The “glorious deeds” Qingqiu Zili described weren’t exactly proper achievements.
Mulan listened carefully—turns out they were just years of mischievous antics.
Including, but not limited to: plucking tail fur from several fox elders, leading three young azure foxes in a failed escape attempt, spreading fake disappearance rumors to play hide-and-seek with adult foxes, and rallying crowds with rebellious speeches to overthrow elder authority.
Any single act alone would’ve been a major offense.
An ordinary fox doing this would’ve been exiled from the Azure Fox Realm long ago.
Only Princess Qingqiu Zili, with her noble status, received such leniency.
All were attempts to rebel against fate, chasing a life of freedom.
Sadly, none worked.
Mulan wasn’t surprised.
After all, she’d witnessed them firsthand in dreams—vague but clear enough.
“Sigh~”
Qingqiu Zili exhaled softly, youthful worries nearly spilling over.
“May~ Returning to the Azure Fox Realm isn’t necessarily good. Azure foxes crave freedom. Coming back is like stepping into a giant cage. We seem noble, hold high status—but can’t choose our own paths. February and the others feel it too. But as princess and eldest azure fox… my burdens are heavier.”
“Mmm.”
Mulan stayed silent.
Qingqiu Zili seemed airheaded, yet saw things clearly.
Without the Golden Nine Tails guiding them, the Azurehill Fox Clan wasn’t fit for azure foxes.
Hope for the Auspicious Fox weighed solely on them.
Newborns were raised within the Realm’s warded borders, forbidden all outside contact—clashing utterly with their wild nature.
Her recent abduction by Mirophiel? Her first taste of the outside world.
Kinda sad, huh?
“Mmm.”
Qingqiu Zili lifted Mulan to eye level—gaze unfocused, slightly dazed.
“I truly hope the Golden Nine Tails appears soon. She’s the Clan’s only light, only hope. All this pampering I get? Because of her. Azure foxes are the most likely to nurture a Golden Nine Tails. For any fox, that’d be the highest honor.”
She set Mulan down, nuzzling her fluffy, warm belly. The comfort was instant.
Mulan felt a little awkward. First time being treated like this. *She wasn’t clean.*
But what could she do?
Might as well stay quiet and play the lazy scallion baguette.
Listening to Qingqiu Zili’s heart was part of the plan.
Then, with a smile, Qingqiu Zili lifted her again.
“May’s scent is so soothing~ Smells wonderful.”
Mulan glared down, tail swishing impatiently—*Don’t dodge the topic.*
Qingqiu Zili caught the hint.
“You like hearing this, May? Then I’ll go on. Cultivating a Golden Nine Tails would be ideal… but those awful elders want to hand me to that loathsome Qingqiu Nine Calamities. He’s an azure fox, yet… doesn’t feel like one. Hard to like.”
Mulan nodded silently.
Maybe from absorbing Qingqiu Zili’s blood—but she hated him too.
Or… was he another disguised creature? Like her.
Who’d guess this harmless little azure fox was human?
Qingqiu Nine Calamities might’ve tricked the elders too.
This mission likely tied to him.
But speculation without proof meant nothing.
Elders wouldn’t move against the Clan’s only male azure fox on rumors alone.
Qingqiu Zili shifted topics.
“Never mind him. May, if you meet that fox—stay far. He reeks. Elders just… can’t smell it.”
Mulan nodded again.
“Now, elder sister tells you something recent! The infamous Plunder Witch came, took me away—best thing in my whole fox life! A little tense, sure… but escaping this place? Worth it.”
Her tail swayed happily as she recounted it. Being kidnapped felt freer than playing in the Realm.
“But that Plunder Witch was arrogant! Kidnapped the princess without a glance! I’m the Azurehill Fox Clan’s noblest princess! Even if she trounces all elders, show some respect!”
Mulan almost laughed.
If Qingqiu Zili met Mirophiel? She’d probably defect on sight.
Too bad Mirophiel only wanted to use her to empower the Starplucking Princess and trade for ancient artifacts.
Rough luck.
Unaware of Mulan’s flickering gaze, Qingqiu Zili huffed.
“There, I met a bratty human girl trying to hoard *my* Violet Crystal Grapes. But since she handed them over… if elders catch her, she’ll be my servant. I’ll feast right before her. Maybe toss her a grape if she amuses me. Hmph~ This princess is *very* magnanimous.”
“Hmm…”
Mulan hadn’t expected this airheaded fox girl still remembered *her*.
Wanted the elders to capture her?
Try beating Mirophiel first.
Night deepened. Rest time came.
Qingqiu Zili grew drowsy, ready to cuddle May to sleep.
But Mulan refused to be squeezed all night!
Time for a new spell.
“Charm Magic!”
Her tail swished. Magic rippled across her body, glowing faint cyan-gold.
“Ah…”
Qingqiu Zili’s eyes glazed over, lost in dreamlike haze.
“Hm? Worked?”
Mulan wriggled free, stretched deliberately.
“Haven’t moved all day. Laziness is fine—but stretch a little.”
A flash of azure light streaked the room.
Mulan stood human again, smiling brightly.
“Woo-hoo~ I’m back!”
