Thanks to Miss Beren's perfectly aimed kick, I limped all the way home.

Her high heel had pierced my thigh, drawing blood—I hadn't been wounded like this in ages.

Miss Beren didn't seem malicious, so I wasn't planning to pursue it. Besides...

Rumors about "secret after-school activities with an Elf teacher in the classroom" would probably make her go ballistic.

But just as I tried to hide it, Lorian—who visits my room nightly for a "chat"—instantly spotted something was wrong.

Truly my childhood friend; she didn't even give me a chance to explain.

"Brother Arisa! What happened to your leg!?"

"The mark of high heels—it must be that Elf Beren! I-I'll bandage it first!"

"H-how dare she injure such beautiful legs... That Elf is unforgivable... Tomorrow, I'll absolutely teach her a lesson!"

With just a few words, Lorian had already decided the cause, consequences, and punishment.

Sorry, Miss Beren. I might not care, but my childhood friend won't let you off easy.

If you anger this future little queen, you'd better enjoy a good last meal.

...

True to form, early next morning, Lorian arrived at the teachers' lounge clinging cutely to my arm, wearing a deceptively sweet smile.

Today, she'd even brought her maid—Miss Roberta, head maid of Luo City Palace—a first.

Legend said Miss Roberta was once among Luo City's elite warriors. During a minor human-dragon skirmish, she single-handedly beat a hundred dragons, earning the title "Hundred-Dragon Slayer."

Seeing her here, I actually felt sorry for Miss Beren.

Unluckily, Miss Beren's strict nature had her arriving early too. At this hour, no students or other teachers were around.

Only the four of us filled the lounge.

"Good morning, Teacher Beren! Got a moment?"

Lorian smiled sweetly, looking innocent and harmless. But whenever she wore this expression, it was most terrifying.

"I'm checking student contraband later, but I have time. What is it... Guh! It's you! The human princess who disrupts discipline!"

Spotting Lorian, Miss Beren's face turned bitter—likely from Lorian's exchange studies with the Elvenfolk.

Naturally, seeing me worsened the Discipline Elder's expression further.

"P-pervert! W-what are you doing here too... Still scheming against an immune Elf Elder...?"

Soon, the Elf drifted into daydreams again.

"S-sorry, Miss Beren!"

I exchanged a glance with Lorian. Years of childhood friendship meant a single look conveyed everything.

Next moment, I bowed honestly to the daydreaming Elf.

"I'm sorry, teacher!"

"Eh!? W-what are you doing!?"

My bizarre act snapped her out of her trance. She stepped back, eyeing me warily.

"Apologizing? For disrespecting you last night? I'm truly sorry! I should've treated an Elvenfolk Elder better!"

*Please, Miss Beren! Just say, "It's fine. Behave next time!"*

"Eh? Huh? Ha... Hmph... Hmph!"

Her face shifted like a spilled paint palette—but she chose to dig her grave.

"This cheap trick—you learned it from your degenerate father? Ha... Thinking a simple apology works? Are human brains stuffed with marie biscuits?"

Feeling she'd "won," Beren slammed her slender hands on the table, acting like the real boss.

"Apologize properly! You little pervert, son of a pervert! Don't think Elves are pushovers!!!"

*This blonde, long-eared Elf really dares to say that. Isn't living better?*

I sighed and stepped back. Lorian instantly understood.

"Teacher... I, I am too."

Lorian adopted a fragile pose, clutching her chest as she apologized.

"During my Elvenfolk studies, I shouldn't have talked back. Or secretly turned on lights after curfew to write letters..."

She bowed her head.

*Miss Beren, last chance. Forgive Lorian generously, or things get worse...*

"Hmph! Human princess, you led discipline breaches in our strict Elf Forest repeatedly! Don't treat it like your home!! Or has this perverted guy corrupted your manners?"

*Rest in peace, Miss Beren. Lorian hates insults to those she likes.*

"Well, if you two follow student rules, I might forgive you."

Beren crossed her legs triumphantly.

Instantly, I felt the "killing intent" radiating from Lorian.

*After all, those legs injured me yesterday.*

"Especially you, Arisa! Promise never to interact with Fuu and Flan again! Not even look at them! No—don't breathe the same air! Y-you... your degenerate aura will contaminate them!"

"Yes, yes, you're right."

*Enjoy this "Discipline Elder" feeling while you can. Your dorm's probably been thoroughly investigated by Hill already.*

"And, Teacher! I learned a new spell yesterday—it reduces fatigue and boosts energy! Come closer; let me buff you?"

Lorian's smile widened.

The honest, pure Miss Beren noticed nothing.

"Perfect—I had insomnia last night. Sure, sure!"

The Elf stretched lazily, leaning her face toward Lorian's palm.

Sigh...

I sighed.

"Bon voyage, Teacher Beren."

Thud!

Miss Roberta, who'd circled behind the Elf, knocked her out cold with one solid punch.

"Thank you for your hard work, Roberta."

Lorian clung to my arm again.

"Bag her up and send her to the palace basement. Brother Arisa and I will handle her after school. The leave report's ready—you can finally enjoy school today, Brother Arisa!"