Chapter 214: Princess Initiates a Kiss (2)

Though her complaint was merely a passing jab, Shia quickly redirected the conversation.

“So, does someone still stand by her previous words?”

His eyes glinted with a teasing light as he looked at Violet.

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, visible even in the dim moonlight. Her composure faltered, and her movements grew awkward.

Clearly, she remembered the words she’d blurted out in the heat of the moment during their earlier life-or-death crisis.

Now, out of danger, she found herself utterly unable to say them again.

'What kind of question is that?'

It was mortifying! Back then, she’d thought all hope was lost and, spurred by her emotions and Rong’s manipulative prodding, had said those words impulsively.

Now, removed from that perilous situation, there was no way she could repeat them.

Seeing her flustered reaction, Shia shrugged and spoke with a playful edge.

“Is the princess going back on her word? I’ve been holding onto it, you know.”

His intent was only to tease her a little, but somehow his words struck a nerve. Violet’s face turned scarlet, and she lashed out in protest.

“Who said I’m going back on my word?!”

“Do you think this princess would do such a thing?”

“Who do you think you’re underestimating?!”

“I’m a woman of my word! I would never break a promise!”

Her voice rose as her indignation boiled over, and she even stomped her foot in frustration.

Shia couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction.

“Oh? Then how are you going to prove it?”

Violet froze for a moment, caught off guard.

'Prove it?'

Her mind went blank.

Shia stroked his chin, pretending to be deep in thought.

“Well, couples usually seal things with a kiss.”

'What?!'

Violet’s eyes widened in shock.

Her instincts kicked in, and the timid side of her personality reasserted itself. She began to shuffle her small, white-stockinged feet backward, trying to put some distance between herself and Shia.

But her subtle retreat didn’t escape Shia’s sharp eyes. He said nothing, but the mockery in his gaze was unmistakable.

The princess felt her pride crumble under his silent challenge.

'What kind of look is that?!'

'Do you think I’m scared?'

'Not happy. Very not happy.'

Her resolve hardened as she halted her retreat, her heart pounding like a drum.

'Come on, Violet, you can do this! You’re a woman of integrity—you can’t break your promise!'

'It’s just a kiss. What’s the big deal?'

After an internal pep talk, Violet suddenly stepped forward on her tiptoes.

Her soft lips pressed against his, cool at first but warming quickly.

Shia froze, completely stunned.

Violet kept her eyes closed, her heart feeling like it might leap out of her chest.

This was her first kiss.

After a brief pause, she pulled away, her face flushed red, her ears burning.

Her gaze, however, remained firm, filled with stubborn determination.

“Does that count?”

She spun on her heel and walked away, her steps quick and resolute.

Though her entire body felt like it was on fire, Violet couldn’t help but feel proud of herself.

'That was so cool,' she thought, even as her composure wavered.

Shia stood there, dumbfounded, the lingering warmth of her lips still vivid on his.

He watched her figure disappear into the distance, shaking his head in disbelief.

'Did she just kiss me and run away?'

'Like a startled rabbit. So fast I couldn’t even react.'

'Well, this was unexpected.'

Shia hadn’t truly expected her to follow through on her promise—it had been a passing joke.

Yet here he was, kissed and left in the dust.

As he finally snapped out of his daze, a mix of exasperation and helplessness welled up in his heart.

'Why am I constantly getting kissed today?'

'Not that I’m unhappy about it…but this feels so out of my control.'

---

Suddenly, a shadow appeared in the moonlight, its delicate shape forming on the ground.

A soft, haunting voice spoke behind him, laced with an unmistakable tone of grievance.

“A princess kissed you willingly. Are you happy?”

The voice startled Shia, and he turned to find Rong standing there, her expression both eerie and accusing.

“When did you…?” he stammered, still shaken.

Lately, this Succubus princess had become disturbingly adept at appearing unannounced.

But her stealthy movements—reminiscent of an assassin—weren’t supposed to be used for this kind of thing!

Seeing her pouting and resentful face, Shia couldn’t help but worry that she might truly be angry.

He instinctively began to explain.

“It’s not what it looked like—”

Before he could finish, Rong simply shook her head, cutting him off.

“I’m not mad.”

Her tone was calm, devoid of anger.

Then she added, almost casually, “After all, I’ve already kissed you plenty of times.”

Shia froze, utterly speechless.

'What?!'

Rong glanced at his flustered face and added matter-of-factly, “I’ve lost count of how many times. Why would I care about this one?”

Shia: …

'Who is this bold woman, and what has she done with the shy princess I know?'

She was casually saying such dangerous things with a straight face.

'Is this Rong’s true personality coming out? Or has she been corrupted by someone?'

For some reason, her words left him with an odd feeling—like he was the one who wasn’t entirely clean.

Shia stared at Rong, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“How did you know to come here?”

Her expression remained innocent, her cute face framed by her soft, dark locks.

“Hmm? Am I not allowed to be here?”

'That’s not what I’m asking!'

Though he hadn’t explicitly said it, he knew Rong understood his meaning. She was clearly playing dumb.

'When did she get so good at feigning innocence?'

Shia looked at her, her soft and obedient demeanor raising all kinds of suspicions.

'She’s definitely up to something. But what?'

As he contemplated questioning her further, Rong suddenly stepped forward and hugged him.

Resting her chin on his shoulder, her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered softly, “I have a gift for you.”

Her voice was gentle, her body soft and warm against his.

“A little token of my gratitude for surviving together.”

She stepped back slightly, her expression serious.

Even the classmates who barely knew him had prepared gifts—of course, she wouldn’t be left out.

Curiosity filled Shia’s mind.

But before he could voice his questions, his eyes widened in shock.

Under the moonlight, Rong’s soft and sweet appearance shifted.

Horns sprouted from her head, her tail emerged from the void, swaying playfully.

Then, to his astonishment, she knelt before him.

The moonlight bathed her, casting a mystical glow over her petite frame. Her innocent face now held a seductive charm, her pure demeanor mixed with irresistible allure.

Her lips curved into a teasing smile as she looked up at him, her voice low and sultry.

“Master, you don’t understand… Succubuss are 'very' possessive of the prey they cherish.”

'So?'