Professor Lassen withdrew all her inquiries. For the sake of Professor Hewitts and Louises honor, a notice hung on the bulletin board for a week clearing up a misunderstanding. Although the two professors argued for days, it turned out it was what Professor Hewitt had planned.

Louise stepped outside of the counseling office with Professor Hewitt. She let out a deep sigh, the tension releasing from her body.

Has there been bullying?

Professor Hewitt asked her a curt question, and Louise shook her head in spite of herself. She didnt know why she did. Maybe it was a form of trauma. She wanted to hide it.

You should get treatment.

Louise bowed her head at the professors reply. Apparently, her lies were obvious.

Thank you for your help.

As I have said many times, it was for my honor.

I still cant thank you enough.

If you wanted to cheat on a test, you shouldnt have used such a foolhardy method in the first place.

But I didnt!

Louise looked up with a hurt expression, but the professor replied steadily.I know.

His voice was impassive. Just like he was calling the sky the sky. It was a natural answer.

Im glad.She was happy with the way he spoke.

Louise Sweeney.

Louise looked at the professors face with a much more relieved expression. Perhaps he would say something strict. He would have a firm voice and a firm face, but at least it would contain some friendly encouragement. Professor Hewitt had solved Louises predicament more closely than anyone else

My course wasnt very good.

Im sorry. I must be mistaken for a moment. Why was he like this?

Do you know about the schedule after the exam?

Louise nodded.Yes, we submit a report on the questions we missed, right?

This was another one of the Academys outdated traditions, a report on what exam questions they got wrong. At the end of the exams, they had to research and solve all the incorrect answersfor every subject. Only those who finished were permitted to enjoy their vacation.

I will be waiting for your submission.

Yes.

And.

The professor shifted his gaze over his shoulder to Louise.

You should have a medical checkup. Thoroughly.I understand.

Suddenly there came the voices of two people approaching. Louise didnt seem to be particularly popular these days, and she looked up in surprise.

It was Ian and Simon. Maybe they had been waiting for her since Louise went into the counseling office. The professor, who finished the conversation, disappeared down the hall, while the two young men approached her. She was aware of her worn out face so she clapped her hands and smiled.

It worked out all right.

Both of their hands patted Louise on the head at the same time. It probably meant good work. She understood them without words.

What are you two doing here?

I was waiting for you first, and Ian is waiting for a couple other people.

A couple?

Ian shook his head and muttered incredulously.

Some important members in the student council are also in the counseling offices.

Important members?

It was plural, not singular. What was going on?

How could I not know that Claire Iris was such a passionate student? I even shared strawberries with her.

What happened to Claire?

Well, what happened was

Ian told her about Claires achievements. She became so furious at some students bad-mouthing Louise that she ended up throwing a desk.

Claire threw a desk?

Louise exclaimed, and Ian nodded.

Astonishingly.

And according to the following explanation, Dean, who had stopped Claire, threw a few fists as well.

Dean?

Yes, Dean Crissis.

Dean Crissis, the embodiment of laziness and annoyance, was in a fight!

So now the both of them were dragged here together. I hope they wont be punished too harshly.

As soon as Ian finished speaking, the door of the counseling office opened. When Claire saw Louise standing in the hallway, she ran towards Louise and hugged her. Meanwhile, Dean Crissis did not have such a friendly reaction.

Youre a real devil, Louise Sweeney!

His words were harsh, but she strangely wasnt upset. It seemed that Louise lit a fire of passion under him.

The trio at the counseling office immediately went to the doctors office. The healer, who had been in his position for quite a long time now, was in a temper.

What the hell happened to this years student council? Are all your heads turned wrong?

The healer treated all three of them with a constant stream of complaints. When he finished, he said,

This summer will be especially hot, so please dont bother me.

What else could they do? The caretaker said the wizards weather forecast would be exactly that. Louise couldnt stand the heat and would probably melt.

By the way, Claire, Dean.

On their way out, Louise looked back at the two.

You arent going to be punished, are you?

She looked worried, but Claire shook her head.

Its nothing. Were okay.

Dean twisted his lips and piped up in anger.

Nothing! Were in charge of washing all the dishes at the student cafeteria tonight.

Thats

Louise gave a sympathetic frown. Washing dishes was a terrible punishment in this world because there were no rubber gloves or high quality detergent to protect their hands. There was likely to be a mountain of dishes too, dirty with grease and food scraps.

Ill join you, then.

Louise stepped forward, but Claire raised her hands and said they were fine. However, Dean nodded, so Louise joined in on their punishment. Ian also agreed to join them as the head of student council to support Claire and Dean. Then Simon said, If youre going, then Ill go, and that was that.

After dinner, the five of them started on the dishes in the kitchen behind the student cafeteria. Claire was an aristocratic lady but quickly got the hang of it, while Dean broke three bowls, but he looked unconcerned. Simons deft hands were skilled at the task.

I didnt know you were good at this.

Louise stood next to Ian and looked up at him, who was meticulously wiping the water off a bowl. He must be experienced, considering how carefully he was turning the dish in the white cloth.

I am a son of the royal family.

Of the Kingdom of Washing?

It means I know everything about basic survival.

I didnt know that washing dishes was a necessary skill for survival.

Thats why Professor Herto insisted on hygiene. I thought you had that kind of common sense.

He smiled smugly as if to say, I know how to boil a used dishcloth in hot water.

Yes, I am very proud of you.

He chuckled despite her false praise.

Right?

And he suddenly leaned down.

Before his lips could reach hers, Louise stopped him with a soapy hand.

Fast reflexes.

He grumbled, then turned back to washing the dishes as if nothing had happened. Louise glanced around with a wary expression. Fortunately the rest of them were busy with their task and didnt seem to notice what had just happened.

The emergency is over!

So it is.

Well, dont sound all sad about it.

So youre not going to accept it.

No!

No.

Louise sighed for a moment and set down her plate. Why, why was she being so stupid? She couldnt fool with him then abandon him overnight. Somehow Louise felt like she had turned into a villainess. A terrible villainess who played with peoples hearts. No, Louise was not like that

She had a problem. Frankly speaking, she didnt hate Ian. No, actually, she was quite fond of him.

Maybe she had closed her eyes without realizing it that night. Louise nodded her head determinedly. She pulled up her courage from the soles of her feet and said the words she had to say.

It was a one-time thing? Okay?

Hmm?

So, ah, its okay to just do it once, so

Alright. Once a year.

Once awhat? What?

He took out a new dishcloth and had a fresh smile on his face.

I didnt say anything.

What! Say it! Say it now!

No.

Louise complained at Ian, but he was only absorbed in washing the dishes with a gentle smile. From the way his mouth crooked upwards he must be enjoying the situation.

Ugh, that man is the real devil!