Chapter 45: Indeed, its a big deal

“Ugh…so heavy.”

I wanted to give up. How many days had it been?

I glanced at Linne, who was chatting and laughing with the others, Nina practically glued to her side, wagging her tail. That filthy wolf beastkin… I was struggling to breathe, and they were having fun.

Trip.—

“Ouch…!”

A moment of carelessness, and
I tripped over a loose rock and fell, the added weight from Linne’s magic making it difficult to get up.

“Hngh…that hurts.”

Blood welled up on my scraped hands and knees. I lay down, too heavy to get up. But the perverts wouldn’t leave me alone.

“Ellie! Are you okay?”

“You’re such a klutz. Here, let me heal you.”

“Hmm…I wonder if these pictures would sell…”

They helped me up. I quickly hid my face with my hair, not wanting them to see me like this.

“Ugh…don’t look…”

What would they think, seeing my tear-streaked face? I couldn’t bear any more humiliation.

They surrounded me, feigning concern, but I knew their true intentions. They wanted to take advantage of my weakened state, using the opportunity to cop a feel under the guise of helping me. The comforting warmth against my back was definitely Linne.

“You won’t get anything from touching me.”

“Th…that’s not why I’m touching you!”

A pervert, as always, saying ridiculous things. She was surprisingly sensitive for someone so…large. I’d have to be more careful next time.

“Linne, don’t you have a new uniform?”

I wasn’t trying to change the subject, just genuinely curious about her ripped uniform. The ragged look suited her delinquent image, but it was still…unsightly.

“Oh, this? Repairs are expensive. And I have other things to spend my money on these days…”

Linne glanced at Sara, who was twisting her blue hair, feigning innocence. I remembered seeing Sara’s…undergarments earlier. Blue, even her underwear… a true pervert.

But this was my chance. A chance to assert my dominance over this lowly commoner with my wealth.

My wounds were already healed. I poked Linne’s exposed side.

My finger traced her firm waist. I narrowed my eyes and said,

“Typical commoner…always broke. I could…help you with the repairs, if you ask nicely.”

“It’s your fault it’s ripped in the first place.”

“Huh? When did I…? Are you…complaining?”

Right, I was the one who ripped it. Linne’s words reminded me. But that wasn’t the point. It was her fault for not taking better care of her belongings.

I placed my hands on my hips and looked down at her. Linne trembled, her face turning red as if she were about to explode. She was clearly impressed by my generosity.

But her eyes looked…dangerous.

“Yes, I am complaining, you stuck-up princess!”

“Hngh?!”

She suddenly grabbed me, her fingers digging into my lower abdomen. Did she think I was a stress ball?

My soft stomach yielded easily to her touch, the relentless pressure making me squirm.

“Stop…don’t press there…!”

She finally stopped.
That was close; I’d been on the verge of…something embarrassing. I clung to her hand, trembling, and she spoke, her voice slightly breathless,

“Did you…or did you not…?”

Was she demanding an apology before letting go? I wasn’t about to apologize to a commoner.

“….”

“So you’re not going to apologize?”

Her hand moved towards my lower abdomen again. I tried to stop her, but she was too strong.

Her touch felt…sharper than before, as if she were about to…pierce me.

Gulp.—

I swallowed nervously, my instincts screaming a warning.

I might not survive this. At least, not unscathed.

“W…wait!”

“What? Have something to say?”

“Ugh…I…”

I stalled, searching for a solution, but her hand was already on my stomach, caressing it gently, draining my strength.

“Last chance, Ellie. Choose wisely.”

The strange sensation spreading through me was unsettling. It felt…good. Why? It wasn’t like Sister’s loving touch…this was…wrong.

“I’m sorry! Please stop…”

“Hee hee…!”

A sudden giggle. I looked up; Linne was smiling mischievously. I realized what was happening.

“You tricked me…!”

“What? When?”

“Ugh…you idiot!”

My face burned. I’d fallen for such a simple trick…
Linne burst out laughing as I yelled at her.

“I’m sorry…please don’t…”

“Stop it!”

I punched her chest repeatedly, but she just pulled me into a hug, trapping me in her embrace.

“Haa…haa…”

My heart pounded, my face burning, even though I was just…being held.

Her breath against my ear was warm, her whispered words…unfair.

“This is…the next stage of your combat training.”

“Huh?”

That was cheating.

She seemed serious. I looked around; all I saw were two pairs of amused eyes and a glowing crystal ball.

“Linne, could you…let go of me first?”

“It’s okay. This won’t be too strenuous.”

“Look me in the eye when you lie.”

She avoided my gaze. This time, I was definitely going to…

Linne’s hands glowed, and a heavy pressure weighed me down.

****

During break time at Lily Academy, students chatted and gossiped, making plans for after school and discussing their training strategies.

“Hey, are you listening?”

“Oh, sorry. What were you saying?”

“Just…want to spar later?”

Some students had developed…unusual hobbies. Bored with their routine, they sought new ways to entertain themselves.

“What are you looking at, anyway?”

“Shhh. Look.”

A girl with short brown hair pointed towards a small figure. Ash-gray hair that begged to be touched, a petite frame that would fit perfectly in a hug, soft, flawless skin…

“Isn’t that Princess Elena?”

“Who calls her that anymore? It’s Ellie.”

But Ellie’s eyes were sharp, her gaze wary, as if rejecting any attempts at contact. She was undeniably adorable, but no one dared approach her.

“She’s like a feisty little kitten. Haa…I just want to pat her head…”

“…She is cute.”

“If it weren’t for that scary girl with her, I’d try talking to her…”

A blonde girl walked beside Ellie, strikingly beautiful, yet intimidating.

“What’s wrong with her uniform?”

“I don’t know. Either she ripped it herself or…someone did it for her.”

“A monster.”

“Totally.”

A student who loved cute things sighed wistfully. Then, she turned to her friend.

“Look at this.”

“What is it? You can’t afford these things.”

“Hee hee, it’s okay. It only costs about a day’s worth of meals, and you can use it for a whole month.”

She proudly displayed a blue crystal ball, a realistic scene playing inside.

“It’s from a week ago. Isn’t she adorable? It’s called ‘The Napping Princess’!”

“I’ll pass. Enjoy it yourself.”

“Just take a look! She’s really cute.”

Her friend’s face hardened with each insistence. Finally, she snapped.

“If she’s so cute, why don’t you become friends with her?”

She immediately regretted her sharp words but turned and stormed out of the classroom, leaving her friend confused and alone.

“What’s wrong with her…?”

But her question was quickly forgotten as Ellie walked past. She knew her friend would be back to normal soon. The sensible student decided to focus on what was in front of her.

“Why is she walking like that? It’s so cute…”

Ellie’s slow, awkward gait, clearly in some discomfort, was endearing. The student watched, captivated, until the bell rang, signaling the end of break time.