Forest Fey are a branch of the elf race, also known as the Verdant Elves. They share the elves’ signature pointed ears, delicate features, and a natural talent for archery and nurturing plants.

Teacher Evelyn embodied these Verdant Elf traits: pointed ears and two pairs of translucent wings behind her, delicate as cicada wings. She had long green hair and green eyes—a hue meant to symbolize vitality, yet on her, it radiated only coldness and authority. Those initially drawn by her beauty quickly thought twice about approaching. Like a flower blooming on an icy cliff, surrounded by howling winds, torrential rain, and treacherous snowy paths—just one glance confirmed it was utterly beyond reach. And this beautiful flower was far from fragile. She was, in fact, a Level 7 man-eating flower.

“#1 on Divine Grace Academy’s ‘Most Dangerous Teacher to Offend’ list,”

“#1 on the ‘Teacher You Least Want to Fail’ ranking,”

“#1 on the ‘Class Attendance Rate’ chart”…

These circulating student rankings stood as undeniable proof.

—Teacher Evelyn, the Forest Fey, was exceptionally strict and formidable.

Damn, why did she return early? This should’ve been her class time! And she was *walking*—didn’t she usually fly?

He couldn’t let this troublesome Fey spot him. If caught sneaking in, he’d get a stern lecture. If it were any other teacher… but *Evelyn*? What rotten luck!

Maur held his breath, huddling tightly inside his invisibility cloak. He sidestepped Teacher Evelyn’s path—the green-haired, green-eyed Forest Fey—and pressed flat against the wall to vanish into the shadows.

She seemed not to notice. With an impassive expression, she walked straight to her prep desk, then fell into thought at the sight of the uncapped Golden Memory Wine, the golden osmanthus branch, and the apology letter. First, she frowned, recapped the bottle Maur had opened, then picked up the letter and began reading.

*Now!*

While she’s distracted—slip away, *now*!

Maur tiptoed toward the door.

If he could just reach the corridor… he’d escape her Mage Tower before she noticed.

“…Student Maur.”

Eep!!!

Maur jolted. His hand, already on the doorknob, snapped back.

*Discovered?!*

*I’m done for! She’ll turn me into a rabbit again with transfiguration magic!*

He waited, trembling… but nothing happened. He remained human, unmoved.

Cautiously, he glanced back. Evelyn still read the letter, her green eyes utterly calm.

Finally, she set it down. Her gaze settled on the golden osmanthus branch beside it.

“Only one student failed last semester. Since I have time, I’ll prepare a make-up exam just for him.”

“With targeted review, even Student Maur can pass.”

*Huh? What is she saying?*

“Student Maur knows the make-up exam is critical. Fail again, and even an apology won’t be accepted. Only special tutoring remains.”

*Wait… is she writing the Spirit Language make-up exam—right now, right here?!*

Yes! The room’s littered with my Memory Stones—they’ll record everything! Targeted review later…

*Wait!* The Stones’ angles… they can’t capture what she’s writing!

Maur: “…D-damn it. Careless.”

*Leave? Or risk a peek?*

His original plan: record Evelyn drunk via Memory Stones, then blackmail her into changing his failing grade to pass—or full marks. But she recapped the wine. No drinking.

…How reliable *was* that book his lackey recommended? Shouldn’t she have chugged it the moment she smelled Golden Memory Wine? Why recap it?!

If she doesn’t drink, the plan fails. And he *really* didn’t want “special tutoring.”

Sneaking a peek was safer.

…Right. A skilled schemer always has a Plan B. *Just a tiny peek.*

He softened his breath, crept closer. Too close meant detection, so he peeked cautiously from behind. Thankfully, his height let him glimpse the paper on tiptoe.

*It’s real! She’s finishing the exam!*

Panicked she’d hide it, Maur pulled another Memory Stone from his spatial storage. On tiptoe, he aimed it at the paper.

*Swish, swish, swish.*

Unaware, the Fey teacher’s slender wrist danced across ivory-white paper, scattering golden specks that coalesced into elegant Spirit Script. Maur’s eyes tracked her graceful fingers; the Memory Stone trembled in his grip.

Pen stilled. Exam complete.

*N-nearly there! Last question blocked by her pointed ears!*

*Just… a little closer…*

*Unbelievable! I’ve come this far—record the whole thing!*

Fury overrode caution. He leaned in—*too* close. Practically behind her, stone raised. To get a better angle, he unconsciously leaned forward… making it look, from the front, like he was embracing her.

The distance was dangerously intimate.

Evelyn caught the scent of smoked moss on him, tangled with Golden Memory Wine’s sweetness and osmanthus fragrance—a strange, heat-stirring blend. Worse, strands of his black hair escaped the cloak, drifting down to rest before her eyes.

Her student remained oblivious, fixated on the exam.

The green-haired, green-eyed, stern Fey teacher: “….”

Pretending not to notice was now impossible. The flaw was glaring. As a famously strict teacher, she couldn’t ignore it.

Yet exposing him would waste her patience.

A rare flicker of annoyance stirred. Her index finger tapped the desk. His scent persisted, mingling with the wine’s lingering aroma, stirring an urge.

…A student riddled with blunders deserved a little punishment.

Evelyn made her decision.

As a dedicated teacher, she owed her troublesome student a special tutoring session.