A soft sigh echoed. Even the ground steamed under the scorching heat. The young delivery boy reluctantly stepped out of the carriage, clutching an exquisite gift box filled with the Imperial Academy’s female uniform and other items.
"Are these people crazy?" he muttered, eyeing the lavishly decorated villa with helpless frustration. "Building a mansion in such a remote spot. If the principal hadn’t ordered me here first, I wouldn’t bother." His words trailed off with a metallic scrape as the heavy gate swung open unbidden. An elderly butler stood waiting at the entrance.
"Weird. I didn’t even knock," the boy thought, shrugging. Raising his voice, he addressed the butler: "Hello, is this Count Carlos’s residence? I’m from the Imperial Academy with school supplies. Please sign for delivery."
"Indeed," the butler replied respectfully, as if receiving a silent message. "The master is aware. He invites you inside to wait."
"Uh, sure." The boy agreed instantly—better to cool off indoors while they checked the uniform’s fit than swelter outside. It was the count’s invitation, after all.
Soon, the gift box passed from the butler through several hands until it reached Kallen Kaslana. Her pale blue eyes flickered over it indifferently before she tossed it onto the soft bed.
"What’s inside, Miss?" asked the maid arranging Kallen’s silver hair, curiosity brimming in her voice.
"Just the Imperial Academy uniform," Kallen sighed. "Ugh, girls’ clothes..." Kevin realized he’d have to wear this constantly at school—no more hiding under a cloak. He was posing as Miss Kaslana now; a cloak would mark him as a weirdo. Cross-dressing in public felt unbearable, until a thought struck him: *It’s Kallen Kaslana wearing the dress, not Kevin Jaeger.* Relief washed over him—until the maid interrupted.
"Miss Kallen, why not try it on? I think it’ll look lovely."
"Fine." Kevin sat at the vanity, exhaling silently. Better to get it over with than delay the inevitable. This was fate.
"Yes, Miss." The maid’s words were followed by hurried footsteps and a heavy door slamming shut.
Later, the maids emerged, chattering praise for Miss Kallen, clearly charmed by her.
"This skirt’s too short. Longer would be better," Kallen muttered, staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her stunning face twisted in distaste despite the uniform’s fit.
"Miss, that’s perfectly normal," the maid explained while tidying scattered clothes. "The Empire isn’t conservative, you know."
"Is that so?"
"Oh, Miss."
"Hmm? What is it?" Kallen’s gaze landed on the white stockings in the maid’s hand—and the black pair still in the box. She knew what came next.
"You’ll need to wear these too." A breeze fluttered the stockings in the sunlight, glistening like Kevin’s trembling resolve.
"Forget it." She waved weakly, bare legs gleaming in the wind. As a man, stockings? Absolutely not. No way in hell!
"Miss, that won’t do. The Imperial Academy requires perfect attire—no exceptions." The maid held up a small card, reading slowly with eager anticipation.
"Huh? There’s such a rule?" Confusion flickered across Kallen’s face. After a pause, she conceded: "Well, I have no choice." Her hand shook as she took the stockings. Taking this step might change everything. He told himself he was forced—but part of him was already yielding. "I’ll just try them on. Nothing more."
Kevin sat on the bed, lifting his slender leg toward the "sinful" white stockings. He hesitated, masculine pride flaring. Glancing at Hanna standing silently in the corner, he commanded: "Come here, Hanna. Help me put them on."
"Understood, Master." Hanna moved so swiftly the other maids gasped—they hadn’t sensed her presence at all. In a blink, the stockings slid over Kevin’s pale skin with a soft rustle, perfectly contouring his feet.
"It actually feels... nice." She swung her legs on the bed, sighing involuntarily—then yanked them off. "Too sinful." Even as a Tenth Tier warrior, he’d almost gotten addicted. Terrifying. He folded them neatly back into the box. "I’ll wear them at the Imperial Academy. I’m not a pervert."
Unseen by all, beneath the Empire’s calm surface, a cataclysm brewed. At its heart lay the Imperial Academy. Deep underground, an ancient eye, long dormant, began to stir.
