As the towering city gates creaked open, Kim Seokjin ventured into the bustling heart of Gyeongju, his horse steadily pulling the cart behind him. This city, famed for its rich history and vibrant marketplace, welcomed him with the lively sounds of merchants hawking their wares and the enticing aromas of freshly cooked delicacies wafting through the air. Amidst this lively atmosphere, Seokjin's presence was unmistakable.

Well-respected in Joseon for his sharp mind and business acumen, Seokjin also carried the weight of his esteemed family background and striking appearance. His confident stride drew the attention of passersby, who instantly recognized him as someone of significance. A jade pendant swayed at his waist, symbolizing the wealth and prestige of the Kim household, which owned vast lands and gold reserves.

The Kim family's lineage was not only extraordinarily wealthy but also ancient and revered. As direct descendants of the original Foxkin, Seokjin's ancestors dated back over 800,000 years, having witnessed the very beginnings of the earth. This bloodline was steeped in immense power and influence, shaping the world around them and lending Seokjin an aura of authority.

Their reputation extended far beyond remarkable business skills; the Kim family owned over 69% of the land in Joseon, making them one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the region. This immense wealth was a result of careful cultivation over centuries, passed down through generations of Foxkin who possessed both cunning and strategic foresight.

However, wealth and influence were not the only traits inherited through the generations. The Foxkin lineage was renowned for producing strikingly beautiful descendants. Legend spoke of their first ancestor, a majestic nine-tailed fox, a being of unmatched beauty and power. Although the number of tails had diminished over time, leaving Seokjin and his kin with only one, their allure and cunning remained unparalleled. The essence of the fox coursed through Seokjin's veins, endowing him not just with a striking appearance but also with a sharp mind and persuasive charm that made him a formidable force in both human and supernatural circles.

One of the most remarkable abilities of the Foxkin was their mastery of disguise, allowing them to blend seamlessly with humans. They had perfected the art of concealing their animal traits and the distinctive musky scent that accompanied them. This talent granted Seokjin a significant advantage in the bustling human world, where maintaining a façade was crucial for both safety and success.

While his family focused on conventional business ventures, Seokjin forged his own path as a merchant, journeying across distant lands. He often returned with rare and valuable goods, selling them not only to ordinary humans but also to others like himself—those with both human and animal traits. His carefully negotiated prices appealed to all, establishing his reputation as a resourceful figure in both realms.

As he stepped beyond the gates, the atmosphere shifted in his presence. Faces brightened at the sight of him, drawn not only by the goods he brought but also by the charm he exuded.

"Lord Kim! At long last, you have returned! What treasures have you brought with you this time?" a woman exclaimed from the bustling crowd.

Seokjin smiled, his eyes crinkling with warmth, and pulled his cart to the side of the road. With a few quick movements, he unbuckled the cover, revealing boxes stacked neatly inside. The crowd gathered around in eager anticipation as he lifted the lid on the first box.

"I present to you exquisite silks from Ming, their colors radiant as the first light of dawn, perfect for garments that will command admiration and stir envy alike. From the southern seas, I offer spices that capture the warmth of sun-drenched lands, each capable of transforming even the simplest fare into a banquet fit for nobility. And behold the porcelain, crafted by the most skilled artisans; each piece tells a story of artistry and grace, destined to adorn the tables of those with discerning taste. All of this I offer at a price that is fair to both seller and buyer," he declared, his voice smooth and confident, captivating the assembled crowd with the allure of luxury and elegance.

These goods were treasures that could not be found within the borders of Joseon, each item a piece of the world far beyond the city walls. The crowd buzzed with excitement as people eagerly began to queue up, drawn in by the allure of the finely crafted wares.

Seokjin worked efficiently, his hands never resting as he exchanged goods for coins, the clink of gold filling the air. Despite the rush, he made sure to greet each customer with a smile, never losing his calm demeanor.

Before long, his stock was depleted, the boxes now filled with coins and gold where the goods had once sat. Seokjin glanced at the empty cart and then turned to his horse, patting its neck affectionately. "Well done, Rangjae. Let us make our way to the stable for your well-deserved rest."

With that, he grabbed the reins and headed towards the inn his family owned, a large, elegant building that stood at the edge of the market district. As he approached, one of the waiters rushed out to greet him.

"My Lord Kim, welcome back," the waiter said, bowing deeply in respect.

Another attendant stepped forward promptly, taking the reins from Seokjin's hand and leading the cart away to be unloaded. Rangjae, his prized steed, was guided toward the stable, where a fresh pile of hay and carrots awaited to greet him.

"I am grateful," Seokjin replied warmly, inclining his head slightly as he made his way into the inn, the rich scent of freshly brewed tea and sweetened rice cakes wafting through the door to welcome him.

At the counter, one of the attendants noticed the dirt clinging to the hem of Seokjin's robes. "My Lord, would you care for a bath to cleanse yourself after your travels?"

Seokjin glanced down at his robes and recalled the earlier encounter with the young Wolfian, who had pounced on him like prey. He nodded appreciatively, replying, "Indeed, I would be most grateful for one after today's journey."

Within moments, a room was readied upstairs, and before he could even sit down, a large wooden tub was carried into the chamber. Maids followed closely behind with buckets of warm water, filling the tub until it steamed invitingly, scattering rose petals over the surface.

As the door closed behind them, the maids approached him with graceful movements, their hanboks¹ flowing elegantly around them. They gathered near Seokjin, their expressions playful and inviting. With delicate hands, they began to undress him, sliding the fabric of his robe from his shoulders. Their fingertips brushed against his bare arms and shoulders, sending a tingling sensation across his skin.

"Do you require any assistance tonight, my Lord?" one of them purred, her gaze lingering on him with a teasing glint that left little to the imagination.

Seokjin merely smiled at their playful touches, a spark of amusement dancing in his eyes. He wiped a finger gently against one maid's chin, his gesture both tender and teasing, before softly saying, "I would prefer to bathe alone tonight."

The maids exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with disappointment. One of them bit her lip, a playful glimmer in her eyes as she leaned slightly closer. "As you wish, my Lord. We shall be nearby should you require our assistance," she said, her tone suggesting more than just a willingness to help.

Once they had stepped back, he allowed himself a moment of peace, savoring the quiet sanctuary of the inn. He slipped off his pants, the fabric gliding down his thighs and pooling at his feet, revealing the faint sheen of exhaustion on his skin. The air was thick with the fragrance of roses, calming his senses as he stepped into the tub filled with warm water.

As he settled in, the heat enveloped him like a gentle embrace, seeping into his muscles and melting away the fatigue that had accumulated from his long journey. He let out a contented sigh, leaning back against the edge of the wooden tub, the smooth surface cool against his skin. The water rippled softly around him, creating a soothing melody that mingled with the distant sounds of the bustling inn.

With his eyes closed briefly, Seokjin let his thoughts drift, recalling the day's transactions and the lively exchanges with patrons. Yet, as much as he tried to relax, his mind kept returning to the young Wolfian he had encountered earlier.

The forest was notorious for its dangers, often the subject of hushed conversations among storytellers in the inns. Tales of wild beasts lurking in the shadows and treacherous terrain claimed the lives of many who ventured too deep. Today, Seokjin had no choice but to traverse this perilous landscape, as the usual route he took was blocked by boulders that had tumbled down from the cliffs above, a consequence of recent heavy rains.

Seokjin had encountered few Wolfians in his lifetime, knowing little about them beyond the grim narratives spun by storytellers—tales steeped in fear, painting them as cruel creatures who resolved conflicts with brute strength and violence. Yet, something about the young Wolfian he had met earlier struck him as different. He recalled how the boy's warm brown eyes had glowed an intense gold when agitated, a striking transformation that ignited a curiosity within Seokjin. This phenomenon led him to ponder whether such traits were common among all Wolfians, leaving him with a lingering uncertainty about their kind and their ways.

His thoughts drifted to the ragged form of the Wolfian—wild and unkempt, a stark contrast to the polished world Seokjin inhabited. Despite this rough exterior, the young creature seemed to possess a kind heart, having only trailed him from a distance without any intention of attack. "Which family could have lost their child in the forest?" he mused.

The way the Wolfian had pounced and shadowed him, yet refrained from inflicting harm, suggested that his intentions were rooted in curiosity rather than malice. It became evident to Seokjin that this young being had likely endured a long period of solitude, isolated from others of his kind, yearning for connection in a world that had forgotten him. The thought stirred a fleeting sense of empathy within Seokjin, an emotion that surprised him, given his upbringing and the strict societal expectations of his world.

He quickly shook his head, submerging his body deeper into the warm water of the tub, the rose petals brushing softly against his skin, a reminder of the tranquility he had sought. "I just hope he finds his way back to his family soon," he murmured, the words escaping his lips like a soft sigh.

Seokjin reminded himself that he wanted nothing to do with Wolfians. They were creatures of wildness and uncertainty, and he preferred the comfort of his own world, one where order and civility reigned. The last thing he needed was to entangle himself in the affairs of a being so different from him.

***

After a restful night, Seokjin wasted no time the next morning. He planned to gather items for his cart before setting off to the next city. Merchants from all over the kingdom flocked to Gyeongju to sell their goods, and Seokjin took full advantage of the city's specialties. He spent the day filling his cart with rich brocade, exquisite ceramics, and rare medicinal herbs known only to this region. These goods, crafted with the skill of local artisans and imbued with the essence of Gyeongju, would fetch high prices in other cities, especially in smaller towns where such treasures were scarce.

As the afternoon wore on, the tantalizing smell of roasted chicken wafted through the air, emanating from Gyeongju's most renowned chicken stall—a place where patrons lined up even before dawn to savor its limited portions. Golden-brown chickens sizzled over open flames, their skins crisping to perfection, while seasoned herbs mingled with the smoky fragrance, creating an irresistible allure. Though Seokjin's mouth watered at the thought of indulging in such a feast, he found himself less hungry for the chicken than preoccupied with the young Wolfian he had encountered in the forest.

There was only one route back to where he came from, and it led him through the very forest he had traversed the previous day. Seokjin considered the idea of offering the chicken to the young creature. He imagined the Wolfian's eyes lighting up at the sight of the succulent meat, and he hoped that such a gesture might prevent the boy from viewing him or his horse as a potential meal.

However, when he arrived at the stall, his heart sank at the sight before him. The wooden boards were firmly shut, a heavy padlock dangling from the latch, and the enticing aroma of roasted chicken that had once filled the air was only a distant memory, teasing him with what could have been.

"Alas, it seems we are too late," Seokjin sighed, patting his horse gently. He had heard tales of this famed chicken stall, renowned for serving the juiciest, most succulent roasted chicken in all of Gyeongju, and it would have been the perfect offering for a creature who might otherwise see him as prey.

Yet, instead of leaving empty-handed, he decided to extend his stay in Gyeongju for one more day. The decision felt justified; he needed to procure a chicken to ensure he wouldn't end up as the Wolfian's next meal. After all, even if the Wolfian hadn't harmed him during their first encounter, who could say how the boy might react the next time? Seokjin knew he might not stand a chance against a Wolfian's brute strength, regardless of the young age of the one he had met.

***

The next morning, Seokjin rose before the sun and headed straight to the famous chicken stall. As expected, he was the first in line. The streets were still quiet, the city not yet awake, but Seokjin was determined to get his hands on that chicken. When the stall finally opened, the owner was surprised to see him standing there.

"Lord Kim! You honor us with your presence," the owner exclaimed, bowing deeply in surprise. "I had thought a man of your standing would send a servant to wait in your stead!"

Seokjin gave a polite smile. "Some tasks are best handled personally," he responded calmly. "Especially when it comes to something as renowned as your chicken. It is said to be well worth the wait, is it not?"

The owner chuckled with pride, still amazed that a noble like Seokjin would queue at his stall. "Well, I suppose you're right about that, my Lord. One for you." He handed Seokjin a carefully wrapped chicken, the savory aroma rising in the air, tempting even the most disciplined of appetites.

Seokjin offered a polite bow and handed over his payment, preparing to leave. But the owner, after glancing around the empty streets, leaned in and whispered, "If it pleases you, I could slip you another one, my Lord. It's a quiet morning, and no one would notice. A small favor for Lord Kim."

Seokjin paused, his gaze briefly meeting the owner's before he smiled with quiet grace. "I appreciate your generosity," he said, his tone gentle yet unwavering. "But fairness should not bend for status," he added, nodding toward the sign that clearly stated 'One per customer.' "One is enough, as it is for all."

The owner, clearly impressed by Seokjin's integrity, bowed deeply. "As expected of a man of your honor, my Lord. May your journey be safe."

With a final nod, Seokjin carefully placed the freshly roasted chicken into the cart, securing it among the other goods before setting off toward the city's edge. His horse trotted quietly beside him, a steady companion on this journey. Seokjin had always preferred not to ride when there was a cart around, mindful of the heavy load his companion already bore with the cart filled to the brim. This way, he could keep a closer eye on the goods while also allowing his horse to conserve energy for the trek ahead.

So, they moved side by side, Seokjin's hand resting gently on the horse's neck, their steady pace harmonizing with the rhythm of the streets that were just beginning to stir. The city was waking up along with the sun, the soft glow of dawn spilling over rooftops as merchants set up their stalls and early risers stepped out to start their day.

As Seokjin neared the city gates, his thoughts drifted back to the young Wolfian. The scent of the wrapped chicken in the back of his cart wafted through the morning air as they moved. "If the boy appears," Seokjin murmured to his horse, "I shall offer him this chicken. A token for the wolf. Perhaps then, he won't consider us his next meal." A faint smile touched his lips as the horse neighed, its ears flicking in response to his words.

"But if he does not..." Seokjin glanced at the cart, his shoulders rising in a light shrug. "Then it will serve as our own meal." His voice carried a calm resignation, though a flicker of curiosity remained in his heart.

With that thought, Seokjin grasped the reins and urged his horse onward, leaving the bustling city behind as he returned to the forest path that had first led him to their encounter. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled light through the leaves, creating a mosaic of shadows that danced along the ground. The gentle rustling of the trees accompanied them, a reminder of the vibrant life that thrived within the forest's embrace.

As they traveled, Seokjin couldn't help but wonder if their paths would cross again.

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¹ A hanbok is a traditional Korean garment characterized by its vibrant colors and simple lines.