Emma noticed something strange—ever since she and Fox Lian went public, his popularity hadn't dropped. If anything… it skyrocketed.
Before, people admired him from afar, too intimidated to approach. Now? It was as if they saw a new opportunity to "climb ranks," swarming around him like moths to a flame.
"Lord Fox Lian, I made these peach blossom cakes myself. Would you like to try?" A timid rabbit girl held out a food box, her ruby eyes shimmering with hope. Fox Lian didn't even respond—his tail, resting on Emma's lap, flicked impatiently.
"Lord Fox Lian, I'm having trouble with this spatial rune. Could I ask for your guidance?" A feathered boy approached with a scroll, his gaze drifting toward Fox Lian's sunlit, fluffy ears. Fox Lian's violet eyes remained indifferent as he leaned closer to Emma, tail silently tightening around her waist.
Even clans that used to keep their distance were now making moves.
"Fox Lian," purred a sultry succubus senior, twirling her hair and holding a scented invitation. "Our clan is hosting a ball tonight. Would you honor us with your presence—"
She didn't finish. Fox Lian's tail bristled instantly, standing upright like he'd sensed a natural predator.
Emma sat nearby, expressionless, fingers crumpling the corner of her rune book. She'd figured it out—these people weren't chasing Fox Lian out of love. They were lining up, waiting for her to break up with him so they could swoop in.
"Tsk." Gu Liang munched on a spirit fruit beside her, dragon tail thumping the ground with schadenfreude. "See? That's the price of dating a campus heartthrob. You're basically holding a piece of sacred meat—every spirit beast wants a bite."
Emma shot her a glare, eyes narrowing at the succubus still trying to flirt. Her gaze turned cold.
Fox Lian was clearly fed up too. His usual aloofness used to keep most people at bay, but now that he was with Emma, that "do-not-approach" aura seemed to have faded—at least in others' eyes. Result? A flood of shameless admirers.
"Emma," he murmured after fending off yet another "study question," resting his head on her shoulder, tail curling around her arm like a sulking child. "Can we go back to the divine clan? It's too noisy here."
His breath brushed her neck, voice tinged with a pout. His beautiful fox ears drooped pitifully, making him look adorably miserable.
Emma's heart softened instantly. She reached up and rubbed his ear base, the soft fur soothing her irritation and jealousy.
"No," she said firmly. "We're not running away. It's time some people learned…"
She raised her eyes, gaze sharp as it swept across the lingering stares. Her voice wasn't loud—but it carried.
"…who the real deal is."
Then, to the shock of everyone watching, Emma reached out, cupped Fox Lian's face—and kissed him.
Fox Lian's violet eyes widened, then lit up with joy. His tail wrapped tightly around her waist, and he kissed her back with enthusiasm.
"Whoa—!"
Gasps echoed around them.
Emma, bold and commanding, had just declared her territory in the most dramatic way possible.
Gu Liang's fruit dropped to the ground. Her dragon jaw hung open.
Girl, when did you get so wild?!
When the kiss ended, Emma was breathless, cheeks flushed, but her gaze remained steady as she scanned the crowd. The once-eager eyes now flickered with uncertainty. Many looked away, awkward and defeated.
Fox Lian's eyes sparkled. His tail clung to her possessively as he leaned in and whispered:
"I love this version of you… my rightful queen."
Emma's ears burned. She shot him a playful glare—but inside, she felt oddly triumphant.
Apparently, when it came to rivals… the best defense was a public claim.
And somewhere in the shadows, the succubus senior quietly tucked away her invitation and sighed:
"…Forget it. That empress is not to be trifled with."