Ever since her public declaration of sovereignty, Emma noticed the undercurrents around her had quieted significantly. But she also understood one thing clearly: as long as Fox Lian remained the dazzling heartthrob he was, covetous eyes would never disappear.
She couldn't just sit passively by his side anymore, waiting for him to handle the chaos. As the "official consort," she needed to take control.
So Emma began a series of quiet, strategic moves.
First, she reinforced their "bound presence." Whether it was the library, the training grounds, or the dining hall—they were practically inseparable. She even "accidentally" let classmates witness how Fox Lian's famously meticulous habits—like drinking only spirit dew at a precise temperature, or grooming his tail with a specific type of spiritwood comb—were now all handled by her.
See that? Emma's actions spoke volumes: I know him better than anyone.
Next came "precision strikes."
When the rabbit girl once again "ran into" Fox Lian with homemade pastries, Emma would casually pull out a more refined treat from her own storage pouch—clearly tailored to his preferences—and offer it to his lips. Fox Lian would lean down, bite it gently, violet eyes curving with delight, tail swaying happily… without sparing the rabbit girl a glance.
When the feathered boy approached with a scroll to "ask for guidance," Emma would calmly interject, pointing out the flaw with such clarity that even Fox Lian occasionally nodded in agreement. The boy would blush and retreat, thoroughly outclassed.
The most dramatic moment came at a school-wide banquet.
The succubus senior, all curves and charm, approached Fox Lian with a glass of shimmering spirit wine. "Lord Fox Lian, may I have the honor of sharing a drink?"
Fox Lian frowned, about to refuse—when Emma gently placed a hand on his.
She stood, lifted her own glass of clear spring water, and smiled with polite detachment. "Senior, Fox Lian is currently at a critical stage in his cultivation. Alcohol isn't suitable. I'll toast you on his behalf—with water."
Before the succubus could respond, Emma drank gracefully.
The senior's smile froze. She glanced at Emma—poised, composed, clearly speaking for Fox Lian—and then at Fox Lian himself, who looked not only unbothered but openly pleased. She realized her chances were gone. With a strained smile, she retreated, untouched wine in hand.
See that? Emma's presence drew the line: His social boundaries are mine to guard.
Fox Lian watched it all, violet eyes gleaming with amusement. His Emma—usually cool and reserved—was unexpectedly fierce when protecting what was hers. He loved it. Being claimed so thoroughly made him feel safe, wanted, and deeply cherished.
After the banquet, he pulled Emma onto a quiet terrace. Under the moonlight, he hugged her tightly, tail wrapped around her like a giant plush ribbon.
"Emma," he murmured into her neck, voice muffled but brimming with joy, "you were like a dragon guarding treasure just now."
Emma giggled, nudging him. "Well, you do attract too many pests."
Fox Lian lifted his head, violet eyes glowing in the moonlight. He took her hand, placed it over his heart, and said with quiet intensity:
"But my treasure… has always been you."
He leaned down, kissed the fox-ear pendant he'd carved for her, then nuzzled her palm.
"So if you want to guard me more fiercely… I won't mind."
Emma looked at his shamelessly affectionate expression and finally laughed, all the exhaustion from fending off rivals melting away.
Fine. If he's hers, she'll spoil him herself.
Behind a pillar, Gu Liang munched on melon seeds and muttered to Cang Ming:
"See that? This is peak fox strategy—let someone else fight off the suitors while he hides behind her, pouting and playing cute."
Cang Ming nodded solemnly and handed her a fresh pack of seaweed snacks.