Taming the redheaded beast

We arrive in front of the manor, its appearance just as striking as I remembered from the anime. The estate loomed ahead, its towering presence familiar.

"Sylphie," I said, turning to her with a serious expression. "When you meet this big, grumpy guy with gray hair and an evil-looking mustache, do the noble greeting I taught you. It's important."

Sylphie tilted her head, her green hair catching the sunlight. "Okay, Rudy. I'll do my best."

I then shifted my focus to Ghislaine, the tall, dark-skinned woman who had escorted us here. "So, where's this student of mine?"

Her golden eyes glanced down at me, calm and unwavering. "Before that, you'll need to meet my boss her father."

With that, we stepped inside. The interior of the manor was as grand as its exterior polished floors, intricate tapestries, and Middle Ages fine paintings. It wasn't long before we were greeted by a familiar figure a handsome man whose face I recognized instantly from the anime. This was Philip Boreas Greyrat, Eris's father.

I stepped forward and performed a polished noble's greeting, bowing gracefully. Sylphie hesitated for a moment, clearly confused, but mimicked my actions.

Philip raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. His lips curled into a smile, his eyes holding a mixture of respect and curiosity. "Well, this is a surprise. Are you sure you're Paul's son?" he joked, his tone light.

"Yes," I replied smoothly. "But I take after my mother more. She's the one who taught me how to properly greet nobles."

Philip's gaze grew thoughtful, and he nodded as if that explained everything. "Ah, I see. That does make sense. Well, I'm Philip Boreas Greyrat, your employer. You'll be tutoring my daughter, Eris."

"Nice to meet you, Philip Boreas Greyrat," I said, keeping my tone polite and professional.

Philip chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "We're family just call me Philip."

At that, Sylphie and I straightened from our bows. Philip's eyes landed on Sylphie, and for a moment, they widened slightly as he took in her pointed ears. "Oh? You brought your elf girlfriend with you? I thought Paul wanted to keep you two separated."

Before I could respond, Ghislaine stepped forward. Her authoritative presence seemed to command the room. "He tricked Paul and hid her on the roof. Personally, I think we should let her stay. If she's here, she might make it easier for Eris to warm up to him. Besides, having an assistant wouldn't hurt."

Philip stroked his chin thoughtfully before a grin spread across his face. "Well, if you say so, Ghislaine, I'll allow it. Though, I can't help but wonder how long it'll be before Paul comes storming over here to get her back." He let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused by the prospect.

Sylphie glanced at me nervously, but I gave her a reassuring nod. Things were going smoother than expected for now.

"Well, let's not waste any more time. I'll show you to my daughter's room," Philip said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Just a warning she's a little willful."

Willful? That was the understatement of a lifetime. Remembering Eris's antics from the start, I braced myself for what was to come.

As we made our way to her room, the tension in the air became palpable. The closer we got, the more I could feel the malice radiating from the other side of the door. Standing in front of it, Philip gave me a pointed look, his lips quirking into an amused smile. "Good luck," he said, clearly relishing whatever chaos was about to unfold.

He knew exactly what I was walking into and probably found it hilarious. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door.

The first thing I saw was a head of striking crimson hair. Eris turned around at the sound, her fiery eyes narrowing as she took in my presence.

Straightening my posture, I performed the noble's greeting I'd practiced countless times. "Hello, Miss Eris. I will be your new tutor. I'll be gl—"

Before I could finish, a fist came flying toward me. Instinctively, I caught it, gripping her wrist firmly before twisting her arm behind her back to restrain her.

"WHAT? LET GO OF ME THIS INSTANT!" she shrieked, her voice echoing in the room like an enraged animal. I released her and took a step back, but the moment I did, she lashed out with a kick.

I ducked, sidestepping her next attack. Blow after blow, she kept coming, but I dodged each one with ease. It didn't take long for her to tire herself out, her movements growing sluggish.

"Alright," I said calmly, dusting myself off as she panted in frustration. "Miss Eris, I'll be your new tutor."

Her face turned beet red, a mix of rage and humiliation. "I WON'T LET SOMEONE YOUNGER THAN ME TEACH ME!" she screamed, stomping her foot like the spoiled brat she was.

I sighed, shaking my head. "I didn't want to do this, but you leave me no choice. Sylphie, come in here."

At my call, Sylphie stepped into the room, her green hair and timid presence drawing everyone's attention. Eris's defiance faltered instantly. Her eyes widened, and she took a shaky step back, her earlier confidence completely drained.

"M…MONSTER!" Eris screeched, darting behind the maid who had been helping her get dressed.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Not so tough anymore, huh? Relax she's not a Superd. She's actually a mix of a few things. She's part elf, part human, and part beast person."

Eris peeked out from behind her hiding spot, her fear giving way to curiosity. Her trembling legs steadied, and her ears twitched at the mention of Sylphie being part beast.

"She is?" Eris asked, her tone softer now, almost eager.

I smirked and looked at Sylphie, who was already turning red. "Sylphie, flap your ears."

Sylphie hesitated, clearly embarrassed, but after a moment, she complied. Her ears twitched and flapped ever so slightly, a sight that immediately sent Eris bolting forward. She wrapped her arms around Sylphie in a tight hug, practically squeezing the life out of her. Sylphie grimaced, visibly uncomfortable.

"No, no, no," I said, stepping in. "You can't keep her. Since you don't want me as your tutor, we'll leave. And that means you won't get to see the elf-beast person again."

Eris froze, her grip loosening as my words sunk in. Her expression twisted in visible distress, like a child being told their favorite toy was being taken away. She looked at me, then at Sylphie, her lips trembling as she fought an internal battle.

Finally, just as we were about to leave, she blurted out, "Fine! You can stay. You have my special permission to be my tutor! And… call me Eris."

I hid my grin, keeping my tone calm and professional. "Very well, Eris. Call me Rudeus. And this here is Sylphie."

Eris nodded, her gaze lingering on Sylphie like she'd found the most fascinating thing in the world. My plan had worked like a charm. I knew she wouldn't be able to resist the chance to have someone as rare as Sylphie around every day.

And just like that, I had my way in.

A/N: 10 power stones I'll drop two chapters on the same day.