In the early hours of the morning, before they could reach their destination, Aya drifted back into a deep sleep. Aside from her injuries, she was suffering from a severe lack of energy; as a human in a world not her own, her body was struggling to adapt. For now, she was fading fast.
"Step inside. This is my clinic. Ah, but first, let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Gano." The man who claimed to be the master of the legendary slave, Magnolia, extended his hand.
Ficky simply nodded, introducing himself in return. "Slacard Fickliet, from the Bodyguard Family. I'm currently under contract, so I can't offer my services to anyone else."
"Ah, I see. A professional bodyguard, then? Very well. For now, let the young lady rest."
Dr. Gano excused himself to his office. Ficky remained standing by the door, his anxiety twisting tighter with every passing minute.
In the room where Aya lay resting, a faint, invisible shimmer coated the air. It was a barrier—a protective veil designed to heal and shield simultaneously. Ficky turned the doorknob and stepped inside, immediately feeling a wave of warmth wash over him. His golden eyes flickered for a moment as the energy revitalized his senses.
"We haven't collected nearly enough coins, and the obstacles just keep piling up," Ficky muttered to himself. He leaned against the wall, sliding down to sit as he waited for Aya to wake. "Why is she being targeted? First King Gorgeous, then that dog-kin group, and now that hunter."
He let out a long sigh. Suddenly, the door creaked open. It was Magnolia.
"Forgive the intrusion, but I thought you might need this." She placed a cup of steaming liquid on the table for him.
"Thanks. But you're not planning on stealing her away, are you?"
"You're far too suspicious," Magnolia smiled. "I only intend to help. Besides, I'm genuinely curious how you've managed to stay so... unaffected."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"A wolf like you doesn't look like he belongs to our world. Perhaps you come from the same place as your slave. Am I wrong?"
Ficky shook his head.
"I thought so," Magnolia replied.
"I don't lose energy like she does because, at my core, I live thanks to a demonic soul dwelling within my body," Ficky revealed without a hint of hesitation.
Magnolia gasped. She hadn't expected such a blunt confession. Hearing it directly from him made it impossible to doubt. "How is that even possible?"
Ficky didn't answer, turning his gaze away. Meanwhile, in the bed, Aya was just as shocked. She had actually woken up minutes before Magnolia entered and had been eavesdropping. She fought to keep her breathing steady so Ficky wouldn't realize she was awake.
"You must be joking," Magnolia said before slipping out of the room.
Ficky? There's a demon inside him? Why? No—how?! Aya's mind was racing. Her hands trembled under the covers.
Ficky noticed the slight movement. His reflexes kicked in, and he snapped his head toward her. "Hey!"
Aya immediately shut her eyes tight, her body going stiff as a board. She held her breath until she heard Ficky exhale a disappointed sigh and look away.
"I thought she was awake. I just hope she doesn't die," Ficky muttered.
What kind of thing is that to say? It sounds like he's actually hoping I'll kick the bucket! Aya grumbled inwardly.
After a moment, Ficky stood up, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. The sudden light pierced through Aya's eyelids, but she refused to flinch.
"The scent of this house makes me nostalgic... even though this is a world I don't know," Ficky murmured. He sniffed the window frame and the nearby wall, but was interrupted by the door opening again.
"Good grief. Is a wolf's nose really that sensitive?" Dr. Gano entered, holding a bundle of clothes. "Here, go wash up and change."
"Are you planning something once I leave the room?"
"Don't be so paranoid, or I might actually kick you out," Gano replied, sounding genuinely offended.
"Fine. As long as the girl is safe." Ficky took the clothes and left to clean himself.
As the morning progressed, time seemed to speed up. They were still in the southern part of the City of Slaves. Dr. Gano looked over at Aya, who was still playing dead on the bed.
"I know you're awake," Gano said calmly.
Aya jumped, her eyes snapping open. "How did you know?"
"Just a lucky guess."
As Dr. Gano raised his palm, the vine wrapped around Aya's arm began to glow. Small orbs of light, resembling fireflies, drifted from her hand.
"Thanks to pixie magic, you survived that ordeal. That, and the natural resilience of a poor little fox," Dr. Gano said, pointing to her side.
Aya's fox tails reappeared—and this time, there were two. She shrieked in surprise.
"Doctor! What's happening? Why do they keep popping out like this?!"
"I am Dr. Gano, and I can tell you that those tails are manifesting due to the instability of your body and the emotional trauma from last night," he explained briefly.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Gano."
"It's not your fault. But it's true that many people are after you, isn't it? The wolf told me what happened before you arrived in this world. It's clear that every enemy you've met is hunting you, specifically."
Aya went quiet. She knew he was telling the truth.
"I'm curious," Dr. Gano continued. "Is your relationship strictly bodyguard and master?"
"Of course! That's all it is. But... I don't want to be a burden to him just because of who I am."
"But you are bound by the slave mark."
"That was an accident. Neither of us intended to give or take orders like this," Aya argued.
"I understand. However, in the future, do not refuse anything that wolf orders you to do. If you resist his commands, the mark will cause you pain until it kills you," Dr. Gano explained, his voice eerily calm.
Aya froze. A cold sweat broke out as a primal fear took hold. The idea of dying simply for saying "no" terrified her. What unsettled her more was Dr. Gano's smile—as if he were discussing the weather.
SLAM!
For the third time, the door burst open—this time kicked with such force it nearly came off its hinges. Aya instinctively dove under the blankets, hiding from Ficky.
"Hey! Stop pretending to be unconscious! Get up, we're leaving!" Ficky barked, yanking the blanket off her.
"GYAA! YOU HAVE NO MANNERS AT ALL!"