A slightly chilly night breeze cooled the flames in Qiu Li'er’s heart. Only after Fischer patiently explained did she realize Fischer meant no harm.

“Then why didn’t you just take me to a restaurant?” Qiu Li'er calmed down, puzzled. “No one would bother us in a private room—and I’m actually hungry.”

She *was* hungry. Having eaten nothing since noon, her stomach let out a soft gurgle.

“Do you think it’s appropriate for me to carry an unconscious girl into a tiny private room?” Fischer retorted.

She might act impulsively, but never without thought. That sealed-off room, with a large table dead center? Perfect for… *certain questionable activities*. Eat right after. Sleep right after. Convenient.

Qiu Li'er inwardly agreed. Forum rumors were already messy enough. If someone snapped a photo of them “checking in” now… undeniable evidence. No defense.

But photos…

“Then why drag me out here?” She pointed at herself. “Doesn’t this make us *more* visible?”

Fischer froze. “Not allowed?”

Qiu Li'er sighed. “Don’t you know what’s happening? It’s blown up—the forums are wild.”

“I don’t know.”

“Then go check later.”

“Mm…”

Fischer gathered her thoughts. “Let’s talk tonight. I pulled you from the dorm because of your two roommates.”

“Nan Shi and Yuenina? They’re sweet! Just… a *tiny* bit jealous.”

*Jealous?* They were walking vinegar jars.

Truthfully, Qiu Li'er didn’t get it. One kiss from another little loli—why the fuss? Want one too? Just ask! And honestly… a three-girl dorm room.avi wasn’t *entirely* off the table.

“It’s not that simple,” Fischer said gravely. “They’re dangerous. Stay away.”

Qiu Li'er blinked. “We sleep together every night. How much farther can I go?”

“The *three* of you? In one bed?” Fischer stared, weirded out.

“Yeah? So?” Qiu Li'er yawned—just *mentioning* sleep made her drowsy.

Fischer shook her shoulders gently. “Ever wake up feeling drained? Anemic?”

“Nope~ We sleep *very* soundly~”

“Good. Still time.” Fischer’s tone sharpened. “Qiu Li'er, move out of that dorm. Now.”

“Why?” Qiu Li'er frowned. She’d *never* leave Nan Shi and Yuenina.

“They’re… wicked people.” Fischer’s dragon eyes glowed gold. “Trust this Paladin’s warning.”

A faint golden figure shimmered behind her—pure, radiant, like standing in sunlight. The Holy Radiance’s manifestation. A sacred guarantee. Infallible.

Qiu Li'er gazed at the luminous knight. Silent. Then, firm:

“But I refuse.”

“W-Why?!” Fischer froze. *Someone rejected the Holy Radiance?*

“They’re dangerous! You’re just a fox girl—you’ll get drained dry!”

“No no no~” Qiu Li'er stood on the bench, earnest. “After thorough, meticulous, *secret* deliberation… Even if Nan Shi and Yuenina drain me dry—I’d *willingly* accept it!”

*Drained dry—I’d accept it!*

Her words rang clear. Fischer stood dumbfounded.

(Truth was, Nan Shi and Yuenina were irreplaceable. She’d never leave them.)

Qiu Li'er hopped down, smoothed her wrinkled tail. “Anything else? If not, I’m off.”

*So hungry~ Gonna eat eat, then sleep sleep~*

The grove was secluded, but close to the girls’ dorm.

“Wait, Qiu Li'er.” Fischer suddenly tugged her tail.

“Eep!!!”

Qiu Li'er’s face flushed; her knees nearly buckled.

“Don’t randomly touch a fox’s tail!”

“Ah—sorry.”

“You owe responsibility after touching!”

“…Then as compensation… wanna touch my horns?”

“Hard and boring! Who wants that!” She hugged her tail tight. “Spit it out—but I’m *not* changing rooms.”

“Mm. I know.” Fischer shifted tone. “Remember this morning?”

“Ah… morning I…”

“The match you ambushed me in.” Fischer stepped closer, looming. “I was outmatched. I wouldn’t have pursued it… but now?”

“Hm?” Qiu Li'er tensed. “W-What do you want? I won’t pay any price!”

(The not-so-articulate Little Fox straight-up borrowed the mischievous loli’s lines.)

“Simple.” Fischer held up one finger. “One request.”

“Since you won’t move… and as a Paladin, I *must* protect you…” She pointed squarely at Qiu Li'er.

“…I’ll move into your dorm room.”

…

*“Paladin Fischer & the Little Fox Girl: A Love Story That Must Be Told?”*

*“From Meeting to ‘Checking In’—Under 24 Hours?!”*

*“SHOCKING: Fischer Carries Fox-Tailed Girl into Grove! Questionable Play? Violates Paladin Code?!”*

Xi Xi sat alone in the basement, reading each title aloud, teeth grinding.

“Why… I left for *two hours*. Where did this Dragonblood Paladin come from?!”

“Those useless roommates can’t even watch their own roommate?!”

The mischievous loli slumped on the desk, hair a fluffy kitten-mess.

*Too green. Should’ve just tied that flirty fox up and taken her home.*

Unbeknownst to Xi Xi, just above in a bedroom, Xi Kefeng stared at the screen, thoughtful.

“Are students really this… open these days?”

Qiu Li'er’s reputation? *Critical.*