Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Michelle, Apologize on Video
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"Ughhh!"
Selena couldn't hold back her surging emotions and threw herself onto the bed.
"This sucks! This sucks this sucks this sucks!"
She buried her face in the pillow and kicked the bedsheet furiously with both feet, like she was splashing in a puddle.
For someone who always maintained her dignity, this intense reaction meant her mood was seriously fouled up.
The cause was, of course, Ian's Academic Tribunal a few hours earlier.
"It was almost over! Because of that woman!"
This wasn't about Michelle.
Michelle had interfered in the tribunal, but Selena held no grudge against her homeroom teacher.
She had simply made a cool, fair judgment as a teacher.
Selena's anger was directed at the Chairman.
"That woman! That woman! If it weren't for her!"
She sat up and pummeled the pillow mercilessly.
Maybe because it was so high-end, the damn thing was ridiculously fluffy, bouncing right back to shape every time she hit it.
It felt like it was mocking her, making her hit it even harder in rage.
Selena's fury wasn't just because the Chairman had helped Ian during the tribunal.
After the tribunal, the Chairman didn't question Selena's innocence or take any other measures against her.
Instead, she told Selena's mother that Selena had defied the Chairman.
Selena's mother, true to form as the head of a massive conglomerate, grasped the situation instantly and learned that Selena had framed Ian.
She didn't publicize it, but she warned Selena not to pull anything like that again or she'd be unforgiven.
It might seem minor, but it was a big shock to Selena.
Her mother had always taken her daughter's side no matter what, overlooking any trouble she caused.
On top of that, she couldn't make any plans to oust Ian for a while, thanks to her mother's warning.
"Haa... haa..."
After beating the pillow to her heart's content and tiring out, Selena panted heavily.
Her anger still wasn't vented, and she was about to hit it again when a knock sounded.
Knock knock.
"...Yeah. Come in."
Dania entered and bowed her head.
"Pardon the intrusion."
"It's fine. Sit here."
Selena patted the edge of the bed.
"No, I'm okay."
"I'm not okay, so sit."
Seeing her lady's foul mood, Dania didn't refuse twice.
"What is it?"
"You seemed upset, Young Lady, so I came to check."
Selena's expression brightened a bit.
"Does that mean you came to cheer me up?"
"Not exactly cheer you up, but I thought talking might help ease your mind..."
Seeing her shy butler, the Young Lady's face lit up like a flower.
"Dania's the only one for me."
"Because I'm your butler, Young Lady."
If only she wouldn't draw that line.
Selena missed the days when she and Dania were like blood sisters.
"The plan failed, and because of that Chairman woman, Mom scolded me too. Today is the second-worst day of my life."
The reason today was second was because the absolute worst was the day she realized her father's true nature.
"Dania. Isn't there any way? A way to get rid of that guy without Mom finding out."
Dania fell into thought at her lady's question.
Selena felt grateful for her butler pondering on her behalf, but actually, Dania wasn't thinking of ways to oust Ian.
Quite the opposite.
Dania chose her lady over her own desires.
Though she never showed it, to Dania, Selena was as precious as a blood sister.
So at some point, she suppressed her urges and avoided even approaching Ian.
But that time was more agonizing than expected.
The pleasure that stimulated instinct over reason kept shaking her will, tormenting her with anguish each time.
And when she heard Ian was released from confinement, she realized she was inwardly thrilled.
That cutting off her desires through willpower alone wasn't easy.
So Dania had been agonizing.
Over a way for everyone to be happy.
"Young Lady..."
"Yeah, what? Did you think of something good?"
"What if we just leave Ian Drakhin alone...?"
"...What?"
The response was ice-cold.
But Dania continued carefully.
"Ian Drakhin might be as dangerous as you say, Young Lady. But he's shown no issues so far, and don't you think the Chairman who admitted him has some plan?"
"..."
"And above all, seeing you suffer over him like this, maybe it's best to ignore Ian Drakhin entirely and put your mind at ease..."
"Dania."
The butler had no choice but to stop at her lady's cold call.
"...Yes, Young Lady."
"I know you're worried about me. But never say that again."
Selena sighed, brushing back her hair.
"I told you, right? Men are creatures ruled by lust. Even my so-called father, who was called a hero—I hate even calling him that. And Ian Drakhin is no different."
"..."
"I know my thoughts and actions seem weird to others. But that's because they don't understand men. What if I ignore him out of fear of gossip or because it's hard on me, and then Ian Drakhin shows his true colors and commits a crime? By the time people understand, victims will already have appeared."
Selena gently took Dania's stiff hand.
"I'm not trying to frame the innocent. I'm just preemptively removing impurities that would dirty the pure waters of this school. The stares, the hardship—it's all trials for that goal. So please don't tell me to stop. I'm begging you."
Her eyes shone with resolute will.
How could a butler say anything else?
"...Yes, Young Lady. I was short-sighted."
"Thanks for understanding. It's still early, want some tea?"
"Yes. I'll bring it right away."
As Dania left the room, her eyes shook with various thoughts, but Selena had no idea.
The first weekend since my release had arrived.
Today was Saturday, and I'd been released from confinement on Wednesday after the class tribunal, so three days had passed.
A few things had happened in the meantime.
First, as the Chairman forewarned, the principal, vice-principal, and teachers who'd claimed I was guilty in the tribunal were actually fired.
Fortunately, Michelle stayed, and the vacancies would soon be filled by new people.
Hearing that, I thought I shouldn't piss off the Chairman, who resembled my ex in her madness.
And surprisingly, the investigation found no backroom deals by Selena in the tribunal.
The dumb principal and teachers just believed the vendor's claim of black magic aura and trusted the accuser because she was a Branzel Young Lady.
Realizing I'd suffered for their incompetence left me hollow and furious.
At this point, I wondered how a place full of such people could be the top university, but apparently, the Chairman was practically running the school single-handedly through grit.
At least, the next principal, vice-principal, and teachers were selected rigorously to improve things.
Second, regrettably, no evidence proving Selena's frame-up was found.
Yesterday evening, I visited the vendor's head office that had analyzed my mana traces.
I used Enchantment Magic to extract info, and the employee's story was this:
As expected, they retracted the analysis claiming a process error at Selena's request, paid handsomely for silence.
But that was it.
According to the employee, they only analyzed the sand Selena brought, and it truly detected black magic aura.
Meaning Selena had it tampered with somewhere else before handing it over.
I wondered how one fakes black magic aura, but with her being the daughter of the world's top conglomerate, it was possible.
Selena faced no repercussions.
Those unaware of details thought she'd overreacted but it was just a mistake, so let it go.
I'd hoped the Chairman would punish her somehow, but no word.
She'd gotten busy again, anyway—I hadn't seen her at school since the tribunal.
Of course, I had no intention of letting it slide like everyone else.
I definitely planned revenge.
So I had no choice but to keep agonizing.
Without hard evidence, pushing the Branzel heiress was tough.
Maybe use Dania's fetish after all?
If I make Dania mine, a path to revenge on Selena opens naturally.
But it's been ages since we've been alone, so I don't know if she's still into my body.
What should I...
"Whoa, that startled me!"
A blaring car horn hit my ears, and I jumped back hastily.
Lost in thought, I'd kept walking without stopping and nearly crossed against the red.
"Hey, watch it!"
"Sorry."
Dusk was settling in.
I was heading to Michelle's place.
We'd agreed to have dinner there.
Michelle fully bought the vendor's process error excuse and was happier than anyone.
No need to find evidence and prove her innocence myself—good for me too.
Ah, light changed.
I crossed and kept walking.
Then, far ahead, a familiar figure appeared.
Neatly tied black hair, men's suit.
Dania.
Wait, isn't this a golden opportunity?
Perfect chance to see if she still reacts to my scent.
No one around her.
I hurried over, calling out.
"Dania!"
"Ian Drakhin?"
I hugged her tight face-on, warmer than usual on purpose.
"Wait, what are you doing!"
"It's been forever!"
"Eek!"
She made a surprisingly cute noise and froze in my arms, unable to budge.
"Wh-what the hell? Let go!"
"I'm just so happy to talk alone after so long!"
I deliberately rubbed against her.
She could shake me off with one punch if she wanted, but she just stiffened awkwardly.
"G-get off quick! Your scent... ngh!"
Held at attention, she couldn't move, just whipped her head away.
"This is blatant rudeness! We're not that close, are we? Get off!"
"Oh, sorry. Has it been that long? I forgot our distance."
My cheeky grin left her unable to press further.
"Be careful next time. If the Young Lady saw, it'd be trouble."
"Got it. Where you headed?"
"...The Young Lady seemed down, so I was buying snacks to cheer her up."
Probably down because I got out.
"Tough job."
"If no business, I'll go. Behave next time."
"Yeah. See ya!"
Watching her back as she left, a smile crept up unbidden.
That confirmed it.
She still can't resist my scent.
The path to revenge, blocked by lack of evidence, was open.
Dania's loyalty to Selena is fierce enough for murder.
Right now, it's a sturdy wall protecting her lady, but the moment she's mine, it'll be my ultimate weapon.
My steps to Michelle's lightened.
One corner of my mind had weighed heavy without evidence, but now I could enjoy the weekend carefree.
I'd arrived at Michelle's before I knew it.
Revenge starts next week— for now, fun time.
Since release, I'd seen Michelle at school or texted, but too busy hunting evidence for alone time.
That's why the whole weekend for her.
Punching the door lock code, I heard frantic thumps from beyond already.
Door opened to Michelle in an apron, ladle in hand.
"I-Ian. You're here...?"
Avoiding my eyes, she fidgeted, swaying side to side, unable to stay still.
What's up?
"Smells amazing. You cooked?"
"Y-yeah... C-come in and sit? It's almost done."
No clue why she's so antsy.
Sat on the living room sofa waiting, and soon Michelle bustled out with dishes.
But they kept coming.
Homemade fried chicken like from a shop.
Whoa, steak too?
What's that? Risotto? Loaded with seafood.
Plus unfamiliar but mouthwatering dishes galore.
Amazed as plates piled up, the table filled completely.
How much effort did this take?
"You made all this yourself?"
"Yeah..."
Spooned some soup—flavor exploded on my tongue.
Every bite drew gasps of delight.
"D-does it taste good? Whew, good."
She offered sauced roast in front of me.
"This too."
Barely chewed, another shoved in.
"Ah! Done. One sec."
Up she went, fetching more.
Her devoted feast service continued.
"Wow, delicious!"
"Really? Phew, glad."
Relieved sigh, beaming Michelle.
Her fidgeting must've been worry over taste.
To make her happier, I shoveled food eagerly.
But new dishes kept coming before old ones emptied.
"Michelle, thanks for all this, but can we eat it all?"
"It's fine. Eat what you can, don't mind me. Your mood matters most. Wait, more coming!"
Grateful but awkward.
She's happy, don't want to disappoint, so I kept eating.
Then, mid-bite—
"Kyaa!"
Michelle's short scream.
Agonizing pain surged in my left hand.
"Aaaah!"
"Oh no, Ian! You okay? What do we do!"
Tripped, she scrambled up and rushed over.
Spilled soup puddled the floor.
"Urgh!"
Unthinkingly grabbed scalded left hand with right, yanked away instantly.
Felt like flesh ripping on touch.
"Aah! Uuugh!"
"Ian, hold on!"
She brought both hands near my left, closed eyes, focused.
No time to wonder amid screams, green round light bloomed from her hands.
Hand's fire-hot pain gradually warmed soothingly, vanishing soon.
Red-swollen skin normalized; felt fine.
"Ian, you okay!?"
"Hoo... Michelle..."
"Sorry, Ian! Waaah!"
She burst into tears, hugging me.
Dazed, I hugged back—left hand perfectly fine.
So this is healing magic.
First time receiving; fascinating.
Michelle clung, sobbing apologies.
Finally calmed her, cleaned spill—dinner ended.
After dinner, brushed teeth, sat on sofa with Michelle.
She kept stealing glances, gauging me.
"I'm fine, Michelle. It was an accident."
"Still... I got too carried away... Sorry."
"Hey, I said it's okay."
"But..."
I meant it.
Not intentional; couldn't be mad.
She just wanted to please me.
Painful near blackout briefly, but she fixed it perfectly—no issue.
"Healing like this must be tough, right? It's completely healed."
Topic shift, but she stayed downcast.
"Yeah... I'm a teacher, after all."
"As expected of Michelle."
"...Ian. Sorry."
Back to square one.
Seemed her guilt wouldn't lift; hands clasped demurely, eyeing me.
Makes sense for her always-kind self.
But why?
I'm fine, yet her dejection made me want to tease.
"Honestly, I thought I was gonna die."
Faked anger; her downcast eyes snapped up startled.
"Sorry... My fault. Got too excited. Really sorry..."
"I get you're sorry, but words alone aren't cutting it..."
"..."
Lips pursed, her eyes welled up.
Too far?
Need to give an out.
"Maybe if you showed apology some other way... not sure?"
She'd been holding back babyish sobs; shot up at my words.
"W-wait!"
Dashed to her room.
Baffled, waited idly; door opened, Michelle emerged.
My eyes widened like when scalded.
"Michelle...?"
Outfit unbelievable for a schoolteacher.
Pink fishnet covering whole body.
Nothing else—breasts, privates fully exposed.
Wide mesh let huge breasts, thighs press visibly against net.
Areolae round-cut out; crotch too.
Vulgar, explicit design stiffened me below.
And that headband?
Pig ears?
"What is that?"
Michelle, embarrassed despite wearing it, twisted shyly.
"A-ah, sow pig..."
Yup, pig-ear headband.
"Online mall review said boyfriend loved it..."
Her ears—real ones—turned beet red.
Stumbled on it browsing, bought it.
"I-I'm Ian's exclusive sow... I'll do whatever Ian says."
Awkward delivery? Probably from reviews too.
Sharp in tribunal; now adorably clumsy.
"You really mean whatever I say?"
"Yeah... If it gets Ian's forgiveness, anything."
Voice dead serious, though.
Too naive, honestly.
Still hasn't clocked my teasing, going this far.
Well, might as well enjoy.
Racking brain for orders, idea hit.
"Michelle, got a video camera at home? Think I saw one before."
"Huh? Y-yeah."
Her innocent reply, clueless, nearly made me laugh.
Time for that fantasy.
"Let's shoot an AV."