But he still raised his hands in surrender.
"Sorry, I was wrong."
"Miss Elysia is number one under heaven, Miss Elysia is invincible under heaven, Miss Elysia shall rule the world, Miss Elysia is unparalleled in the world."
It was an exceedingly perfunctory apology.
If he said that to Skadi, she would definitely glare at him all day until he apologized properly. If he said it to Mei, he would probably get lectured for an hour or two. If he said it to Kiana or Huihui, they would likely start scratching or biting him on the spot.
But—
For Elysia.
An apology of this level was already enough.
The indignation on the girl's face faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.
"From my personal perspective."
"My opinion of you is a little different now from what it was this morning."
Could one's opinion of someone change merely with the passage of time?
"This morning, I felt that you, Teacher... were very reliable, but also very detestable."
The girl carefully chose her words as she spoke.
She had added the feeling that he was detestable?
Russell instantly narrowed his eyes.
Where was the nearest apiary again?
It was time to reward Miss Elysia with some honey.
"Perhaps I should apologize to everyone I met before."
"The way I looked at them was always obscured by a filter called 'humanity.' They were humans first, and individuals second."
"But in truth, they were themselves first, and humans second."
Elysia rambled on about this view, then her expression abruptly turned alert.
"Teacher, are you planning to scheme against me?"
Her authority was blaring warnings like mad.
"Ahem, don't mind those details. I can swear that in this life, I will never attack a hornet's nest while you are human."
Russell immediately began swearing an oath.