D-Discovered?!

Maur’s entire body locked up, terrified even the faintest sound might catch Mavis’s attention.

But the Forest Fey teacher’s movements were overwhelmingly intense. He had to bite his lip hard—*so hard*—just to suppress any embarrassing noise.

"Don’t… don’t focus on that perverted Forest Fey… I’ll… I won’t hold back…"

The nutmeg fruit he’d swallowed began seeping through his veins.

Restlessness surged. Excitement prickled. The world blurred into hazy, suggestive shapes. Even his breath burned hot.

"N-No… M-Mavis will notice…"

Gritting his teeth, Maur forced his gaze upward—to Mavis standing at the corner, lips curved in a knowing smirk.

Today’s outfit was still lavish, yet different: no masculine tailcoat. Instead, a gender-neutral belted robe glittered with delicate ornaments.

A black butterfly danced between her fingers, antennae trembling slightly toward him.

Mavis had always carried an androgynous elegance—face, voice, presence—leaving gender ambiguous. Today’s attire deepened the mystery.

But Maur, who knew her intimately, saw the shift: her style, her features, leaning ever more feminine.

Rumors in the Royal Capital whispered she was female.

…Well. *Obviously.* He knew. More certain than anyone.

He’d *verified* it himself.

*"Swamp Behemoths fix their gender upon choosing a mate during their first mating season."*

The fact echoed in his mind.

Because of *his* "retaliation," Mavis had triggered early, and by cruel fate, chosen *him*.

Then, in House Decora’s changing room—*Stop! Stop right there!* Do *not* remember further!

Under the Forest Fey’s magic, nutmeg blossoms burst open, flooding the cramped space with cloying sweetness.

Maur inhaled helplessly. Swallowed the fruit. His sanity frayed at the edges.

And she *wouldn’t stop*. Her pace quickened.

His breath hitched. Almost… *almost*…

"Maur’s scent vanishes right here~"

Mavis stepped closer.

Maur: "!!!"

*She’s coming! Closer! Closer!*

*She’ll find out!*

Not voluntary—but *Mavis*. His sworn enemy. The one he’d been intimate with.

The thought of her discovering him *here*, with Teacher Evelyn in this haunted house… panic fluttered in his chest.

"Mmph—"

His mind went blank.

Just in time, Evelyn’s vines sealed his mouth.

Fireworks exploded behind his eyes.

Body trembling. Breath ragged.

When awareness returned—Mavis’s face hovered inches away.

*Hold breath. Don’t move.*

*Thank gods the Forest Fey turned intangible… or she’d be exposed.*

*Then why the hell didn’t she include ME?!*

"Sniff… sniff…"

Mavis leaned in, nostrils flaring. The black butterfly gone.

Too close. Her hot breath brushed his nose. *One more inch—*

Maur pressed back—but the wall offered no escape.

*Can’t hide!*

He squeezed his eyes shut.

A familiar warmth bloomed across his skin—*magic*.

Mavis’s face passed *through* him.

"Intangibility magic?!"

*Who else but that perverted Forest Fey?!*

*Cast it earlier, damn it! Enjoying my panic?!*

*What has she been learning lately?!*

He’d have screamed curses—if Mavis weren’t right there.

Unaware, Mavis stepped back, finger to her lips. "Oh my~? Seems I guessed wrong. Maur isn’t here."

"Perhaps ahead? Let’s search on." She turned, walking slowly away.

"Phew…"

Maur exhaled shakily. *Safe. She saw nothing.*

Tension melted.

Then—the magic faded.

A familiar soft warmth pressed below.

Maur: "?!"

*What is she DOING?! Mavis isn’t even gone!*

Mouth sealed. Limbs bound. Not a sound dared.

"How well-behaved Maur is now," Evelyn’s voice murmured, laced with amusement.

*Damn it! Talking NOW?!*

"Don’t worry. Telepathy—only you can hear."

A Level 7 legendary mage, innovating high-tier magic with effortless grace.

"But next… I’ll remove the vines. *You* must stay silent."

"D-Damn—mmph!"

Vines vanished. He choked back the curse.

*Just wait. Once she’s gone… I’ll give you a thorough scolding!*

The Forest Fey crouched again, hands roaming freely.

Maur bit his lip until it stung, face burning.

*Nutmeg fruit… too strong…*

*He… he…*

Wait.

His fogged mind snagged on sensation.

*"Why does my leg feel… soft? Slippery?"*

Familiar.

"As I thought. Something’s off."

Mavis spun around. Gaze locked *directly* on him.

"Oh my~? Caught you. Let’s see… who’s hiding here?"

*N-No way!*

Maur looked down.

A familiar tentacle coiled around his calf—slow, intimate, slithering upward.

Maur: "…"

*M-Mavis’s tentacle!*