The Spinster Principal
"Endless low-rank monsters in the liberal arts wing... and teleportation, huh."
The principal nodded in understanding after Ian summed up the investigation results in one line. She thanked them for their hard work and told the others to head back first since she still had more to investigate. As she watched the principal, Ian stayed behind, saying he had a suggestion.
"What is it you want to say after sending everyone else away, Ian?"
"Principal, what do you plan to do with this dungeon?"
"Well, with no good options, we'll probably just seal it off."
"No, we can't."
"...Can't?"
If they sealed this dungeon, Ian wouldn't be able to use it anymore either. That was unacceptable. Seal away a prime farming spot like sweet honey?
"I was going to keep this quiet, but... something unusual happened inside."
"Something unusual? If you're calling it that, it must be really special."
"Yes. The summons evolved."
"...Evolved?"
The principal tilted her head in confusion at first, but soon recalled Ian's own case and gaped in shock.
"...You mean what I think you mean?"
"Probably."
"Didn't you say you didn't know how you did it either?"
"Yes. It was such a special event that even I couldn't replicate it if I tried now."
It was a lie. He just lacked the conditions right now, but he could do it over and over if he wanted. That said, it was limited to him. Unlike him, who needed specific conditions, others could evolve just by partying with him—no strings attached.
"So, doesn't that make this dungeon a gift from the gods for humanity?"
"The gods... sent us this dungeon?"
"Yes. So we can save humanity."
If the developer counted as a god, then sure. The principal hummed thoughtfully for a moment before nodding in agreement.
"...Fine. I'll come open it every weekend."
"Thank you."
"Then that's settled—"
"Oh, one more thing."
"You still have more to say?"
"When are we doing that date?"
"—You were serious? About me? What's so great about an old lady like this?"
The principal stared at him in surprise for a moment, then blushed—clearly pleased to have her feminine charms affirmed—and checked her schedule. Her calendar was packed 365 days a year, leaving scant free time.
"How about tonight?"
"Sure. Tonight it is."
Ian bowed his head and left the forest. Ah, didn't tell Stella she was coming. Oh well, it'll be fine.
* * *
Ian informed Stella about the dinner with the principal that evening, did some light exercise, and headed to the meeting spot on time. It was called a date, but with two women and one guy? It was just dinner.
After waiting about ten minutes at the spot, the two arrived at the exact same late time—from opposite directions, no less, strolling casually.
The principal should've arrived first by distance, so Ian turned toward her to greet her. Then he froze stiff at her outfit.
"D-Did I keep you waiting?"
"...Principal?"
"Is it weird?"
Her usually neatly tied-up hair was let down with seductive waves. And that dress—either barely worn or barely there—exposed most of her body. Her bare sides and sideboob were way too alluring. Her youthful, vigorous figure was impossible to look at directly, so Ian averted his eyes in panic.
The moment he turned, he locked eyes with Stella, who'd snuck up. He let out a huge sigh of relief.
"Stella, thank god it's just you."
"What? What's that supposed to—"
Seeing Stella in a modest dress with zero skin showing—unlike the principal's bold getup—put his mind at ease. Her dress hem was shorter than her usual clothes, but next to the principal's exposure, it looked like the garb of a chaste maiden upholding premarital purity.
Stella brushed past Ian and stood right in front of the principal. The principal, who'd been avoiding eye contact and playing dumb since Stella arrived, couldn't dodge this. She sighed and asked,
"Hello, Principal."
"...Cadet Stella? Why are you here?"
"Oh, looks like Ian didn't mention it."
The principal shot Ian a look. He scratched the back of his head apologetically and explained.
"Stella said she wanted to join us for dinner with you."
"...Wasn't it supposed to be just the two of us?"
"Huh? No."
"A-Anyone else coming after?"
"Nope."
"...Well, that's a relief."
The principal sighed in relief and avoided Stella's eyes too. Stella glared daggers at her, eyes practically blazing.
"Anyway, Principal."
"Y-Yes? What is it, Stella?"
"That's a pretty revealing outfit."
"Ah, haha. It's a bit hot out..."
"It's still chilly."
"I-I'm the type who gets hot easily... A-Anyway, let's head inside instead of standing here!"
The principal ushered them into the restaurant. Though the reservation suddenly added one more, she covered the extra fee to smooth it over.
"I'll pay my share."
"Can't have the principal mooching off a student."
As they sat down following the waiter's lead, an awkward silence fell. If it'd just been the two of them... Ian glanced cautiously at the principal. Despite claiming it was hot enough for that outfit, she was shivering.
Ian sighed lightly and took off his jacket, handing it to her.
"...What's this?"
"You look cold. Wear it."
"I'm fine..."
"I'm not."
She waved it off, but Ian stood, draped it over her himself.
"Don't want others ogling the principal's skin either."
"...Thanks."
Only then did she accept it, draping it over her shoulders. The frilly dress paired with a big male student's jacket could've looked ridiculous, but her dignified air made it work surprisingly well.
As Ian sat back down, Stella—seated next to him—glared with some indescribable emotion in her eyes.
"What?"
"You... Never mind."
Moments later, the waiter wheeled in a cart, arranging food and drinks. Fruit drinks for the students, champagne for the principal. After a brief intro, he left.
Staring at the dazzling array of dishes, Ian offered a casual grace.
"Let's eat."
"...Let's eat."
"Dig in, you two."
The principal savored her champagne's aroma and taste. Ian had never tried it even in Korea, so he eyed her glass curiously. Noticing, she smirked slyly.
"Want a sip?"
"Kinda curious, yeah."
"Go ahead?"
"...Really?"
"One sip won't hurt."
She offered the glass. Ian took it carefully, watching the golden liquid swirl, bubbles popping, a fine aroma wafting up. Like her, he swirled it first, then took a cautious sip.
"Ah."
Before he could savor it, Stella let out a soft gasp beside him. He swallowed quickly and turned.
"What? You want some too?"
"No, it's not that..."
"Don't hold back. Principal, she can have some, right?"
"Of course."
With permission granted, Ian passed it to Stella. She stared at the glass he offered, then turned the rim slightly before sipping.
Turning the rim? That's where I drank from, right? Guess she's sensitive like that—young and full of feelings.
Ian pondered when he'd stopped caring about indirect kisses but drew a blank, shrugged it off, and focused on the food. As expected from an ultra-expensive spot—the taste blew academy grub out of the water.
* * *
'Tonight.'
That one line from Ian. Stella bolted to her room, grilling Nellia to pick an outfit.
"Aaaah! What should I wear? This? This? How about this?"
"Miss, that's too flashy. Go for something pure and innocent instead..."
As the two women rummaged through clothes, Stella's tidy room turned into a marketplace in seconds. Nellia realized she'd have to clean it all up but steeled herself—this was her job—and focused.
"You'll look angelic no matter what."
"...Ian barely notices me."
"Master Ian's a man too. A vigorous young one."
Dealing with teenage boys was a breeze, Nellia assured confidently.
"I'll shorten the hem. Wait just a moment."
"Yeah, thanks."
Soon, Nellia returned with a dress shortened to what Stella deemed excessive.
"Th-This is too short, isn't it?"
"Perfect length."
It bared her full knees and nearly half her thighs—a vulgar minidress. Her face heated up at the thought of wearing it out. But Nellia was firm. In the end, changed into it, Stella checked the mirror, striking poses to ensure no panty flashes. Confident careful movement would suffice, she started makeup—fully delegated to Nellia. Subtle yet maximizing her beauty.
Even Stella approved in the mirror. Prep complete.
"—This should do it, right?"
"No man could resist."
"...Yeah. Be back later."
Stella headed out. Ladies who arrive on time seem desperate, or so they'd say. She deliberately slowed to arrive ten minutes late.
Spotting Ian waiting, their eyes met. He immediately looked away—Stella swelled with satisfaction.
Look at him—embarrassed.
She giggled despite herself. Noblesse oblige kept her from fully grinning, but it leaked out. Head high, smile unhidden, she approached Ian.
And then some whore latched onto him. Her smile vanished instantly.
...Who the hell is that slut?
Outfit exposing over 50% of her body—like something a prostitute would wear. Stella's brow furrowed. Chatting with trash like that was dragging Ian down too.
Rushing to shoo her away, Stella finally recognized her.
"...Principal?"
"Wh-Why, Stella?"
The whore was the principal. Realization ignited something inside Stella.
This trash spinster.
Good thing she'd tagged along. Without her, who knows what that lewd bitch would've done to Ian. Obvious without seeing.