Upside-Down Hair Washing

Inside the tent.

Aina let out a cry of pleasure.

Xia Lun held her slender waist firmly, ensuring she wouldn’t squirm away in her excitement.

Her voice, clear and melodious like a nightingale’s song, stirred the flames in Xia Lun’s heart.

The Aina of the past would never have been like this… Back then, she would grit her teeth stubbornly, her body trembling like a leaf, clinging to her dignity as the Demon King, refusing to let Xia Lun hear even the slightest embarrassing sound.

Admittedly, that expression of hers—cold and composed yet struggling to maintain her composure—had always ignited Xia Lun’s desire to conquer her… Back then, even the faintest moan escaping her throat was a rare treasure to him.

But now, things were clearly different.

Now, Aina was like a singer belting out her heart, though the only lyrics were Xia Lun’s name.

“Xia Lun, Xia Lun…”

She leaned down, pressing her trembling lips to his, their tongues entwining fiercely as the first round came to an end.

Xia Lun released Aina, letting her collapse against him in disheveled exhaustion.

After a while, she regained her composure, smoothing her snow-white hair before nestling against him with regal grace. Even now, naked as she was, her flawless figure resembled nothing less than a pristine work of art.

As if the woman who had just cried out so wantonly had never existed.

“See, Xia Lun? If we can do this in a tent, why not in a carriage?” Aina traced his cheek with her fingers, her voice dripping with temptation. “Long journeys are so dull… perfect for indulging in some fun…”

“No, Aina. Don’t even think about it.” Xia Lun shook his head, his refusal absolute.

Aina pouted, clearly displeased. “Xia Lun…”

He responded by cupping her face in his hands, molding her cheeks like clay into ridiculous shapes.

The Demon King’s face twisted comically under his ministrations.

“Xia Lun, how dare you—”

Before she could finish, he silenced her with another kiss, his hands holding her head firmly as their bodies pressed together. Her initial resistance melted swiftly into eager surrender.

When Xia Lun finally pulled away, Aina’s eyes were glazed with adoration, as if her memory had been rewritten.

“We have to draw the line somewhere, Aina.”

“Mmm, whatever you say.” She nestled her face against his chest.

“No more inappropriate behavior in the carriage.” He sighed.

“Understood.” She nodded obediently—then a sly smile curled her lips. “Xia Lun… back in the carriage, you were barely holding back, weren’t you? That’s why you’re saying this now…”

Xia Lun stiffened, his ears slowly turning red.

“I knew it.” Aina giggled behind her hand, triumphant as a fox.

But her victory was short-lived. With a yelp, the lofty Demon King found herself pinned beneath him, thoroughly humbled.

---

Another ordinary morning.

Liyana woke to find Joli already practicing his swordplay nearby. With the day’s journey ahead, this was his only chance.

She glanced in the other direction—the knights had already departed, leaving only traces of their camp behind.

Xia Lun and Aina were still in their tent. Who knew what they were up to…

Well, until the tent flap opened, it was impossible to tell. Sleeping or… otherwise. Liyana estimated the odds at fifty-fifty—maybe slightly skewed toward the latter.

In other words, the two existed in a quantum state of sleep and… not-sleep.

Liyana’s mind wandered into absurd theories before she shook herself free—just as Xia Lun and Aina emerged.

“Morning, Liyana.” Xia Lun caught her staring.

“Ah… morning. You too, Aina.”

He frowned at her odd expression. “What’s on your mind?”

“N-nothing. Hah, nothing at all.” Liyana laughed awkwardly. “Aina, can I borrow some water?”

Aina flicked a finger, conjuring a floating water orb the size of a basin—gently, this time, not hurling it at Liyana’s face.

Liyana took a deep breath and plunged her head into it.

“What is she doing?” Xia Lun muttered.

“Washing her hair… maybe?” Aina ventured.

Liyana gestured again, spinning a finger rapidly around her fist while her lips moved. Bubbles gurgled in the orb.

Aina seemed to understand. With another flick—

The water orb transformed into a miniature whirlpool, swirling Liyana’s golden locks violently.

“Gurgle—” Though her words were muffled, the excitement in her eyes was unmistakable.

Pop!

The orb burst, and Liyana shook her head like a wet golden retriever.

“Amazing! Aina, this is the ultimate hair-washing trick!” she cheered, eyes sparkling with genius.

Xia Lun: “…”

Her ideas were always so bizarre. How Aina had deciphered that was beyond him.

Joli continued his sword drills, oblivious. If he saw this, his image of Liyana might shatter—not that she cared.

“Aina… don’t you dare wash your hair like that,” Xia Lun said, patting her shoulder. “I’ll do it for you.”

Her eyes lit up as she nodded.

Mo Lini stumbled out of her tent, rubbing her eyes. With no Liyana harassing her last night, she’d slept soundly.

The crimson-furred beastkin yawned as a water orb drifted toward her.

“Ah, thanks, Aina.”

She cupped her hands, scooping water to wash her face.

Much more normal than Liyana.

“Hey, Mo Lini! Wanna try the coolest hair-washing method?” Liyana bounded over, grinning. “Aina can—”

“No thanks.” Mo Lini eyed her warily. “I’ll manage.”

“But it’s so convenient! You’ll love it—”

“I said no!”