Perhaps Mei Yige wasn’t a tasty meal, but a drug that hooked you the moment you caught its scent.

This was Shiren’s conclusion after days of observation. Though not a Succubus, Mei Yige stirred human desires more easily than one. Shiren tried hard to suppress her hunting urges, yet her restless heart pushed her to act.

“I can’t wait any longer.”

This was Shiren’s self-diagnosis. Only a week had passed since her last hunt, but thanks to Mei Yige’s effect, she’d slightly increase her frequency.

“So, who would it be this time?”

Focusing on picking ingredients cleared her mind of distractions.

She flipped open her handmade booklet. A quick scan showed no ingredients needing early handling due to illness or accident. Nothing was spoiled enough to require immediate pickling. The rest followed a strict schedule; moving any up would disrupt later steps.

“So, it’s come to this.”

Closing the booklet, Shiren lowered her gaze. She pondered whether to proceed—but hesitation was never her way.

She checked the time: 9 AM.

“Alright, let’s go out and see.”

Summer wasn’t over, yet it didn’t stop the Great Lord Blood Demon from starting her hunting spree.

...

“Is Carlicart coming back today?”

“Yes, Sister Yige. The Guild Master said she’ll arrive in River Opening Town tonight. She hopes you’ll welcome her.”

Ryan’s face tightened. After a week with Mei Yige, this Adventurers Guild clerk felt less nervous around the capital’s great mage. But her reserved attitude wouldn’t vanish overnight. Knowing the subtle tension between the Guild Master and Mei Yige made this request even harder to accept.

After all, having a noble mage drive a carriage wasn’t normal!

“Drive her carriage? Hmph… Still dissatisfied with me, then.”

Mei Yige understood this was retaliation for the Hans incident. She could accept it calmly. But Carlicart—a dragon lord—wanting a carriage ride? Heh… When they met, Mei Yige would ride the dragon for fun.

Seeing Mei Yige’s smile darken, Ryan grew more fearful. She was just a small employee; she didn’t want to get caught in leaders’ disputes. Didn’t big shots have internal comms? Why make her deliver this?

“Fine, I’ll drive her. Any unhandled commissions there? I’ll take them while I’m at it.”

“Commissions? Nothing urgent lately. Small tasks went to adventurers. What’s left is local security…”

Relief washed over Ryan as Mei Yige accepted. Her ears drooped while she rummaged through the Guild’s commissions and bounties.

“Oh, local security—beating people or hunting monsters?”

“Monsters breeding in the mines. It’s long-term work, Sister Yige. We’re the Adventurers Guild, not a criminal gang. Beating people is the guard team’s job.”

“Aren’t we the ones who find people?”

Ryan wanted to argue missing persons were their duty. But bosses did as they pleased. She stayed silent, pulling out the local security commission and placing it on the table.

“This one. River Opening Town’s long-term commission. Mana-born monsters in the mines need regular culling. Adventurers avoid it now; our clerks handle it. With your magic, it should be easy.”

“I’m not good at fighting… I’ll just go for the fun of it.”

The expected rumors didn’t fade—they grew louder. Mei Yige’s words, from the mage whose name silenced crying children, drew quiet disdain from gentle Miss Ryan.

Though the blue-haired rabbit hid it well, Mei Yige read her eyes clearly:

*Just keep pretending. Who can out-pretend you?*

“I don’t believe it.”

The smiling clerk finally spoke—a reply shaped by Mei Yige’s influence, free from reserve.

A forlorn Mei Yige walked out of the Guild gates under puzzled stares, sighing to the sky. She’d truly warped a normal office worker beyond recognition.

“I… am truly sinful.”

Wiping joyful tears from her eyes, she thought, *This life is truly interesting.*

The mine lay about two kilometers from River Opening Town. The town processed ore; visiting required local coordination.

Thus, Mei Yige met the mayor again.

“Hello, old sir. The town’s much cleaner than last time.”

Enthusiastic Master Mei always greeted first. Though the mayor longed to “scale the wall and flee,” Mei Yige wouldn’t let him escape.

“This visit—can this old man help you with something?”

Between masters, a simple exchange sufficed.

Sixty years of life couldn’t match Mei Yige—seventeen in looks, seventy in experience. A seasoned veteran and a rookie still had a gap.

“What are you saying? Can’t I just tour here, old sir?”

As the saying went, an elder at home was a treasure. Mei Yige respected the stubborn old coot; getting things done needed his nod.

“No joking. Your work is excellent. The sand barrier outperforms that mage’s array. Ask for anything—I’m here to do real work.”

The mayor knew Mei Yige hadn’t cheated him. The fee was higher, but the array’s quality was flawless. It’d run maintenance-free for a decade. The improved logic let the local Guild repair it. Most importantly, residents no longer wore face veils outdoors. This deserved thanks to the “money-can-do” mage.

“I like straightforward people. Honestly, besides chatting, I came to handle the mine monsters. Our Guild Master arrives today—I’ll pick her up. You should know these things.”

“I heard you’re from the capital? How do you seem more… than this country bumpkin?”

Alone, Mei Yige spoke freely, making the old mayor sigh inwardly. Admiring this magic expert, he turned.

“I’ll find you a guide and register you. I leave the monster control to you.”

“Thank you. This job isn’t just for me, right?”

“I can’t say. You’ll see. The mine’s huge. Without the Guild Master, our town might be a military stronghold by now. Sigh…”

Mei Yige’s steps paused.

*A military stronghold?*

*Why do I feel something’s off?*