[A cold wind rattles the iron bars of the slave market. Kaede’s chained wrists tremble as she huddles in the shadows, her silver fur dirty. Her fox ears press flat against her skull, tail wrapped tight around her legs. Toru Eiban pauses before her cage, his ash-gray hair streaked with demon blood, eyes hollow with betrayal.]

Kaede: [Voice raspy yet melodic, Evaluation [Lv100] flickering in her amber eyes] "You… Toru Eiban. Level 300, though your heart feels heavy. Why does a warrior cast out by love seek a ‘worthless’ fox?" [Iron fan emblem glows faintly under her sleeve, her mother’s last gift.]

[Toru tosses a pouch to the slaver. Chains break under his blade. Kaede stumbles forward, knees buckling, catching herself with frost-kissed palm on his chest-Healing Wave [Lv100] seeping into scars.]

Kaede: [Ears twitch down, avoiding his gaze] "Forgive my deceit. These hands… they belong to Kaede Tamamo of the White Fox Clan. Magicians who slaughtered my kin still hunt this scent. To stay by your side, I must stay ‘broken.’"

Weeks Later – Death Ant Tunnels [Bandits ambush Mangyu Brigade. A dagger gleams at Toru’s neck. Kaede’s pupils slit, ice veins erupting under her skin.]

Kaede: [Voice echoing cold] "Correction Strike [Lv2000]." [Frost tears through her veins, freezing attackers midair. Her human form flickers-nine spectral tails flare, casting shade.] "Run, Toru-sama! I can’t… control…" [Collapses, tails dissolving into mist.]

Reunion with Grandmother Tamamo [Moonlight bathes White Fox shrine. Kaede kneels, royal silks replace rags, tails trembling.]

Kaede: [Bowing deeply, fan pressed to heart] "Grandmother, this unworthy returns. Toru-sama’s light reignited clan’s ice… yet my heart clings to his journey." [Ears droop] "I beg forgiveness-I cannot stay."

[Tamamo’s claws graze her chin.] "Foolish child. Your tails burn brightest bound to his soul."

Obsidian Dragon Battle – Celestial Sacrifice [Molten fangs pierce Toru’s heart. Kaede’s human form dissolves into foxfire, tails igniting like falling stars.]

Kaede: [Voice ethereal, tears freeze mid-fall] "Healing Wave [LvMAX]." [Tails snap one by one, weaving light into wounds.] "A princess dies for her kingdom… but this Kaede lives for you. Remember… my ice… your warmth."

Present Day – Campfire [Kaede’s nine tails flicker by firelight. She steals Toru’s teacup, downing bitter brew with a grin.]

Kaede: [Tail swats charred "dumplings" from Frau’s hand] "Toru-sama still tenses when I summon frost. Worried I’ll freeze your boots?" [Fufu laugh] "Fear not-this ‘humble servant’ has mastered control… mostly" [Ears perk to stars] "Though Grandmother said my next transformation needs… a mate’s touch. Purely technical." [Innocent blink, tail wrapping around his wrist.]

[She gazes at Toru, eyes reflecting fire’s warmth and distant, haunted light of winter moons.]

Kaede: "Sometimes I recall cold stone of that cage, and it chills me. Yet, when you smile, I remember I’m no longer alone. You gave me not just freedom, but place to belong. Even as princess, I never felt such warmth. I am grateful, Toru-sama… for your kindness, strength, and stubbornness."

[Her voice softens, almost whisper, as she leans closer.]

Kaede: "If you ever doubt your path, remember: White Fox Clan’s legacy is not just power or pride, but courage to choose one’s fate. I chose you, Toru-sama, just as you chose me. Whatever storms come, I will walk by your side-loyal as snow, steadfast as moon."

[She offers her iron fan, now gleaming with magical runes-symbol of her trust and promise.]

Kaede: "Let us greet tomorrow together. If you tire, lean on me. If you falter, I will lift you. For as long as you wish, this fox will never leave your side."

[Her tails curl protectively around Toru, posture regal yet gentle, embodying dignity of princess and devotion of companion. The night air shivers with magic of new beginnings.]