90. The Attack Was Full-On
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
Although his daughter always liked to make deep and obscure statements, her excellence was undeniable, and she had grown up so well.
The future of the fox clan in Yue Liu's hands was definitely promising!
As he thought this, Xia Lulu returned.
"Silver Dragon Queen, you suddenly left just now, was there something worrying you?" the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor asked.
"There was a bit of a concern, a small accident occurred, but it has been taken care of now," Xia Lulu replied calmly.
She's really good at pretending. Xia Lulu must be worried about whether her daughter was killed by mine!
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was filled with disdain.
He wasn't in a hurry to expose her, waiting for Xia Yi and Yue Liu to return, when everything would become clear.
"They're back," Xia Lulu suddenly said.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor followed Xia Lulu's gaze and indeed saw the two girls returning.
It was the Silver Dragon Princess Xia Yi and the Nine-Tailed Fox Princess Yue Liu.
At first, the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was very excited, but upon closer inspection, he found something odd.
Xia Yi seemed normal, not looking like she had been defeated.
On the other hand, Yue Liu was looking down, her cheeks seemed a bit red, as if she had been humiliated.
What happened?
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was very puzzled.
The two girls returned to their parents.
"We're back," said Xia Yi.
Xia Lulu looked at Xia Yi and then at Yue Liu, trying to hold back a laugh, "Xia Yi, did you have fun?"
"Fun!" Xia Yi replied happily.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was even more confused. How could this Silver Dragon Princess still smile?
Instead, Yue Liu suddenly seemed troubled by Xia Yi, looking preoccupied and even forgetting to greet her own father, just staring at Xia Yi.
"Yue Liu, what happened just now?" the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor asked with a frown.
"Ah! Father!"
Yue Liu snapped out of it, looking at the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor, finally reacting.
"Why is this different from what you told me?" the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was already showing dissatisfaction.
"Actually… I, I…"
Yue Liu started to stammer, getting nervous and sweating on her forehead.
"What exactly happened between you and the Silver Dragon Princess?" the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor pressed further.
Yue Liu had no choice but to muster her courage and said loudly, "Won!"
"What?"
"Father! It was I who won!"
Yue Liu turned her gaze to Xia Yi.
"You agree, right, Xia Yi? Today's victory is mine, you lost!"
"…Yes," Xia Yi admitted reluctantly, "I was outmatched."
Hearing this, the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor immediately beamed with joy.
He initially thought something had gone wrong when he saw his daughter's strange expression, but it turned out to be fine, his daughter won, surpassing the dragon race!
"Let's go, Xia Yi, I'll take you to meet the other high-ranking species," Xia Lulu said calmly, not showing much emotional fluctuation.
"Oh…"
Xia Yi followed behind Xia Lulu and left.
The Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor was even happier inside.
The times were changing, and the dragon race would soon be under the control of the fox clan.
"Yue Liu, your performance this time was excellent, and I am very satisfied," the Nine-Tailed Fox Emperor said, very pleased, as he patted his daughter's head.
…
Xia Lulu took her to meet many high-ranking species.
Xia Yi, with her impeccable manners, left a commendable impression on many of the high-ranking species.
However, the conversations among them were full of covert competition, which was quite exhausting for her to deal with.
Eventually, she decided to adopt the persona of a haughty princess, speaking as little as possible.
After all, Xia Lulu was the best at handling people, and if Xia Yi tried, she might just cause trouble.
But such an act was truly tiring.
In fact, since she was the human Sword Saint, she hadn't attended many social events due to the excessive formalities.
Fortunately, no incidents occurred later on, and it indeed enhanced the image of the dragon race.
In the end, the Elf King's banquet concluded normally, without any overt conflicts, just some subtle probing.
"Let's go back, daughter," Xia Lulu said.
"Okay."
On the way back, Xia Lulu suddenly said something to Xia Yi.
"The Elf King's banquet might just be the last of its kind. The world's structure is about to undergo a massive change. Perhaps the next time we meet other high-ranking species, it will either be at the negotiation table or on the battlefield."
"Is that so?" Xia Yi's eyes widened.
"Like the fox clan, they really are ambitious. After today, their arrogance will likely grow even more, and who knows, they might take direct action one day."
Although Xia Yi didn't fully understand the specifics, she could sense that the competition on this land would become increasingly fierce in the future.
Would the fox clan and the dragon race truly become enemies the next time she saw Yue Liu?
That might be quite interesting.
To duel with the little fox with all her might, entrusting her sword heart to her swordsmanship, and engaging in intense clashes was an exhilarating thought!
"Don't worry, if the little fox dares to come, I'll take care of her again next time!"
…
Several days had passed since the return from the Elf King's banquet, and Xia Yi was back in the Dragon Kingdom's palace.
Her lessons resumed as normal.
Today was her least favorite: etiquette class.
"Your Highness, your performance at the Elf King's banquet was truly commendable!" the etiquette teacher suddenly praised her during the class.
Xia Yi's etiquette teacher—Vanessa.
She had an excellent figure, charming looks, and exuded mature allure, meeting all the criteria of a beauty among the dragon race.
It was just her personality that was a bit unfortunate, which is why she was still single after so many matchmaking attempts.
Vanessa's perfectionism was just too intense.
Wasn't it just a little bit of slacking off that got Xia Yi tied to a chair, forced to correct her posture for hours without moving? Under such strict education, it would be strange if her etiquette wasn't excellent!
But such a personality wasn't for everyone.
It was this aspect of her character that had driven away many dragons, and it seemed she was preparing to meet her twenty-first suitor soon.
So when the usually strict Vanessa praised her, Xia Yi felt a bit uncomfortable, as if she had seen the sun rise from the west, filled with wonder.
"That's because… Vanessa taught me well, ahaha…" Xia Yi laughed awkwardly.
"Your Highness, do you know? After that banquet, our dragon race received several letters, all concerning you," Vanessa continued.
"Me?"
"Many have come to see you as an untouchable flower of elegance, their words brimming with admiration and affection, seeking an alliance with the dragon race through marriage, including some very impressive suitors."
"Huh?"
Xia Yi's mind went blank.
Marry?
With a man?
Wait a second, I am a man myself!
She felt goosebumps rising on her skin, akin to an irresistible mental shock.
"This is impossible!" Xia Yi emphasized strongly, "I have never had such thoughts!"
"Don't be anxious, you are to inherit our dragon clan in the future, the only daughter of Her Majesty the Queen, how could we possibly let you marry off? Those letters have all been returned," Vanessa said, "I am just explaining that you have now gained recognition from the international community, whether it's your character, appearance, or social status, you are already a flawless woman."
A flawless woman—
Referring to the one who is always causing a mess, causing trouble in the Dragon Palace whenever possible, tsundere and clingy, a little princess with no dignity.
Vanessa criticized in her heart, but considering Xia Yi's face, she did not say it outright.
After all, this had become a consensus in the entire Dragon Palace, and everyone had started to learn to take care of the little tsundere's feelings.
"Her Majesty the Queen thinks you were excellent at the Elf King's banquet, as a princess of the dragon clan, you are very qualified, impeccable."
"Is, is that so? She praised me like that!"
Xia Yi's face bloomed with a smile, and her tail wagged a few times.
"Yes, Her Majesty the Queen told me personally."
"That's great! I've gained Mother's approval!"
The little princess cheered with her hands raised.
It seems that her previous endurance was worth it—
Wait…
No!
That's not right!
Should I be so happy to be recognized as a princess of the dragon clan?!
I am the human Sword Saint!
Calm down, calm down.
"Hmph, such things, there's nothing to be happy about." Xia Yi forcibly suppressed her smile, hugging her teddy bear, looking indifferent.
Seeing this scene, Vanessa was somewhat surprised.
Although she had heard about it, she still found it a bit strange when she actually saw it.
One second she was overjoyed, the next second she started to put on a sulky face without warning.
"The princess's schizophrenia is getting more and more serious…"
"Vanessa, what did you say?"
"Nothing, don't mind it, Your Highness."
Vanessa thought to herself, if Her Majesty the Queen doesn't care, why should she care so much? Besides, the Dragon King's personality has always been quirky, schizophrenia is quite common among the past Dragon Kings.
"It's because you have been getting better and better, so Her Majesty the Queen hopes I can urge you to finish your etiquette lessons as soon as possible, so you can focus on learning other things."
"Why is it like this!!"
Xia Yi felt that etiquette lessons were the most torturous, ten times or even a hundred times more torturous than listening to Gran's magic hypnosis lessons!
That damned Xia Lulu, were you trying to break my will as a Sword Saint on a mental level?
"Think of it in a good way, Your Highness, this way, the etiquette lessons can end sooner," Vanessa reminded.
"Now that you mention it, that's true!" Xia Yi suddenly realized.
So as long as she endures this period, she can escape from this suffering soon?
"Your Highness, now you only have dance lessons left," Vanessa said, "In fact, you have basically completed the royal etiquette, but considering that you will need to interact with suitors in the future, it is still necessary to learn dance. It's an essential skill."
"…Do I really have to date?" Xia Yi asked, a hint of reluctance in her voice.
"Your Highness, this has nothing to do with dating. You carry the important duty of continuing the royal bloodline," Vanessa explained with a sense of duty.
"Alright then," Xia Yi conceded with a sigh.
It was hard to argue with Vanessa's point, and persisting would only earn her a reputation for being rebellious.
But truthfully, she had no desire to learn dancing!
Dancing was such a hassle, every step required repetitive practice, demanding coordination and perfection. A single mistake meant starting over until it was flawless, tedious and dull, worse than being tied to a chair for hours!
Vanessa had previously tried to teach Xia Yi the royal dances, but Xia Yi hadn't taken it seriously, always making excuses to learn something else, promising to be diligent next time.
But there were no more excuses left, she had to take it seriously now.
Vanessa began by reviewing the steps with Xia Yi.
"Your Highness, is there anything you don't understand?" she asked.
"I understand, I understand it all! I'm so understanding!" Xia Yi replied hastily.
She dared not slack off, knowing that if she admitted to any confusion, Vanessa would repeat it ten times over, forcing her to memorize it.
That single, middle-aged dragon woman was far more ruthless than Gran.
She was not to be trifled with!
"Since you understand, let's begin," Vanessa said as she stood up, inviting Xia Yi to join her.
With no other choice, Xia Yi stood, returned the courtesy, and took Vanessa's hand.
To simulate the dance, Vanessa took the male steps, while Xia Yi followed the female steps.
As the music started, Xia Yi began to dance, following Vanessa's rhythm. She found it extremely challenging, barely keeping up. After one round, her performance was poor, with many mistakes, earning her several stern glares.
Oh no.
Vanessa's gaze was so intimidating…
"It's not quite there, Your Highness."
"Let's go another round!" Xia Yi said, steeling herself.
The second round was much like the first.
Xia Yi was just as unsuccessful, only feeling the difficulty.
"Your Highness, you seem to lack talent in dancing," Vanessa said regretfully, "It seems I must request Her Majesty the Queen to increase your practice time and put aside your other lessons for now."
What?
I'm going to be tortured by Vanessa all day long!
No, please no!!
Xia Yi was starting to panic.
Was there really nothing she could do…
Her mind raced.
Dance, dance, dance, dance…
Dance?
Martial?
Martial arts!
A realization struck the little princess. What if dancing was similar to martial arts? If she thought of the dance moves as techniques and her partner as an opponent, and the dance as a duel…
Eureka!
Being a Sword Saint, she was naturally adept at martial arts, so learning this form of combat should not be difficult.
In Xia Yi's mind, the dance suddenly made sense.
"Let's go another round, Vanessa!" Xia Yi said with newfound confidence.
Vanessa agreed.
This time, Xia Yi's dance moves were precise, her rhythm impeccable, and her royal presence overwhelmingly perfect, almost overpowering Vanessa.
However, Vanessa was shocked to find that the little princess danced with such dominance, her strength almost too much to handle, nearly flinging her partner across the room. Was this the suppression of a silver dragon? Her aggressiveness was astonishing!
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