Seeing him concede defeat, I released my hold and walked to the sidelines. "So awesome, Xiao Ye!" Sinan Ying greeted me with a warm hug. Her soft body made my heart flutter for a moment, and the fatigue from battle seemed to vanish completely.

On the other side, Rui Feng returned to the team. "Sorry, Captain. I let you down," he apologized sheepishly. Sinan Yuan just waved a hand, signaling she wouldn't press further.

"How about that? Xiao Ye's super strong! A bet's a bet—hand over your room!" Sinan Ying was even happier than if she'd won herself.

Sinan Yuan sighed softly. "Very well. I'll arrange it. Please wait a moment."

---

"This is your room, then. The young lady's is right next door. If you need anything, call a servant or find a guard squad member."

I looked around the room Sinan Yuan had shown me. It wasn't lavish as I'd imagined, but fresh and simple, instantly relaxing. Spacious with a large double bed, plus a high-quality toilet and bathroom—I was very satisfied.

Sinan Yuan turned to leave. Before closing the door, she spoke in a low but carrying voice: "I don't know your purpose in approaching the young lady. But don't even think of misconduct. Or... you know the consequences."

With that, she shut the door. I was alone in the wide room.

"So I'm suspected already... Well, can't be helped."

The important thing—finally, a proper rest! ^_^

These past days from forest to city, I'd been roughing it outdoors. Sleeping on the ground when tired, hunting small animals when hungry, always on guard against monsters. Not even one bath. Yet strangely, my body had no odor or grime after days unwashed.

Still, mentally, going without a bath was unbearable. Time to wash now! I shed my windbreaker, pants, and shirt, down to just underwear, and stepped into the bathroom.

Then I realized bathing was trickier than expected.

The moment I entered, a full-wall mirror reflected my entire body. Certain parts held my gaze stubbornly... I quickly looked away. Out of sight, out of mind.

This world's bathing setup resembled Earth's. I mastered it fast. Warm water sprayed over tender skin, bringing instant relief. I squeezed shampoo into my palm and washed my hair slowly. Silky, thick black strands slid through my fingers like fine silk—impossible to let go. Washing hair took longer than I thought. By the end, the water had flushed my skin pink, dotted with glistening droplets that radiated a tempting sheen.

Mission one completed, I thought. Next... my body?

I dried off quickly, wrapped in a bathrobe, and clumsily towel-dried my wet hair before stepping out. This bath finally made my transformation feel real. They say physical changes affect the mind. The more I adapt to this body, the further my heart drifts from being a man... Come to think of it, this transformation probably stems from that blood mist. My power and appearance come from it, yet I know nothing of its origin...

But no matter what I become, this body is mine. So... whatever I do with it should be fine, right?

Just then—

"Xiao Ye! Done bathing? Come down for dinner~~"

The unlocked door burst open. Sinan Ying rushed in with a bright smile—then froze.

We locked eyes for a moment.

"S-s-s-sorry! I didn't know you were s-s-s-s-s—"

Blushing crimson, Sinan Ying fled like a startled rabbit, leaving me flustered and scrambling to dress.

---

"Hah... hah..." Sinan Ying leaned against the hallway wall, catching her breath. That scene had shaken her deeply... Ah, stop thinking about it! She felt herself getting weird too!

"Um... Xiao Ying?"

"Eep!?"

"Don't overreact. About earlier, it's..."

I stammered, words stuck in my throat. "L-let's just eat!" I grabbed her hand.

"Huh? Oh, okay." Sinan Ying stared at that smooth hand—the same one that minutes ago... Though washed, it still carried a faint, nice scent...

Just calmed down, Sinan Ying suddenly covered her face and rolled on the floor. I gaped. Was she imitating that anime character? Adorable, though.

"I-I'll go rush the kitchen!" She sprang up like a fish leaping, dashing downstairs without looking back.

"So I'm hated now..." Watching her vanish, I felt a pang of gloom.

"Miss Ye."

"Eh?!" A voice right by my ear startled me. I turned to see guard captain Sinan Yuan. Her expression was odd. "Miss Ye, you're a guest, but you must be aware of your situation."

"Y-yes."

"Then you know we won't ease surveillance until we verify your background."

"I... wait, you mean?!"

"Exactly. I'll be blunt: I saw everything you did in your room. Be grateful I was the only one watching."

Sinan Yuan turned and left. I collapsed to my knees, utterly dejected.

This time... I really messed up.