She had no intention of staying the night. Having helped her “darling daughter” learn all she could, it was time to make a graceful exit.

'—Hit and run. Absolutely flawless!'

Rong froze, her pen pausing midair.

“You’re leaving?”

Eden flashed a brilliant smile and nodded.

“Yes, I only came to check on you two. Now that I see everything’s fine and you’ve learned what I came to teach, it’s time for me to go.”

Like she’d stay a second longer!

What, wait around for the young man to call her out later?

Not a chance.

A clever succubus queen always knew how to avoid getting caught in a trap.

But before leaving, Eden’s expression turned serious as she issued a parting instruction to Rong.

“Don’t forget to return on time for the ceremonial banquet at the start of next month.”

This was her real reason for coming.

Next month’s ceremony was a critical event for the succubi, and Rong’s attendance was non-negotiable.

Rong obediently nodded.

With her three objectives for the visit completed, Eden prepared to leave.

But just as she turned to go, someone grabbed her wrist.

A warm, firm hand wrapped around her slender arm.

Shia’s hand, radiating heat, felt like it could melt into her skin.

Eden flinched, startled.

'What is he doing?'

She had been ready to escape. How could she let herself get caught now?

Especially since it was 'Shia' who caught her.

Shia lifted his face, flashing a warm, radiant smile.

“So late at night, how could we let you travel back on the road alone?”

“Why don’t you stay a while longer? Rong might not say it out loud, but she misses her home. And don’t you miss her too?”

“There are plenty of rooms here. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, Your Majesty.”

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Though his smile appeared kind and inviting, a chill ran down Eden’s spine as goosebumps rose on the back of her hand.

Through the cracks in that smile, she could faintly see the words “revenge plan” written all over it.

“No need. Affairs in the clan keep me busy, and for us succubi, nighttime is better suited to our activities anyway.”

Eden’s polite smile didn’t reach her eyes as she tried to slip her hand free.

But how could Shia possibly let her go?

He even used both hands to hold her back.

“Oh no, letting a guest leave in the middle of the night would make me a terrible host, wouldn’t it?”

Eden kept trying to free her hand, inching ever closer to the door.

“We’re way past needing such formalities, aren’t we? Right, Rong?”

“It’s just our way of showing respect and gratitude. Come on, just stay for the night.”

“No, no, I really do have urgent matters to attend to.”

“I’m a decent cook, Your Majesty. You haven’t tried my cooking yet, have you? Why not stay, and I’ll whip something up for you?”

“Physical hunger can be satisfied anytime. Clan affairs, however, can’t be postponed.”

The two of them tussled all the way from the second-floor bedroom to the living room doorway.

No matter what Shia said, he refused to let go.

And Eden, stubborn as a mule, was determined to leave.

One wanted to keep the troublemaker here for a future reckoning.

The other wanted to avoid all accountability and disappear after her fun.

A classic tug-of-war between a host trying to keep his guest and a guest doing everything to escape.

Rong’s head swiveled back and forth between them, nearly dizzy from watching the back-and-forth.

Finally, Eden reached the door, her hand on the handle.

“It’s not like this is goodbye forever. Rong, if you miss me, you’ll see me at the banquet next month. Shia, you’re welcome to come along too. Dreamland is always open to you.”

“And with my special pass, I can drop by anytime to visit. Really, there’s no need to be so enthusiastic.”

With that, Eden pushed the door open.

“I can’t let this happen! This is your first visit here—I won’t allow myself to be a poor host!”

Shia was unrelenting.

But with her hand already on the door and her assassin-like skills, Eden vanished in a blink, disappearing without a trace.

Only her playful, triumphant voice lingered in the air.

“Thank you for your hospitality. See you next month~!”

Eden made a clean getaway, escaping unscathed and victorious.

Shia stood at the doorway, one hand on his hip, the other brushing his forehead as he looked out into the pitch-black night. He let out a long sigh.

Sure, he wanted to keep her here and settle the score later. But getting rid of this troublesome woman now wasn’t so bad either.

Otherwise, he might’ve ended up hurting himself in the process.

That small sense of regret quickly faded.

Now that the meddlesome succubus was gone, it was time to focus on what really mattered—checking on Rong.

After all, being publicly overshadowed like that could’ve easily upset her.

His little succubus maid was shy by nature. Who knew how she might process the situation after the fact?

She could get jealous or insecure—both were possible.

And if she ended up hurt or sad, Shia would feel guilty too.

But when he turned back around, he was met with Rong’s gaze.

Her eyes didn’t hold sadness, nor relief, but... an eager, determined spark?

Shia blinked, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease.

He took a small step back.

“W-what are you planning to do?”

Something felt 'off'.

This wasn’t the usual Rong at all—it was almost... dangerous.

The feeling was eerily similar to what he’d just experienced with Eden.

But this was Rong, his familiar, sweet companion.

'It must be my imagination... right?'

Before he could finish his thought, everything changed in an instant.

Caught off guard, Shia found himself falling back onto the plush sofa.

The sudden motion left him momentarily dizzy.

And then, the familiar scent of a young girl enveloped him.

Her long hair cascaded over his chest, stray strands brushing his nose and tickling him softly.

A warm, soft weight pressed down on him as a petite, delicate body settled atop his own.

In a mere moment, one troublesome woman was gone, and now another beautiful girl had pinned him down on the couch, leaving him completely immobilized.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com