Furide’s “playing hard to get” tactic really paid off.
The truth finally surfaced. I was certain the one spying on us these past two days could only be my childhood friend, Lorian. If it was her, she wouldn’t spread this around carelessly…
After all, this was “family shame.” Lorian wasn’t the gossiping type—she’d just come to “settle the score” with me.
After being “caught in the act,” Furide and I skipped all classes that day. We followed the silent Lorian to her family’s private garden, meant solely for “personal enjoyment.”
…
Lorian’s personal maid poured tea while I secretly studied my childhood friend’s expression.
As for Furide, he showed not a trace of remorse, holding his head high.
I had no time to scold him now.
“Ahem… Lorian, are you adjusting to life among the Elves?” I coaxed her in the gentlest tone I could muster. “It’s been over a month since we last met. You… did you change your hairstyle? Your bangs are slightly off-angle… haha…”
…
Though her face was faintly flushed, Lorian stayed silent.
So changing the subject really didn’t work. Her not forcing me to kneel in punishment was already her giving me face in front of Furide, an “outsider.”
Sighing, I raised my hands in surrender. “Lorian, listen—I was just pretending to hug him today. Nothing happened… No! Yesterday was an accident too…”
Before I finished, Lorian snapped. “What!? You hugged yesterday as well!?”
What!? Weren’t you spying yesterday too? Could it be…
A terrifying thought surfaced when Lorian’s voice cut through my thoughts. Ignoring Furide’s glare, she wrapped her arms around mine, pressing close. “Big Brother Xiao Ya, I never heard you had an Elf maid at home…”
Naturally, Furide—still clinging to his Elven arrogance toward humans—grabbed my other arm. “Master, I never knew you had such an impolite human ‘f-r-i-e-n-d’!” He stressed “friend” heavily.
But Lorian, who’d chased away admirers since childhood, wouldn’t back down. This must be what Dad called a “shura-jō.” Sparks flew between them, stinging my face.
The tea-pouring maid showed no mercy, watching me coldly like I was a “playboy.”
Maid-san, I’m a victim too…
…
I’d just delayed my engagement and was in a sensitive “probation period.” If Lorian complained to her grandfather—my maternal grandfather—
“Grandpa! Big Brother Xiao Ya was hugging a strange Elf woman again!”
Given how much he doted on her, he might tie me up that night and drag me to the church.
But siding with Lorian felt unfair to Furide.
[I’ll follow Master’s example: wear women’s clothes to become more manly!]
He’d gone astray, and I bore responsibility. A true man owns his actions. Besides, unlike Lorian, Furide—being male—was my only help during my monthly physical outbursts.
In this spot, my old man would’ve breezed through with, “You’re both my wings!” Only now did I grasp how formidable my perverted dad was—the one with over a hundred wives…
…
“Ahem! I-I should introduce you.” I forced the words out, stomach churning. Lorian and Furide clung to my arms, their grips tightening. If they kept glaring, I’d be torn apart.
“Lorian, this is Furide. He’ll temporarily serve as my… maid at the academy. No, not exactly a maid—he’s Serica’s son…”
“No need!” Lorian waved her hand, frowning, biting her lip, eyes locked on Furide. She’d always driven away girls “elegantly,” but now she looked like she’d met the “final boss.”
“Big Brother Xiao Ya, I’m sorry for doubting you. Just as Roberta said, even you can’t resist a fox spirit this level!”
No—the “fox spirit” you mean is actually male…
Even in a wig and dress, acting like a girl, he’s still a guy…
“And Furide…” I turned hastily. “This is Princess Lorian of the Kingdom of Lothric. Remember our agreement—you mustn’t have weird thoughts about her. Weren’t you supposed to meet her for a…”
“Stop idealizing humans, Master!” Furide stood solemnly. I needn’t have worried about his feelings for her.
“I’m glad I didn’t meet Miss Lorian right away. I thought a princess would be more refined than ignorant humans—but clearly not!” He flipped his hair, “declaring war” on Lorian.
He’d forgotten he was male and now saw her as a rival! “Master, someone as excellent as you shouldn’t be with her. I’ll find you a better match!”
Dad, sorry—my first shura-jō failed completely…
“Miss Maid, could you please…”
“For a refill, just ask, Mr. Arisa. Please… en… joy… your… time.”
My only ally stepped back to watch the show. This wasn’t enjoyment—the whole situation was broken. Seriously, Furide, you’re a male Elf—why argue with a girl!?
…
The battle escalated.
“Hmph… Miss Furide, Xiao Ya and I have known each other since childhood. I don’t need you judging his character.”
“Hmph, ignorant human… Ahem! Your Highness, don’t you know? Childhood friends are loser roles. Only girls who fall from the sky are truth and justice.”
Hey, Furide, stick to the act. And you’re more a “boy who fell from the sky,” right?
“Fine—I admit you’re my strongest opponent. Let’s settle this fairly, woman to woman!”
“As you wish, Your Highness. I’ll make you—an uncultured human—understand true Elven feminine charm!”
Furide…
Do you even remember your gender!?
