Chapter 197: Pre and Post-processing – Part 2 (1)

The higher an object is, the greater the impact it receives when it falls. It’s a basic principle of physics.

The same goes for the human mind.

The more someone has lived without ever questioning their own infallibility or absolute correctness, the deeper they plunge into ruin once that ironclad belief is shattered.

They fall into an abyss from which they can never return.

…That said, no one could have predicted that it would manifest in this way.

“Hello! Starting today, I’ll be serving as a new maid at this school! My name is Raizein!
Due to my racial traits, I can only work after nightfall, but if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask!
I’ll do my best to serve you all wholeheartedly!”

“………”

The students gathered in the hallway all exchanged bewildered glances.

They knew that a tremendously powerful enemy had attacked the school.

Although only a few had seen the being in person, the fact that both the principal and the Hero had been left near death made the strength of the enemy beyond any doubt.

Naturally, everyone assumed that someone with such overwhelming power would also possess a pride to match—an unbending, lofty spirit that would neither bow nor yield.

But what was this?

They had come to catch a glimpse of the enemy’s face, only to find a voluptuous platinum-blonde beauty, dressed in a maid outfit, bowing politely before them.

How could this possibly have happened?

“I heard she was the Commander of Arrogance… Is that really her?”

“I don’t feel even a shred of arrogance. If anything, she seems incredibly humble.”

“How could… this be a commander?”

Voices full of confusion rippled through the crowd.

It was indeed true that the woman before them was the Commander of Arrogance—confirmed just moments ago by the Hero himself.

If anything, the extreme gap between her supposed status and her current behavior only added to the credibility of that claim; after all, if someone were lying, they’d surely invent a story more believable than this.

But if that were the case—why was she acting so submissive?

Had the principal brainwashed her?

But complete mental domination becomes almost impossible the stronger the target’s will.

No matter how skilled the principal’s magic was, would it really work on someone like her?

If not that, had she been blackmailed?

But then again, what could possibly be more important to a demon than their pride?

Countless questions floated in the minds of the students, but none found a clear answer.

One thing, however, was certain:
The woman before them had declared that she would obey any request they made.

‘…Could she really mean it?’

“Ahem, ahem.”

One brave male student stepped forward on behalf of everyone, clearing his throat awkwardly.

“R-Raizein, was it?”

“Yes, please go ahead!”

“I’m feeling kinda hungry… Could you, uh, maybe go buy me some bread from the school store?”

The first request: the classic, time-honored tradition of bullying someone by sending them on a bread run!

His tone was polite, but the content was anything but.

Ordering someone around as a mere errand boy—or girl—would surely have infuriated any normal demon.

All eyes locked onto Raizein.

Would she really accept this? Or would she refuse…?!

“You want bread, right? Understood! What kind would you like?”

“Uh… custard cream.”

“Got it!”

Raizein flashed a bright smile, then in the next instant, spread darkness at her feet and melted into it.

About five seconds later, she casually re-emerged from the shadow.

In her hand was the requested custard cream bread.

“Here you go, the custard cream bread you asked for! I also grabbed a bottle of milk just in case you might get thirsty while eating.
Oh, and don’t worry about the cost—I already paid for it!”

“O-Oh, uh, thanks…”

The boy took the bread and milk with a dazed look, then quietly retreated while glancing around at the others.

“She… she really will do whatever we ask!”

“This could be fun! What should I ask for?”

From that moment on, the students began making all sorts of requests of Raizein.

Given that she was the former Commander of Arrogance, it was only natural that a flood of curiosity-driven demands would follow.

“Could you maybe help me with my magic theory homework? It’s due tomorrow, but there’s no way I can finish it alone!”

“Of course! Despite appearances, I’m a high-ranking spellcaster capable of using 9th-circle magic, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask anytime!”

“The hot water doesn’t come out well in the regular dormitory’s shared bathroom. Isn’t there any way to fix that?”

“Ah! I’ll start using heating magic on it from this evening!

Don’t worry about mana consumption. I have so much of it that it’s practically rotting away.”

“Don’t you have any special skills? You’re a newcomer—show us some kind of talent!”

“A talent show, you say? Understood! I’ll tear open my stomach right now with a shadow—”

“No, not that kind of organ! Stop!”

Bustle, chatter, uproar.

In the middle of the noisy commotion, someone suddenly shouted loudly:

“Can you show us your panties—cough?!”

In that instant, Sion’s fist slammed into the male student’s solar plexus.

He couldn’t even finish his sentence and collapsed on the spot, unconscious.

Having subdued a pervert with a single blow, the warrior, Sion, swept her gaze over the surrounding students and said in a chilling voice:

“I’m sorry, but any sexual requests or any other requests that go against basic social decency are completely out.

If you’re caught trying anything, I’ll deliver immediate, iron-fisted punishment. Understood?”

“Y-yes, ma’am!!”

The students, stiff with fear, answered while trembling.

Sion sighed briefly, then turned toward Raizein.

“The same goes for you. It’s fine if you want to comply with other requests, but never accept anything that would compromise your chastity.

You’ve managed to protect your purity until now—don’t throw it away so carelessly. Got it?”

“Y-yes, Warrior…”

Raizein, who had been about to lift her skirt, quickly lowered her hand again.

Several male students let out disappointed sighs.

Sion was truly relieved that she had intervened in time.

“Other than that, is there anything else you would like to order me to do?

If there is, please let me know right away.

I, Raizein, will do anything to take responsibility for this situation—”

Just as Raizein was smiling brightly and speaking to everyone—

—Splash!

Suddenly, a water bottle with its cap open flew through the air and drenched her head with its contents.

Her neatly arranged maid uniform became soaked in an instant.

The students gasped and looked around at each other.

Was it you?

No, not me.

Me neither.

Then who the heck—?

“Oh-ho, well, well, look who it is. Such a familiar face!”

Click, clack, click, clack.

With the sharp sound of heels striking the floor, a blue-haired female student pushed through the crowd and appeared.

A twisted smile, just like that of a villainess, hung on her face.

It was Dorothy.

“I went to Espera for a bit to get my attendant a prosthetic arm, and when I came back—

Wow, what an interesting event is happening here!

I don’t know all the details, but can I join in? Hmm? Hmm?”

Chuckling slyly, she slowly walked forward.

Students nearby whispered frantically as they recognized her.

“She’s here…! That girl from all those crazy rumors…!”

“Is it true that she’s actually a Blue Dragon? Isn’t that just an exaggerated rumor?”

“But Therese said she saw it with her own eyes. Even the Student Council President confirmed it.”

“Holy crap, dragons are supposed to exist only in legends, right? I never thought I’d actually see one with my own eyes…”

“Hmph.”

Hearing all the awestruck murmurs, Dorothy’s nose practically rose into the air.

This was it—this was the reaction she wanted.

Yes, yes… Admire me! Praise me even more, louder…!

“But didn’t she wear a bunny girl outfit and dance during the sports festival?

And didn’t she even—uh—flash her chest—”

“STOOOP!!! That’s enough!!!”

With a sharp kick, Dorothy sent the fallen water bottle flying, striking the male student who was gossiping.

He let out a pig-like squeal and crashed into the wall.

Even after that, Dorothy didn’t seem satisfied, panting heavily with anger as she glared around menacingly.

Then she cleared her throat and spoke.

Ahem.

“Anyway!

It’s such delightful news that you, the stuck-up miss perfect, are volunteering to become our new plaything.

We’ll make full use of you from now on—”

Cough.

“—Anyway, what are you doing? There’s water all over the floor.

Hurry up and clean it up, okay? Miss! Maid! ♬”

Dorothy giggled and began poking at Raizein’s head with her finger, a gesture full of ridicule and contempt.

“……….”

Meanwhile, Raizein silently bowed her soaked head.

Droplets of water trickled steadily from the tips of her hair onto the floor.

After standing motionless for quite a while, Raizein finally opened her mouth.