The next day.

Mulan listlessly wandered the mansion corridors.

Mirophiel felt perfectly at ease letting her roam—

so long as she didn’t leave the premises.

Naturally, Mulan had considered sneaking off when Mirophiel wasn’t looking, then heading straight to the Starplucking Hall where she first arrived.

But that detestable witch had foreseen it all.

She’d actually planted a tracking spell inside Mulan’s body.

No matter how far Mulan ran, Mirophiel could drag her back.

Followed, no doubt, by a humiliating lecture.

So Mulan decisively abandoned escape.

The outside world held immense allure—but with her current strength, exploring it was impossible.

Better to level up here than venture out and get swindled to death.

Let Mirophiel be insubordinate.

As long as she didn’t torture her.

Just enduring humiliation for a greater purpose.

Mulan figured she was pretty good at that.

Now, she’d explore the mansion properly.

She’d never lived somewhere this luxurious before.

Truly an eye-opener.

"Hmm… such a huge place. Cleaning this must be a hassle," she murmured.

Just then, a slender figure caught her eye.

An unfamiliar golden-haired girl strolled down the corridor in a maid uniform.

*Could she be a maid here?*

Of course—a mansion this size needed staff. Mirophiel wouldn’t clean herself. Having a maid made perfect sense.

Mulan decided to follow.

But before she took two steps, the maid turned.

A dreamlike face met Mulan’s gaze.

Golden hair shimmered like sunlight.

Beauty rivaling Mirophiel’s.

Emerald eyes gleaming like polished gems.

An aura of gentle, natural grace.

And prominently pointed ears.

Clearly not human.

"Good day. Are you Miss Mulan?"

"Ah? Y-yes," Mulan stammered.

"Master has informed me about you. She instructed me to treat you as a second master. Please feel free to ask me anything," the maid said with deep respect.

Mulan felt flustered. *What have I done to deserve this from someone so stunning?* For a moment, it felt unreal.

"Um… what should I call you?"

"Just Sia." Sia offered a warm, spring-like smile.

Talking to her felt like communing with nature—soothing, effortless, utterly disarming.

Mulan never imagined someone like Sia would serve a fearsome witch. What a contrast.

"Sia, just call me Mulan. No honorifics. No need for such formality."

She hadn’t lost her principles yet—not accepting overly feminine titles like "Miss" or the awkward "Starplucking Princess."

"I understand."

Sia noticed Mulan’s lingering glance.

"Mulan… would you like to touch my ears?"

"I’m just curious!" Mulan flushed.

She *was* captivated—but bold enough to touch a stranger’s body? Hardly.

She was, after all, a lifelong single who’d never been in a relationship. A stolen glance was her limit.

And she’d been caught.

"Curious? I see. You haven’t met Elves before. I’m of the Elvenkind—golden hair, emerald eyes, pointed ears are our traits. Anything else you’d like to know?"

"No… thank you."

Mulan already knew this. To grasp a new world, study its history and powers. She’d devoured knowledge these past days—no longer clueless.

Legends said Elves were once proud and mighty. Their nature magic kept them from ever being at others’ mercy. They revered the mythical World Tree. Yet their beauty drew greedy eyes. So they retreated to hidden realms. Public sightings grew rare. Only the strongest dared wander the outside world.

*An Elf maid serving Mirophiel?*

No surprise—she *was* a rare Sunshatter Rank powerhouse. Mulan would believe Sia was plundered straight from the Elvenkind.

"Mulan, please don’t be so polite. Just give me any order," Sia said.

Her eyes held pure clarity—zero disrespect.

For a noble Elf to place herself so humbly… unimaginable. *How did Mirophiel manage this?* A story lurked beneath. Mulan didn’t dwell.

"Sia… what rank are you?"

"Only Moonfall Rank. Nowhere near Master’s strength."

"Ah… this…" Mulan went numb.

Moonfall Rank? Outside, that’d earn deep respect. Legendary guilds would welcome her.

Yet here she was—*a maid*.

Absurd.

Seeing Mulan’s stunned face, Sia’s expression softened with apology.

"Did I disappoint you? Though I’m too weak to join the Starplucking Court yet, I’ll strive to improve and meet your expectations."

"N-no! It’s… really impressive," Mulan replied, guiltily looking away.

How could a rookie like her judge a Moonfall Rank Elf? Sia could obliterate her with a breath—and Mulan would still owe her ten lives.

No wonder the infamous Plunder Witch commanded such fear. Even her maid wasn’t someone to mess with.

Mulan set a new goal.

Surpassing the Plunder Witch felt endless.

So—surpass Sia first.

"Sia! I’ll become as strong as you someday!"

Sia blinked slightly.

She knelt, gently took Mulan’s hands, and smiled like warm sunlight.

"Mm~ I truly believe that. With your potential, Mulan, you’ll surpass everyone—even me."

Elves possessed profound nature affinity. They sensed hearts, discerned intentions, even glimpsed potential.

In Sia’s eyes, Mulan’s glow was undeniable. She *would* stand atop the world, like Mirophiel.

Feeling Sia’s soft, warm hands, Mulan thought it was just comfort.

Still… awkward. She wasn’t used to girls holding her hands.

Yet no romantic tension lingered.

*Am I overthinking?*

She shook the thought away.

"Um… thanks. That really cheers me up."

Sia smiled and released her hands.

"Oh—Mulan. Master will be away soon, traveling to the distant Azure Fox Realm. I’ll handle your meals and daily needs while she’s gone."

"Oh."

No guessing needed.

Mirophiel was off on another ruthless plundering campaign.