Watching Zila boast, Xia Mo stayed silent behind her. The idea wasn’t entirely wrong—but honestly, it felt a little forced.

“And another thing!” Zila rolled her eyes.

“What else?”

“How’d you suddenly start combing *my* hair? I’m not some little girl! I’m a total guy! Girly stuff like this? Nope!” Zila huffed.

“Eh? But Master, you’re so cute right now! Your hair’s shiny, super soft, and smells sweet like flowers~” Xia Mo kept gently combing, utterly enchanted.

“Huh? *Cute*? *Pretty hair*? Don’t use girly words on me! I’m a handsome man! Not a sissy!” Zila shot back, flustered at being treated like a girl.

“But Master, it’d be a shame not to praise how pretty you are!”

“I said it—I’m not a girl! I’m a handsome man! Long hair? Women’s stuff. I’ll cut it later!”

“Oh, right!” Zila grumbled, then froze. “Master… I’m only wrapped in this thin blanket. My clothes are torn. It’s freezing out here, ugh! Could my good disciple… buy me new clothes?” She pulled the blanket tighter, shivering—she’d almost forgotten how little she was wearing.

“Yes, Master!” Xia Mo dashed out the door without looking back, vanishing instantly.

“Uh… why run so fast?” Zila blinked. She wasn’t scared earlier… even combed my hair… Weird.

*Meh.*

After a while…

Zila squeezed her tiny frame out of the messy wardrobe, stars swirling in her eyes as she held up a dusty mirror.

“Yes! Found it, ugh!” She peered at her reflection—soft, youthful face, perfectly intact. No scars, no flaws. She cupped her cheek, sighing in relief. “Phew… good thing my face is still perfect. Disaster avoided!”

(Unbeknownst to her, she was acting exactly like a vanity-loving girl.)

“Master, I’m back!”

The voice snapped Zila from her mirror-gazing. Before she could step out—

Xia Mo stood at the door, grinning, arms overflowing with clothes and shopping bags.

“Look! I got you lovely outfits—they’ll suit you *perfectly*!”

“R-really…? So many clothes… how thoughtful… good disci…ple…” Zila’s smile faded the second a pastel-blue lace-trimmed panty and a frilly maid dress tumbled from the pile.

“HEY! What *is* this?! I wanted cool, manly clothes—not *this*!” Zila planted hands on hips, pointing accusingly.

“But Master~ you never said *what* kind!” Xia Mo stuck out her tongue, grinning.

*Obviously intentional.* Zila saw right through it.

“So *that’s* why you ran?! Hmph! I’m NOT wearing it!” She crossed her arms, turning away stubbornly.

Tiny curved black demon horns crowned her head, etched with delicate purple patterns. Light purple hair spilled over her small frame—the Succubus Curse loli, no older than eight or nine, now cornered by a smirking human girl.

“Y-you! Don’t come closer!” Zila clutched her tattered blanket, arms crossed tightly.

“Come ooon~ Master! This little dress is *adorable*! Winter’s latest style—pretty *and* warm~” Xia Mo’s eyes sparkled. She held up the dress straps, leaning in eagerly. *Just how cute will she be?*

“Eeek! I’m NOT wearing a dress! Go away~!”

“Trust me~ You’ll be the most stunning girl on this street~”

“Don’t! I’m warning you—don’t think this form makes me weak! I’ll count to three… or I’ll… I’ll…"

“And what, Master?” Xia Mo’s lips curled into a teasing smile. She wasn’t scared. She was *thrilled*.

“I’ll… punch you with my tiny fists! Punch this big bad sister! Bad *jie jie*!” Zila raised her soft little fist, face dead serious.

But through that tiny body? Every “fierce” gesture melted into adorably fierce, heart-melting cuteness.

Xia Mo’s breath hitched. *Hooked.* Her last defense shattered. Blood rushed to her head. *So… unbearably… cute.* Not charm. Not magic. Pure, irresistible contrast—trying to be tough, sounding utterly endearing.

*She’s conquering me.*

Zila saw Xia Mo freeze. *Did it work? Is she scared? Good~*

She readied to “press harder”—

—but Xia Mo’s eyes shifted. Curiosity vanished. Replaced by a hungry, hazy gaze… like a starved wolf spotting helpless prey. Longing. Obsession. *Thirst.*

“AAAAH! DON’T COME CLOSER! EEEEK~!” Zila squeezed her eyes shut as Xia Mo leaned in…

…