At noon, the sky stretched clear and cloudless. Cicadas chirped noisily in the trees around the palace. Even the wisps of cooking smoke rising under the scorching sun seemed listless.

"So cute... Your Highness, may I pet it?" The young palace maid spoke upon seeing me, exhausted and limp in that person’s arms. I wanted to protest, but under her Contract’s effect, I curled up like a kitten in her embrace. My heart struggled desperately to break free—yet it was nearly impossible.

"No, you can’t," she replied. "Little Yiyi is probably worn out. Pet and cuddle her this afternoon."

Hearing the first half, I thought she’d softened. But the second half... I’d hoped too much.

Ignoring their chatter, I stubbornly inched outward millimeter by millimeter. She shifted her hand slightly, pulling me tighter and wiping out minutes of effort. Sensing my movement, she took advantage to gently stroke my wings. Didn’t she just say "Little Yiyi is worn out"?

"Well..." The young maid nearby kept a straight face, but her tone held a hint of disappointment. Why were my wings so fascinating? Why did everyone want to touch them? "Lunch is ready. My sister, Mellie, and I made it together..."

"Wait..." The arms holding me trembled. "Your sister... helped cook?"

"Yeah, she made the stir-fried potatoes."

"Hey... does she know raw starch isn’t edible?"

"Hmm... probably. After giving everyone food poisoning last time, this should be..."

Apparently... that person couldn’t cook.

"Hey, Little Yiyi."

"Yes, Master~?"

"Don’t eat those stir-fried potatoes," she said firmly.

Hmm... since Master... that person forbade it, I wouldn’t dare. Even without the Contract, I’d avoid that plate after hearing that. Food poisoning for everyone...

"Welcome back, Your Highness~" Another maid stepped out, amber eyes crinkling with joy. She looked utterly harmless. "I poured my heart into ‘Maid’s Special Potatoes’—please try them."

I felt her exhale subtly to stay calm. "Ah... Little Yiyi and I ate plenty outside already, so—"

"Little Yiyi’s all wet and adorable! Your Highness, may I hold her?" The maid ignored her, rushing over in three strides.

Her gaze swept over me. I pursed my lips. "Um... please don’t stare at Yiyi like that..."

"Sure... eat this first." She pulled out a tiny, fragrant potato chip.

Before I could agree, she popped it into my slightly open mouth.

Then—

A fierce, shocking flavor exploded from my tongue, shooting through my mind like lightning.

Blinded as if by a flashbang, white light filled my vision. Pain beyond spiciness detonated in my mouth—the shockwave piercing my body, tearing through my soul.

Later, the culprits told me I’d instantly broken the Contract’s "stay in her arms" rule. I jumped down, rolling on the floor while clutching my mouth.