I stayed hidden for a few days, finally getting the rest I desperately needed. As for the ginza, per Fredo's instructions, I plant it in a cool, shaded area near the brook, where the soil is richest. I remembered reading that plants respond to gentle sounds and specific frequencies—music, even voices—so I spoke softly as I worked. I wasn't sure it would help, but with no one around to talk to, I figured it wouldn't hurt.
While I spend my days in rest, I notice another word etched into the skin of my wrist:
Diligence.
These virtues tattooed in my body remind me that I am neither beast nor goddess—I am human. Imperfect. Limited. With a heart that feels too deeply at times. Every word carved into my skin grounds me, especially when the power of abundance becomes too heavy, too overwhelming to bear.
I want to finish my end of the deal with Eriu as soon as possible so that I can return to my everyday life in the human world.
Now that I am well-rested and have taken care of the Ginza. I felt it was the right time to continue my journey—helping where I could, spreading optimism and prosperity. At this rate, I could probably write my own self-help or inspirational book by the time this was over.
I was getting ready when I noticed how beaten down my shoes were, so I manifested a new pair of sneakers for her. I swear, I wish I knew how to make proper hiking boots, but these would do. I packed my crossbody satchel with medicinal herbs, dried fruits, and pickled vegetables. I needed to conserve my energy—manifesting only when necessary.
Mating would remain a last resort.
I decided to head inland toward the heart of Sylva this time, away from the river and the swamps. I am not sure, but something told me changing scenery was a good idea.
This side of the forest was alive with rustles and squeaks. Towering trees stood shoulder to shoulder, while others lay fallen, reclaimed by moss and time. Green blanketed everything. The air was thick with life—ferns, wild plants, even clusters of mushrooms.
Then I heard it.
A call for help.
I turned—and saw two foxes approaching. As they drew closer, they shifted into their human forms: a middle-aged male and female. My heart skipped painfully as a memory flashed in my mind—the orange-red hair of the beastman I'd slept with days ago.
I panicked.
But as they came nearer, I realized these weren't him. They were older. Much older.
They stopped before me.
"Will you spare us a moment?" the male fox asked urgently. "We're looking for our kit—well, not a kit anymore. More of a new adult."
"Our kit," the female added softly. "Was about this tall, with a magnificent reddish-orange tail and the prettiest eyes."
"Our kit doesn't understand how dangerous this world is," the male continued, frustration thick in his voice. "This age of rebellion—it terrifies me."
I stood frozen, praying I hadn't slept with their son.
The thought made my stomach twist.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I haven't seen your son, but I hope you find him."
I bowed and turned to leave—but the she-fox whimpered, her voice breaking.
I couldn't walk away from a mother like that.
"I'll help you find your son," I said, surprising even myself.
They thanked me profusely and told me more about their offspring.
"Our kit was wild, daring, charismatic… and beautiful," they admitted. "We're worried she's using her charm to get what she wants. If this continues, our family could be banished from Sylva."
That confirmed it—he was trouble.
"My name is Shelly," I said. "I'll do my best to help you find your son."
They stopped me again.
"I think there has been a misunderstanding. We have a daughter, not a son. She's a good girl," the mother insisted. "She just needs guidance. I'm Hanna, this is Huntz… and our daughter is Nori."
It didn't register with me right away that they were talking about a daughter. The moment it did, relief washed over me.
A girl.
Hanna and Huntz went one way; I went another.
Before long, I spotted a young fox with a stunning reddish-orange tail speaking sweetly to a raccoon, who was handing her acorns far too willingly.
"Nori!" I called.
She bolted.
I chased her until she was finally tired, collapsed, and surrendered while the raccoon stared in disbelief.
I took her wrist gently to return her to her parents.
"Were you helping them look for me?" she huffed. "I wasn't doing anything wrong—just using what I've got."
"Talk to your parents," I said firmly. "I'm only here to help."
She slipped from my grasp and ran again.
I went to search everywhere until I heard a blood-curdling scream echo through the trees.
I found a wild boar overpowering her.
I shoved him away—he struck back, holding her with his other hand.
"Let her go!" I shouted.
He didn't.
I manifested my dagger and attacked—but he slammed me into the ground.
"You can't fool me, Fox! You told me you liked me!" the boar snarled to Nori. "I went to the valleys to get you that sunflower you wanted. You promised you'd be mine!"
Rage burned through me.
I manifested the dagger again and slashed his arm. He screamed. When he tried to counter, I struck his ribs. Injured and furious, he retreated.
I collapsed—bruised, scraped, aching.
Nori rushed to me, sobbing. She thanked me, asked how she could repay me.
"Listen to your parents, treasure them while you still can," I said. "Also, stop taking the easy way. Do honest work."
My parents' faces filled my mind.
God, how I missed them.
"If I'd known I'd never see them again," I whispered through tears, "I would've said yes to dinner."
I held Nori's face gently.
"Don't live with regrets."
She promised she wouldn't.
I am truly curious if the orange-red-haired beast-man I slept with is somehow related to her, so I asked—carefully—if she had a brother or twin.
She didn't.
So who was the beastman I'd been with? Was he a fox or something else?
Nori then confessed she'd misled several creatures with her charm. I offered to help her make things right—to return their gifts and apologize.
A badger.
A lynx.
A jackal.
Even a porcupine.
A true sly fox.
When I thought she was finished sharing the list of guys she targeted, she paused and hesitated.
"There's one more," she admitted.
"A snake."