I Became A Slave To The Mastermind

The director's office in Regis Academy.

Darcan gazed sternly at the student before him.

"Why did you do it?"

At his words, the gray-haired female student responded nonchalantly.

"I'm sorry. I accidentally triggered it while trying to take a bath."

Darcan couldn't reply to Lily's brazen explanation.

'…Something like that wouldn't explode just from being accidentally triggered, would it?'

He had taken meticulous care to ensure the students' safety. All magical tools with potential risks were designed to be foolproof, ensuring no accidental mishaps.

Such tools wouldn't just explode from being touched. And the hero who caused the explosion surely knew that as well.

"I'm sorry, Director. I'll accept any punishment."

Punish the hero?

Hearing her calmly offer to accept punishment made Darcan's head throb. Eventually, he sighed and spoke to Lily.

"Enough. I'm sure you had your reasons for doing so."

Darcan thought to himself.

'Yes, she's someone chosen by the Goddess. I shouldn't doubt her.'

At the very least, she must be a good person. It felt more comforting to assume she had no ill intentions.

In the end, Darcan decided to let Lily go without any punishment. But instead of leaving, Lily remained standing and gazing at him.

"Hm? Do you have something to say?"

"Director, you know a student named Sera, don't you?"

"Uh… yes?"

"I heard she was admitted on your recommendation."

Lily's gaze as she spoke was like that of a predator eyeing its prey—calm and cold, yet paradoxically, fiercely burning.

Darcan, feeling the inexplicable pressure from her, swallowed dryly. Recalling Hera's plea to keep her identity hidden, he tried to sound as composed as possible.

"Y-Yes, that's right. I happened to find her by chance and thought she had potential, so I brought her here."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. But why are you asking about her?"

Hearing his words, Lily took a large step closer to him.

"I was wondering if you might know something. For example…"

As if testing his reaction, Lily stared straight into Darcan's eyes and asked,

"Could she be hiding her true identity?"

Her sharp words, sharper than a well-honed blade, made Darcan's heart sink.

Darcan thought to himself.

'…Could it be that they know?'

No, that can't be.

Hera clearly told me I was the only one who knew.

If they were certain, they wouldn't be asking me like this right now.

This must be a way to test me.

I don't know why the hero is curious about Hera, but…

I had no intention of breaking my promise to protect her identity.

"If you know something, please tell me right away."

With fiery eyes, Lily pressured Darcan.

However, Darcan maintained a calm expression as he responded to her.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

At that, Lily's blazing eyes instantly turned cold.

She stared at Darcan with a chilling gaze for a long time, as if deciding further questioning was meaningless. She lowered the sharp aura she had exuded and spoke.

"Thank you for letting me know."

"Alright. You should head back now."

With Darcan's permission, Lily left the chairman's office without saying another word.

The room, now peaceful again, echoed with a trembling old man's voice.

"So… scary…"

***

The day after the explosion incident in the bathhouse, where Ariel had pounded the ground in despair, I discreetly slipped out through the back door of the academy, avoiding everyone's gaze.

After walking forward for quite a while, the bustling city came into view.

The weekend had approached quickly.

The reason I sneaked out of the academy was to keep my promise to Iris.

Once I entered a secluded alley where no one was around, I cautiously removed my disguise.

As I did so, an unusual sensation spread throughout my body, and my jet-black hair swirled around me like ebony.

"Phew… It feels like it's been a while since I've looked like this."

Returning to my true form, I felt as if my body had become much lighter.

I wrapped my robe tighter around me to hide my appearance once more.

'I think we promised to meet in front of the clock tower, right?'

Lifting my head slightly, I spotted a large, clearly visible tower.

I started walking toward it.

When I arrived in front of the clock tower, I found Iris surprisingly easily.

'…She's beautiful.'

Unlike her usual school uniform, she was wearing a black skirt that reached her knees and a fluttery white blouse.

Her snow-white hair combined with her outfit created a fresh and elegant atmosphere.

I thought I'd come 20 minutes early, but it seemed like Iris had arrived even earlier and was waiting for me.

I approached her from behind and tapped her on the shoulder.

Iris turned around and looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Hera!! I missed you!!"

Blushing slightly, she smiled brightly and leapt into my arms.

When I hugged her, Iris giggled and rubbed her face against me playfully.

"Have you been well, Iris?"

Actually, I already knew how she had been doing since I had been watching her closely all along, but I felt it was polite to ask.

"Yes!! Honestly, it was a little hard waiting for the weekend… but seeing you, Hera, makes it all go away!"

Her shy, smiling face made my heart race a little.

After all, I once had the body of a man.

Having a girl as beautiful as Iris like me this much tickled my heart.

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Hehe… Um… Shall we go eat first? I found a place! It's a famous spot, and I'm sure you'll love it, Hera!"

Seeing Iris's passionate enthusiasm, I instinctively patted her head without realizing it.

"Ah…"

Iris froze momentarily and stared at me blankly, letting out a deflated sound.

'Darn… It's a habit I picked up from Mari.'

It was rude.

I had heard somewhere that women don't like their heads being patted.

It was just a habit I had developed because Mari liked it, and I had done it to Iris without thinking.

Worried she might dislike it, I quickly withdrew my hand.

However, Iris grabbed it tightly, as if she didn't want me to pull away.

"Could… could you do that more…?"

.

.

Inside the bustling, lively restaurant, Iris glanced at me nervously.

"Does it suit your taste, Hera?"

I smiled gently at her and replied,

"Yes, it's really delicious here."

Iris, who had been tense for a while, finally relaxed and picked up her utensils after hearing my response.

As we continued our meal, chatting about this and that, I eventually called out to her.

"Iris."

Taking a deep breath, I spoke her name.

"Yes?"

She responded with a bright smile.

Feeling a little guilty toward her, I knew I still had to say what needed to be said.

"As I mentioned before, I can't accept your feelings."

"Ah…"

Iris's eyes quivered briefly before her expression drooped.

"It's not because I dislike you, Iris. On the contrary, you're far too good for me."

"N-no..! Too good? Not at all!"

"It's me. I'm the problem. I don't have the capacity to accept someone right now."

The scars Athena left behind in my heart… Even though I had somewhat forgiven her now, the wounds from back then hadn't healed.

The pain from that time lingered as aftereffects, always staying by my side.

Whenever someone touched my body, I couldn't stop trembling. Even when meeting new people, I couldn't properly meet their gaze.

Sure, if I steeled myself, I could manage. But that was only by forcefully suppressing the aversion that welled up from within. Deep down, I was still afraid of people.

I didn't have the capacity to accept anyone else's feelings.

My heart, which had been completely given to Athena, had burned away without leaving even a trace.

I felt so sorry for Iris.

But I couldn't accept the feelings she held for me.

"It might sound selfish, but… still, I want to help Iris."

I realized it when Iris harmed herself last time.

How much Iris had been yearning for love.

And how much she had been suppressing those feelings all along.

"Until Iris can find her true match, I want to ease her worries."

Although the Iris in the novel never ended up with anyone, I believe that she'll find her match someday.

Because she's such a lovely girl. Surely, someone will overcome the barrier of being the same gender and accept her heart.

Of course, I also plan to help her find her match.

After all, I do know quite a few women… Someone out there might resonate with Iris's heart.

In any case, I don't intend to just stand by and watch her live bitterly and in solitude.

"…So, you're saying you'll continue to meet me every weekend?"

Her face still carried traces of sadness, but her eyes still shone beautifully.

"Yes, as long as that's what Iris wants."

"I… I want that."

Iris spoke shyly, her face flushed red.

I picked up a piece of meat from my plate and held it out to her.

"Then, I'll be counting on you, Iris."

Iris took the piece of meat I offered and popped it into her mouth.

A bright smile once again spread across her face.

"Yes! I'll be counting on you too, Hera."

***

Hera smiled at me.

At first, I was heartbroken when she said she couldn't accept my feelings.

But the fact that I could still meet her every weekend quickly made me feel better.

It means I still have a chance, right?

I won't give up.

No, I can't give up.

Just wait and see, Hera.

Even if you don't have feelings for me now.

I'll make sure you like me.

I'll work hard to make it happen.