chapter 85: The Deranged Elven Princess Turns Into Steam Maiden (3)

chapter 85: The Deranged Elven Princess Turns Into Steam Maiden (3)

"I'm going to take a bath and change. Rong, take care of Nia for me."

Rong grew even more nervous. Faced with a girl who exuded such immense pressure, she felt completely out of her depth. Could she really handle this?

She opened her mouth, about to protest, but Shia's figure had already disappeared down the hallway.

Left with no choice, Rong stood awkwardly, gesturing toward the sofa.

"Um… please, have a seat."

Nia turned to look at Rong, then nodded.

"Oh, okay."

She sat down, still puzzled.

Didn't Shia say there was a cat that could do backflips? She hadn't seen one yet. But she didn't ask, choosing instead to sit silently, her expression blank as she zoned out.

Rong retreated several steps, cautiously observing Nia. She wanted to say something but hesitated, her words caught in her throat. She couldn't even bring herself to sit on the same sofa.

One, socially awkward cat. One absent-minded raccoon. Neither seemed capable of breaking the silence.

When Shia emerged from the bathroom, freshly changed and smelling clean, he found the two girls sitting eight feet apart. One was lost in thought, while the other sat stiffly upright.

A flustered cat and a spacey raccoon—a conversation seemed impossible between them.

"Pfft!"

Though it was hardly polite, Shia couldn't hold back his laughter.

Rong turned her head, catching sight of Shia leaning casually against the corner, clearly having been watching for quite some time. Her heart swelled with a mix of frustration and grievance as she shot him a threatening glare.

Her delicate, pretty face remained expressionless, but her cold eyes locked onto Shia with a subtle aura of displeasure.

I'm stuck in this awkward situation, and you're just laughing at me?

You're the one who brought her here, yet you're making me entertain her.

You know my personality, but you still left me alone to handle this.

This is too much!

Even if you've given me shelter and work, I'm still mad at you! At least for a day... no, an hour... ten minutes?

What seemed like a cold, angry beauty was, in fact, just a pouty act.

Meanwhile, Nia turned her attention back to Rong, her bright eyes sparkling with interest. Her gaze moved slowly, studying Rong from head to toe.

This girl's internal monologue is so rich, huh?

What a surprising socially anxious type.

A smile bloomed on Nia's soft, adorable face, exuding warmth and charm. Yet her words were anything but considerate.

"Are you the backflipping cat Shia mentioned?"

Rong froze completely, her mind flashing to unpleasant imagery.

He... he... he actually said I'm a cat?!

Before Rong could react, Nia moved closer, grabbing Rong's hand with a curious glint in her eyes. She even poked at Rong's cheek and squeezed her hand experimentally.

Rong stood paralyzed.

She's... she's touching me!

Why is she so brazen?

The socially anxious princess found herself in a rare crisis. Thankfully, Shia's prior training had some effect. This time, Rong didn't push Nia away or show any signs of disgust. Instead, she remained perfectly still, appearing calm despite feeling anything but.

Nia watched Rong with a bemused expression, finding her "composed" act amusing as her internal screams filled the air.

Rong's gaze wandered, appearing to rest on Nia but failing to focus. The areas of contact between them felt like pinpricks. Despite Nia's softness and warmth, Rong felt an overwhelming discomfort, exacerbated by the unspoken pressure Nia exuded.

Forcing herself to avoid looking at Nia's abundant chest, Rong desperately sought something she could surpass her in.

Appearance? No chance with her current unremarkable look.

Figure? Let's not even go there; it's too painful.

Wait... she's shorter than me, right?

Rong perked up. That was it! Nia barely reached Shia's shoulder, while Rong could comfortably match his height at the shoulder.

See? I'm not entirely inferior!

Buoyed by this small victory, Rong felt a flicker of pride as a succubus. Yet, inexplicably, the situation felt even sadder.

Nia noticed Rong's stoic expression but could sense her chaotic inner thoughts. She found it all the more entertaining.

However, the day's events had taken their toll, and Nia finally stifled a yawn, her small hand covering her lips. Exhaustion crept over her, and she realized she needed rest.

Seeing Nia's weary expression, Rong's hostess instincts kicked in.

"Miss Nia, are you tired? Let me show you to the guest room," Rong offered with a small smile. Despite her lingering tension, her movements were composed.

Standing up, Rong guided Nia to a room, deliberately emphasizing the words "guest room."

Once the villa settled into silence, Rong lay in bed but couldn't fall asleep. Tossing and turning, she eventually opened her eyes.

Insomnia wasn't uncommon when you were under immense stress.

Rong's thoughts raced. She couldn't help but notice how many impressive girls Shia had encountered.

There was the radiant blonde senior, the mature white-haired maid, and even the academy headmistress seemed to favor him.

Violet often stole glances at him, too.

Now, there was this pure and beautiful elven lady.

Compared to all these exceptional girls, Rong felt woefully inadequate. Was she destined to become a mere background character, a dim sidekick to Shia's brilliance?

Terrifying images flashed through her mind.

She shivered.

That's too awful!

The more she thought about it, the grimmer her outlook became.

Finally, Rong hugged her blanket tightly, curling into a ball as insecurity overtook her.

Desperation drove her to act. She extended a hand, summoning a faint purple glow. A rarely used dream-weaving mirror materialized in her palm.

Unlike other races, succubi excelled at crafting dreams and ensnaring minds through them. The dream-weaving mirror was a tool for creating her own dreamscapes.

Holding the glowing mirror, Rong closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed as she entered a dream state.

Surrounded by a white mist, Rong heard footsteps approaching. The fog gradually parted, revealing the figure of a tall, black-haired boy with a handsome face.

Shia…

He walked toward her with a gentle smile, stopping just in front of her.

Rong looked up at him, captivated by his elegant features and soothing presence.

Shia reached out, softly brushing her cheek. His touch was warm and comforting.

Rong's eyes fluttered closed, savoring the moment.

"Rong, I will always be your best friend."

"I promise to stay by your side forever."

His voice was deep and magnetic, resonating in her heart.

Rong smiled, feeling a sense of peace.

When she opened her eyes, her appearance had transformed back to her true succubus form. Gone was the plain girl, replaced by a radiant beauty with a pure yet seductive charm. Her tail swayed slightly, betraying her turbulent emotions.

But her chest remained flat, a stark reminder of her so-called disgrace as a succubus.

Her hand traced downward, gliding over her skin.

Her body moved involuntarily, drawn toward the boy before her.

Sometimes, even a chaste beauty needed an outlet for her desires.