy."

It was the beginning of a new story.

***

Meanwhile, at Gallimard Academy.

The entrance exams that had lasted a week were coming to an end.

With the scores calculated and the tedious paperwork completed, the faculty were gathered in the Dean’s office to discuss.

Even though new students always drew much attention, this year’s class was on a different level.

Not only were the overall levels of candidates high, but there were also several prodigies considered geniuses.

The Empire’s First Princess, Charlotte Little von Stauffen.

The Vanity Duke’s twins, Emilia Vanity and Ruska Vanity.

Even among commoners, there was a summoner who could call forth wyverns.

It was a season where top-tier talents seemed to come pouring in, as if they had made a promise.

Although the professors had high expectations, ...

"This is unacceptable!"

"We can’t accept this. Such unilateral decisions are truly disappointing."

"It must be corrected immediately!"

The atmosphere in the Dean’s office was unusually chaotic.

Voices raised in agitation.

In the center of the faculty was an elderly man with white hair, looking tired as he sat at his desk.

He pressed his temples and tried to calm the professors.

"Everyone, please calm down."

"But, Dean..."

"Enough."

"...."

A firm tone cut him off.

As the uproar subsided, the Dean cast a heavy glance at the desk.

A thickly bound document.

[Gallimard Academy New Semester Entrance Exam Rankings]

1. Judah Snakes

2. Charlotte Rip von Stauffen

3. Emilia Vanity

4. Ruska Vanity

5. Regia Filarts

.

.

.

1206. Dector Hollint

1207. Margo Frank

[Document Approved - Selena Drunkard]

"Haa..."

A sigh escaped naturally.

The old man wiped his face and tried to swallow his dizzying feelings.

The reason for the professors\' collective protests was the content of this document.

"This ranking is absurd!"

"Not only did Her Highness the Princess miss the top spot, but this low-level student has claimed it!!"

"We were all present at the exam site."

"Though he;s are from a noble family, his skills were barely in the middle tier!"

"Honestly, this result is incomprehensible."

Judah Snakes.

The biggest topic of conversation in this entrance exam.

Despite showing somewhat mediocre results, he somehow claimed the top spot.

The Dean turned his head silently.

"...."

He looked at a woman standing there.

With flowing auburn hair and alluring red eyes.

She wore a disinterested expression as if she had no concern.

"...Selena."

Selena Drunkard.

The head professor of the academy and the person responsible for overseeing this entrance exam.

The Dean sighed again.

"Selena."

"Yes, Dean."

"Explain what happened."

"It is as you see."

The response came with confidence.

As always, she smelled strongly of alcohol, as if she had been drinking.

"You were given full authority to handle the entrance exam, but this..."

"I was simply fulfilling my role."

Selena answered nonchalantly.

The Dean felt a dizzying sense of disbelief.

Though he had given her preferential treatment, her attitude was too bold.

As the old man pondered his disillusionment with his disciple, the faculty’s grievances buzzed in his ears.

"This cannot be overlooked!"

"There are doubts about Professor Selena’s handling. Wasn’t there a time when she was drunk and the rankings were all messed up?"

"That was only once."

"Once is a problem! Professor Selena!"

"Hmm?"

Selena pretended not to know.

The faculty, already irritated, felt their patience wear thin.

Would this turn into a battle of emotions? The Dean gritted his teeth and forced the chaotic situation into order.

"Let’s leave it at that. We’ll conclude the matter of the top student here."

"But, Dean..."

"Do you think I’m joking?"

"...."

"After all, isn’t there a separate placement exam? If there was a problem with Selena’s judgment, the rankings might change then."

"...Understood."

The Dean’s attitude was firm.

He wouldn’t allow any further discussion.

An odd tension lingered. The faculty, realizing they had been too agitated, eventually backed down.

Only Selena maintained her composure.

"Selena."

"Yes, Dean."

"I’m willing to overlook this approved document, but I have doubts about this issue."

"I’m sorry."

"Don’t take the position of head professor lightly."

"I will remember."

The Dean frowned silently.

He wanted to end the reprimand here, but knew other faculty members’ complaints would arise.

This issue couldn’t be dismissed lightly.

"The student who claimed the top spot. Do you remember?"

"Yes, he is said to be the son of the Snake."

"If he fails to maintain a top 10 position in the placement exam in fifteen days... I will strip you of your position as head professor. Since this was your responsibility, you should also bear the consequences."

"I\'ll gladly accept it."

"Good. Are you satisfied with this?"

The other professors remained silent.

They accepted the Dean’s words.

Though somewhat admonishing in tone, it effectively meant dismissal from the position.

The princess, who had entered as second, was a genius. It was unlikely that a student with middle-tier skills could compete.

He would likely be thoroughly defeated.

\'It’s over.\'

\'What a pity.\'

\'Serves her right. Acting so arrogantly with the Dean’s backing.\'

\'She was still outstanding, but if only it wasn’t for her excessive drinking...\'

\'So this is how it ends.\'

The faculty had various internal reactions.

The professors briefly looked at Selena, then turned their gazes elsewhere.

Perhaps because of this.

No one else noticed.

\'...A placement exam. I’m looking forward to it.\'

A fleeting smile.

Selena\'s lips were filled with clear anticipation.

***

The Chaotic Fox Rescue Incident!

A week had passed since then.

The calendar, which fluttered like a brief moment, now pointed to the date of the academy entrance ceremony.

The point where the original story truly begins.

"I\'m so excited~ So excited~!"

"...Keep it down."

"How can I do that?! It’s the first day of the academy!"

I responded cheerfully to the fox’s sharp remark.

Irene and I were walking towards Gallimard Academy.

"Hehe."

A pleasant laugh slipped out.

Perhaps because of my excited heart, my steps felt much lighter than usual.

Whoosh—

The spring breeze was especially refreshing.

I calmed my heart, filled with excitement.

As I continued walking with lively steps, I suddenly heard a groaning sound from beside me.

"Ugh..."

"Miss Irene? Is something wrong?"

"Are you seriously... asking because you don’t know...?"

A voice trembling with tension.

When I subtly turned my head, there was a girl with a face flushed bright red.

A piercing gaze was fixed on me.

I deliberately responded casually.

"Hmm? I really don’t know what you mean."

"Seriously... you’re the worst."

"Come now, Miss Irene. It’s not good to use such harsh language."

"Then you shouldn’t have made me wear this outfit...!"

Irene finally exploded.

The short skirt fluttered along with her violently swishing tail.

A color scheme of black and white, with a bold design that clung to her body, revealing her curves.

The girl was dressed in a maid uniform.

"It suits you well."

I casually threw out a compliment.

But even that seemed like a critical hit to her. Her fox ears twitched atop her head in reaction.

She looked genuinely mortified.

"...You pervert."

Her eyes, which were slightly brimming with tears, displayed a mix of embarrassment and fury as she glared at me with intense hostility.

"So much for being friends... This was your goal all along, wasn’t it?"

"How could you say such a thing?"

I started to worry whether I might actually end up hated.

To clarify, I added an explanation.

"Didn’t I tell you? This was the only way to get into the academy together."

Irene couldn’t enter the academy.

To be precise, she had missed the opportunity.

The entrance exams were already over.

To enter the academy as a student, she would have to wait at least a year.

So, I chose an alternative.

-I’ll hire you.

-You can become my personal maid from now on.

I decided to take Irene in as a servant.

Although the academy was primarily a place for students, there were some exceptions.

Students were allowed to bring a few attendants.

It was likely a privilege granted for the noble families.

-I’m all alone.

Coincidentally, I didn’t have any attendants.

Since the family didn’t assign any, there would be no issue if I hired someone on my own.

And so, Irene became a maid.

"But still...! This, this tight, indecent outfit, what’s with it...!!"

"It’s a popular design these days. I picked it up from the shop’s best-sellers."

"I just can’t understand human society...."

"How do you like it? Isn’t it as audacious as your thoughts, Miss Irene?"

"Shut up!!"

Irene finally threw a punch.

I easily dodged her attack and teasingly provoked her.

She was someone whose sharp reactions were genuinely amusing.

As we continued our playful bickering for a while, Irene suddenly pressed her lips together.

As if she just remembered something.

"Miss Irene?"

The atmosphere abruptly shifted.

Her expression stiffened slightly. After hesitating, the girl finally spoke up.

"...Are the kids really going to be okay?"

"Ah."

It seemed like she was worried about the little foxes.

Since we couldn’t bring them to the academy, we had to leave them somewhere else.

It must be unsettling for Irene.

She couldn’t keep them close and protect them herself.

"Don’t worry about it."

I spoke to ease her concerns.

"I called in some people I know. They’re reliable, so I’m sure they’ll take good care of the kids."

"The fact that you called them... makes it even more suspicious."

"How harsh."

"Are they dangerous people...?"

"They should be fine. They follow my orders absolutely."

"...That sounds dangerous."

"There you go being harsh again."

I smoothly deflected her suspicions with a sly smile.

Although Irene still looked at me skeptically, I distracted her with a few more jokes.

I muttered to myself internally.

\'Now that I think about it... It’s been a while since I last saw those guys.\'

The last letter I sent was half a year ago.

I wonder how they’ve been doing. I just hope they haven’t been causing too much trouble in my absence.

I should drop by and check on them sometime soon.

\'Astro.\'

The infamous crime organization in the slums.

As I savored the name after so long, I continued walking.