“So that’s how it is!”

Mulan’s reasoning was riddled with holes—but to Qingqiu Zili, it made perfect sense!

What even was the Violet Crystal Grape?

A fruit so enchanting that even the Golden Nine Tails would fall deeply in love with it!

If the legendary Auspicious Fox couldn’t resist its charm, how could any other fox possibly ignore it?

Everything suddenly clicked!

The wandering azure fox had been taken in by the mighty Plunder Witch yet had never tasted the Azure Fox Realm’s exclusive treasure: the Violet Crystal Grape.

When the Plunder Witch abducted the fox clan princess, she happened to snatch a bunch—and introduced the inexperienced azure fox to this irresistible fruit.

Once she tasted its sweetness, there was no turning back.

Qingqiu Zili had never doubted the grape’s magnetic pull on an azure fox.

Of course Mulan would return to the Azure Fox Realm for it—it was only logical!

Her doubts vanished in an instant.

No wonder Mulan had resisted so fiercely when asked to hand over the grapes.

Turns out, Mulan was also a Qingqiu nine-tailed fox born with zero resistance to Violet Crystal Grapes.

Yet she still gave them up… What incredible willpower!

Qingqiu Zili knew she herself could never have shared so generously amid such scarcity.

But Mulan surrendered an entire bunch—what a truly selfless fox!

Suddenly, Mulan’s earlier disrespect didn’t feel like a big deal at all.

“Ahaha~”

Mulan let out an awkward chuckle, guilt prickling her conscience for tricking someone so innocent.

*So easily fooled…*

Probably because Qingqiu Zili was just too pure-hearted.

Mulan cleared her throat lightly. “But… I might not stay long. If the Plunder Witch notices I’m gone, she’ll come for me. Then I’ll have to leave.”

Qingqiu Zili’s cheeks puffed up in anger. How dare anyone snatch away this adorable junior azure fox!

Now that she’d entered the Azure Fox Realm, she was practically family—her little sister!

Abducting a cute little sister? Absolutely not!

“Hmph! Does that mere Plunder Witch think the Azure Fox Realm is her personal playground?”

“…Isn’t it?!” Mulan gasped in shock.

“Mmm…”

Qingqiu Zili’s tail stiffened, then drooped lifelessly onto the bed. Dejection washed over her.

She couldn’t deny it.

To that terrifying witch, the Realm truly was a place she could enter and exit at will.

Even all the elders combined might not stop her.

Unless led by the Golden Nine Tails, the Azurehill Fox Clan remained vulnerable to such power.

She’d felt this helplessness before.

She had zero confidence the Realm could protect Mulan.

With no other choice…

“Um… if the Plunder Witch comes for you… could you ask her to take this princess along too?”

A flicker of eager hope lit Qingqiu Zili’s eyes—a longing for freedom.

Staying with the Plunder Witch sounded perfect: roaming freely outside, having Mulan as a companion, and sending the witch to “retrieve” Violet Crystal Grapes from the Realm whenever she craved them.

What a dream outcome!

“Huh? What are you thinking? What would the Plunder Witch gain from taking you? If she did, the elders might rally the entire clan against her! Do you want your people destroyed?”

Mulan’s words were slightly exaggerated—but not impossible.

Every azure fox influenced the chance of birthing a Golden Nine Tails.

Aside from that mysterious male azure fox who appeared out of nowhere, Qingqiu Zili was the clan’s prime candidate.

Beyond that… they’d never abandon the Azure Fox Princess they’d cherished since childhood. Waging war on the Starplucking Court was very likely.

As the saying goes: *“Even a fallen camel surpasses a horse.”* The Azurehill Fox Clan had once shone brightly. The Azure Fox Realm hid treasures even Mirophiel coveted.

Allying with other powers, they’d still pose a serious threat.

Unless Mirophiel could annihilate them in one strike—which she wouldn’t dare, not with a race that might yet produce an Auspicious Fox.

If a new Golden Nine Tails rose, elders stagnant at Solarcrown Rank might sprout their ninth tails overnight.

Who could guarantee it wouldn’t happen again?

Qingqiu Zili’s spirit sank once more.

“Waaah… So unfair! Why can *you* roam free as an azure fox, while *this princess* must obey the elders—even cozy up to that loathsome guy? If only I could run away…”

Normally, she’d still enjoy carefree days within the Realm.

But ever since *that* male azure fox appeared, joy had vanished.

She’d rather leave forever than endure his presence.

Mulan reached out to pat her head—then halted mid-motion. Instead, she turned and gently placed her tail into Qingqiu Zili’s arms.

“Here. Pet my tail.”

“Mmm… thank you.”

Qingqiu Zili hugged the fluffy tail close. Warmth, softness, a faint sweet scent—the gloom in her heart melted away instantly.

Hugging her own tail felt dull. But *Mulan’s* tail? Absolutely wonderful~

So soft, so warm… she never wanted to let go.

Just then, Mulan spoke softly. “Actually… I came to the Azure Fox Realm for another reason—to help you.”

“Hm?” Qingqiu Zili lifted her face from the tail, eyes wide with confusion.

“Help this princess run away?”

“Ah… running might not work. But I *can* help solve one trouble. You hate that male azure fox, right? I find him suspicious too—maybe he’s a really bad guy.”

“A bad guy?”

Qingqiu Zili’s eyes widened further. Belief flared in her chest, followed by a spark of anger.

“Then tell the elders now! Let them deal with him!”

Mulan quickly looped her tail around Qingqiu Zili’s wrist. “Wait, wait! Calm down. Baseless guesses won’t convince them. The elders see nothing odd. Our words alone can’t shake the only existing male azure fox’s status.”

Qingqiu Zili stilled. She looked at Mulan, eyes shimmering with quiet dependence.

“Then… what do we do?”

“What to do? Hehe~ Time for the Two-Fox Detectives to shine! Keep watching him closely—he’ll slip up eventually.”

(Of course, Mulan had no intention of dragging Qingqiu Zili into reckless danger.

Childish pranks wouldn’t earn allies.

But undeniable clues? That could secure powerful, reliable backup.)