303. Gina

The morning sun cast its golden glow over the village. Birds chirped softly, and the cool morning breeze carried the scent of damp earth and freshly baked bread.

Tyler was already awake. He had risen early, pocketing some rice cakes before stepping out of the hut.

He had planned to join a woodcutting team, but things hadn't gone as expected.

Most of the woodcutters refused to accept him.

Not because he was unskilled.

Not because he was weak.

But simply because he was an outsider.

And, more than anything, because the women in the village wouldn't stop gossiping about him.

Their jealous husbands and brothers weren't too pleased about it.

Tyler sighed. "Seriously?"

---

Catherine, who had just finished preparing her basket of herbs, noticed Tyler came back with silent expression.

She frowned. Tyler told her what happened.

"So you're going alone?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.