The Lady Scholar and the Fox - Chapter 2

To test that theory, I sidled closer for a better look. He immediately bared his teeth at me.

Fine, fine. I’d keep my distance.

I built a campfire. He huddled well away from me, which also put him well away from the warmth.

I’d make another concession.

So I picked him up by force and brought him over. He bit my hand again, but much more gently this time. There was no blood.

I sat by the fire with him in my arms, stroking his fur now and then.

He seemed to enjoy it. But I noticed he still hadn’t said a thing.

“Why aren’t you talking? Did that old Daoist poison you mute?”

His eyes swept over me. Still not a word.

“Or are you embarrassed that I rescued you, so you can’t bear to speak?”

His fur bristled and he sprang to his feet.

“I never asked you to save me! You’re the one who couldn’t mind your own business!”

“All right, all right, I meddled. But could you put those claws away first, big fellow?”

“Why?”

“They’re digging into my flesh.”

He gave me a sulky look. “Don’t talk to me.”

He jumped off my lap, found a corner to curl up in, and rested his head on his front paws, looking out of sorts.

This fox would rather die than lose face.

The fox who would rather die than lose face crept up beside me once I was asleep. Summoning the last of his strength, he took human form. His loose hair tickled me awake.

I stared up at him, wide-eyed. “What are you doing?”

He seemed torn over what to say. With one hand braced on either side of me, he spoke through gritted teeth.

“You saved me, so I have to repay you. That’s the rule. But I don’t have anything to offer you right now, so I can only…”

“Offer yourself?”

“In your dreams!”

“Then what are you going to do?”

He suddenly bent down, buried his face against my neck, and bit me again.

Strangely, it hurt, but there was no blood.

His eyes were unreadable.

“I’ve left a mark on you. If you’re in danger, I’ll sense it at once. When you need saving, I’ll save you once. Then we’re even.”

With that, he got up and left.

I’d forgotten to ask his name.

But we’d meet again. I’d ask next time.

The capital was a month away on foot. My father was the reason I’d disguised myself as a man to compete in the military examinations. My family had served as officials for generations, but sadly, I was the only child left in mine.

Whatever happened, I had to stay alive.

Stay out of trouble. Reach the capital safely.

But some trouble simply refused to leave me alone. Like the scene unfolding before me.

A street thug was bullying an innocent young woman. How could I stand for that?

I went up and planted a kick square in the bastard’s face. By the time his lackeys reacted, I’d grabbed the girl and taken off!

Once no one was following us, we stopped.

Sweat covered her delicate face. She was gasping for breath, but she still remembered to thank me.

Her parents had died young. She made a living weaving, and was fortunate that I’d come to her rescue.

Then worry clouded her face.

“But that man is the heir of the Prince of the Southwest. I’m afraid you’ve brought terrible trouble on yourself for my sake, sir.”

Terrible trouble indeed.

If I’d known, I’d have covered my face before rescuing her!

At this point, all I could say was:

“Do what’s right. Don’t worry about what comes after.”

Moved, the girl told me her name was Ruanruan. To repay my great kindness, she would give herself to me, if I would have her.

I leaped a good three feet away in alarm.

“N-no need! I only did what I should. Hurry home.”

She refused to leave. I’d brought such trouble on myself for her sake; how could she fail to repay me? At the very least, she wanted to follow me and attend to my needs.

I couldn’t talk her out of it, so I agreed. “Then let’s look after each other.”

I’d barely finished speaking when a certain fox peered around a corner, showing half his face. His eyes were full of resentment.

“So this is your type.”