In the blink of an eye, Qingqiu Zili had already brought Mulan back to her room.

Moling Qingqiu paused her tidying the moment she saw her princess cradling an azure fox.

“Princess Zili, bringing another little sister over to play again?”

She wasn’t surprised.

After all, Qingqiu Zili often brought one or two azure foxes home to care for—sometimes even all of them.

Moling Qingqiu frequently heard Azurefox Moyue complain *to her* about the princess’s whims, clearly troubled by it.

But so it was: affection among azure foxes needed no outside interference.

No one would stop it.

Besides, Moling Qingqiu had just received a telepathic warning from Azurefox Moyue—the fox Qingqiu Zili brought back was no ordinary cub. Extra attention was warranted.

Just then, Qingqiu Zili strode over, lifted Mulan proudly before Moling Qingqiu, eyes sparkling with excitement, radiating that irresistibly cute charm unique to their kin.

“Look! Moling, this is my new little sister—Azurefox Wuyue! Even cuter than those February cubs!”

“Hmm… she certainly seems to be.”

Moling Qingqiu studied the unfamiliar fox closely. Indeed, her allure surpassed the other three cubs.

In the Azurehill Fox Clan, a cub’s potential was measured by charm—a faint, almost ethereal magnetism.

A mystical signal etched into their bloodline.

A fox displaying astonishing charm in youth promised a radiant future.

History held no record of a powerful fox ever being unattractive.

Every formidable elder was strikingly beautiful.

Even the First and Second Elders’ aged appearances were illusions crafted with single-tail transformation arts.

Restore their true forms, and breathtaking charm would blaze forth.

Such was the clan’s wondrous trait.

At first glance, Moling Qingqiu sensed boundless potential in Wuyue.

Her subtle allure likely outshone even Qingqiu Zili’s.

This cub might one day surpass the princess entirely.

After all, even the noble princess was already smitten—though she hadn’t noticed it herself.

“Mm.”

Mulan observed the black-furred fox girl. Strikingly similar to Azurefox Moyue of the Azure Fox Palace.

Sisters?

A six-tailed fox, too.

Names alike—likely kin.

Much like how Azurefox Moyue tended three cubs, Moling Qingqiu served Qingqiu Zili: a maid akin to Sia.

Moling Qingqiu turned back to the princess, a playful smile curling her lips.

“So, Princess Zili… how will you care for Wuyue?”

Qingqiu Zili hugged Wuyue thoughtfully.

“Bathe together, sleep together, snack on Violet Crystal Grapes, play everywhere—doesn’t that sound perfect?”

“Sounds nice,” Moling Qingqiu replied neutrally.

She held back comment.

When Qingqiu Zili brought the other cubs, she rarely fulfilled caretaker duties.

If February’s group wandered off or got hurt, Moling Qingqiu handled it.

The pampered princess could only fret helplessly nearby.

Truthfully, Moling Qingqiu cared for *both* the princess and the cubs.

Not that she minded.

Serving noble azure foxes was an honor.

She genuinely enjoyed it.

Gently stroking the seemingly drowsy Wuyue, she glanced at the eager princess.

“Princess Zili, I hate to interrupt your joy, but study time has arrived. Play with Wuyue after lessons.”

“Oh.”

As the Azure Fox Realm’s noble princess, Qingqiu Zili couldn’t remain a mere pampered mascot.

Powerful as she was, she *had* to study.

Innocent? Acceptable. Foolish? Unthinkable.

Knowledge was non-negotiable.

After all, the legendary Golden Nine Tails—whose beauty captivated nations and heavens—was also the clan’s symbol of wisdom.

Even if others couldn’t reach her heights, they strove to emulate her: becoming flawless foxes.

Before, Qingqiu Zili would’ve dreaded dull study sessions.

Now? With Azurefox Wuyue beside her, it felt manageable.

Tiny, fragrant, soft—this little azure fox was the ultimate antidote to boredom!

Truly a heaven-sent treasure!

*At least, that’s how Qingqiu Zili felt.*

Time drifted gently.

Mulan spent the day lethargically beside Qingqiu Zili, moving like a passive doll—a masterful disguise.

In her mind, she tallied the day’s insights.

Study sessions lasted one to two hours: high-value lessons on clan lore and outside affairs.

Even while “slacking off” on Qingqiu Zili’s white-stockinged thighs, Mulan absorbed knowledge—*+1 EXP*, she mused.

Before she knew it, lessons ended.

Qingqiu Zili took her for a stroll; Moling Qingqiu followed like a silent guardian.

Along the path, Mulan witnessed the princess’s beloved status.

Adult foxes warmly invited Qingqiu Zili into their homes.

No Violet Crystal Grapes, but they offered their finest homemade treats.

Adorable little girls with fox ears snuggled close, eyes shining with admiration—seeing her as a role model.

With no Golden Nine Tails yet born, Princess Qingqiu Zili stood as the Auspicious Fox’s proxy.

Their fervor stemmed from bloodline instinct *and* longing to touch that elusive auspicious aura.

Mulan also noted Qingqiu Zili’s demeanor: calm acceptance.

Never willful. Never dismissive.

Serene with elders, gently receptive to cubs—utterly accustomed to it all.

Undeniably charismatic.

Her popularity wasn’t just birthright; her character shone brightly.

Mulan had sensed this even in dreams.

(Though elders were another matter.

Ordinary clansfolk granted freedom; elders schemed to arrange her future—even betrothing her to a stranger.

No wonder Qingqiu Zili once yanked their tail fur in rage.

Letting them off without making them “drop coins” was already mercy.)

Clansfolk also eyed the unfamiliar three-tailed cub in the princess’s arms with keen curiosity.

The willful princess simply announced, “My new little sister—Azurefox Wuyue,” pride glowing in her voice, and said no more.

Mulan’s presence in the Azure Fox Realm was quietly, steadily, becoming known.