Chapter 59: Smile of victory

The white pillars lining the hallway, reminiscent of a grand temple, were a familiar sight, bustling with activity even at this early hour.

Countless classrooms and offices, far more than needed for the student body, their closed doors muffling the sounds of hushed conversations. One door, marked “Meeting Room,” opened.

“All important matters have been addressed.”

“Let’s proceed as planned.”

People emerged—students in uniform, older adults—dispersing in all directions.

The meeting room, now empty, held only two figures—an elderly woman with graying hair and a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head that gleamed under the morning sun. The old woman squinted slightly at the glare.

“What’s the status of the plan?”

“Almost complete. However…”

“There’s a problem?”

“Everything is ready, but…it feels like we’re missing a key ingredient.”

The old woman’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them.

“You’ve had ample time. And now you’re telling me you’re missing an ingredient?”

Her voice rose, but she took a deep breath, regaining her composure.

“When will it be complete?”

“I apologize. It will be ready soon…”

The man stammered, his head bowed submissively.

“Two weeks. Complete it within two weeks.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

The old woman left without acknowledging his response. The man clenched his fists.

“That d*mned woman…!”

But his anger was useless. She was far above him. He could only fume in silence.

“Two weeks?”

He could finish it within two weeks, easily. He knew what the missing ingredient was.

What was needed for the…transformation. It was simple, really.

‘Another monster.’

Finding a suitable…subject wasn’t easy, though. He’d spread pheromone potions; they should have attracted something by now.

“Now…who should I ask for help?”

The man thought about the students he knew as he walked away.

****

The day of the investigation.
I was exhausted from waking up early, but I was determined to see Sister. I could see her any day, but I didn’t want to miss this…event.

“Yaaawn…”

I covered my mouth with my sleeve and wiped away a stray tear. I felt…eyes on me.

Many eyes. A group of students, waiting patiently, were staring at me. Why were they staring at me just because I yawned?

There was only one possible explanation.
Why else would these perverts be looking at me?

“Staring at someone while they yawn…this place is full of perverts.”

Their eyes widened, as if I’d struck a nerve. I smiled languidly, meeting each of their gazes. I couldn’t show weakness in front of these perverts. They might change the objective of the investigation to “Undressing Elena.”

They seemed surprised by my reaction and started whispering.

“Was she talking about us?”

“That was…rude.”

I ignored their whispers. As I continued my silent staring contest, someone spoke.

“Hey, you! Get in line!”

Familiar pink hair. A cold, expressionless face.

“Line…?”

The students in the line she’d indicated glared at me.

“Go stand at the back. You’re last.”

She walked away without waiting for a response. I stared after her, then joined the line, feeling the weight of their hostile gazes. They seemed angry, but not at me, apparently. Perhaps they were forced to participate in this investigation.

“So, junior, what was that about earlier?”

“We’ve been waiting forever for you, you know?”

I was surrounded. They were seniors, apparently. Were they angry at me? I hadn’t done anything to offend them. I was confused.

Their threatening demeanor was intimidating, but I couldn’t show fear. I’d become an easy target.

“P…perverts…”

I glared at them, trying to project an air of authority. They were just kids, younger than me, nothing to be afraid of.

“Perverts? Care to elaborate?”

“Hee hee, if you don’t…we’ll become… real perverts.”

“….”

I’m lying! I’m scared! Please don’t hurt me! Their hands touched my hair, my cheeks, my earlobes… they were toying with me.

“St…stop it! I won’t be so nice next time!”

My defiance seemed to…anger them. Their playful curiosity was replaced by something darker, more… unsettling. Had I provoked them? I regretted my words, but it was too late. I closed my eyes, bracing myself. Please don’t hurt me too much.

“Why are you so late?”

“Linne?”

“Honestly, I told you to be on time.”

A girl with a cold expression pushed through the crowd. She seemed like a savior, sent from the heavens. Linne grabbed my hand and pulled me away, the seniors offering no resistance.

“Ugh…why are you so late?!”

“What? My fault?”

“Of course it is! You, a commoner, should be protecting me!”

“Seriously… Are you hurt?”

“My feelings are hurt.”

Linne’s gaze lingered on…my chest, I assumed.

“Hey! Eyes up here! And keep your hands to yourself!”

“Tch.”

“‘Tch’? You were looking, weren’t you, pervert!”

We reached the front of the line, where a stern-looking instructor glared at us. But I didn’t care; my eyes were only for…

“Sister!”

“Ellie…?”

I rushed towards her and hugged her tightly. Sister still looked confused, as if she hadn’t expected me to be here.

“Ellie, what are you doing here?”

So, she really hadn’t known. I liked the surprise.

“I came to see you! Hee hee.”

“Ellie, you…ngh…”

I elbowed Linne in the side, effectively silencing her for a while. Sister looked at me with a mixture of surprise and affection.

“I missed you too, Ellie…!”

“Sister!”

No one could interrupt our heartwarming reunion, especially not me. I smiled triumphantly, unnoticed in Sister’s embrace.

Sister’s slender frame felt familiar in my arms. I nuzzled my face against her soft breasts, enjoying the moment, when a poke on my shoulder interrupted me. Seriously, they never left me alone. I glared at the offender.

“Linne? I told you not to bother me…”

“Sorry to interrupt, but we’re about to leave, so you should get ready.”

It wasn’t Linne, but the pink-haired girl, her voice cold and indifferent. She seemed to be radiating a chilling aura.

“Tch, what’s it to you, commoner? Who are you to tell me what to do?”

“Don’t be like that, Ellie. Philia might seem cold, but she’s actually really nice.”

“Whose side are you on, Sister?”

Annoyed, I glared at the girl, Philia apparently. She averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly. Was she…embarrassed? I stared at her intently, and her ears turned red.

“…I’ll…just go look around.”

She hurried away, her gaze lingering on Sister for a moment.

“Sister, I don’t like her.”

“You can’t dislike someone just because they’re a commoner, Ellie. They’re all your people, and you have to take care of them.”

“But I only want to take care of you.”

I smiled sweetly, and Sister’s stern expression softened. See? Don’t you want to hug me? I sent her a seductive look, and she finally gave in, her soft body yielding to my embrace. I smirked, enjoying my victory over…Philia.

I felt Sister’s slender body against mine, her soft breasts pressed against my cheek. Just as I was about to…

“Ahem. That’s enough, you two. We’re leaving soon.”

We were scolded by the instructor and finally joined the others.