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Chapter 13
Rumors began to spread quietly that a new attraction had appeared at Cheonwolru.
It all started with a reckless young master.
A local merchant’s son, who had dabbled in martial arts without real skill, challenged Cheonwolru — only to end up utterly humiliated.
Ordinary humiliation like that wasn’t even worth gossiping about; it happened far too often.
But this time, the strange part was that… there was a tiger cub involved.
“There’s a tiger living in Cheonwolru.”
“It’s fickle, though — you can’t always see it.”
“I heard that tiger can swat down most challengers with a single paw.”
“Apparently, the number of people defeated by it could fill a small village.”
Some rumors were exaggerated, of course.
But the fact that a tiger lived in Cheonwolru was undeniable.
“Ugh!”
…And that same tiger was currently knocking out another uninvited guest — smacking him across the face with its soft little paw.
“Kyawng!”
The cub proudly climbed on top of the unconscious challenger’s back and let out a confident cry.
The guards at the entrance chuckled as they watched.
“This round, I win the bet.”
“Well, yeah. Has anyone ever lasted more than one hit so far?”
The guard who lost nodded, and the winner gave a wry grin.
“The tiger that the Mistress brought back really is something else. Still just a cub, yet knocks people out in one blow…”
He was right. The cub often appeared only when there were challengers — bounding out to face anyone who shouted a duel challenge.
Then, with one leap and a single slap of its paw, the fight was over.
Not a single person had ever remained conscious afterward, so bets had become pretty meaningless by now.
“Waong.”
“Yeah, yeah. Good job, little San-gun.”
One of the guards crouched down and roughly patted San-gun’s head.
Then he offered a piece of dried jerky, which the cub snatched up eagerly.
“Cute little guy. Eat lots and grow up big and strong, just like your name.”
“Kyawng.”
San-gun was a clever one. He never raised a claw against anyone except challengers and got along surprisingly well with the guards at the entrance.
He wasn’t exactly affectionate, but he allowed them to pet his head.
Thanks to that, he quickly monopolized their attention — and their snacks.
“San-gun, here, have this too.”
“Kyawng!”
“Wait, is that—?”
“Between us, San-gun loves fruit skewers made from hawthorn berries.”
“You’re telling me now?”
“Ha ha, of course! If I said it back at the quarters, everyone would’ve overheard.”
“Oh…! You’re the best!”
The two guards exchanged a knowing glance — this precious bit of intel would stay between them.
After all, knowing the tiger’s favorite treat meant they could have San-gun’s soft, fluffy belly all to themselves.
San-gun, of course, didn’t care.
After finishing the snacks, he simply trotted back into Cheonwolru.
[I mean, I do take whatever they offer, but… maybe I’m overeating a bit. Should I cut back?]
Still, today’s hawthorn skewer was delicious.
At least being too full made me feel a little better.
I licked the sugar crumbs from my lips and walked toward a familiar scent.
[…Having fun causing mischief legally, San-gun?]
[It’s good stress relief. Well, for this little body, anyway.]
My task at the entrance was simple — drive away anyone who tried to challenge without an invitation.
It was a good way to deal with humans reasonably and get used to this smaller form.
[That’s fine, but you don’t have to eat all the snacks.]
[Didn’t you say I should become a local attraction? I have to be friendly with the humans in my territory. I may not know them well, but I know better than to show open hostility — that only makes you prey.]
As I spoke, the fox handed me an herb, which I ate without hesitation.
Digestive herbs, apparently. As expected, the fox was quick to notice.
“Something bothering you?”
“Humans have a lot of pride. I’m just worried this might backfire somehow.”
Once he transformed into human form, the fox served warm tea.
I still couldn’t get used to it — but the warmth soaking through my body wasn’t unpleasant.
“They’re all just arrogant kids. Not worth worrying about.”
“I’m worried that among those kids, there might be one who’s not ordinary. And since I can’t always stick by San-gun, it bothers me.”
“Funny — you’ve been glued to your desk lately.”
“Whose fault do you think that is? My head’s about to explode finding the right herbs for you!”
“Ah.”
Right, the fox had been busy gathering herbs for me lately.
“San-gun, don’t tell me you forgot?”
“No? Of course not.”
“Sigh… whatever. Just remember, I’m pulling every string I have to find the best herbs for you. Never thought I’d actually use my social network like this.”
“…You said even martial artists want herbs infused with qi?”
“Exactly. That’s what makes it tricky. The quality you need is way above what we could excuse as normal purchases. It’s odd for Cheonwolru to buy herbs in bulk.”
“Why?”
“I could make excuses, sure — like saying they’re for the guards’ health or the building’s maintenance. But the ones for you are too high-quality for that to fly.”
“…That good, huh?”
“Of course. Do you think humans can easily get high-grade herbs like us? They can’t even move freely in the mountains.”
Well, that’s true. Humans only walk on two legs, after all.
“So I’ve got to hide the sources, tangle up the trade routes, and secure funds — all while covering the tracks. Cheonwolru’s massive cash flow helps, but still.”
“Humans live such complicated lives.”
“Can’t be helped. Once they start doubting something, they dig it up no matter what. The higher your status, the worse it gets.”
A crooked smile tugged at the fox’s lips.
“There are plenty of humans who can’t stand being below others — so they try to drag them down instead.”
“…That’s kind of pathetic.”
“Maybe so. But we’re living among them, so we have to understand them. That’s why I worry about you, San-gun.”
His eyes darkened.
“Imagine — a proud human gets slapped unconscious by a tiger cub not even fully grown, then thrown out of Cheonwolru. You think that won’t sting their pride?”
“That’s all?”
“That’s enough. So take it easy, San-gun. I get that you’re adapting, but don’t underestimate human pettiness.”
He poked my cheek lightly with his finger.
“You might end up in trouble.”
It was sincere advice. I was about to reflect on it when the fox suddenly grinned mischievously.
“Which reminds me… for you to really understand humans, there’s something you need.”
“Huh? What’s that?”
“Humans love hierarchy. Money, bloodline, titles — they use all that to decide their place.”
“So?”
“The higher you are, the more you see and experience. So… San-gun, maybe you need a status. You’ll understand humans much better after some ‘inconvenient experiences.’”
The sly glint in his eyes sent a chill down my spine.
From long experience, I knew that whenever the fox smiled like that, nothing good followed.
“I refuse—”
“Come on, just try it. I won’t make you do anything terrible.”
“You will! Just look at your face right now!”
“Too bad I can’t see it myself.”
“Don’t you dare, you damn fox!!”
But it was too late.
The fox grabbed me in his arms, hummed cheerfully, and darted out the door like lightning.
