“Just two little words, and I’ll make all your dreams come true~!”

The low, magnetic voice was incredibly close, coaxing with a gentle yet seductive undertone.

A tipsy goddess acting coquettish and whispering temptations into someone’s ear? Normal behavior, right?

Shia, however, scoffed.

'Just call her "mama"? Yeah, right!'

This wasn’t some trick you’d use on a child!

Besides, with just a small glass of wine, it might make sense for weaklings like Nia and Rong to get drunk. But this woman? No way.

It was clearly an act—she was playing a game to lower his guard.

Shia wasn’t buying it.

However, engaging in a tug-of-war over this wasn’t the wisest move either.

“principal, I don’t quite understand—why are you so fixated on me?”

With so many students at Seven Shields Academy, she could have her pick of anyone. Why him?

Diana leaned in, pressing her cheek to his, rubbing against him as if to mark him with her scent.

“Do you think I treat everyone like this? Of course not. You’re special—unique to me.”

A dark goddess’s special favor, reserved for him alone.

Her voice brimmed with delight, saturated with her affection for Shia.

“No, I’m not special at all.”

While Shia believed in his own potential, this wasn’t the time to emphasize it.

After a prolonged back-and-forth, Diana eventually let him go, reluctantly allowing him to leave.

'This little one is remarkably steadfast,' she thought.

But that only made it more fun.

---

Shia practically escaped from the terrifying principal’s office, letting out a long sigh of relief.

His next destination, thankfully, was much easier.

---

The rhythmic tapping of lace-patterned heels echoed as shapely legs, adorned in stockings with delicate floral designs, moved gracefully.

Through the open spaces in the lace, hints of fair skin peeked through, exuding a unique allure.

Suddenly, another set of footsteps joined hers.

“Hey!”

A voice accompanied by a tap on the shoulder startled Violet.

She instinctively turned her head and saw the boy standing behind her.

Seeing Shia again, Violet felt a strange, inexplicable emotion stir within her—a faint sense of joy.

But his sudden appearance…

Violet’s expression remained calm, betraying no surprise or emotion as she accepted his presence without a fuss.

Shia, too, didn’t expect a dramatic reaction from her. Smiling warmly, he handed over a small gift.

“Thanks for before. Here, this is something I brewed. I wanted to share it with you.”

Violet’s gaze drifted from Shia’s face to the transparent glass bottle sealed with a wooden cork.

The smooth, amber liquid shimmered enticingly, exuding quality and craftsmanship.

Still, Violet maintained her aloof demeanor. Tilting her chin slightly, she spoke with composed arrogance.

“Thank my subordinates, not me. As for this…”

Her sharp eyes slowly examined the bottle, her pause deliberate. Then her haughty expression deepened.

“Not everything is worthy of passing these lips. Don’t bother with such trifles.”

Her tone was regal, her posture proud, her chin raised a little higher.

Classic tsundere behavior.

Shia arched a brow, his gaze turning slightly dangerous.

'Being a tsundere is so out of fashion these days.'

In one swift motion, he stepped closer, cornering Violet against the wall. His expression became predatory.

“Do you feel uncomfortable if no one’s putting you in your place?”

Realizing the shift in atmosphere, Violet attempted to flee—but failed.

And so began yet another chapter in 'The Trials of the Princess.'

Shia, unrelenting, delivered his punishment with no mercy. Whatever composure he’d lost earlier with Diana, he reclaimed it all here.

The ever-defiant princess, who feigned disinterest but was clearly affected, made for an endlessly amusing sight.

---

The delicate lace stockings, pristine and intricate, were slowly torn under Shia’s hands.

Violet bit her lip in humiliation, anger simmering in her chest.

'This was my favorite pair!'

Yet now, she didn’t dare protest, fearful of saying the wrong thing and provoking even harsher retaliation.

Her legs instinctively curled inward, her gaze tinged with helplessness.

Adding to her anxiety, her eyes darted around nervously.

While this area was usually quiet, it wasn’t completely deserted—someone might walk by at any moment.

If anyone saw her in this state…

The mere thought made her bite her lip harder, her fingers clutching the hem of her skirt tightly as her heart pounded in panic.

But Shia’s lesson wasn’t over yet.

“You enjoy this, don’t you?”

Violet’s heart raced, her denial immediate.

“Of course not… Ah!”

Shia’s sharp gaze locked onto hers, a sly smile playing on his lips.

“You’re only happy when someone’s putting you in your place, aren’t you?”

Bluntly calling out her hidden tendencies.

Would Violet admit it? Absolutely not.

But this time, she had learned her lesson. Instead of arguing, she bit her lip and shook her head silently.

Her tousled hair, with a stray lock sticking to her flushed cheek, paired with her slightly reddened complexion, made her look strikingly delicate.

Shia’s gaze lingered on her face before he let out a mocking laugh.

That laugh—so full of provocation—was unbearable.

Violet wanted to glare at him, but her watery eyes lacked any real threat, only serving to fuel Shia’s sense of accomplishment.

Eventually, even the anger she tried to convey vanished.

Now, biting her lip and looking away, she resembled nothing more than a helpless and pitiful victim.

The moment a third party arrived, however, Violet’s demeanor shifted entirely.

When Aph appeared, Violet’s proud, noble posture instantly returned.

She subtly hid her torn stockinged leg behind her, her expression as cold and elegant as ever. Straightening her back, she called out, “Aph, let’s go.”

They had plans to attend to, though Aph had been delayed by a prior engagement, leading them to meet here.

Violet’s current composure made it seem as though nothing had happened moments ago.

But Aph had witnessed everything—from beginning to end.

Seeing Violet’s two-faced behavior, Aph was left speechless.

'Your arrogance in private and your timidity in public… it’s honestly embarrassing.'

On the bright side, it showed growth.

'She’s even learned how to maintain appearances.'

Aph sighed inwardly, admiring Shia’s efforts.

'He’s really dedicated to his teaching methods.'

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com