That eerie laughter and red text didn't wake Noah Metron's consciousness. On the contrary, it felt like dozens of red tentacles dragging him deeper into darkness.
By the time he opened his eyes again, he was in a completely different environment.
Gone was Herta's office, the silver floors and floating portraits replaced by a blue sky, bright sun, and landscaped buildings.
In the background, streetcars buzzed along high-speed rails and pedestrians walked among marble courtyards.
Just as he blinked in confusion, a stream of unfamiliar memories forcibly surged into his mind—without warning.
Along with them came a transparent light screen:
[Your name is Noah Metron. You were born into a prestigious scholarly family on Azure Planet.]
[Due to your background, you've been called a genius since childhood. Now, after graduating from your parents' alma mater, you've already earned a reputation of your own.]
[Today, you've received an invitation from another elite family of scholars. They want you to be the private tutor for their youngest daughter—Herta.]
[She's brilliant, but has scared off every previous tutor. They believe only someone as eccentric as her might be able to reach her.]
[This is a high-paying position with excellent benefits. Your choices are—]
[1. Accept calmly. 2. Decline the offer.]
Noah rubbed his temples.
"So it's a setup from the start, huh..."
He sighed and tapped option 1.
No way he was letting Aha throw another "punishment" mission his way.
The light shifted.
The scenery changed.
When it stopped, he was inside a grand private estate. Trees and sky above, polished walkways below. A swing swayed gently in the garden.
And sitting on that swing...
A small girl.
Black beret, gothic dress, white stockings, long brown hair.
She didn't run or play. She sat reading a thick book, legs crossed and back straight, like an emotionless doll.
Unlike other kids, she didn't even seem to acknowledge his presence.
But then—
She looked up.
Their eyes met.
Her expression didn't change. Her gaze was calm, her tone cold.
"I'm Herta. I suggest you search my name on your phone and leave. There's no need to waste our time."
Noah chuckled softly.
So even as a kid, she was sharp-tongued.
Typical Herta.
As he was about to respond, a system panel suddenly popped up:
[In front of you is an uncut gem. Your choices—]
[1. Take a photo to use as reference for building a fully poseable Herta doll later.]
[2. Premium models must be raised from a young age. Now's your chance.]
[3. Little girls shouldn't wear black stockings. Take them off.]
Noah stared in silence.
"…Of course."
He instinctively chose option 2.
He wasn't suicidal.
As soon as he tapped it, the choices melted into red-white clown masks and disappeared.
Then the screen updated again:
[Hidden Mission Triggered: Remove Herta's Black Stockings]
[Reward: Rare Trait (Purple) x1, Herta's Personal Clothing x1]
[Failure: Aha takes control of your body for 3 hours]
[Aha says: Kekekeke~ Let's see if your sweet little doll will listen to you now~]
Noah: "…"
He looked at Herta again.
She hadn't moved.
But she was watching him.
Fine.
Time to gamble.
He walked over.
Calm.
Confident.
"I don't think it's appropriate for little girls to wear mature stuff like black stockings," he said warmly.
Herta didn't react.
But then she raised her head slightly—
And saw where he was looking.
Her legs.
More specifically—her stockings.
"You."
He met her gaze.
"Take them off."
"...?"
Her pupils contracted.
She clearly hadn't expected those words from him.
Noah leaned forward slightly, voice firm:
"Was I not clear enough? Take them off. You agreed to listen to your tutor, didn't you?"
"…Tch."
Herta bit her lip.
Then—slowly, very slowly—she lifted one foot and pulled the black stocking down.
Peeling it off inch by inch.
When she finished, she stuffed it into his hand without looking at him.
"…Here."
It was still warm.
Noah gave a small smile.
"That's better. Little girls shouldn't dress like grown women."
He looked her up and down.
Visibly pleased.
And yes—she noticed his gaze.
But—
She didn't say anything.
Even felt a little pleased
Instead, she stood barefoot on the stone tiles.
Expression calm as ever.
Then turned away and walked back toward the house.
"I'll be waiting in the study. For the math lesson."
She disappeared behind the doors.
Noah stared at the stocking in his hand and sighed.
"…Aha, you chaotic bastard. Still messing with me from beyond."
The next screen popped up:
[Emergency Trigger: Herta's Used Stockings Acquired]
[Reward Confirmed: Rare Trait (Purple) x1, Personal Item (Herta) x1]
[Aha whispers: Heehee~ More fun ahead, Agent~ Let's see how obedient she really is…]
100 chapters all chilling in my kofi i wouldn't post it a lot here because am a chill guy