Three days slipped by quietly.
The grand mansion felt emptier without Mirophiel’s presence.
Free from the witch’s oppressive aura, Mulan breathed easier than ever before.
Alas, the eternally seventeen-year-old girl would inevitably return.
To feel safer, Mulan refused to slack off—
at least, not just yet.
Her current body was soft and delicate, utterly lacking the ruggedness she once had.
She doubted she could even lift a few kilograms without strain.
Still, Mulan knew physical strength wasn’t the answer.
Knowledge from this world offered far more comfort.
She sensed Mirophiel barely noticed her—
privacy meant nothing to the witch.
Humiliating? Yes. But powerless to change it, Mulan endured.
Every night, the witch paraded before her in flimsy sleepwear.
A tempting scene, yet Mulan felt nothing.
Her lewd spirit had long since settled into silence.
But that wasn’t the point.
Mirophiel guarded neither daily privacy nor secret knowledge.
She even opened her most sacred study to Mulan.
For days, Mulan buried herself there, hunting magic to grow stronger.
Until she found it: a fascinating, dangerous spell.
*Life Magic: Flesh Reconstruction.*
Reshape any living being into your desired form.
But the casting difficulty was extreme.
High chance of failure.
Only a Sunshatter Rank mage dared attempt it—
or reduce the target to rotten flesh.
Mirophiel’s own creation. A forbidden art.
Life Magic itself was a rare, twisted path—
truly the dark road of sorcery.
Mulan could only groan inwardly.
No wonder Mirophiel was the witch of a villainous faction—even her magic was bizarre.
Yet Mulan still yearned to learn it.
*To change back.*
But the barrier was impossibly high.
Without help? Hopeless.
"Mmm…"
With mixed feelings, Mulan twirled before the mirror.
Her flawless body reflected perfectly—
petite, delicate, utterly lacking dignity.
*"That mysterious girl prefers this type? Definitely a lolicon."*
Mulan admitted she kinda liked it too…
if only it weren’t *her* body.
"Sigh… Will I ever change back? Mirophiel won’t help. I’ll never learn it…"
Even if she could, she’d probably grow used to this form by then.
"No! I must grow stronger—*fast*!"
Her fighting spirit reignited.
*Just wait, evil witch!*
*The price for your insolence will be paid!*
She steeled her resolve—
then instantly wondered what to eat for dinner.
These days, Sia had cared for her with gentle precision.
The elf maid was stunning *and* kind.
If Mulan ever hesitated to leave this place? Sia’s warmth would be why.
*This is the witch’s scheme!*
*A trap called "tender care"!*
Just as Mulan ranted inwardly—
Sia entered. "Mirophiel has returned."
"Really?"
A flicker of joy sparked—then confusion.
*Why am I happy?*
*…Right. She can help me grow stronger.*
—Scene shift—
Mulan found Mirophiel in the study.
The black-haired, crimson-eyed girl wore a teasing smirk.
"Mmm~ So eager to see me? Missing me? I’ll give you a warm hug."
Arms open, eyes glinting with faint anticipation.
An unguarded invitation.
"Hmph! Don’t flatter yourself! I’d never fall for your tricks, you wicked witch!"
Mulan’s pride roared silently.
Mirophiel sighed playfully. "But~ I brought a souvenir. Don’t you want to try it?"
She produced a bunch of grapes.
"Violet Crystal Grapes—specialty of the Azure Fox Realm. The foxes adore them. Said to be delicious… and make fur silky smooth. Want some?"
"Please, let me taste them!"
*What’s the point of another world if you skip its wonders? Might as well be a dried fish!*
Dignity be damned!
Mulan obeyed the beckon—
and was instantly swept into Mirophiel’s arms.
The witch nuzzled Mulan’s cherry-pink hair, inhaling deeply.
The sweet scent melted her tension.
"Little Mulan… so soft, so fragrant. No wonder you’re the newborn Starplucking Princess. I’ll tease you plenty before you grow strong. Though… a cuter personality would be nicer."
"Damn it! Don’t push it!" Mulan gritted her teeth, cheeks burning.
*So what if she’s beautiful? So what if my phantom limb twitches?*
*What’s gone is gone.*
Ignoring protests, Mirophiel held her tight, savoring the quiet.
"Your disrespect… I’ll repay it someday."
Mulan fell silent, enduring.
Minutes passed.
Mirophiel finally released her. "There~ Reward for being obedient."
She stood, a fragrant breeze trailing behind.
In Mulan’s palms rested translucent purple grapes—glowing like amethyst.
*Dignity spent. Must savor every bite.*
"No wonder they’re called Violet Crystal Grapes… Back home, these’d sell like hotcakes."
She popped one in.
Juice burst—sweet, tart, electrifying her senses.
"Refreshingly perfect! Once I’m strong, I *will* visit the Azure Fox Realm!"
No sooner spoken than Mirophiel’s head peeked through the door.
"But the Realm rejects outsiders. Non-clan members get tossed out—no mercy."
"Huh? Then how did *you* get in?"
Mulan’s brain short-circuited. *So foolish.*
"Mmm~" A confident hum. "Do you think *I* need their permission?"
*Truly the dreaded villain.*
Mulan ignored her, focusing on the grapes.
Mirophiel lingered. "This trip… I brought back a little fox. Want to see?"
A subtle smirk curled her lips.
This wasn’t casual curiosity.
Mulan’s eyes widened, intrigued.
"A little fox?"
