"Don't stand there like a bystander spouting cold remarks. If not for you, I wouldn't be in this mess!"

Ansal snatched a handful of grass from the ground and gripped it tight. "Damn it!"—his body language screamed curses.

Verlith's voice was ice-cold, utterly emotionless.

"If I'd truly done this, you know the bureau's interrogation tools. Torture methods aren't just a few punches. As friends, you showed zero concern for my transformation—just mockery. Call this your small punishment."

Ansal shrank back, recalling those devices.

"Whatever! One thing at a time—I got beaten badly. You owe me proper compensation!" Ansal glared fiercely at Verlith, grumbling unhappily.

"Tch, knew you'd say that. That's why I brought food." Verlith blinked, waving the food high in the air. A teasing, smug smile played on her lips.

"Eh? Food? Hand it over!" Ansal, starved to the point his stomach growled, perked up at the word. His swollen eyes sparkled; he stared intently at the food in the Silverhaired Maiden's hand.

"Tch, look at you," Verlith chuckled. "Knowing your sweet tooth, I got red bean buns and rock sugar apple juice from the Mercenary. Be grateful!"

"Not bad! A true friend knows me!" Ansal snatched the food and squatted, devouring it messily. He didn't care—he was already beaten beyond recognition.

"Mmm! Delicious! Best friend ever!"

"Enough. Eat. Stop flattering me." Verlith sighed at his sloppy state, then pulled a crystal bottle from her burlap skirt pocket. "Here. Drink this to heal."

"Mmm... yeah... got it..." Ansal mumbled through full cheeks.

"...Don't talk while eating."

He swallowed, took the crimson-filled bottle, and shook it curiously. Finding nothing odd, he unscrewed the cap, sniffed—herbal fragrance soothed him. Eyes lighting up, he gulped it down and licked the rim. "Tastes great! Another bottle!" he smacked his lips.

"You only excel at pushing luck. This high-quality healing potion? Swiped from Alyssa. One bottle's a gift." Verlith turned away, disgusted.

"Alyssa? That pretty girl? Oh, so intimate—you two hooked up?" Ansal grinned slyly.

Verlith shot him a scornful look. "Hmph. What can I do now? With this body?" Her voice held faint sorrow.

"Hard to say. At least you've got the advantage with women now, right?" Ansal ignored her scorn, grinning like a creep.

"Swap places? Would you?" Verlith snapped, annoyed.

"No way! The myth eunuch role suits my dear Verlith—I couldn't handle it!" Ansal clasped his fists, hamming it up.

"To hell with eunuchs!" Verlith kicked his butt.

Ansal lurched forward, swaying like on a tightrope. Once steady, he turned and laughed heartily—his beaten-up gloom vanished.

He thumbed toward the camp exit. "Dearest best friend—sneak out together?"

Verlith shook her head solemnly. "You go. I've business here."

"Eh? Into Alyssa? No wonder childhood friends lose to newcomers!" Ansal wailed dramatically, pounding his chest. "No! We leave together!"

"Hmph! If you insist—Alyssa fits my partner standards!" he teased, picturing her soaked in the stream, smooth and tender.

"Hey! Not serious? Look at yourself—stop daydreaming!" Ansal shook his head, trying to reason.

"I can't imagine you, as a girl, with another girl... wait—yuri? Taboo stuff's exciting!" Ignoring Verlith, Ansal clenched his fist, slammed it into his palm, face alight with sudden realization.