Chapter 10

There had been a strange misunderstanding, but it was quickly cleared up.

Apparently, the girl had taken my mention of "taming" in quite a bold way.

Fortunately, I was quick to explain...

‘That was close—I almost ended up being seen as some sort of degenerate.’

What was she thinking, assuming I meant something like that?

Of course, I only meant we should be friends. Has she never read a fairytale in her life?

I narrowed my eyes at the fox.

“...”

Irene sat quietly, avoiding my gaze. She was pretending to be indifferent, but her ears were already turning red.

Her tail was fluttering nervously.

It seemed she was embarrassed by the bold assumptions she made.

Watching her squirm like that, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Is this what they call a "gap moe"?

She acts tough, but with just a little push, she crumbles.

I spoke.

"You're unexpectedly cute, aren’t you?"

I tossed out the teasing comment playfully.

Irene flinched, then glared at me fiercely.

"...I already apologized."

"It’s payback."

"But—"

"To think you were entertaining such indecent thoughts in your head... I’m still in shock."

"..."

In the end, the fox surrendered.

Watching her lower her head in defeat made the corners of my mouth twitch into a sly grin.

‘This is fun.’

Teasing her was more enjoyable than I expected.

In the original game, she was popular for moments like this.

Especially when paired with the quirky "Little Prince" character, they created chemistry that players loved.

[“Irene’s reactions are seriously adorable, lol.”]

[“I used to find Irene cold and unlikable, but now she’s my favorite character!”]

[“Is Charlotte x Irene a thing now?”]

[“What do you mean, lol?”]

[“The developers already said there are no romantic lines like that.”]

[“Not until the last iceberg in the Arctic melts.”]

[“Why do you even exist?”]

Those are actual comments from my video.

There are some weird ones mixed in, but let’s ignore those for now.

Anyway, Irene had a significant impact. During the character popularity poll for *The World as Seen by the Little Prince*, she proudly took third place.

‘I personally voted for Regia, though...’

Still, seeing her in person now, I understood why fans were so attached to her.

There’s always a demand for tsundere characters.

Her appeal is the opposite of someone like the sweet-natured Regia.

“Irene.”

“...What?”

“Cheer up. I won’t tease you anymore.”

I patted her head a few times as if trying to comfort her.

She hissed like a cat, but I ignored it and pulled my hand away.

“The conversation is going a bit off track. Let’s get back to the main point.”

Clap, clap!

I clapped to regain her focus.

Irene, though glaring at me with burning frustration, didn’t dare lash out, only fuming internally.

I continued nonchalantly.

“As I mentioned, I will guarantee the safety of the children.”

“You did say that.”

“In return, you agreed to become my ‘friend,’ correct?”

“I don’t fully understand what being a ‘friend’ means, but... if it will keep the children safe, I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?”

“...Within acceptable limits.”

“Of course. Rest assured.”

I waved my hand lightly.

Though I was teasing Irene, it was just harmless play.

She was probably still wary of me. And suspicious too.

But that’s not an issue.

There’s plenty of time. We’ll be together for a while, so I can build trust over time.

“Well then, Irene.”

“Now what?”

“My first request as your ‘friend.’ And by the way, refusal is not an option.”

The snake flicked its tongue.

The dangerous glint in my golden eyes looked ready to devour the fox at any moment.

I whispered softly.

“You’ll need to come with me to the academy.”

It was time for the next chapter of the story.

---

Meanwhile, at Galimar Academy.

The entrance exams, which had lasted for a week, were finally over.

With all the scores calculated and the tedious paperwork completed, the staff gathered in the dean’s office for a final discussion.

They were reviewing the results of this year’s exams.

Every year, the incoming students attracted a great deal of attention, but this batch was on another level entirely.

Not only was the overall skill level of the candidates high, but several prodigies, hailed as geniuses, were among them.@@@@

There was Charlotte Litt von Staufen, the Empire’s First Princess.

The Vanity twins, Emilia Vanity and Ruska Vanity.

Even a commoner with the extraordinary ability to summon a wyvern was among the applicants.

It was the kind of season that only comes once in a generation, with students whose talents were the stuff of legends.

Naturally, the professors had high hopes, but...

“This is unacceptable!”

“I cannot accept these results. This kind of decision-making is disappointing.”

“This must be corrected immediately!”

The atmosphere in the dean’s office was unsettled.

Voices were raised in frustration.

At the center of it all, an elderly man with white hair sat wearily at his desk, trying to calm the professors.

“Everyone, calm down.”

“But, Dean...!”

“I said calm down.”

“...”

The dean’s stern voice quickly silenced the room.

As the commotion died down, the dean cast a heavy glance down at the thick stack of papers in front of him.

I cheerfully replied to Irene’s sharp remark.

We were walking together toward Galimar Academy.

“Huhu.”

Laughter slipped out as my excitement grew.

Maybe it was because of the anticipation, but my steps felt unusually light.

Whiiiiiish—

The spring breeze was refreshingly crisp.

I took a deep breath to calm my heart, which was racing with excitement.

As we continued walking, I suddenly heard a groan from beside me.

“Ugh...”

“Irene? Is something wrong?”

“Do you really... not understand why?”

Her trembling voice caught my attention.

When I glanced over, I saw her face had turned bright red.

Her burning gaze was fixed on me.

I deliberately feigned ignorance.

“Hm? I have no idea what you mean.”

“Seriously... you’re the worst.”

“Oh, come now, Irene. Such harsh words aren’t very nice.”

“If you didn’t want me to complain, you shouldn’t have made me wear this!”

Irene finally snapped.

Her tail swished furiously, causing the hem of her short skirt to sway.

The black-and-white colors and the tight-fitting design that revealed her curves were quite eye-catching.

Irene was dressed in a maid uniform.

“You look great, though.”

I offered her a casual compliment.

But even that seemed to be a blow for her. Her fox ears twitched in response.

She was clearly mortified.

“...You pervert.”

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Irene, filled with shame and fury, glared at me with fierce resentment.

“So this was your plan all along, huh? Friendship, my foot.”

“That’s a hurtful accusation.”

Was I really about to end up hated by her for real?

Feeling a bit worried, I quickly added an explanation.

“I told you, this was the only way for you to get into the academy.”

Irene couldn’t enroll in the academy.

To be precise, she had missed the opportunity.

The entrance exams had already ended.

To enter as a student, she would have to wait a full year.

So, I had chosen an alternative.

—I will hire you.

—You’ll become my personal maid and follow me.

Yes, I employed Irene as my servant.

Technically, the academy was a space for students only, but there were exceptions to the rule.

Each student was allowed to bring a few attendants.

It was a privilege reserved for the children of noble families.

—I’m alone, you see.

Since my family didn’t provide me with servants, it was acceptable for me to hire one myself.

And thus, Irene became my maid.

“Still...! How can you give me something so tight and revealing...!”

“This is a trendy design. It’s the best-selling item in the store.”

“I can’t understand human society...”

“How about this? It’s as bold as your imagination, isn’t it?”

“Shut up!!”

Irene finally swung her fist at me.

I dodged easily, continuing to tease her.

She really was fun to mess with.

After a while, as we exchanged playful banter, Irene suddenly fell silent.

She seemed deep in thought, her expression growing tense.

“Irene?”

The atmosphere quickly shifted.

Her expression hardened, and she hesitated before speaking again.

“...Are the children really going to be alright?”

“Ah.”

It seemed she was worried about the little foxes.

Since we couldn’t bring them to the academy, we had to leave them in someone else’s care.

For Irene, it must have been a source of anxiety.

She couldn’t keep them by her side to protect them.

“You don’t need to worry.”

I reassured her gently.

“I’ve called in some acquaintances. They’re trustworthy, so the children will be well looked after.”

“Your acquaintances... That makes me even less confident.”

“Oh dear.”

“They’re not dangerous, are they...?”

“They’ll be fine. They follow my orders without question.”

“...That sounds even worse.”

“Now, now. No need for such doubts.”

I deflected her questions with a mischievous smile.

Though she still looked at me suspiciously, I distracted her with a few more teasing remarks.

Then, I thought to myself.

‘Come to think of it... I haven’t seen those guys in a while.’

The last letter I sent them was about six months ago.

I wondered how they were doing. Hopefully, they hadn’t caused too much trouble while I was gone.

I’d have to check in on them soon.

‘Astro.’

The notorious criminal organization of the slums.

As I pondered the name, I continued on my way.

______________________

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars and likes of the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

If you want to buy me a coffee /santos_28