Chapter 11. Snowy Egret

Stepping into Ferox Market, my eyes nearly popped out—total sensory overload!

The crowd was a rushing river, shouts and vendor calls echoing everywhere, mixed with weird, mouthwatering smells that had me sniffing nonstop. Nothing like Caelora’s tidy stone paths with bards or magicians—this was chaos, but thrilling!

Stalls lined up tight, packed with oddities: ceramic bowls carved with roaring lions, silk fabrics swirling with fiery patterns, and jewelry sparkling like stars.

“Whoa, so pretty,” I said, glancing at a stall with glittering necklaces, though my eyes were glued to the next one, where the smoky aroma of grilled meat hit me hard.

Golden, juicy meat drizzled with glossy sauce, so tempting I swallowed hard.

“What’s that?” I pointed, spinning to Bear, eyes gleaming.

He smirked. “Roa, a local specialty. Wanna try?”

I nodded like crazy, darting over to watch the vendor skewer meat on bamboo sticks, flipping them over glowing coals.

Bear bought a portion and handed it to me.

I took a bite—fat melted in my mouth, sweet yet savory, totally wild.

“So… so good!” But then I frowned, muttering, “Wait, this is just grilled chicken?”

The stall wasn’t even that crowded, despite Bear’s hype.

I shot him a blank stare, squinting.

He gave an awkward grin, caught red-handed. Whatever, the chicken was tasty, and the sauce was unique—I loved it!

I wandered to another stall, nose hooked by the sweet scent of round honey cakes, dusted with shimmering crumbs.

“I wanna try that!” I squealed, yanking Bear’s arm.

He bought one, handing it over. “Slow down.”

I bit in, buzzing with excitement, but… “Hmm… tastes weird.” I scrunched my face, muttering. It wasn’t the light sweetness of Caelora candies—more spicy than sweet.

I turned to Bear, grinning big. “Try it, it’s great!”

He eyed me skeptically but took a bite. His face twisted, trying to play it cool—so hilarious! I covered my mouth, giggling, forgetting I was mad at him earlier.

The market had a stall with golden, steaming liquid—probably honey wine.

I peeked, curious, but Bear shook his head. “You can’t handle liquor.”

I pouted, dragging him elsewhere.

In the distance, drums pounded. I squeezed through the crowd, spotting beastfolk doing flips, juggling flaming knives, and spitting red-hot fire.

“Wow, that’s insane!” I gaped, clapping like mad. Caelora had street magicians and dancers, but this was next-level!

The drumming pulled me to a performance corner.

Beastfolk juggled fire and did acrobatics, blowing my mind.

“So cool!” I clapped wildly, never seeing this in the celestial realm.

Then, “Huh?” I stared as a beastfolk led out… an actual lion! I turned to Bear, puzzled. He smiled, pointing to a fiery hoop ahead.

“They make the lion jump through fire rings.” I gasped, but it was kinda funny—lion beastfolk training a lion for circus tricks, so wild!

Each time the lion leaped through a hoop, the crowd roared. They kept adding hoops, now a blazing row. If it jumped, it’d land right in the crowd.

Bear tugged me back. “Not too close.”

I nodded, picturing the lion pouncing—yikes. The trainer shouted, and the lion took a running leap through the fiery row, like it was charging us.

“Whoa!” I cheered, clapping in awe. It soared so far, clearing tiny hoops like a pro. Amazing!

The lion roared, strutting proudly, circling the crowd.

People reached out to touch its fur, the trainer saying it brought luck.

“Really?” I bounced, slipping past Bear’s arm, standing on tiptoes, eyes sparkling.

“Stay behind me—aren’t you scared it’ll bite?” Bear pulled me back.

I looked up, pouting. “Look, it’s not biting anyone!” I pointed at the crowd petting its head.

“Stay put,” Bear said, dead serious. I slumped, obeying but antsy, watching the lion nuzzle people like a big cat. I gave Bear puppy eyes, begging, but he wasn’t budging. Why so strict all of a sudden?

“Roar!” The lion got close, and I waved excitedly.

But suddenly, it crouched, baring teeth, growling like it’d pounce.

I froze, pressing into Bear, voice shaky. “W-What’s wrong with it?”

Bear didn’t answer, just glared at the lion, eyes daring it.

The crowd went silent, staring, then backed off. I panicked, glancing around, spotting the trainer.

“Huh?” He stood there, smirking, all scheming. I jolted—he did this on purpose!

The lion kept growling but didn’t charge, maybe scared of Bear. Everyone was watching us now—good thing Bear made me wear a cloak to blend in. But I was done.

“Hey, Bear, I wanna go,” I tugged his sleeve, whispering. He looked down, nodded, and led me away.

As we turned, the lion lunged. I paused, not too scared, because…

“Sit, Leo!” the trainer yelled, rushing over, face pale.

Bear drew his weapon, eyes icy. That coward—if we weren’t in Lion’s territory, he’d be toast.

“Haha, sorry, folks! Leo must’ve gotten spooked. Please forgive us!” the trainer said, bowing repeatedly, but his sneaky glance at me screamed ulterior motives.

“To make up for it, let me treat you—”

“No need,” Bear cut him off, staring him down, voice like ice.

I nodded, glaring and sticking out my tongue, then smirked, walking off with Bear.

The trainer’s fake smile faded, and he bowed. “See you next time.”

Next time? Pfft! No Roa’s worth that attitude, I thought.

I stole a glance at Bear—he’d been quiet, deep in thought.

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I clung to his arm the whole way, silent. Feeling stifled, I cleared my throat.

“T-Thanks. Good thing you were there…” I mumbled, shy.

Bear just smiled, ruffling my hair. “Wanna eat anything else?”

I blinked, surprised, then tapped my chin, thinking. I’d barely eaten, but I was over this place.

“Nah, I’m full,” I said, deflated. Bear didn’t push.

——

“Ugh, so exhausting!” I flopped onto a chair in the room, whining.

Ferox Market was fun, but the lion mess killed my vibe. Need a bath to feel alive…

Wait, I didn’t bring clothes! What now? As I wrestled with the thought, Bear spoke.

“I had water and clothes prepared. Wanna bathe?” Huh? I shot up, eyes sparkling.

“Orson…” Nodding like crazy, I yelled, “Thank you!” and bolted to the bathroom.

“Ooooh, so refreshing!” I soaked in the tub, warm water scented with herbs, pure VIP vibes.

The bathroom was huge, rivaling Caelan’s. A tray by the tub had fruit, pastries, and tea. “Mmm, so good!” I kicked my feet, cheeks puffed with joy, munching a pastry. This was paradise! But…

“Hm?” I eyed the pastries—cinnamon rolls, sponge cakes, cream puffs. Lion beastfolk eat the same stuff as Caelan and Caelora? Universal taste? I thought of the spicy honey cake at the market, shivering. “Whatever, who cares, hehe,” I hummed, swaying, soaking, and eating.

Half an hour later, I got up, slipped on a robe, wrapped a towel around my hair, and stepped out.

Looking for Bear, I muttered, “Where’d he go?” Drying my hair, I hiccuped.

“Hic!” Ate too much, hehe. I stepped onto the balcony for fresh air.

Days here were scorching, but nights were chilly—easy to catch a cold.

“Achoo!” I rubbed my arms, muttering, “Better head in.”

“Oh!” I jumped, seeing Bear, then… blushed.

“W-Why’re you shirtless?” I stammered, covering my eyes but peeking a bit, hehe.

“Just bathed,” Bear said, pointing to another bathroom, totally chill.

Two bathrooms for one room? What’s the deal? I wondered.

“W-What’re you doing?” Bear stepped closer, and I backed up instinctively.

He kept coming, and I plopped down, eyes shut. “Don’t come closer!”

No movement. I peeked, looking up. Where’d he go? I spun around, confused.

“You okay?” Bear asked, standing by the table, sipping water, acting like nothing happened.

I flushed, turning away, furiously drying my hair.

He chuckled, making me madder.

I sat, still annoyed from his teasing, scrubbing my hair like crazy.

“Get some rest, you’ll tire yourself out,” Bear said, sitting nearby, voice gentle.

I huffed, ignoring him.

He looked at me, smiling. “Before that, I need a favor.”

“What?” I snapped, glancing over, still grumpy.

“Leotinus’s throwing a feast in two days, inviting leaders and their plus-ones. I don’t have one. Come with me?” Bear propped his cheek on one hand, grinning slyly.

I frowned—he was baiting me! I’m already here, what else would I do? But agreeing right away felt lame.

“Ahem!” I cleared my throat, crossing my arms, acting reluctant.

“Fine, but not for free. You owe me one wish.” Bear sat up, hands clasped, smirking.

“Oh? What’s that?”

“I-I haven’t thought of it yet, I’ll tell you later!” I grinned, smug.

He chuckled. “Deal, as long as it’s in my power.”

I puffed up, feeling victorious, then happily hopped to bed.

Huh? Only one bed! If I sleep here, where’s Orson… I glanced around, thinking, then shook it off.

Whatever! I stepped toward the bed, about to flop down, when—yank!

Something pulled me back. I spun, glaring. “What’re you doing?”

Bear pointed to the long chair, casual as ever. “Your spot’s there.”

I froze. This guy… all sweet earlier to trick me, now showing his true colors! Gotta be revenge for before!

I fumed, yelling, “Let me go, now!”

Bear released me, then calmly climbed into bed, not even glancing my way.

“Jerk!” I gritted my teeth, fists clenched, itching to punch him. But I held back—if he got mad and kicked me out, I’d be screwed.

Seething, I stomped to the chair. What? No blanket or pillow? I boiled over, storming back, standing by the bed, glaring.

“I know I’m hot… but staring’s making me shy,” Bear said, eyes closed, totally shameless.

This guy’s nuts, isn’t he?, I stunned by his ego.

He patted the bed beside him, smiling. “Plenty of room.”

I bristled but calmed myself. “Hmph! Arrogant sneak,” I muttered, smirking, then dove into bed, snatching his blanket and flopping down.

Bear’s face flashed with surprise—ha, take that! I giggled, thinking, Just sharing a bed, no big deal!

I turned, seeing him start to sit up, and yanked his pillow too.

Sticking out my tongue, I buried myself in the blanket, facing away, hugging the pillow, snickering.

——

I was deep in a delicious dream about Ferox Market’s treats when a voice broke through.

“Ami… Ami. Wake up, time to eat.”

I stirred, mumbling, but too exhausted to move, I stayed put. Then something poked my cheek, making me scowl and swat, thinking it was a bug.

I scratched, dropped my hand, but it poked again, now with a gentle pinch.

“Ugh…” I groaned, nuzzling into something warm, arms wrapping tight like it was a comfy pillow.

“Ami, if you don’t get up, I’m eating your share,” Bear’s voice teased, his hand stroking my hair.

I squirmed, muttering, “N-No… it’s mine…”

“Then get up,” he said, chuckling.

“Mmm… just a bit longer…” I bargained, eyes still shut, clinging to my warm “pillow,” refusing to budge.

Bear smirked, watching Ami burrow into his chest, her arms locked around his waist like he was her favorite teddy bear. Her sleepy stubbornness and food-obsessed murmurs were pure Ami—carefree and a touch chaotic. He ran his fingers through her hair, eyes glinting with amusement, imagining her waking up: she’d probably shriek, blush like a tomato, and flail like a startled kitten. But beneath the playful vibe, Bear’s mind was a storm. Having her here, so close, didn’t ease his unease. The fear she could slip away, vanish from his grasp like before, haunted him…

“Ugh…” I mumbled, stirring, my Roa dream fading.

“Morning,” Bear’s voice teased, warm but playful.

I slowly opened my eyes, frowning, sensing something off.

Huh? What am I… doing? I froze, looking up to see Bear smiling down. Then I looked down—I was hugging him like a pillow, arms around his waist, face smushed against his chest!

Oh gods! I pinched my cheek, checking if I was dreaming.

Phew! Stay cool, Ami, stay cool!

“Morning,” I said, flashing a big grin, acting chill despite my racing heart.

I sat up, tossing the blanket off, voice casual. “Can you move your legs? I need to get out.”

Bear looked at me, eyes twinkling like he was holding back a laugh, but he sat up, making room.

I slid off the bed, out of his sight, then bolted to the bathroom, slamming the door.

“Aaaaaa, Ami, you moron!” I screamed internally, face burning, clutching my head. Hugging him all night and not knowing? I could die of shame! No way I can act tough now.

——

“Ugh, we done yet?” I sighed heavily, calling out to the maids waiting outside.

These past few days, I’d been trapped in an endless cycle: change outfit, twirl, change again. The huge room was like a clothing warehouse—racks stuffed with dresses, tables piled with glossy black jewelry boxes gleaming in the sunlight.

With time tight, everything was rushed to Leovara in a flash. Picturing Eagle flapping back and forth to haul this stuff made me giggle but also feel guilty.

I stood before the mirror, drained, eyeing my current dress and glancing at the racks. I’d noticed before, but now I was drowning in this “fashion flood.”

Caelan style was one-of-a-kind! Men’s clothes were mostly black, but the accents were the fun part. Like Zorion—his reddish-brown fur meant his outfits had red-brown silk sashes or trim. Pardus, a black leopard with some golden genes, had earthy yellow-brown details. Serpion, Hyainos, Aethel—same vibe. Common threads were gold or silver embroidery—bear claws, wolf shadows, eagle wings—pretty cool.

But women’s clothes? Also dark! Just with white or deep red, softer and fancier, but still heavy. In Caelora, dresses were light and bright.

Total culture shock! Still, the fabrics here were cool and light, the designs intricate but practical. Only problem? Layers on layers in Leovara’s heat—absolute torture.

“So hot…” I whined, head tilted back, arms out as maids dressed me.

“How many more?” I asked Mira, voice flat.

Mira, Bear’s quiet sister, was summoned to handle me. She said calmly, “Almost done, about ten more.”

Ten?! I nearly keeled over.

Meeting Mira felt like finding a friend. I eagerly asked about Yaorin, but Mira said she wanted to come but couldn’t due to urgent matters and complications. Yaorin was sad but smiled and agreed. I planned to ask more after this, but now… I’d probably be too wiped to chat.

“Ugh,” I sighed. Since that day, I’d seen Bear less often. Partly to avoid him, and partly because he was probably busy with something. I was still a bit embarrassed, but by now it had eased.

“Miss, can I ask something?” a Lion maid brushing my hair spoke up.

Since bringing Caelan maids was tricky, only Mira was here; the rest were Lion folk.

“Sure, go ahead,” I smiled.

“Why’s your hair such a unique color? What kind of beastfolk are you?”

I nearly choked, caught off guard. Since leaving Caelora, no one asked, so I forgot to be cautious. A big rule leaving Caelora was hiding physical traits to avoid exposing my celestial identity. Beastfolk, especially celestial ones, were wary of Caelora. They could see others’ aura without needing looks. But purebred beastfolk—born of two beastfolk—were the majority and less aware of Caelora, so less suspicious.

“Snowy egret,” Mira answered for me, lying without flinching.

“Wow… that explains the white hair,” the maids gasped.

I froze, shocked they bought it. Beastfolk are only predators—no herbivores! That’s Caelora research, but I wasn’t sure if the beast realm knew.

“Haha, yup… snowy egret,” I said, laughing awkwardly, going along—it was safer than admitting I’m human.

“Are all female snowy egret this pretty? I’ve never seen a beastfolk woman as beautiful as you,” a Lion maid said, eyes awed but curious.

“Haha, tons are, way prettier than me, haha,” I scratched my head, laughing nervously, panicking inside.

This could blow my cover! What now? I clammed up, eyes darting away, dodging their curious stares.

Then I felt a glare. In the mirror, I caught a Lion maid scowling, eyes fixed on me while sorting clothes. When our eyes met, she whipped away, acting busy. This wasn’t the first time.

Totally uncomfortable! I frowned, thinking.

“What about male snowy egret? Are they as gorgeous as you?” Another maid asked shyly, snapping me back.

I turned, laughing helplessly.

These girls… even as beastfolk, they’re as boy-crazy as me! I nodded, getting it, and switched to matchmaker mode.

“Oh, absolutely, lovely Lion ladies. Not just gorgeous—charming, suave too. Curious? Hahaha.” I grinned smugly.

Their eyes lit up, clamoring for more. Perfect chance to dodge the tense vibe—I went all in, spinning tales about “snowy egret” guys. Soon, they were swooning, blushing, dreaming of heartthrobs. Celestial folk are stunning, but their personalities… ugh, often the opposite.

Let them dream!

“Haha,” I giggled. Lion maids were kinda sweet—teasing them was a blast.

“You’re so fun to talk to. Makes me wanna meet them,” the maid styling my hair said.

“Right? So curious,” the others chimed in.

Then her voice dropped. “We rarely see other beastfolk besides Lions, so we don’t get to chat like this. Visiting leaders bring their own aides, and beyond serving, we don’t mingle.” Her eyes turned sad.

I listened quietly, feeling for them. Noticing she’d dampened the mood, she perked up. “Oh, sorry, we were having fun.”

She looked flustered. “Haha, no big deal. I’ve been hogging the convo—your turn,” I smiled.

“Thank you, miss,” she said, finishing my hair.

“All done. Any tweaks?”

I turned to the mirror, gasping.

“Wow, stunning! Never seen anyone this talented.” She blushed, thanking me shyly.

I faced the others. “You all too—thanks for helping me. Gotta bug you tomorrow too.”

I grinned, bowing slightly.

They waved it off, saying it’s their job, then thanked me back, smiling at each other.