Elves might just be the finest race on the entire continent.

They boasted long lifespans, ageless beauty, an innate affinity for magic, and even a natural talent for the arts…

Every other race had its minor flaws—even humans, the continent’s dominant species, were divided by “beauty” and “ugliness.”

But elves were different. Ugliness simply didn’t exist among the Elvenfolk. They only ever competed over who was more beautiful.

Even male elves, with a little grooming, could appear so lovely that most couldn’t tell their gender at a glance.

I’d learned this lesson all too well—because right now, I was sitting in the home of Furide, an elf boy who dressed as a girl.

I was utterly desperate! How could I have let Hill, in her furious state, unleash her rage unchecked?

So I’d apologized profusely and escorted this Goddess straight to Furide’s place.

…

Furide was over seventy years old, but by human standards, he was barely a teenager on the cusp of adulthood.

This was my first time visiting a peer’s home outside Lorian. Even though Furide was a boy, I still felt a trace of nervousness.

Ignoring Hill’s intense stare, I kept glancing around the room.

Green decor dominated the space, radiating the Elvenfolk’s signature style. Most furniture was solid wood, and vines draped every wall and windowsill.

To ward off insects, Furide had lit something fragrant—a floral scent had enveloped me since I stepped inside.

This place screamed “Elvenfolk.” No wonder Furide could barely tolerate living here.

It was a two-story standalone building in the academy’s dormitory zone—a “special” dormitory, really more like Furide’s personal home.

The teachers had unanimously agreed it was utterly inappropriate for an elf like Furide to share a room with human boys.

I wholeheartedly agreed. It truly was inappropriate. Furide’s delicate areas would’ve been in grave danger.

I stole a glance at Furide, who was grinning at me.

Even back home, he showed no intention of changing out of his girl’s uniform. Dressed like that, his rear curved so sharply his panties might as well be visible.

He beamed at me, but his smile turned icy when he looked at Hill.

Finally, Furide couldn’t hold back. He shot Hill a fake smile, then sidled up to me with a pointed question.

“Master, don’t you think this maid’s manners… fall short of someone worthy of you?”

He patted his chest, winking desperately.

“Aren’t you more suited to having a proper maid right here before you?”

He’s a *manservant*!

And you idiot elf—pipe down! The Goddess hasn’t cooled off yet!

Seeing Hill’s expression darken, I rushed to explain.

“Hill, h-he’s a *boy*! Just like me—a guy in a dress!”

“And Furide, Hill isn’t a maid. She’s more like… ahem… a mother figure to me!”

Hill had truly filled my mother’s role. It was the best explanation I could muster.

The moment I finished, Hill and Furide—who’d been glaring at each other—suddenly froze, staring blankly at one another.

…

“I see. So Mr. Furide appears feminine but is, in fact, male.”

After taking a sip of tea, Hill finally calmed down.

“Hahaha~ Mother-in-law—ahem! I mean, *maid*! You really should’ve told me sooner how important you are to Master. May I refill your cup?”

Furide had “calmed down” too.

Though his shift was a little too abrupt.

His sudden U-turn even startled Hill into silence.

“Xiao Ya, did you blackmail him into this?”

Impossible!

Why would a perfectly normal guy like me force another boy into a dress? Only a creep would do that!

“No way!”

“No way!”

We shouted in unison.

Before I could explain, Furide eagerly continued, shooting me a shy glance.

“Miss Maid… I-I volunteered. N-no coercion involved.”

I spat out the tea I’d just sipped!

Furide!

Stand up straight when you talk! What’s with that blushing-bride act!?

Where’d that manly spirit go when you called me a “crossdressing freak” last week? Did you tuck it into your panties with your dress!? Huh!?

Ignoring my protests, Furide pressed on with his bizarre explanation to Hill.

“My skills were lacking before. But after Master… *taught me a lesson*… I realized he’s the most manly person alive. To follow his example, I started by wearing what he wears!”

He puffed out his chest proudly.

He’d completely lost his mind. Not only did he wear the dress—he’d upgraded to a full set, complete with breast pads.

“Besides, to learn from Master properly, I’ve decided to handle his daily needs as part of my training. I-I’m still a bit… clumsy… but I’ll improve! So, Miss Maid, while you’re away, please leave Master’s care to me!”

He bowed deeply to Hill, his eyes burning with determination.

A determination utterly wasted on the wrong cause.

With that heroic gaze, why not go win over some girls instead!?

…

I tugged Hill’s sleeve. Since she wasn’t a student, she couldn’t stay at the academy to look after me daily.

I wouldn’t mind a cute girl as a temporary maid—but a “cute boy”? Hard pass.

“Hill, this is really inappropriate. You should…”

“…I understand.”

Hill frowned deeply.

But her “Goddess wisdom” reached a conclusion wildly opposite to mine.

“Mr. Furide, can you ensure Xiao Ya stays away from female admirers?”

“Chase away those fox spirits, got it?”

Furide slapped his chest. In an instant, he was in character. “Leave it to me!”

Wait—hold on!

Hill, are you *appointing* him!? How can a male elf possibly…

I tried to intervene, but Hill seemed utterly charmed by Furide, the crossdressing elf. They were already chatting amiably.

“Mr. Furide, due to certain circumstances, Xiao Ya must avoid close contact with women. I considered staying myself, but my grasp of human customs is… ahem. In short—this task is yours. Keep him far from female attention.”

“And Xiao Ya.”

Suddenly, Hill turned to me, her gaze loaded with meaning.

“Your trial forbids mating behavior with the opposite sex. But if it’s…”

Stop! Stop right there!

The atmosphere had turned weird!

“With Mr. Furide… should your urges ever become uncontrollable, I believe he’d make a suitable outlet.”

“I don’t have those urges!”

If I could redo this, I’d never have provoked Furide. Elves had long held prejudices against humans, yet we’d coexisted peacefully.

But now? My “honesty” had led Furide down this twisted path.

Furide’s parents, uncles, aunts, sisters—I’ve failed you all!

I shoved the table aside and stumbled out the door.