As expected, Feyn Senior was in a foul mood. We found an inn near a quiet field behind the market.

Since we were both girls, we took one room. Honestly, not sharing would’ve raised suspicions anyway.

The inn held simple villagers and merchants. Some glanced our way—Feyn Senior’s figure naturally drew every male eye—but no trouble came.

A mysterious black-clad, masked swordswoman wasn’t someone ordinary folks dared provoke. At most, they stared a little too long.

Inside, the wooden cabin was fairly clean. A simple brown bed looked cozy and warm.

For some reason, I felt nervous. This was my first time sharing a room with a girl, though it wasn’t strange given the circumstances.

Feyn sat on the other side of the bed. She set down her weapons and veil, then began tidying her hair.

“Feyn Senior,” I said, sitting on my side, fiddling with my fingers.

“Hmm?”

“Why do you care so much about this, Senior? Could it be... you’ve felt the same way?”

“.......” Feyn didn’t answer.

The air turned awkward.

I don’t know why, but today my nerves were frayed. I had an urge to provoke my senior.

“Hmph! You made us risk so much to rescue strangers in the surface world, without even giving a reason!”

Feyn turned around, her voice impatient. “So what do you think the reason is? Hmm?”

“How should I know! I have no idea what you’re thinking, Senior!”

“If you don’t know, why did you come with me? And why stop me earlier? What are you thinking?” Feyn seemed truly angry about my interference.

“It’s because I didn’t want to see Senior sad........”

“What?” Feyn’s voice sounded different.

“No, nothing.” I almost said I didn’t want her sad, but I didn’t feel like pleasing her now. After all, wasn’t her concern for Xueno the reason?

“Hmph! Senior, have you forgotten? You told me to obey you. Now I’m doing as you said, and you’re asking why?”

The air froze. I felt Feyn’s gaze on my back—warm yet chilly—but I didn’t dare turn.

“A Lie, I almost forgot. So my little princess is deliberately defying me.”

“Huh?”

I heard the click of Feyn’s high heels as she stood.

Tall in black dress and short skirt, Feyn Senior loomed before me. She looked down at me on the bed. I didn’t dare meet her eyes, imagining her goddess-like gaze tinged with anger. Yet her breath—a gentle, fragrant sigh—fell on my head.

“Come to think of it,” she said, lifting my chin lightly, “it’s been days since you last received Sister’s punishment after that dungeon incident. Isn’t that right, little princess who deliberately angers me?”

“Huh?” My cheeks flushed crimson, but I shook my head hard!

What nerve made her think I had such thoughts! No, going along would lead to trouble again. Seriously, we’re on a rescue mission! How strong is this senior’s sadistic streak? Must she seize every chance? Doesn’t she care about my feelings?

This time, I wouldn’t let her dominate. I pushed her hand away, stayed seated, and cheekily crossed my legs. “Listen, my Dark Knight lady, wasn’t it you who knelt before this Dungeon Princess yesterday, begging to save those poor sisters in front of everyone? And, Senior, do you know? As my royal guard, you’re not independent in the Undercity’s legion—you’re subordinate to the maid squad! Oh, I just had a great idea. To repay me for standing up for you, how about wearing a maid outfit by my side when we return? It’d suit you perfectly.”

Feyn looked down, her gaze cooling. “You want me in a maid outfit? Fine. But agree to one condition, little sister.”

“Huh? What condition?” Could she really wear it? My eyes lit up.

“That is... you must not laugh under my assault!”

Suddenly, she shoved me onto the bed and pinned me down. Her knee pressed my legs. Her hands tickled my sensitive spots—light then firm.

“Huh? No, Sister....... Ahahahahaha, hahahaha!” I was very ticklish, especially under her dexterous fingers. I barely lasted seconds, shielding myself while laughing nonstop.

“Ahahahaha! Hahaha, stop, enough, Sister spare me~ no more!” I writhed, unable to block her teasing.

But Senior wouldn’t spare me. The more I begged, the harder she tickled. Tears streamed from my laughter.

“Ahahaha... haha, I can’t, really can’t,” I gasped, face flushed, breathless.

Feyn pounced, her gaze shifting to a sly smile. “Little slut, you dared mock Sister earlier, hmm...”

She grabbed my arm, sat on the bed’s edge, and yanked me over her lap.

“Huh? Sister, wh-what are you doing!?” My face burned with dread.

“What’s wrong, little princess? Scared already? Weren’t you eager to see Sister in a maid outfit?” Her voice deepened my unease.

“Um, this... that.......”

“What ‘this and that’, little slut? You look pure, but your thoughts are filthy!”

“Sister, a maid outfit isn’t more revealing than your usual clothes! It’s just a style. How is it filthy?”

“Still arguing! Let Sister teach you a lesson!” She raised her slender arm. A whoosh sounded—smack!—on my upturned bottom.

“Ouch! What are you doing! Sister, wh-why spank me!”

“At your age, not learning properly, all you think about is seeing older sisters in maid outfits? Sister will discipline you in your parents’ place!”

“Huh? No, don’t!”

“Hmph, you don’t get to say no!” She twisted my hands behind my back. Her hand came down—smack! smack! smack!

“Sister, stop! I’m the Dungeon Princess! How can I be spanked over your lap!”

“Princess or not, you filthy little princess! Since it’s your first offense, fifty spanks over your skirt this time! Say such vulgar things again, and I’ll bare your bottom and spank it hard!”

“Huh??? Ouch! No! Sister, spare me!”

... ...