CHAPTER 326: CHAPTER-326.

Seeing this, Kaya was dumbfounded. Like—what the hell? Why was this bastard acting like she was about to eat him?

Anyway, she wasn’t that surprised. This wasn’t the first time. Whenever her body got completely worn out and she found a safe place to rest, she would usually sleep for two or three days straight—just catching up on all the sleep she missed. That’s why her master used to call her a bear—because of her tendency to hibernate whenever she could.

So no, Kaya wasn’t really shocked that she’d slept an entire day away.

Today, she decided, she’d finally venture around the capital and figure out everything she needed to know.

The problem, though, was something else entirely. Praveer had been using up all his money and had even told her that she could use his funds however she wanted.

Even if Kaya still hadn’t accepted that she was going to live here for good, she knew one thing for sure—until she found a way back to her own world, she needed to survive here. And for that, she needed money and stability. She couldn’t always rely on these beastmen.

With that thought, Kaya glanced at Cutie and Veer with a faint, almost wistful look before turning toward the window.

The window opened directly onto the main street, where people came and went in constant motion. Thankfully, it was small enough not to attract too much attention. Still, Kaya pushed it open; she wanted to see the world outside.

And, honestly, it was also the only source of light in the room. Literally. There wasn’t even a candle in this entire hotel room. When night fell, it became pitch dark—like, can’t-see-your-own-hand dark.

not for Kaya’s sharp eyes, which could see quite well in the dark, the room would’ve been impossible to move around in. Veer and Cutie, being animals, had no problem either—their eyes were naturally sensitive. Well, except for Cutie. He was a bit slower at adapting to darkness, while Veer could see fast and clear, like a wolf tracking prey.

Still, the pitch-black room wasn’t completely harmless. Maybe it was because Kaya forced her eyes too much, but every now and then, a dull pain would sting behind them. It worried her—she’d already had two or three eye infections before, and she wasn’t about to take that risk again.

Later that night, Veer brought back some roasted bird from a nearby stall. Kaya had no idea what kind of bird it was—it looked slightly larger than a chicken, and honestly, she didn’t even want to ask. Knowing Veer, he’d probably start explaining in some tribal language she couldn’t follow, and she didn’t have the energy for that.

So she just ate quietly.

And to her surprise, it was really good—crispy skin, juicy meat, and only lacking one thing: salt. Someone had sprinkled a hint of it, but it was so faint it barely counted. Still, Kaya knew that even this tiny pinch must’ve cost Veer quite a lot. Salt was a luxury here, and their supply was nearly gone.

She’d thought about going back to the mermaid tribe to buy more, but that would mean staying in one place long enough to build trust—and she wasn’t ready for that yet. Not when she hadn’t figured out half of what this world even was.

After finishing their meal, the three of them stepped outside.

The air was lively, filled with the noise of the market coming to life. Kaya wandered between the stalls—some selling dried vegetables and meat, others offering small carved wooden toys or jars of preserved fruit. One stall even had fresh fish glistening in woven baskets.

She passed by quietly, not stopping too long anywhere. She didn’t want to draw attention—not yet.

For now, it was enough just to see the world move around her.

But Kaya forgot one tiny detail—she wasn’t alone.

And the two people she was with? They could not stay quiet even if their lives depended on it.

Like, seriously, these two were so shockingly obsessed with everything that even Kaya’s patience—already hanging by a thread—was starting to smoke.

Just now, she had passed a small shop selling hair clips. Okay, fine, they were pretty. Little things with glassy petals and tiny gems. But Kaya wasn’t interested. She walked past without a glance. The shop also had ribbons—silky, delicate ones in soft colors. Again, pretty, sure, but okay. Kaya wasn’t here to shop; she was here to observe.

But just as she took two steps forward—

"How much is it? It looks beautiful!"

That familiar voice made her eyelid twitch.

Then came another sound.

"Chirp! Chirp-chirp-chirp!"

Kaya turned around slowly.

Her eyes were frozen tundra cold.

Didn’t she just say no attracting attention? Didn’t she clearly say no shopping?

And there they were—her two idiots.

Veer was leaning on the stall, casually trying on ribbons. One black, one purple—another one in his hand, turning his head left and right like he was checking his reflection in invisible glass.

Beside him, the tiny sparrow was cooing over hair clips like a love-struck child at a candy store.

Kaya’s mind blanked.

For a solid moment, she just stared at them, torn between fainting and committing a mild homicide.

Veer didn’t even have long hair. What the hell was he planning to do with ribbons? Tie his ego?

And that sparrow—what kind of bird even needs a hair clip?

Kaya inhaled deeply, counting to ten in her head. Calm down, Kaya. Deep breaths. No bloodshed in public. You’re civil. You’re—

Her eyes drifted back to Cutie.

Oh no.

Not because he was buying something new—no, no.

Because that idiot had started giving advice.

To the stall owner.

About roasting.

Birds.

"See, you have to let the fat crisp first," Cutie said helpfully, gesturing like a professional chef. "And if it’s small, you can roast it whole, but for bigger ones—like boars—you have to cut—"

Boars?!

Kaya’s soul left her body.

This bastard... this absolute lunatic...

What kind of rabbit gives cooking tips on roasting his own kind?!