Stop Hypnotizing Me, Antagonist Princess!

In this world, there is no one whose exterior matches their interior perfectly.

No matter how honest one's heart, a mask is always worn upon one's face.

The only difference is in the thickness of these masks—some are thin, while others are prohibitively thick.

Thick to the point that the behavior they exhibit to the outside world is starkly different from the true shape hidden beneath the mask.

Yet, even so, when the night deepens and solitude ensues, they choose to briefly remove their masks, relaxing their weary souls in unseen corners.

For Ivyst, it was the same.

But unlike ordinary people, she had two masks.

One was worn on her face, concealing the Curse Mark that repelled and disgusted all life.

The other was worn on her heart.

Due to the strange looks she had encountered since childhood, Ivyst started long ago to present herself to others not as she truly was, but with a different appearance and personality.

To win the King's election, she donned the mask known as "Third Imperial Princess."

To maintain this persona, she twisted her own soul, forcing herself to become ruthless and unyielding.

She displayed the most cruel and bloodthirsty side to her enemies and her most majestic and stern side to her subordinates, utterly extinguishing her weakest aspects.

In time, even Ivyst herself grew accustomed to this persona.

Or rather, she ultimately became the very image she aspired to be.

But what Ivyst truly thought in her heart, whether she ever felt tired, was unknown to everyone.

Except for Lynn.

It was only when faced with a hypnotized Lynn that Ivyst would completely let down her guard, treating him as a robot that simply answered her questions, rather than a thinking human being.

That's why she had just taken such an outrageous action.

Of course, part of her truly wanted to fulfill Lynn's wishes.

After all, she had said so herself.

Following through was a quality of an excellent leader.

Without all these conditions in place, Ivyst would never have revealed a vulnerability like the one she had just shown.

At that moment, her complexion was flushed, as if she had drunk a glass of strong liquor, a bit tipsy.

She lacked some of her usual sharpness and indifference, with added allure befitting a mature woman.

Seeing Lynn's dumbfounded face as he held her freshly removed stockings, Ivyst let out a light chuckle.

"Like an idiot."

She put on her boots barefoot and then leaned back against the edge of the desk.

Sensing his gaze, Lynn felt a strange emotion flicker in his heart.

Thanks to this woman, he had indeed seen some wonderful things and learned that Princess seemed to have an affinity for purple, even obtaining a Holy Relic Underwear.

These were unexpected delights.

Lynn sighed, feeling the warmth in his palm, Lynn sighed.

Somewhat embarrassingly, he felt almost as if he was touching her thigh.

It was inconceivable.

Thankfully, he wasn't some fetishist.

Even a slightly deranged one could probably sustain on that for three years.

Seeing his silence, Ivyst casually asked, "Well, do you like it?"

At her words, Lynn's consciousness jolted.

It was a casual question, but to him, it was a deadly one.

Like it?

Having already declared himself free from fetishistic perversions, how could he possibly take pride in this situation?

So he couldn't say he liked it.

Because she was now wearing a ring that could detect lies, capable of discerning if he lied.

But to answer that he didn't like it would also risk exposure.

If not, then why had he previously requested the Holy Relic Underwear from her?

Was Lynn to tell her that it was to obtain the Holy Relic to connect with the future Doomsday Witch Ivyst?

It was indefensible.

For a moment, Lynn felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

But he couldn't continue to be silent, as that too would raise her suspicions.

Out of options, Lynn once again relied on the power of the Lie Swallowing, hoping the great Prisoner of Destiny would help him one more time.

"Like... it."

As he watched the unflustered response of the ring, Ivyst humphed softly, "You really are a little pervert."

Did it work?

That must have been the efficacious Lie Swallowing at play, not a true confession.

It had to be.

Just as he had said earlier, he had no such fetish.

Lynn thought, feigning calm composure.

Just then, the Eye of the Soul on Ivyst's palm flickered a few times.

Clearly, the hypnosis session was swiftly coming to an end.

Seeing this, Ivyst let out a small sigh.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, recollecting the muscles in her relaxed face as she gradually returned to her usual cool and haughty demeanor.

As if she had once again donned the mask of the "Third Imperial Princess."

Ivyst displayed the mark on the palm of her hand in front of Lynn.

As usual, it was now time to begin the aftermath work, "After the hypnosis is lifted, you will forget everything that just happened..."

But she stopped mid-sentence as Ivyst suddenly froze.

There was something she nearly forgot.

Once the hypnosis was lifted, what would this guy think when he found the stockings in his hand?

Although he wouldn't remember what had just occurred, surely one could figure it out with just a little imagination, right?

So Ivyst decided to take a different approach.

After all, he was currently under hypnosis, which meant any psychological suggestion could be implanted.

As for how his logic would reconcile the situation, that was not her concern, was it?

Fortunately, this loophole didn't stump her.

Ivyst quickly came up with a countermeasure.

"After you leave this room, you will forget everything that just happened," her face suddenly twisted into a mischievous smile, "You will only remember that you are a perverted thief who secretly coveted the Princess, took the opportunity to steal her stockings, and planned to satisfy your unsightly desires in the dead of night."

Heh heh.

As long as you're happy.

Lynn was too exhausted to retort.

Who knew this woman would not be satisfied with just letting him off the hook?n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Repeat what I just said."

Ivyst crossed her arms, accentuating the full outline of her bosom.

Hearing her bizarre request, Lynn felt like cursing.

"I..."

Just as he started to speak, he was interrupted by a gesture from Ivyst.

She waved her left hand lightly, and from nowhere, produced an Imaging Magic Stone and started to take pictures of Lynn.

"Go on."

She said with interest, apparently wanting to capture the moment.

Hey hey, you're going too far, bad woman!

Lynn's lip twitched.

But alas, under another's roof, one must bow one's head.

He had no choice but to comply for the moment.

"I am actually a perverted thief who secretly coveted the Princess, took the opportunity to steal her stockings, and planned to satisfy my own unsightly desires in the dead of night..."

"Very good."

Joy filled Ivyst's voice.

...

Even as he left the study, Lynn clenched the item in his pocket tightly—the black stockings.

The warmth that Ivyst's body had left on them had already dissipated.

Yet still, there lingered an odd sensation in Lynn's heart.

Indescribable and elusive.

His mind subconsciously recalled the sight of Ivyst removing her stockings earlier in front of him.

Her movements gentle and seductive, every gesture imbued with feminine allure.

Damn woman, if one were to ignore her horrid temperament and sharp tongue, she would be... wait, why ignore those traits?

She was definitely the worst kind of person.

Lynn silently thought to himself.

"What are you smiling about?"

Around the corner of the hallway, Glaya unexpectedly appeared, looking at Lynn with curiosity.

He had finished dealing with the aftermath of the Creationist School's followers and could finally rest.

Lynn startled, "Ah?"

"I said, what are you smiling about? You look quite radiant."

Glaya looked at him intrigued, sensing something off about the guy.

At his words, Lynn was incredulous, "You say I'm smiling?"

"Yes."

"Smiling radiantly?"

"Indeed."

Hearing his response, Lynn fell silent.

He had once heard a saying in his past life.

If you can't control your desire, it controls you.

The old Lynn had disdained such ideas, thinking women were just so-so.

Those controlled by their desires were either weaklings or cowards.

Yet here he was, almost turning into the very type of person he used to despise after just one body-swap.

Becoming someone controlled by their lesser head.

I should truly be damned.

He gave himself a slap—Lynn initially wanted to reprimand his lesser head with a slap, but ultimately didn't have the heart to, so he turned the slap to his own face instead.

"Slap!"

"Hey, hey, Teacher Lynn, don't be like that, it's not necessary, not necessary at all..."