A few days later, at noon.

Inside my classroom.

Outside the window, the scorching sun baked the room. As the lunch bell rang sharply, students napping at their desks finally perked up.

"Well then, today's swordsmanship theory class ends here," Serica said, adjusting her monocle eagerly. "Even on weekends, don't slack off on your studies. No classes this afternoon—be safe heading home. Dismissed!"

...

Silence filled the classroom. Though it was dismissal time, no one moved.

Nearly everyone—even Serica's gaze—was locked on me. I didn't dare yawn. Some girls openly debated the boring question: "Who's the seme and who's the uke?"

I knew why. My recent actions must have angered the Goddess of Cross-dressing, bringing divine punishment.

I clutched my forehead in pain, glancing at the wall clock. By that guy's schedule, he'd burst in any second...

Just like yesterday, "disaster" was about to strike.

...

"Master!"

A nimble figure appeared at the door. Every student's eyes snapped to her.

Flowing golden twin tails. An androgynous yet softly feminine face. A taller-than-average frame.

His elf ears made him the center of attention...

Even I had to admit this "student" in a girls' uniform was top-tier—rivaling my Lorian.

Worse, her enthusiasm for me was overwhelming, like a princess spotting Prince Charming!

"Huff... I knew you'd wait for me!"

Elves usually scorn humans. I should've been thrilled by such a "warm, open" elf beauty. But the problem was...

...

"Eeek! I-I-I... I'm fainting!"

The classroom erupted in chatter. Every girl had hearts in her eyes.

"L-Lord Furide's even more beautiful today!"

"Nonsense! Call her Miss Furide now! Ha... ha... insane! Teacher Serica—Elves are amazing!"

"No, no—it's just Fuu's natural talent. I only taught him light makeup lately."

...

"Teacher, are you even a real mom!?! I shouted, clutching my head.

I, Arisa, son of the Hero, endured trials to surpass my father. But never—not once—had I felt such utter despair.

Because this "heaven-sent beauty" was Furide, the elf I'd beaten days ago.

"Master!"

The golden-haired "twin-tailed beauty" ignored stares and slid into the seat beside me.

As a healthy guy—even in a dress—I had zero interest in another man. But the more I scooted away, the closer this mischievous cross-dressing elf leaned.

"Today, I prepared an Elvenfolk specialty for you, Master! 'Eel and oyster stew'—it boosts stamina immensely. Please try it!"

Tasting that would cause trouble! Your "specialty" is dangerous!

Furide actually seemed to enjoy the students' screams. He pulled a small pot from his bag.

A weird smell flooded the air. The classroom tensed.

"Um... please taste it?"

"No!"

I'd endured days, hoping he'd calm down. But today—he brought "eel and oyster stew"!

BANG! I slammed the desk. Purple broth spilled everywhere.

"Classmate Furide! Isn't it time you stopped this?!"

...

What was happening? I couldn't grasp it!

Had my lack of schooling cut me off from society?!

In our past clash, I wasn't at fault. He scorned humans first, then threw a tantrum after losing.

I didn't hold grudges. I told him to ignore rumors. I even pulled him up...

I thought I'd done enough. I naively believed he'd reflect.

But he over-reflected.

The next day...

"Master, I gained deep insights last night. From today, you're my master!"

This already "feminine" elf gave up entirely. He wore a dress, becoming an absurdly beautiful "girl," standing boldly before me.

Worse, he clung to me like glue whenever free.

He ignored rumors now. His attitude toward me improved. But for me?

The academy's dangerous rumors exploded!

[How to view Furide's cross-dressing and Arisa's connection?]

[Thanks for the invite. I always sensed something off. This Lunar New Year, Fuu can finally bring his boyfriend home! — Anonymous Elf teacher]

[Actually, anyone near Arisa gets "infected" into a cross-dressing boy. — Arisa's aunt, the dean, legal loli☆.]

Infected my ass! Am I a cross-dressing zombie?!

Since then, academy life turned harsh. Furide acted like a real girl, trying everything.

Even if I endured it—if Lorian or Hill found out...

I might die.

...

"Huff..."

I grabbed Furide's arm, clutching my forehead. "Come with me!"

I dragged him jogging through halls, shaking off followers. We stopped in the academy's ornamental grove.

I turned. Furide wore a "docile" expression, waiting.

"Classmate Furide... did you misunderstand something? Our bet wasn't about cross-dressing. I was harsh—I apologize—but you can't just..."

"But I'm serious, Master."

Hands pressed to his skirt hem, Furide looked terrifyingly earnest. "You were right. If rumors distract me so easily, I might as well be a girl!"

"That was venting! A joke!"

I rushed to explain—but he ignored every word.

"So I decided: until I match your grace and strength, I'll wear dresses! You said cross-dressing makes you manlier—I want to feel that too!"

That's me! Not you!

You're dangerously handsome in boys' clothes! Now in a dress—are you trying to outshine me and steal the title of academy's top "cross-dressing master"?

Take all that "honor"! I don't care!

"Also... every night, I dream of you pulling me up, Master! You're not like uncultured humans. It must be because you wear dresses, right?!"

He bent forward. His flat chest flashed in my view.

"Let me handle your daily life! It's part of my training!"

"You..."

I was disciplined. Uninterested in elves.

But Furide's appearance sparked a weird, instinctive danger.

In a wig and uniform, he was cuter than most girls I'd met.

My trials forbid "extreme behavior" with the opposite sex—but same sex?

I shook my head, banishing the thought.

"I... fine. Do as you wish—if you last. But one request."

Cross-dress all you want. In free Rosric, be a futanari for all I care.

Just don't ruin my romance with Lorian.

That's what I meant to say.

Before I could speak, Furide "friendly"-hugged me, excited.

A floral elf scent filled my nose. My body flushed hot.

He wore perfume?! Who taught him these bad habits?!

"Master, not one request—a hundred! Tell me! What do you want?! Anything·is·pos·si·ble·ok?!"

Don't pause in suspicious places!

His shy look screamed danger. As I moved to push him off, icy dread shot down my spine.

This feeling—exactly like when Hill caught me cuddling Lorian!

Probably the "Goddess's divine might"...

Which meant...

"Little Arisa, hugging a girl here—what are you up to?"

Nothing!

Nothing at all!

"Hill?! Y-you... said you wouldn't come today?!"

I spun around—forgetting Furide still clung to my neck.

His attitude toward me had flipped. But toward others?

Same old him.

Furide glared at Hill with pure hostility.

"Human, don't interrupt. Don't you have basic manners?"

Human my ass! Get off me!

Goddess...

She's about to snap!!