Early in the morning, just as sunlight began to blanket the city, Shendu stretched lazily and headed out for a stroll, bringing her attendant Akane along.
Having become a girl, Shendu had gradually grown fond of shopping. Not only could she buy beautiful clothes, she could also enjoy delicious street snacks. It was a rare pleasure.
"Wow, the sun is wonderful today. Being able to spend time with Master makes it even better."
Akane linked her arm through Shendu's, speaking in an obedient tone.
"It's nothing. Just enjoying the calm before the storm."
Shendu remained expressionless, allowing the girl to cling to her.
The two wandered through the streets, seeking out small food stalls tucked away in quiet corners. They sampled a few simple treats and bought several new outfits, enjoying themselves at leisure.
Fat sheep.
When they passed by an apple stand, Shendu noticed a scar-faced middle-aged man loudly hawking his wares. Seeing their luxurious attire, he immediately judged them to be easy targets.
"Misses, would you like to buy some apples? These apples are big and sweet. Buy a dozen and you won't regret it—it's definitely a bargain!"
"Vendors as cheap as me are rare in the royal capital these days."
The apple seller wore a sly grin as he introduced his goods, assuming they were ignorant young ladies unfamiliar with prices.
"Master!"
Sensing his intentions, Akane was about to teach him a lesson, but Shendu waved her hand, unwilling to cause unnecessary trouble.
"Ten apples. Keep the extra coins as a tip."
Shendu placed three gold coins on the table, her voice flat.
"Right away, I'll pack them up for you."
Realizing these noble young ladies knew the true value of apples, the vendor reluctantly filled a bag neatly with ten of them.
After purchasing the apples, Shendu took out two and cleansed them with magic. She handed one to Akane.
Sure enough, apples from another world were incredibly sweet. After finishing two in quick succession, Shendu felt a lingering satisfaction. They were quite good.
However, while they strolled, several pairs of eyes followed them. Akane had long since noticed.
"Master, we have tails behind us. Should we deal with them?"
Though it was only the two of them out shopping, the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild had secretly dispatched ten mages to follow and handle any potential trouble.
They could be summoned at any time.
"No need. Let's observe first."
Shendu shook her head, her expression calm.
Sure enough, after they had made a full circuit and were preparing to return, an orange-haired woman holding a folding fan appeared before them. She carried herself with unmistakable arrogance.
"What a coincidence. Silver-haired commoner—no, I should say, Miss Shendu."
Priscilla smiled as she greeted her.
"Oh? You've finally learned to use honorifics. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in you."
Shendu waved dismissively and prepared to leave.
"Stay away from my master!"
Finding the orange-haired woman thoroughly unpleasant, Akane glared at her coldly.
"Heh. No one I set my sights on escapes my grasp so easily. The more you resist, the more intrigued I become."
"Though you bear silver hair like the legendary Witch of Envy, you are not a half-elf. How interesting."
Priscilla evaluated her openly, clearly unwilling to let her go.
...
"Sorry. I'm not interested. I only find you troublesome."
Shendu stepped forward, her voice tinged with amusement. "If you continue saying pointless things, I won't mind opening a spatial gate and tossing you somewhere else again."
"Toss me away? That would hardly be ladylike, Miss Shendu. I was hoping to accompany you somewhere for a pleasant chat."
Priscilla's gaze was resolute and brimming with curiosity. Ever since discovering how unique and striking Shendu was—especially her beauty—and how she persistently rejected her, Priscilla had grown increasingly fascinated.
The sun itself revolved around her, and yet Shendu looked at her with open disdain. That only intensified her interest.
Like a domineering ruler in her own story, Priscilla believed this woman had captured her attention.
From childhood, Priscilla had been willful, convinced that the world itself should treat her kindly. She permitted no opposition and expected everything to unfold according to her desires.
Over time, her personality had grown ever more arrogant. Few could correct her even if they tried.
Hearing Priscilla claim she was not ladylike, Shendu couldn't help but laugh softly.
"I was never a lady to begin with."
Shendu reached into her bag, took out an apple, and tossed it toward Priscilla.
Seeing the apple thrown her way, Priscilla regarded it with curiosity, staring at the fruit in confusion.
"Miss Shendu, what is this red fruit?"
Watching her reaction, Akane's expression turned disdainful, as though she were staring at something distasteful.
From beginning to end, Akane had shown this arrogant woman no courtesy. If not for her special status, she might have already reduced her to ashes with flames.
"An apple. Haven't you ever eaten one?"
"Aren't apples white?"
Recalling how her servants always delivered apples to her—every one of them white—Priscilla suddenly felt as though she had been deceived.
"You're lying! There are no red apples. You must be making fun of me."
Her face darkened with disbelief.
"Think what you like. I have matters to attend to. Goodbye."
Shendu paused, then added lightly, "Actually, let's hope we never meet again. You're far too noble for someone like me."
She shook her head, clearly unimpressed by such a woman.
At those words, Priscilla raised the apple and took a delicate bite.
Instantly, her slightly disappointed eyes widened in astonishment. It truly was an apple.
"It is an apple... So you did not deceive me. Very well. Since you dared to speak honestly, I shall forgive your earlier rudeness. I permit you to become my friend."
Realizing how amusing Shendu was, Priscilla's eyes sparkled. Befriending someone like this seemed unexpectedly appealing.
Yet Shendu and Akane acted as though they had heard nothing, continuing forward and treating her as if she were air.
Watching them walk away, Priscilla's interest only deepened.
Humans were like this—the more they were rejected, the more their curiosity grew. And Priscilla excelled at exactly that