Mulan gradually relaxed once that guy was out of sight.

It wasn’t that she hated men—it was *him*. Just being near him sent an indescribable unease crawling through her. Must be her bloodline’s danger radar kicking in.

Who *was* that person?

With someone that dangerous lurking nearby, Mulan didn’t dare slack off anymore.

If real trouble came, she’d have no choice but to “spin the magnetic field,” yell for help, and summon the Rogue Witch to save the day.

For now? One step at a time.

“Hmph.”

Mulan closed her eyes again, playing dead, letting the fox elder beside her handle everything.

The kind-faced Third Elder gently stroked the azure fox in her arms. Though a high-ranking elder of the Azurehill Fox Clan, she looked more like a warm, mature older sister—nothing like the stern First and Second Elders.

“What can we do to make it up to this poor child?” the First Elder murmured, stroking his beard.

“From now on, we must cherish her. If she was abandoned, she deserves the clan’s love.”

“Send her to live with the younger kits?”

Naturally, he meant the immature azure fox cubs. Only Qingqiu Zili had outgrown that stage early.

The First Elder nodded. “Peers might help her lower her guard. Those innocent little ones could gently heal her sensitive heart—better than us old folks.”

“What about Princess Zili?”

“She’d be thrilled to have a new sister… but might scare the little one.”

“Then keep it from her for now.”

He’d already braced for beard-and-tail-fur-plucking. Again.

Mulan’s fox ears twitched slightly. She’d been eavesdropping the whole time.

They’d arranged her entire future in minutes—without verifying a thing.

Were the elders that trusting of their judgment… or of her, as an azure fox?

Mulan felt a quiet marvel.

No master plan needed. Just show up.

Their imaginations would do the rest.

Time drifted.

Few foxes knew of Mulan’s arrival. The news was sealed tight—to let the “suspected orphan” adjust quietly before revealing her identity.

Who in the Azure Fox Realm would reject another adorable azure fox?

The elders would simply pour all their overflowing affection onto her.

It had always been this way before the Golden Nine Tails was born.

*Scene shift.*

Mulan was brought to another palace—the nursery where azure fox kits thrived. Even Qingqiu Zili, the runaway-prone princess, had grown up here.

Mulan stole a curious glance. *Will I stay here?*

Seemed nice.

Just then, a slender black fox girl appeared before the elder holding her.

“Third Elder.”

“Azurefox Moyue, I have an important task for you.”

Azurefox Moyue—the youngest seven-tailed black fox and candidate elder—nodded. “I won’t fail your trust.”

“Hehe~ Good. Care for this little one well.”

The Third Elder handed over the fox, watching closely. *Please don’t panic.*

But the azure fox merely glanced at Azurefox Moyue—no resistance.

Azurefox Moyue cradled her smoothly. The elder sighed in relief.

“Strange. She recoiled from Qingqiu Nine Calamities… but not you.”

“Third Elder, what is this?”

“From today, she is the Fifth Princess of the Azurehill Fox Clan. Protect her. Cherish her.”

Mulan shot her an annoyed glare.

*Princess?*

*I’m a tough guy!*

*Princess has zero dignity!*

…Too bad she was undeniably a female fox.

Ugh. So frustrating.

Azurefox Moyue bowed solemnly. “I will care for her.”

She knew azure fox nature, held endless patience, taught with skill—never spoiling like others. Perfect for the clan’s most precious cub.

“Be gentle,” the Third Elder added softly. “Give her extra love. We owe her so much.”

She briefly explained Mulan’s “background.” (All pure conjecture.)

Azurefox Moyue’s gaze softened with pity. “Understood.”

*Tragic orphan? Unacceptable.*

Mulan leaned into the gentle strokes. *Fine. I’ll stay quiet.*

Silence brought comfort. No need to speak.

“Third Elder—what shall we name her?”

“Azurefox Wuyue. Symbolizing the fifth moon of the Azure Fox Realm.”

(The first four moons: the four azure foxes, including Qingqiu Zili. The sole sun: the Golden Nine Tails—though not yet risen.)

*Azurefox Wuyue?*

*Azurefox Mulan sounds better.*

*Whatever.*

“Does Wuyue like the name?” the Third Elder murmured, stroking her fur. “Speak up later. We’ll listen.”

Mulan peeked up. Not minding the petting.

Unlike that insubordinate Rogue Witch, these foxes treated her like family. With respect.

An elder’s touch? Acceptable.

Her childhood had lacked such warmth.

How far would their doting go?

Mulan felt a flicker of curiosity… and quiet anticipation.