‘What should I threaten to break? His neck? That’s a bit extreme. Right, let’s go with a wrist.’

“Pull another stunt like this and I’ll break your wrist first.”

At my threat, Beryl’s face went deathly pale.

Hey, you think only you find it a waste? I feel like I’m about to cry tears of blood right now.

Now that I’d actually thrown it away, the regret only grew stronger. Damn it, my Quasi-Holy Relic Grade item. I wanted to experience the strength enhancement at least once.

I was just weighing whether to sneak out while everyone was asleep and grab it back when—

“You’re right, Beryl. That kind of dress doesn’t suit Chris.”

A young man was approaching from afar.

He wore the same priest’s vestments as Beryl, with an ordinary, mild-mannered face.

But the presence he exuded was on an entirely different level. Even a weakest-of-the-weak like me could sense this aura….

“Y-Y-Y-Your Holiness the Holy Emperor!”

As expected. Not just Beryl, but the other kids’ backs bent instinctively. I, of course, had to grit my teeth and stand ramrod straight, glaring per my character roleplay.

Damn it. What was that lazy bum who just sits in the safest place watching CCTV doing here all of a sudden?

“Come now, Beryl. I told you not to call me that when I’m dressed like this. Just ‘Robert’ is fine.”

The Holy Emperor waved his hand lightly, as if telling them not to be so tense. Then he strode directly toward me and offered his hand.

“This is the first time seeing you in person. A pleasure, Chris. I’m Robert. Just a priest belonging to this Holy Kingdom.”

In other words, this wasn’t an official visit in his capacity as Holy Emperor.

Well then, ‘Chris’ didn’t need to be overly deferential either. Courage, myself. Just bluff my way through.

“What do you want.”

“Haha, quite prickly, aren’t you? At least shake my hand. It’s nothing major, though you’ve probably heard—there’s something I need your help with this time.”

Already scheming to put me to work. Quite diligently planning to exploit my labor, I see. As I regarded him with a sullen expression, the Holy Emperor offered the box he was holding.

What. Why does this look like the box I just saw? No, right? No, seriously, right?

“Since this banquet is scheduled to feature the unveiling of a Holy Relic, twice as many outsiders will be attending. I’ve received a tip that there are suspicious elements among them, but priests would stand out too much. I’d like you to blend in as fellow outsiders and identify anyone behaving suspiciously.”

The lid of the box slowly opened, and I couldn’t contain my dismay.

“So could you please first put on attire befitting the mission? I didn’t play any tricks with these clothes this time.”

What did you put in the previous clothes, then? More importantly, if the Holy Emperor makes a request using a mission as a pretext, I can’t refuse! And here I went to the trouble of tearfully discarding my item, for nothing…!

[Take this opportunity to show your students a new look! There might even be developments in your relationships?]

Maybe it would be really nice if you’d just let me punch that thing once?

* * *

Everything depended on one’s mindset. If I just thought of it as a simple disguise to conceal my identity, there was nothing I couldn’t do.

“Haa….”

But awkward was awkward.

Of course, this dress was better than that pure white whatever from earlier. It was a normal dress with a balanced mix of black and red, so it was less overwhelming.

‘Though I have no idea why he included a black veil to cover the face.’

Who was he trying to make cosplay as a widow? I clicked my tongue at the Holy Emperor’s taste and looked at the system window before me.

[Disguise Dress

Effect: A dress that makes the wearer appear to be a noble lady from somewhere.

Wearing it temporarily increases Recognition by 5]

This was definitely just to mock me, that bastard.

Finally, I roughly gathered my disheveled hair and tied it up. Since ‘Chris’ normally wore her hair loose, covering most of her face, tying it up would actually serve better as a disguise.

Seeing as my Recognition was still scraping the bottom, I wasn’t that well-known a face anyway.

And slightly heavier makeup than usual.

Of course, it amounted to nothing more than erasing the dark circles and bringing some life to my bloodless lips.

‘There’s no need to perfectly conceal my identity anyway.’

A wallflower like me just needed to look inconspicuous enough. If something actually happened, the ones who’d shine were our overpowered kids.

‘I just hope they don’t spread rumors about this look back at school.’

Suppressing another sigh, I grabbed the door handle. In the lodging lobby, I could see the students who had already finished getting ready.

‘Oh, as expected of the main characters.’

It was a sight that drew involuntary admiration.

The Healer in her pale pink dress truly deserved the descriptor “flower fairy,” and the Lion, tugging at his shirt collar in discomfort, looked quite presentable too.

Above all, the Protagonist.

All cleaned up and polished, he had the air of a harem series’ male lead. I’d only ever thought of him as a delicate pretty boy, but seeing him like this, his shoulders were reasonably broad, and with a little more flesh on him, he could pass for a prince anywhere.

But now I had to squeeze in among these perfect pretty boys and pretty girls….

Still, surely they wouldn’t give me the cold shoulder and wound me openly. Courage.

“Ah! Professor, you’re he…re….”

The Healer’s face, which had been brightening to welcome me, slowly stiffened. The others were staring with their mouths hanging open. Damn, was it that shocking? Did it look that bad? Well, even I felt like this was a complete break in character…!

I furrowed my brow, fighting the urge to immediately change back into my usual comfortable clothes.

“I-I’m sorry! I stared too much. I know it’s rude, but….”

The Healer belatedly waved her hands, trying to do damage control. The Lion also nodded foolishly in support.

“Y-yeah, Teacher. So like, this is, you know, this.”

This guy couldn’t even string words together trying to force a compliment. A thumbs up? Seriously?

“Professor! …I-it suits you well.”

The Protagonist muttered with a face flushed crimson, as if feeling secondhand embarrassment.

I realized anew that my kids were truly kind. I had no idea how they’d survive in this harsh world ahead.

“Let’s go do our job.”

I deliberately strode ahead of them. I wanted to be the first to escape this excruciating atmosphere.

Well, judging by the kids’ reactions, I didn’t have to worry about anyone approaching me or asking me to dance at the banquet. That was my sole consolation.

* * *

Watching Chris’s retreating figure as she walked a short distance ahead, Bell whispered.

“Do you think the professor might actually be a noble lady from somewhere?”

“I thought someone else had come out at first! Who knew she looked like that?”

Ryan clicked his tongue.

“You’re right, senior. She was always cool, but how should I put it….”

Bell narrowed her eyes, searching for the right word. Then her gaze fell on Michael, who had been flustered ever since earlier.

Ah, I see.

“It’s a look that makes you want to ask her to dance. Wouldn’t you agree, Michael?”

“Cough, cough!”

At Bell’s teasing tone, Michael started coughing as if he’d choked on something. Even then, he desperately clamped both hands over his mouth, terrified Chris might hear.

“Huh? Y-you don’t say! You dare harbor such thoughts about your teacher? They say it’s always the quiet ones who make the first move, and here you are, just a little kid!”

Her voice carried. Bell’s punishment, aimed at Michael, also served to shut Ryan’s mouth. She could hear them grumbling something about respect for one’s senior, but paid it no mind.

“Sorry if I startled you, Michael. Want some water?”

“Keup, I’m fine. More importantly, keep this a secret from the professor….”

Michael added with a sheepish smile.

“We came here to work, after all. So I can’t do it this time.”

Everyone thought Michael was a dense fool, but Bell knew he was quite perceptive. Probably from being constantly scolded, he’d naturally learned to read others’ moods.

Accordingly, he knew Chris wouldn’t welcome such sentiments. At the same time, he must have quickly recognized his own feelings as well.

‘He’s not saying that’s not the case. And “this time”….’

Was he saying he’d do it next time? When did he get so bold? Bell smiled and nodded.

However, there was something Michael didn’t realize: sometimes it might be better to act like an eager boy.

Especially when there’s a rival involved.