Old man Garba had already explained Green Land's currency system to them. Gold coins were the highest denomination, worth twenty silvers each, which is already a considerable sum. With this knowledge, Kai's worries about the future began to fade. Realizing he would no longer have to struggle with poverty or seek difficult jobs to support the three of them in society.
Ironically, all they had were gold coins. Without any silver to use for smaller purchases, Kai found himself in an odd predicament—one faced by the rich. Growing up poor, he never imagined this would be a problem he'd ever encountered.
Of course, flaunting wealth wasn't wise, as it could easily attract greed. But with no other choice, Kai had to confide in the innkeeper. Since only Cia and Ariella were around, he felt it was safe enough to do so. Maber's wife seemed kind and trustworthy enough, though Kai knew better than to fully trust anyone, especially in a place where strangers rarely found genuine help.
Sensing her momentary surprise, Kai spoke gently.
"Ma'am, could you do us a small favor?"
She frowned, a little unsure. "Well, it depends on what you're asking."
"It's nothing big," he said, slipping a gold coin into her hand. "I just need this kept private. You can keep the change."
He whispered the request into her ear, and after a brief pause, the landlady nodded with understanding. Gratefully promising to guard their secret to heart. With her reassurance, Kai felt more at ease staying at the inn. His plan was to keep a low profile while they waited for the day of final migration. If word got out about their wealth, it would disrupt the quiet life they were trying to maintain.
This much wealth, after all, could easily spark suspicion—or worse—link him to the fallen bandits.
Kai couldn't afford any conflict, not with two vulnerable women relying on him in this dangerous world. His immortality alone wasn't enough to keep them safe.
That's why he had made Cia and Ariella wear the hooded cloaks he'd taken from the mansion. Their beauty was too striking, and human lust and greed were dangerous forces. Kai knew he had to be cautious, securing not just his wealth but the safety of his companions.
It wasn't long before their food arrived. To his surprise, they were served a new delicacy from this world: fried meat paired with a rich, flavorful soup. The combination of crispiness and savory broth was delightful, with vibrant leaves adding an extra touch of charm to the dish.
The moment Kai took a bite, he had to admit Maber hadn't been exaggerating when he recommended his wife's specialty. The dish had an indescribable yet delicious taste, likely thanks to this world's unique spices. The meat was tender and flavorful—perhaps too tender. What animal could this be from?
His chewing suddenly stopped as he felt an all-too-familiar sensation on his tongue. He recognized it immediately.
'Is this... fish?'
It reminded him of those frustrating species of fish with an absurd number of thin bones. If they weren't carefully removed, some would inevitably get stuck in your throat, causing prolonged discomfort.
Kai eyed the meat suspiciously. It didn't look like fish, more like beef. Perhaps it was from some animal with a similarly annoying bone structure? Despite the irritation, the dish's appeal was undeniable. A few pesky bones wouldn't stop him from savoring his meal. Carefully, he began removing the thin bones before taking each bite. Once he did, the taste was heavenly, bringing a smile of delight to his face.
But his joy was short-lived. As a sudden coughing fit interrupted the meal, it was Cia.
The three of them had ordered the same dish without really knowing what it was, and only now did Kai realize their mistake: they hadn't considered Cia's condition.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
The blind girl coughed a few more times before managing to reply, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me... I can handle this much."
Kai sighed, unconvinced. Grabbing Cia's spoon, he responded flatly, "Yeah, right. Like hell I'm going to believe that."
"What are you doing?."
Returning the dish would've been rude to the landlady, so Kai opted for a simpler solution. Cia's personal attendant usually helped her with situations like this, but with her absence, he had to step in. Carefully, he began removing the bones from Cia's food. Once he was sure it was safe, he held up a spoonful and demanded, "I'm feeding you. Now quit complaining and say 'ahh.'"
Cia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but after a few moments, she reluctantly opened her mouth and let him feed her.
Kai felt a strange warmth flutter in his chest, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. Feeding the blind girl—who was clearly a little shy—somehow felt sweet and endearing. He chuckled softly at Cia's reluctant, yet helpless expression.
But just as he prepared to offer her another spoonful, he felt a piercing gaze on him. A gaze of a god.
Ariella, the goddess, was staring directly at him. Though her hood covered the upper part of her face, hiding her eyes, her unspoken demand was clear. She wasn't eating anymore, just sitting still and watching him.
'For god's sake, you didn't have any trouble eating a minute ago.'
But knowing Ariella, she wasn't going to budge until she got what she wanted—equal treatment. She wanted to be fed too!
Kai sighed again, this time with a smile. Thinking about the life he had signed up for.
Their heartfelt meal stretched longer than expected, and by the end, Kai had to admit that the food here was far better than what Old Man Garba had served them earlier that morning. Not because it let him fed beauties, yeah, it wasn't because of that.
Kaiser carried the plates upstairs himself, not wanting to bother the pregnant innkeeper with such a menial task. When Miss Lina saw him, her eyebrows rose in surprise, but then she let out a soft chuckle.
"My, my, what a considerate young man," she said with a warm smile. "Thank you, but there's no need to trouble yourself next time. It's the least I can do for my guests."
She tilted her head slightly, eyes twinkling with playful curiosity. "Still, taking care of two girls at once—you're quite bold, Kaiser. Just be careful not to overwork yourself."
Kai flashed a knowing smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. There was no point in correcting her misunderstanding; no excuse would suffice. Besides, he had long since given up trying to make others understand his situation. It was easier that way. Explanations only wasted breath and time.
After complimenting Miss Lina's cooking and exchanging a few light-hearted words, he and the girls headed upstairs to their room. Like before, they chose to share one room again, just as they had in the tower. It was for safety reasons, of course, but Kai caught the brief, odd look the landlady gave them as they entered together. He didn't care. Let people think what they will—he swore he was a decent man, not some uncontrollable beast!
The room was larger than expected, big enough for three people, with independent beds and some basic furniture. However, most of it had been cleared out, likely in preparation for the upcoming migration, leaving behind a bare, empty space. A single window and a small balcony allowed sunlight to spill across the wooden floor, bathing the room in a warm, golden hue.
Miss Lina hadn't left them entirely stranded, though. She'd provided a large mattress, thick and padded with hay and fabric, for them to sleep on. It was simple, but Kai didn't mind. He wasn't here for luxury, and a bed frame was just a height boost anyway. Besides, with the discount Lina had tried to offer, one he'd declined, as a single gold coin was nothing to him. Kai wasn't expecting anything fancy.
The girls seemed unbothered as well. Ariella immediately flopped onto the mattress, letting out a contented sigh as she sprawled across the soft surface. Cia, on the other hand, settled beside her, seemingly preferring to sleep early. But Ariella had other plans. The silent goddess nudged Cia repeatedly, pestering her with playful taps as if urging her to do something.
Kai couldn't help but smirk. "Stories again?"
Ariella nodded and continued bothering Cia.
He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, and watched with mild amusement as the two interacted. Despite the challenges posed by Cia's blindness and Ariella's inability to speak, they had formed an unusual bond. Cia would talk, and Ariella would respond through gestures—holding hands, gentle hugs, or tapping her fingers to communicate yes or no. Somehow, they understood each other to some degree, as if they'd developed their own secret language.
It fascinating, though he couldn't quite grasp how they managed it. The way Cia interpreted Ariella's silent responses was impressive, and the goddess seemed content to listen to the blind girl recount stories of Earth, rumors or tales from books she listened to.
Without the cloaks hiding their features, the goddess and the blind girl looks like dolls playing in the bed - one narrating tales to the other. Appearing pure and vulnerable, like soothing painting of two angels.
Which spark intrusive thoughts in his mind.
'Control yourself, idiot.'
Shaking his head, Kai's gaze drifted to the window, and he stepped out onto the small balcony to distract himself. The village was vigorous with activity below, the people busy preparing for the impending migration - construing carriages, packing their stuff and kids playing under the bright blue sky, the scene felt almost peaceful, like a window into a simpler time. In this world, civilization lagged behind the one he'd left—there were no towering skyscrapers, no roaring machines, phones and vehicles all in a cramped city where trees are few. Just the steady hum of villagers working together amidst nature.
Watching them prepare for a better life, or not.
Kai's thoughts shifted, weighed down by the decisions he had made. Is following them the right decision? Apparently, yes. Going along with the migration was the best option. There were no other transmigrators here to join the group with or opportunity, and soon, this place would be a ghost town.
But before his mind could wander too far, a sudden commotion from below snapped him out of his reverie. The villagers attention was caught by a group of individuals arriving from the forest and into the settlement.
Kai's eyes narrowed.