By the time the regular class hours ended for the day, there still wasn't any 'explosive' announcement or news, much to Emilia's relief.
According to Koko, some students already knew of Emilia's new 'base' in the club building, and had inquired about it from the office. And the justification provided seemed to be that it was the new 'disciplinary committee office', which was what Emilia intended to use it as for now anyway, so that suited her just fine.
Currently, she was 'sorting out' the two students she had scheduled to 'judge' today for the riot, though she didn't expect them to come together. Her initial plan had been to confront them one by one, after all.
Emilia tapped the study table with her pen thoughtfully, wondering how great it would be to have a proper, large office table here instead.
But Sam had clearly intended to make this a cozy base for her, and not a half office half living quarter. 'Well, it's fine either way, I just need to work with this for a few days, and don't really need to make it look too official.'
After thinking about it for a while, she decided it was still better to just go with her previous plan and handle them all separately. It would have a 'better impact' on them this way. "Penny, you go play with Dixie while I talk to Adele, alright?"
The girl nodded frantically as she left the room with a salute, and Emilia could only smile wryly, wondering how she seemed to get weirder and weirder every time she appeared before her.
She shook her head and focused on the buck-toothed, dark haired girl in front of her. "Ahem, so… Miss Adele Abercrombie, you said you weren't involved in the fight in any way, right?"
The girl seemed to shrink in on herself under Emilia's gaze, feeling deeply self-conscious. "I-I only defended myself."
Emilia nodded as she wrote something down on a notepad. After questioning the girl a little more on what she had been doing before, she tore off the page and handed it to Adele, along with a bar of chocolate. "Well, since you weren't involved but got dragged into this matter by the others, let me know if you encounter any troubles because of it in the future, alright?"
The girl gaped at her, as if unable to believe her words. "Eh?"
Emilia remained calm as she gave her a gentle smile. "Like I said, if you have any issues, you can come here after class or just go to class S if I'm not here. Oh, and send Penny in when you go out."
The girl nodded dumbly as she walked away with the premium chocolate bar grasped tightly in her hand. Of course, since it had come from the fridge that had been stocked up on Samantha's orders, it only contained things that were 'fit for her little angel', perfect for winning over children of all ages.
Shortly after, Penny walked in bashfully, one ear red from apparently being 'schooled' by Dixie.
Emilia smiled internally, thinking that her loyal little knight understood her the best, after all.
Unlike before when Adele had still been there, Penny didn't stay across the table, but came to stand right in front of her till she was only two feet away. Since Emilia was on the chair, she had to slightly look up even with Penny's short height.
The girl gave her another salute, and Emilia almost rolled her eyes, wondering if she intended to make this a habit, or if changing her form of greeting was just a daily thing for her.
Emilia had thought long and hard about how to make Penny learn a lesson on keeping herself in line so as not to cause her trouble, but in the end, it all seemed like punishing her own loyal pets for the insolence of her opponents.
Anyway, since she felt good about their actions, no matter how absurd they were, wasn't it up to her to cover it up?
Of course, she couldn't endorse them too openly, or they might really reach for the sky next time!
Emilia pretended to look grim. "Penny, did you know that I've recently been on the news, and a lot of people are talking about me?"
Penny nodded frantically, her eyes shining as if recalling a glorious moment. "I know, Princess! I've li—WATCHED your interview very thoroughly."
The girl gave two short, satisfied nods, and Emilia felt an inexplicable chill run up her spine.
She shook off the strange feeling without much thought. "Ahem, so… anything related to me is bound to attract a lot more attention for a while, and I can't have bad rumors floating around me at this time. Although I'm very happy that you stepped up to defend me like that, you should try to talk to me first before taking such big steps in the future, alright?"
Penny had of course not heard anything after 'I'm very happy' and 'you', her mind already overwhelmed with the fact that Emilia was 'very pleased' with her.
With her head muddled, she really 'lost control' of her actions and knelt in front of her idol as she rubbed her face against her belly frantically, giggling with glee. Well, she tried to do that fully expecting herself to fail, but shockingly enough, no one stopped her!
'I can die without regrets!'
Emilia watched blankly as the girl acted like a dog, with her absurdly long ponytail swiveling from side to side with her frantic head movements, just like a dog would wag its tail.
If Dixie had been here, she might have already pulled her up by her ponytail and slammed her onto the ground a couple of times, just to make sure she 'broke out of her daze'.
Fortunately for Penny, Emilia had asked Dixie to stay outside whenever she had 'meetings' with a student.
Emilia could only helplessly pat Penny's head, wondering if this is how big sisters or mothers felt when their children showed affection.
Penny's face slowly turned red as she 'froze' when she realized how 'insolent' she had been to rub her face against Emilia's midriff like that. Unfortunately, Emilia's shirt was tucked too firmly into her skirt, or she might have 'accidentally' kissed her belly!
'Mother was right! Good things only happen to those who try! The daring deserve the reward!'
Her hands had also been wrapped around Emilia's waist, but they were way too high up! She didn't get a good feel at all!
Seeing her regretful expression, Emilia nodded, thinking that at least the girl had enough decency to realize she shouldn't glomp people like that without permission.
"Well, I'll forgive you this time since you're so distressed, but talk to me first before doing things like this in the future, alright?"
Penny had no idea if her princess was talking about the riot or the molestation, but she didn't care either way. She just had to agree with whatever the princess said, right? "O-Of course!"
'And now I have been rewarded with the permission to call the princess at any time! This day can't get any better!'
Unaware of her true thoughts, Emilia gave her the best piece of chocolate she found in the fridge, which happened to have a pink wrapper with a heart shape. After all, her most devout follower among the punished students should get the best candy, right?
Penny fainted.