Unbeknownst to her, over a month had slipped by since Mulan arrived at the Azure Fox Realm.

The warm, cheerful atmosphere left her utterly relaxed.

Yet a faint doubt lingered in her mind.

Had Mirophiel simply forgotten about her?

After so long, that Rogue Witch should’ve at least asked when she’d return.

But not a single word came.

Mulan fell into deep, quiet contemplation.

Whatever.

She wasn’t in a hurry to go back anyway.

Better to bask in affection here than endure Mirophiel’s constant teasing.

The foxes truly treated her as the clan’s pampered treasure—

sharing every tasty bite, inviting her to every fun outing, telling her all the latest gossip.

It felt as if everything revolved around her, like the sun of the Azure Fox Realm.

Living like this made losing oneself dangerously easy.

No wonder Qingqiu Zili was so spoiled.

Utterly spoiled by the Realm’s foxes.

Mulan considered herself an adult with stronger self-control than a child…

but she wasn’t some desireless saint.

The poor crave sustenance; the fed crave wealth; the wealthy crave spiritual and physical fulfillment.

Human desire is a boulder rolling down a mountain—once moving, it never stops.

Mulan feared she was no exception.

In the end, she’d probably become a useless, good-for-nothing fox.

Not that it sounded so bad…

*Provided* she wasn’t burdened with some strange mission.

Scene shift.

The princess’s backyard.

Qingqiu Zili lounged in a wooden chair, watching three little azure foxes dart about joyfully.

Violet Crystal Grapes vanished one after another into her mouth, her expression blissful.

Mulan approached slowly from behind, her three fluffy tails swaying irritably.

“Hey, big silly fox! Your solo-snacking days are over. Hand over the Violet Crystal Grapes.”

Qingqiu Zili paused. A faint smirk touched her lips. She set down the grape and turned.

“If you want them, come take them. You’ve known the rule.”

Mulan sighed softly. Her three tails snapped straight—azure flames flickering at their tips.

Third-tail magic: Foxfire Technique. Beyond searing heat, it fused with the first tail’s Shapeshifting Art for endless variations.

“I knew you’d say that.”

“How many times have we fought?”

“Hard to count. For over a month, it’s been nonstop brawls. Every time Mo Ling brings grapes, you try to hog them all. Infuriating!”

Just thinking about it made Mulan’s blood boil.

Qingqiu Zili wasn’t like Er Yue and the other kits.

Er Yue’s group at least shared food.

But Qingqiu Zili? Faced with Violet Crystal Grapes, she’d grab extra—even eye Mulan’s portion. Pure greed!

Cuddling and snacking were two different matters.

Normally, Qingqiu Zili clung to Mulan relentlessly, tails practically sparking with static from closeness.

But mention grapes? She became a whole other fox.

Truly, the gluttonous bloodline was a curse.

Mulan strongly condemned it!

“Time to settle this, greedy fox! Once and for all!”

“Awooo! Over Violet Crystal Grapes? This princess will NEVER surrender!”

Qingqiu Zili charged fiercely—

lunged—

and fell. (Alas.)

In a blink, the noble princess was pinned effortlessly by the petite azure fox loli.

This scene replayed nearly daily.

The overconfident, battle-weak princess always thought she’d win.

Reality was harsh.

Qingqiu Zili, a three-tailed prodigy, still couldn’t match Mulan’s monstrous talent.

No direct fight needed—just a clever trick.

The innocent princess could never grasp an adult’s devious mind.

Sitting atop Qingqiu Zili’s slender waist, Mulan savored victory.

Had her heart grown childish alongside her youthful form?

An illusion?

Teasing a pretty girl like this… felt kinda good.

Was this how couples felt too?

She gently stroked Qingqiu Zili’s fur, then stood to claim her spoils.

“Mmm~ Shouldn’t a younger sister yield to her older sister?”

Qingqiu Zili rose with a resentful huff, brushing dust off her robes.

Her three tails would need serious grooming tonight.

Mulan shot her a speechless look, still munching grapes while mentally complaining about this fox girl.

“What logic is that? But if you admit *I’m* the older sister… maybe I’ll share.”

“No way! *This princess* is the older sister! Non-negotiable!”

Cheeks puffed, Qingqiu Zili stood firm.

Unable to win fights, she clung to “older sister” as her sole advantage.

How could a younger sister outshine her elder?

She exhaled, calming herself. Sat beside Mulan. Grabbed one fluffy tail and kneaded it gently—stress relief.

“Wuyue… that despicable guy still shows no cracks. Everyone trusts him more each day. What now?”

Naturally, she meant Qingqiu Nine Calamities.

Through calculated acts, he’d won the Azurehill Fox Clan’s hearts—nearly hailed as their ultimate hope.

Soon, he’d likely claim the title of Qingqiu King, wielding supreme power.

If this continued, Qingqiu Zili would lose her freedom entirely, reduced to a breeding tool.

Worse… as the Realm’s sole male azure fox, he might be entrusted with *all* the foxes.

Including underage Er Yue, San Yue, Si Yue—and even the so-called “Azurefox Wuyue.”

Mulan would never accept that future.

For a month, she and Qingqiu Zili had secretly tailed him, hunting hidden truths.

They’d secured the Third Elder as their ally.

Their argument was simple:

Azure foxes naturally attract one another.

Yet both felt soul-deep revulsion toward Qingqiu Nine Calamities—proof he wasn’t truly one of them.

The Third Elder took it seriously, cooperating discreetly to avoid leaks.

But after weeks? Zero useful clues. Mulan’s confidence wavered.

“Darn it. Looks like we’ve no choice… sneak into his room.”