“Skip the formal ceremony, those symbolic gestures are meaningless. Besides, I’m not Lilya’s true teacher in the real sense. At most, I’m just a guide. How far you go ultimately depends on yourself.”

 

“Alright, I understand, Sister Violet.”

 

Whether it was Violet’s misconception or not, when the princess said these words, her face seemed to carry a hint of regret.

 

“Enough, it’s getting late. Lilya, go back and rest. Think carefully about the direction you want to choose. Tomorrow night, at this time, come to my room again.”

 

“Okay… Wait, Sister Violet, it might not be possible tomorrow night.”

 

Lilya instinctively wanted to agree but seemed to suddenly remember something and quickly added, “I’ve already discussed with General Leyton. The surprise attack force is set to depart tomorrow night.”

 

“So urgent?” Violet frowned.

 

“No choice. In war, speed is essential. No one knows when the second wave of beastman attacks will begin.”

 

“Alright… But Lilya, are you sure you want to go personally?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

The princess did not hesitate, her expression quite resolute.

 

“Well… it’s up to you. After all, I’m just a poor working person. I’ll definitely be leaving the city with the employer, so I’ll find an opportunity to teach you later,” Violet nonchalantly shrugged.

 

Seeing that the escort miss didn’t show any disapproval of her decision, Lilya also breathed a sigh of relief. “So, Sister Violet, it’s settled then. See you tomorrow?”

 

“See you tomorrow. Goodnight~”

 

Lilya quickly left the room.

 

Violet sat in her chair, quietly gazing at the night outside, lost in thought.

 

With a flash of light, the golden-haired little dragon lady appeared behind the girl and asked with a puzzled tone, “Master, are you really going to teach that human about the powers in our world?”

 

Through their shared vision, Xiao Guang saw everything that had happened in the room earlier.

 

Violet affectionately rubbed her pet’s small head with a smile, “Why, don’t you want me to do this?”

 

The little dragon lady lowered her head with a somber tone, “Whatever the master does is right. I just can’t understand why you’re so kind to a mere human just because she’s that so-called princess. She’s nothing more than a leader of ants. It shouldn’t hold any significance to you.”

 

Hmm? Why does her tone sound a bit jealous? Can pets get jealous too…?

 

After organizing her thoughts, Violet patiently explained, “You can’t put it that way. Since I met Lilya, she has been a great help to me. Thanks to her, I was able to quickly learn various knowledge and information about this world, even though they are intangible things. But they are very useful, aren’t they?”

 

After hesitating for a moment, the girl decided to make things clear. “And, I quite like this child, Lilya. She’s determined, ambitious, dares to speak, dares to do, and dares to strive. I really want to see how far she can go.”

 

“Master likes her?”

 

The little dragon lady’s tone suddenly became somewhat peculiar.

 

“Cough cough cough!!… It’s the kind of liking as in appreciation, appreciation! Don’t think too much about it!”

 

Violet nearly choked on her saliva.

 

This little dragon lady was quite adept at catching keywords. Why does it feel like being interrogated by a wife about an affair? Clearly, she, Xiao Guang, and Lilya don’t have that kind of relationship…

 

Stare…

 

“Really?”

 

“Really!”

 

Violet answered without hesitation.

 

“…At least for now, I don’t have that kind of feeling for Lilya. Although she’s a cute and beautiful girl, I’m not the type to fall for someone at first sight. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

 

Seeing Violet’s calm expression and serious tone, Xiao Guang also relaxed a bit.

 

She didn’t know why she had been particularly concerned about this matter. Normally, no matter what her master wanted to do, a pet should unconditionally support it. 

 

But the dragon girl had an irresistible urge to speak up just now, even though she had never done that before.

 

“I’m sorry, Master, for saying something strange.”

 

“It’s alright. Get some rest. I have a feeling that our dear princess’s actions this time might be quite interesting…”

 

……………………….

 

On this quiet night, even the birds had returned to their nests, and the imposing walls of the Wanhe Fortress stood like a colossal beast on the land. In front of it lay an endless expanse of whispering plains.

 

It was said that when people rested on this plain at night, they would occasionally hear faint murmurs, almost like a young girl whispering in their ears. If they listened carefully, they would hear nothing at all…

 

After several investigations, the kingdom’s experts explained it as a peculiar effect caused by the wind at night passing through the unique terrain, coincidentally producing sounds resembling human voices. It wasn’t the rumored ghosts, spirits, or ancient relics.

 

Although many scholars were skeptical of this explanation, they couldn’t propose a more convincing one. Gradually, it became the consensus among most people in the kingdom.

 

The campfires of the Beastman army flickered in the distance. Since their initial probing attack was repelled on the first day, they had remained positioned about ten kilometers from the Wanhe Fortress, neither advancing nor retreating. Lilya and her group couldn’t discern the intentions of the enemy commander.

 

But that didn’t deter her from taking action.

 

Under the cover of darkness, a small gate on the side of Wanhe Fortress suddenly opened.

 

Countless light cavalry silently poured out, blending into the night. When the last soldier rushed out of the fortress, the gate closed quietly, as if nothing had happened.

 

Inside the beastman camp, at the central command tent.

 

A figure shrouded in black robes moved stealthily through the night.

 

He didn’t deliberately conceal his presence, but the beastman soldiers passing by seemed to completely ignore him, allowing him to approach the massive central tent unopposed.

 

“Stop, do not approach any further.”

 

Upon reaching the edge of the central command tent, the figure in the black robe suddenly stopped because several sharp claws had pressed against his back. With just a little force, they could easily pierce his heart.

 

However, the figure in the black robe remained calm and even expressed approval in a deep, low voice, “I’ve heard that the Foxfolk are experts in trickery, particularly skilled in concealment, assassination, and reconnaissance. Today, I can see that the rumors are true. Even a young fox like you can see through my secrets.”

 

“You must be of legendary status,” he squinted his eyes.

 

“It’s not a big deal, you’re just confined to your own perspective. I recognize you, human. What are you here for?” came the Kingdom language from the damp, chilly night air. The voice was somewhat unfamiliar, but it had an alluring quality mixed with coldness, giving the distinct impression that the one behind the black robe was a girl, or rather… a vixen.

 

The young fox, Mevis, had a strong sense of hostility towards this intruder.

 

If she hadn’t seen him speaking with the chieftain earlier and departing unharmed, she wouldn’t even have asked any questions and would have simply eliminated him. She despised humans who sneaked into their ranks.

 

Seemingly unperturbed by the cold mockery and hostility of the fox girl, the figure in the black robe seemed rather amused as he said, “Of course, it’s a significant matter. Can I meet with the High Priest? Shouldn’t I have an audience with him?”

 

“The chieftain is not someone you can just…” Mevis began to respond but suddenly stopped, pursing her lips in annoyance and retracting her extended claws.

 

“The High Priest has agreed to see you, human.”

 

 

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TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - it inspires me and gives me the strength to write more. Thank you~!

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