First night in another world city with Storm beast

Mukouda sighed as he wandered through the bustling streets of Lendria, struggling to find an inn that would allow Kaelgyr inside. The towering buildings and lively market stalls were filled with the scent of fresh bread, roasted meat, and exotic spices, making his stomach rumble every few steps.

Kaelgyr, trotting beside him in his smaller wolf form, flicked his tail in irritation. "Why must we stay in a human establishment? The ground is perfectly fine to rest on."

Mukouda sighed. "Because, Kaelgyr, I am not sleeping on the streets! And before you say it, yes, I know you're a legendary beast and used to the wild, but I am not!"

Kaelgyr merely huffed in disapproval.

Mukouda scanned the nearby inns, each with a wooden sign hanging above their doors. He approached the first one—a cozy-looking inn called The Resting Hawk—and stepped inside.

A middle-aged innkeeper with a mustache greeted him from behind the counter. "Welcome! Looking for a room?"

Mukouda smiled. "Yes! I'd like a room for the night—"

Kaelgyr padded inside behind him.

The innkeeper's eyes widened instantly. "—EXCEPT WE HAVE NO ROOMS. ALL FULL. VERY FULL. PLEASE LEAVE."

Mukouda blinked. "Wait, but—"

The innkeeper was already shooing him out, waving his hands frantically. "We do NOT allow dangerous beasts inside! Take that thing somewhere else!"

Kaelgyr growled, electricity crackling around him. "What did he call me?"

Mukouda panicked. "WAIT, WAIT, WAIT—Kaelgyr, we can just go somewhere else! No need to fry the man!"

Kaelgyr snorted but followed Mukouda outside as the innkeeper slammed the door behind them.

Mukouda groaned, rubbing his forehead. "This is gonna be harder than I thought."

They tried three more inns.

Each time, the result was the same.

At The Silver Rooster, the innkeeper took one look at Kaelgyr and fainted on the spot.

At The Golden Bell, they were about to get a room until Kaelgyr yawned, revealing his massive fangs, and the owner immediately screamed for the guards.

At The Cozy Sprout, they almost succeeded—until Kaelgyr stretched his back, causing a tiny jolt of electricity to zap a nearby candle, starting a small fire.

Mukouda had never run so fast in his life.

After what felt like hours of rejection, Mukouda slumped onto a bench in the city square, completely exhausted.

Kaelgyr sat beside him, looking annoyed. "Hmph. These humans are foolish. They should be honored to house a Storm Fang Beast."

Mukouda groaned. "Yeah, yeah, you keep telling yourself that…"

He stared up at the night sky, the stars twinkling above. "Guess we really will have to sleep outside…"

But just as Mukouda was about to accept his fate, a voice interrupted.

"You seem troubled, traveler."

Mukouda jumped. He turned to see a well-dressed nobleman with sleek blond hair and a confident smirk. Behind him stood two armed knights, their hands resting on their swords.

Mukouda instantly felt uneasy.

"Uh… who are you?"

The nobleman smiled. "Ah, forgive me. I am Lord Reynard Faust, a humble noble of this fine city." His eyes glimmered with interest as he glanced at Kaelgyr. "And I couldn't help but notice… your companion."

Mukouda's stomach sank.

"Crap… this guy knows."

Kaelgyr simply stared at the nobleman with a neutral expression.

Reynard continued, his smile never fading. "You must be struggling to find lodging, yes? If so, allow me to offer my assistance. I happen to own a fine estate, with more than enough space for you and your companion."

Mukouda's eyes narrowed. This was too convenient. A noble suddenly appearing and offering help? No way.

Still, he had no other options.

After a long pause, Mukouda forced a smile. "That's… very generous of you, Lord Reynard."

Reynard chuckled. "Think nothing of it! Come, let us head to my estate."

As Mukouda followed Reynard through the city, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease creeping up his spine.

Kaelgyr walked beside him, whispering softly. "This human… is dangerous."

Mukouda swallowed hard. "Yeah… I got that feeling too."

Arriving at Reynard's Estate

The nobleman's mansion was massive, with towering gates and lush gardens surrounding the entrance. The moment they stepped inside, servants rushed to greet them, bowing respectfully.

Mukouda felt completely out of place.

Reynard led them to a luxurious dining hall, where a feast was already prepared. Platters of roast meat, fresh bread, and exotic fruits covered the long table.

Mukouda's stomach growled loudly.

Reynard chuckled. "Please, eat to your heart's content."

Mukouda hesitated for a moment before grabbing a plate and digging in.

Kaelgyr, however, remained still, his piercing golden eyes locked on Reynard.

The nobleman smirked. "Your companion is quite cautious."

Mukouda chuckled nervously. "Yeah… he doesn't trust easily."

Reynard leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "Tell me… where did you find him?"

Mukouda froze mid-bite.

There it was.

The real reason Reynard was interested.

Mukouda forced a casual laugh. "Oh, you know… just kinda stumbled upon him. Crazy luck, huh?"

Reynard's smile never faltered. "Indeed… luck."

The atmosphere grew tense.

Mukouda felt sweat forming on his back.

Kaelgyr, still staring at Reynard, suddenly spoke in a low, calculated tone.

"…This one is a predator."

Mukouda's heart skipped a beat.

Reynard chuckled. "Ah… fascinating."

Mukouda quickly shoved another bite of food into his mouth, pretending not to notice the clear warning between them.

After finishing dinner, a servant led Mukouda to his guest room, which was way too fancy for him.

He collapsed onto the softest bed he had ever felt, sighing.

Kaelgyr sat by the window, staring out into the darkened city.

"…This is dangerous," the wolf murmured.

Mukouda groaned. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But we need a place to sleep."

Kaelgyr didn't respond.

Instead, he kept his sharp golden eyes fixed outside, as if sensing something.

Mukouda yawned and rolled over. "It'll be fine… probably…"

But deep down, he wasn't so sure.

And somewhere outside, in the shadows of the city, someone was watching the mansion very closely.