Faced with such a sudden, surreal turn of events, the girl instinctively took a step back.

“Oh! Did I startle you? My sincerest apologies,” the little demon said, bowing slightly.

“Y-you… who *are* you?” the girl stammered, her voice trembling.

“Allow me a proper introduction. I am the Succubus Princess—Lilim Doragon Bresica Stella Monroe. I seek a worthy soul to sign a contract with, to fulfill their deepest wish. For a small price, this princess can make your desire a reality.”

Her words carried a hypnotic pull, like a demon’s whisper tempting the girl to sign. Wait—she *was* a demon.

“H-how can I trust you? Things this good don’t just fall from the sky!” the girl challenged, though caution warred with hope. *I’m an adult. I won’t fall for flattery… but what if it’s real?*

“This princess never claimed it was free,” the little demon replied matter-of-factly. “A price was mentioned. It’s a transaction.”

“Dealing with a demon… that feels wrong. What’s the price?”

Though her words resisted, her posture betrayed curiosity. Girls cherished beauty—who could refuse becoming more beautiful? They’d wear short skirts in winter for it. No reason not to take the bait.

Ling Luo smiled inwardly and pressed on. “Your wish is simple. Just ten portions of essence.” She rubbed thumb and forefinger together.

“Essence? Wait—you’re a succubus… Are you going to pounce on me and… do *things*?” The girl hugged her chest, her ample bosom squeezed tight with fear.

“Sorry, this princess isn’t into big chests. Not my type,” Ling Luo said casually. “And a princess of my stature wouldn’t handle it personally. After signing, a portion of your essence is taken each time you release it. Ten portions completes the contract. Sustainable development, you see—if taken all at once, you’d become a dried-up husk. Less essence, worse outcome.”

“I see… but that still stings,” the girl muttered. *How dare she dismiss my pride?*

“Still doubtful? Then experience it,” Ling Luo snapped her fingers. “Check your reflection, miss. You’ll be pleased.”

The girl pulled out her phone—and her jaw dropped.

Her once-sallow skin now glowed rosy-fair, smooth and tender. Her features shifted subtly, harmonizing into near-perfect beauty—elevated, yet unmistakably *her*.

“Well? Satisfied with this princess’s touch? Adjustments were minimal. No uncanny valley.”

“Satisfied! Absolutely! This is amazing!” the girl exclaimed, snapping back to reality.

“So, miss… ready to sign?” Ling Luo waved the contract scroll. “Sign, and this beauty becomes yours~”

“I’ll sign! Right now!” the girl cried eagerly.

*Too easy. Way too easy. Guess the saying’s true—girls are easy targets. Sustenance secured,* Ling Luo mused.

*(This look was just an illusion—magic’s scarce. If she refused, no loss. But once signed? Real physical enhancement. Worth the cost. Maintenance? Her problem.)*

“Then just place your hand—”

“STOP!”

A familiar figure dashed between them.

“Don’t believe her!” Shi Wuyou shouted.

“But… her terms seemed fair…” the girl hesitated, revealing her longing.

“How do you know she’s not lying? She’s a *demon*!”

“Ah… um…”

“Please step aside, miss,” Ling Luo said tightly, masking her irritation. “This is her choice. Don’t interfere.”

*Tch. Set a repelling barrier specifically… and *she* broke through. Rotten luck!* Ling Luo cursed inwardly.

“I won’t! I said I’d stop you—and I will!” Wuyou stood firm.

Behind her, the girl made her choice.

“Um… sorry. After thinking… I won’t sign. Is that okay?”

“No problem. The contract requires consent. Your choice,” the little demon replied, a hint of displeasure in her tone.

Ling Luo’s eyes flashed crimson. Wuyou shielded her eyes cautiously.

“Then… farewell.”

“Wait!”

Wuyou lowered her hand. Gone. No trace of the little demon remained.

“Where did she go?”

Just then, a voice murmured behind her:

“Huh? How’d I end up here? Wasn’t I heading out?”

“Miss… don’t you remember what just happened?” Wuyou asked gently.

“What happened? I just… wandered here in a daze. Never mind—I should go.” The girl shrugged and walked off, unconcerned.

“Uh… what *did* happen?” Wuyou stood frozen, utterly bewildered.