Chp 6

Pearl

I walked toward the main hall where the innkeeper stood with the same poker face as before. I rushed to him and placed a few coins on the counter.

“Is it possible to change rooms? I can't share my room with that person,” I said, trying to sound as convincing as I could.

He pushed the coins back toward me and shook his head.

Oh, Moon Goddess, why are you doing this to me? Do you hate me so much that you're making everything so difficult?

“Okay, don’t take the coins—but will I get another room tomorrow?” Please, please say yes!

The innkeeper just stared at me. I waited patiently for his answer.

He shook his head again. “The guests here are staying for another week. If you're not comfortable sharing the room, you can leave tomorrow morning and find another inn.”

And with that, he went back to his work without even looking at me. He said it so casually, like he didn’t care. That made sense—he was probably doing well with his business anyway.

I scooped up the coins from the table and stuffed them back in my pocket, then headed toward the room again.

Ugh. That monster is still in there. I really don’t want to face him.

I stopped at the door, hesitating. I stood there for a good five minutes, debating whether to go in or just sleep in the main hall. But eventually, I reminded myself—this is my room too, and I paid for it.

I opened the door and saw him standing near the window, still smoking his pipe. The entire room was filled with smoke.

Oh, Moon Goddess—you know how much I hate this! I hate smoke, and I really hate people who smoke. This man is seriously getting on my nerves.

I slammed the door shut behind me and locked it, glaring at him with my arms crossed over my chest. I needed to do something—now. I couldn’t breathe in this smoky room any longer.

He didn’t even notice I had entered. He was so engrossed in his pipe that he was oblivious to everything else. I marched toward him and reached out to grab the pipe from his hand—

But instead, he caught me off guard. With one arm, he scooped me up and made me sit beside him. One hand wrapped tightly around my waist, holding both my arm and me in place, while the other hand calmly held the pipe.

The smoke was too much. I held my breath, trying not to cough.

“Please let me go,” I said, struggling against his grip.

“I hate when someone interrupts me while I’m enjoying myself,” he said casually, as if this whole situation wasn’t completely inappropriate.

“You’re not the only one staying in this room,” I snapped. “You’re sharing it with me, and I paid for it too.”

He can’t just boss me around like I’m his servant. Just because I’m dressed as a man doesn’t mean he gets to treat me like this—he shouldn’t be acting like this with anyone, man or woman.

He finally put the pipe aside and released me from his hold. Then, without a word, he walked over to the bedding that was spread out on the ground. There were two pillows placed side by side.

Oh, Moon Goddess. I hadn’t noticed earlier—there was only one bed.

I stood frozen, mouth slightly open, trying to figure out what to do. Sleep here? Or curl up in a corner and suffer?

He lay on one side of the bed, resting his head on his palm, and stared at me with a lazy smile.

"Are you planning to stay awake all night?" he asked with a smirk.

"It's none of your business. If I want to stay up all night, I will. You can sleep, but I’m never sleeping next to an arrogant person,” I snapped, then marched to the corner of the room and plopped down, resting my head against the wall and crossing my arms over my chest.

The floor was uncomfortable, and I tossed and turned the whole time. I wasn’t used to sleeping like this, and after what felt like hours, I sat up groaning. My neck was stiff. Great—now it was sprained too. I started massaging it, hoping the pain would ease. That’s when my eyes drifted toward him.

He was fast asleep, looking way too peaceful. Ugh, I hated him. I really did. I wanted to dump a bucket of water on him or draw a mustache on his face with coal. Anything. But fine, today might be his day—tomorrow will be mine. That thought made me grin like an evil villain as I finally drifted off to sleep.

Only to wake up to a disaster.

A loud sound jolted me awake, and when I opened my eyes, I realized I wasn’t in the corner anymore. Nope. I was in bed. Next to him.

Worse—I was clinging to him.

My arm was wrapped tightly around his waist. One of my legs was draped across his body. His back was facing me, and I… I wanted to scream.

What the fish?!

Why was I holding him like a damn body pillow? How did I end up here?! I scrambled away like he was on fire, yanking my arm and leg back and turning away to bury my face in the pillow, burning with shame. I checked to make sure my fake chest bindings were still in place. Thank the stars, nothing had shifted. The last thing I needed was that kind of surprise.

"It's okay to get comfortable sometimes,” he said, his voice hoarse with sleep. “But be careful—I'm not into men. You were asleep, so I’ll let it go this time. But if it happens again, I won't be so understanding. Didn’t know helping a kitten would be this troublesome.”

You're lucky I didn’t purr back.”

I was about to throw the pillow at his head.

Kitten?! First of all, I never asked for his help. Second, I fell asleep in the corner—who the hell dragged me to the bed in the first place?

I was too tired to argue. I had an early morning and university to get to. So I did the only logical thing: I huffed silently and went back to sleep, pretending this whole thing never happened.

*-*-*-

The first thing I noticed was the sunlight creeping in through the slits of the wooden window shutters, warming my face like an unwanted kiss. I groaned, burying my head deeper into the pillow—only it wasn’t a pillow.

It was something hard as a rock. When I slightly opened my eyes, I realized it was him—still sleeping beside me—and I had buried my face into his chest. He was still in deep sleep. Damn, look at that face. Any girl would die for a handsome man like him. His white robe was loose, exposing half of his chest; I could even see his abs. It looks like he works out every day. That’s why he’s built so strong.

Who is this man?

My cheeks turned red while I admired his body. I felt like touching his chest and playing with his long hair. A few strands had fallen over his eyes. Focus, Pearl. Abs don’t equal character!”

I had such bad encounters with him every time we met that I never even asked for his name.

Anyway, I hope this is our last encounter and we never meet again. I’m leaving this inn; I need to take admission into the university. After getting in, I can stay in the hostel there.

It will be tough since only boys are allowed to study, and women don’t have that chance. Only royal women get to study, and even they aren’t allowed to leave their homes—tutors visit them instead.

My aunt had hired a tutor for me as well. The tutor was confused because it was rare for a boy to be tutored at home. So I learned to read and write, which would be a plus point for me.

I soon got up from the bed and rushed toward the bathhouse. I took a warm bath, which felt amazing. I washed my hair thoroughly; I loved to scent my hair even though I knew it wasn’t the most masculine thing to do. But my female instincts rose suddenly, even though I tried to control them.

After taking a warm bath, I got out of the tub and began drying my body. First, I wrapped my breasts, then wore my robe. I tied my hair into a bun and secured it with a pin. Then I walked over to the mirror and took out my makeup. I began to apply a light brown powder on my face to make me look a little more manly.

I then carried my white bag and began walking toward the exit of the inn.

It had been a long, rough night. This was my first step, and now it was time to take another. Before leaving I looked at the room one last time, "Goodbye, room of awkward memories. May you bless the next victim."

When I walked through the streets, they were crowded with people buying things, and the sun was too bright today. I loved how lively this place was. Children were playing, women were buying accessories, and men were purchasing tools and sharp knives.

Then I noticed a shop that sold secret weapons—ones you could sneak on yourself without anyone knowing. This would be very useful for me. If I ever found myself in danger, something like this could help.

I walked toward the shop and saw different types of weapons. “Hidden weapons and fashion? Yes, please”.

One was shaped like a hairpin, another could be hidden in a boot. I liked the one that was concealed inside a brass bracelet with a unique design. I began inspecting it.

Suddenly, I felt a huge hand on my shoulder. I immediately shrugged it off, too focused on the bracelet. The person tapped my shoulder again, which annoyed me, and I turned to look. He was dressed like a noble—just like that arrogant prick.

He placed his palm out in front of me. I looked at him with a confused expression. What did he want? And why was he looking at me with such irritation? I should be the one annoyed—he interrupted me while I was shopping.

I took a few steps back, scanning him from head to toe.

“How can I help you?” I asked softly, clutching the bracelet tighter.

“Can I get my bracelet back?” he said casually but with a demanding tone.

“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m going to purchase this bracelet. So it’s mine now,” I said, trying to hide it from him. I saw it first—how could he demand something that wasn’t his?

He then looked at the shop owner. “Can you explain to this young man whom the bracelet belongs to?” he asked in a serious tone, not taking his eyes off me.

The shopkeeper rushed toward me and grabbed the bracelet from my hand.

“It’s all yours, sir,” the shop owner said, practically wagging his tail like a loyal dog.

Why are all noblemen pricks and a pain in everyone else’s life? I have pride too—I won’t just stand there and be humiliated.

I gave him a big smile. “Fine, you can have it. Anyway, there was nothing special about that bracelet. I can find something better elsewhere. I don’t like to fight over petty things,” I said, then turned and walked out of the shop.

His expression changed slightly, as if his ego had taken a hit. Enjoy your bracelet. I hope it pinches your wrist.