Having grown up in an orphanage since childhood, how could Mulan possibly grasp the concept of “home”?

A home meant three things: oneself, family, and a place to belong.

The orphanage never felt like home. Only the kind old director came close to being family.

After leaving, that feeling of home vanished completely.

Now, in the Azure Fox Realm—even after just a few days—the atmosphere brought Mulan unexpected ease and joy.

Those three young Azurefox kits always clung to her side.

Azurefox Moyue tirelessly cared for her lazy, listless self.

And now Moling Qingqiu had spoken such genuinely heartfelt words.

In mere days, they’d accepted this suspicious, unknown-origin Azurefox without hesitation.

Yes, her Azurefox identity helped—but could Mulan truly accept their warmth?

Was she even an Azurefox… or still human?

What if they discovered the “Azurefox” was just a human in disguise?

Ribbit! Deceiving others to earn sincerity? That despicable act was beyond her.

Better play dead.

She knew the truth: she wasn’t a pure Azurefox.

Just a strange human who entered the Azure Fox Realm with a hidden purpose.

Moling Qingqiu watched the quieted Azurefox Wuyue, a flicker of helplessness in her eyes. Why such high walls?

Could even the Azurehill Fox Clan’s homeland not soften her heart?

“No pressure,” Moling Qingqiu said gently. “Take all the time you need. You *are* an Azurefox—and a treasure of this Realm.”

She stroked Wuyue’s fur once, then turned and left.

Even as Qingqiu Zili’s attendant, sharing a room was improper.

A noble princess required distance.

But among Azurefoxes? Rules softened.

Mulan exhaled in quiet relief.

*Did she suspect my disguise? Too many flaws…*

Still, no panic.

The favored had nothing to fear.

Azurefoxes here received absurdly generous treatment. Hidden secrets were forgiven—unless utterly heinous.

She wouldn’t face undesired judgment.

Yet… she never belonged here.

She’d always been from another camp.

*Just finish the mission and leave.*

Just then, Qingqiu Zili returned from her bath, steps light, fur groomed to silky softness.

“Wuyue! Big sister’s back! Let’s roll around happily on the bed together!”

“?”

Mulan’s mind flooded with question marks.

*Wait… “roll around” like… THAT?*

No thanks! She just wanted to nap tucked inside her own tail!

“Awwo~”

Qingqiu Zili pounced onto the bed, rolling like a gleeful child. Pure, unfiltered joy.

Mulan wasn’t surprised.

An innocent princess knowing *that*? Unlikely. She probably didn’t even know what love was.

…Okay, Mulan didn’t either.

Imagination made it perfect. Reality? Overrated.

She shot a sidelong glance at the rolling green-furred fox girl. Zero desire to join.

She was just a lazy, onion-scented loaf of bread—destined to clash with energetic Azurefoxes.

Qingqiu Zili settled beside her.

“Wuyue… why so still? You don’t act like an Azurefox next to me or Azurefox Eryue. But your scent… so rich, so comforting. You’ll be cherished. Maybe even outshine big sister.”

She whispered it like a quiet confession, utterly unguarded.

Mulan internally groaned.

*I’m not an Azurefox. Just a listless little loli disguised as onion bread.*

Qingqiu Zili had given up coaxing her to play.

All day, no method worked.

The Azure Fox Realm had never seen such a lethargic Azurefox.

True joy came from embracing one’s nature—but Qingqiu Zili’s was chained by duty.

She couldn’t replace the Golden Nine Tails, yet carried the Azurehill Fox Clan’s hopes.

No wonder freedom felt distant.

Qingqiu Zili lifted Wuyue onto her soft belly. Warm. Close. Comforting.

This was how Azurefoxes cuddled.

If Azurefox Eryue were here, they’d cling to her too.

Mornings meant searching fluffy tails—spacious as a four-dimensional pocket—for hidden kits. One tail, one sister.

Qingqiu Zili loved it. A privilege for beloved little sisters.

“Wuyue… let me tell you a story. You seem new here—like you don’t know our ways.”

Not the first time this urge struck her.

When burdened, she sought a listener: Moling Qingqiu, who understood deeply… or the three naive kits, who’d nuzzle and lick without a care—simple, pure comfort.

“Eep~”

Mulan’s fox ears twitched slightly. A soft, coquettish sound. *Yes, I’ll listen.*

Contact secured. Next: trust.

Staying fox-form forever? Impossible.

She needed the right moment to shift back to human—and advance her plan.

Though… Qingqiu Zili required zero “romancing.”

Azurefox bonds ran deep. Cuddling was genetic.

Shifting now might even delight her. *Human form = easier cuddles*, after all.

But Mulan hesitated.

Her face hadn’t changed.

Qingqiu Zili had seen her human self in the basement.

Fox form only added ears, tail, and silver hair.

One glance could unravel everything.

*How to explain then?*

Ah, whatever. Timing mattered.

Qingqiu Zili smiled, settling in.

“Well~ Since Wuyue wants to listen… prepare for your big sister’s *glorious, magnificent* exploits!”