Chapter 02
Bariya Bell.
A great and gallant lynx beastkin who had just turned ten this year.
She had always lived proudly, never cowering before anyone—but in the face of hunger, even she had no choice but to bow her head.
For the past three years, she had been chased by those hyenas and had barely been able to eat a proper meal.
In the end, blinded by a piece of jerky, she was captured by Sirka and dragged into a grand mansion.
And there, in the study, she came face to face with an enormous man.
“An infant cat was fighting hyenas?”
With dazzling golden hair that almost hurt the eyes and clear, beautiful golden eyes—
Unlike the delicate and refined Sirka, this man was a sharply featured, ruggedly handsome figure.
He was the head of the Kalif family, the ruler who commanded all tiger beastkin—Bayden.
He looked at Bariya, whom his son had brought, with curiosity.
“Definitely not an ordinary cat.”
Though he couldn’t tell the difference between a lynx and a cat, Bariya didn’t have the composure to mock him.
Where on earth is this beastkin family…?
Sirka was already intense enough, but Bayden’s fierce gaze was on another level—just looking at him was terrifying.
Even she, a great lynx who had endured countless hardships, couldn’t recklessly attack him. The pheromones he subtly exuded were no joke.
Even I, who don’t fear hyenas…!
For some reason, her pride was deeply wounded.
“That’s why I brought her, Father.”
At the word father, Bariya’s ears perked up.
Unlike Sirka, who had silver hair and blue eyes, Bayden had golden hair and golden eyes—she hadn’t expected them to be related.
Could they be of different species?
When parents are of different races, the child inherits only one side.
Just like her.
“Since it understands speech, it’s highly likely a beastkin.”
Bariya swung her front paws fiercely at the two men, on guard.
If you even try to harm me, I won’t forgive you!
“Most would’ve wet themselves from our presence, yet this one stands firm. Quite bold.”
At Bayden’s words, Bariya snorted.
Who did he think she was—some child who couldn’t even control herself?
A great lynx never loses spirit, even in adversity.
“But is that really why you brought her? That’s not like you.”
At the man’s remark, Bariya nodded vigorously.
Exactly! Why did he bring me here?
Sure, not killing her was appreciated—but it would’ve been even better if he’d just left her there.
“I was curious. Hyenas wouldn’t cross into Kalif territory just to eat such a tiny creature. Don’t you think this little one might have something special?”
Bariya nearly choked in shock.
This is why I hate sharp ones…
She flailed her paws irritably.
“Or is it because she slapped your face with her front and back paws?”
The paw prints Bariya had left were still proudly stamped across Sirka’s cheek.
“Khng.”
Bariya looked at her handiwork with satisfaction.
“Look at that—the kitten’s even mocking you.”
Sirka grinned, baring his sharp fangs.
“I’ll take good care of her.”
Only then did Bariya realize why she had been brought here.
He’s going to eat me for hitting him!
“Let’s get along well.”
Get along? As if. She only got dragged here because of jerky. Otherwise, she would’ve run away long ago.
A place like this mansion? She could escape in no time!
She had prepared herself to escape the moment they took her to the kitchen—
But contrary to expectations, Sirka brought her to a bedroom instead.
She had never seen such a dazzling, luxurious place before. Even the hyena clan didn’t have a room like this.
“Stay still.”
The moment Bariya stepped onto the bed, she felt as if lightning struck her from head to tail.
“Meow. (What is this?)”
Th-this softness… is this really a bed?
Aren’t beds supposed to be hard? She’d always slept on stiff ones with her mother!
“Mrrrow.”
With every step, her paws sank into the softness—it felt incredible.
She eventually flopped down and began rubbing her whole body against it.
“You like the bed?”
She locked eyes with Sirka, who had been watching her.
“Khng.”
Embarrassed, she stood up and pretended nothing had happened, grooming her fur.
“Maybe you’re even younger than I thought.”
No. Ten is already grown.
“You are a beastkin, right?”
She was—but she had no intention of answering someone who couldn’t even distinguish a cat from a lynx.
“I can smell you.”
“…Mew?”
Bariya froze in shock.
I smell? Sure, she had some lingering hyena scent—but still!
“Hyah!”
She leapt and slashed her paws, only to have both caught instantly.
“Why, want to play?”
Sirka held her paws and shook them, making her dance against her will.
Humiliation flooded her.
“The scent is faint for a beastkin, but too strange for an ordinary kitten…”
Hey! I bathe regularly!
“Especially that sharp fragrance…”
Sirka frowned.
Bariya tried a back kick.
“Not falling for that a third time.”
He dodged smoothly.
“Anyway, try transforming. Why were the hyenas chasing you? And how did someone as small as you survive them? There are too many suspicious things.”
So what if there are?
She snorted.
“If you don’t talk, you’re not leaving. You’ll live here forever.”
Forever? As if.
Bariya’s specialty was escape. She had evaded relentless hyenas for three whole years.
“So you want to stay forever? Fine, got it.”
As she ignored him, flicking her tail, Sirka smiled wickedly.
“Tyrin!”
At his call, a brown-haired maid entered.
“Keep a close watch on this one. Make sure she doesn’t escape. Seems she wants to live here forever.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
So they were going to imprison her? Let them try.
She was used to that treatment.
She had even escaped from real prisons before.
If anything, prisons were easier to escape from.
But once again, Bariya’s expectations were wrong.
“How is it, little one? Feeling refreshed now that the dust is washed off?”
Tyrin brought a large basin and carefully bathed her.
Her gentle touch was enough to melt even Bariya’s vigilance.
“Oh my, what a good baby. How can a cat be this calm during a bath?”
Of course. Because she wasn’t a cat.
“And such beautiful brown fur! I’ve never seen a cat this pretty.”
Of course. She was a great lynx.
Bariya puffed out her damp chest proudly, making Tyrin swoon.
“Oh my goodness, so cute! The Kalif family is wonderful, but they lack cuteness—thanks to you, we’re being blessed today.”
Kalif family?
At those words, Bariya snapped to attention.
One of the few beastkin clans she knew.
The Kalif family was the ruling clan of tiger beastkin.
I didn’t realize I’d crossed into tiger territory while running…
No wonder the hyena beastkin had disappeared, leaving only animals chasing her.
“Since the young master likes you, try to live well here.”
“….”
“Of course, the mistress must approve. Unfortunately, she’s traveling right now, so you can’t meet her yet. Stay here until she returns.”
Well… unlike Tyrin’s hopes, Bariya probably wouldn’t be here by then.
They had only just met—there was no way these tigers truly liked her.
Especially after she slapped the heir’s face multiple times.
Though she hated to admit it—maybe they were just cleaning her because she smelled. Once she was clean, they might kill her.
More importantly, there was a bigger problem.
What if they find out why the hyenas are chasing me?
Rather than protect her, they’d likely throw her out immediately—
Or lock her up.
Beastkin can never be trusted.
So I must escape.
She hadn’t spent over three years running just to die here.
Bariya had to live.
She had something she needed to do.
Because she had made a promise—
“My baby, Bariya… you must live. Don’t get caught… Never get caught, and survive until the end!”
A promise to her mother, who risked her life to help her escape the hyena clan.
