For a fox spirit, the charm effect of the [Celestial Fox's Voice] was way stronger than Xia Zhi expected.
Yae Miko looked completely dazed now, as if that single voice alone had shut her brain off.
He frowned, thoughtful, then nodded. "Alright, let's test it again."
He reached out and placed his hand back on top of her head, rubbing lightly.
Soft. Really soft.
Miko tilted her head under his palm. "Mr. Xia, aren't you going to say something?"
"Oh..."
"Yes! That's the voice!"
"What's so different about it?"
"There's a huge difference! Don't move your hand!"
"..."
"Mr. Xia! Say something else!"
"What do you want to hear?"
"Anything!"
"Uh..."
"You could say my name," she murmured.
"Miko..."
"Ah..."
Xia Zhi only said her name the same way he always did, but Miko's whole body went slack, a blissful little smile spreading across her face like she'd just been struck by happiness itself.
Hopeless. This fox was absolutely hopeless.
He tried to pull his hand away, but she grabbed it tight, refusing to let go, eyes pleading.
"Mr. Xia, don't."
"..."
"Say it again, please."
"Say what? Miko?"
"Ah!"
"...You've gotta be kidding me."
A moment ago she was the definition of seductive elegance, and now she looked like a well-trained puppy waiting for praise.
This wasn't right.
What the hell kind of [Celestial Fox's Voice] was this? How could it be this strong?
Xia Zhi's eyes narrowed slightly. That sweet, enchanting scent in the air was getting thicker by the second.
Could it be... she was in the same kind of state Ganyu had been back then?
He remembered the way Ganyu had looked at him during that time—eyes blazing with a wild, restrained hunger that almost burned through her calm.
Yae Miko had been in human form for centuries now. If he counted the cycles right... it wasn't impossible.
If that was the case, this joke was getting dangerously close to crossing the line.
He immediately shut off the [Celestial Fox's Voice], pulled his hand free, and said firmly, "Enough fooling around."
"Eh?"
The sudden return of his normal tone left Miko visibly disappointed.
So it really only worked when he touched her head or face...
"Lie down properly," Xia Zhi said evenly. "The massage isn't done yet."
"Okay..."
Her reply was weak, unenthusiastic. Even the soothing comfort of the essential oil massage felt dull now that that voice was gone.
When it finally ended, she sat up on the small bed, looking at him with hopeful eyes. "Mr. Xia, can we try it again?"
"Try what?"
"The head pat!"
"..."
"Or maybe a cheek pinch!"
"Miko, can you please act normal for five minutes?"
"Please, Mr. Xia! I just want to hear that voice one more time! I'm begging you!"
He sighed. "You're impossible."
Still, he gave in and patted her head again.
What on earth did this fox use for shampoo? Her hair felt like silk between his fingers.
"Miko."
"Ahh!!"
That satisfied little hum escaped her lips as she walked out of the massage room, smiling dreamily.
Hanachirusato took one look at her and frowned. Something felt... off.
"You okay?"
"I'm great!" Miko beamed.
"Then I'll go in next."
"Mm-hm."
Miko waved lazily, then turned toward the bathhouse.
The cool night air outside helped clear her head a little.
After walking a dozen steps, her eyes refocused—and realization hit.
Wait... what the hell was that?
She froze.
Did I really... act like that in front of Mr. Xia?
What was I even doing?
She pressed a hand to her forehead, replaying every moment in her mind.
Everything about how she'd behaved—it was exactly like someone under a charm spell.
Yes. That was it.
She knew the signs well; she'd used charm magic on others countless times before.
But when had Mr. Xia cast it on her? That beautiful voice—was that when it happened? And why hadn't she noticed it at all?
A charm that natural... that seamless...
Just who was the real fox here?
Her face twisted into a mix of exasperation and disbelief as she sank into the hot water of the bath.
It wasn't even embarrassment over her behavior—after all, being touched by a god was an honor countless devotees would kill for.
No, what really stung was losing in her own game.
In her best domain, no less.
Makoto and Ei were already soaking in the bath when Miko slid in beside them, looking utterly defeated.
That alone was strange enough for both of them to glance over.
"Miko, what's wrong?" Makoto asked.
"Nothing..."
"You didn't go for your massage?"
"I did."
"Essential oil one?"
"Yeah."
"How was it?"
"Fine, I guess..."
"Then why do you look like someone scolded you?"
"Ugh... don't ask..."
"Don't tell me my cousin bullied you?" Makoto teased.
"He did! Mr. Xia bullied me! He's awful!"
"Ah?"
Makoto blinked, confused.
Wait—what?
She was the one who started that whole thing!
Could it be that Xia Zhi... actually liked this type of woman?
Makoto pondered this with a strange expression.
Then Miko suddenly stood up in the water, letting her towel slip as she turned to Makoto and Ei with a perfectly serious face.
"Do you think I've gained weight?"
"Uh?"
Makoto and Ei stared at her, dumbfounded.
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