Sure enough, the next day I woke before dawn broke.

I pulled back the curtain and stared blearily at the pale dawn light on the horizon, where sunlight flickered softly like ripe wheat swaying in a breeze.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to sleep—I just couldn’t, bound by the Contract. After all, I’d promised *that person* I’d rise early. No matter how badly I craved my pillow, sleep had abandoned me completely. In the end, I sat on the edge of my bed, gazing at the distant sky, replaying the dream I’d just had.

*Sigh*. I’d been savoring Mom’s mapo tofu in my dream. So many of her dishes still left uneaten… Even now, fully awake, the faint breeze drifting through the half-open window carried the sweet, savory scent of that dream-feast.

*Ugh… I miss home.*

“What’s wrong? Homesick, Yiyi?”

A voice cut through the quiet—from the doorway. I stifled the Contract-induced excitement bubbling in my chest and turned. The door had silently opened while I’d been lost in thought.

I nodded. Lying to my so-called master was nearly impossible under the Contract. Whenever she questioned me, my body betrayed me, spilling my true feelings like a traitor. *So annoying…* Later, when she’s gone, I’ll scour those books in the corner again. There *has* to be a way to break this Contract.

Though I knew searching for a loophole was like finding a needle in a haystack…

“Tch. Fine, I’ll stay with you awhile, I suppose.” She waved a hand airily. “If you’re *that* homesick, I’ll even let you visit home for a day.”

I shook my head wordlessly. *Home*… It sounded lovely, but only if returning were actually possible. Still, her offer surprised me. She’d never volunteered this before.

“Aw, don’t be sad, Little Yiyi.” Her voice softened. “You’re making this princess flustered—how do I even comfort you?”

“I’m fine, Yiyi.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Then—*whoosh*—she yanked me into a tight hug. Her hands stroked my wings like a sleepy kitten’s fur, sending faint tremors through my whole body.

“That soft voice… those dewy deer-eyes… I can’t resist!”

*Ugh… Wings… too sensitive…*

I wriggled free with effort, then met her gaze as she stared intently at my face. But that signature scent of hers—her *master’s* scent—washed over me again. My head grew fuzzy. I almost nuzzled her shoulder.

*Argh! So frustrating!*

“There, there. Feeling better after this princess’s hug?” She finally loosened her grip, ruffling my hair as she stood. “Now, get ready. But remember—during magic practice later, you’ll *only* cast support spells for me. No attack magic. Understood?”

*Huh?*

I nodded on instinct, then froze.

Weren’t we sneaking out at dawn to train combat magic against the Crimson Dragon? Not support spells for *that person*? Was she really planning to use me like a Milo Beast in the Throne Struggle? Could we even win against a Crimson Dragon like this…

*Wait.*

*Oh no.*

A cold realization hit me.

Last night, I’d only skimmed Contract Beast spells. The support magic she’d assigned me to study? I’d completely forgotten to read it.