Shunya woke up early, staring at the cracked ceiling of his room. His coin pouch jingled faintly— eight lonely copper coins that had taken a full day of hard labor and cat babysitting to collect.
Eight coins.
At this rate, he would either reach enlightenment or die of malnutrition before ever affording a decent robe.
He sat up with determination. "Today is the day. No more crates, no more cats. I will find a real side hustle that pays well and suits my refined talents."
A knock came at his door.
"Refined talents?" Naomi's voice dripped with sarcasm.
Shunya froze. "Naomi. Did I say that out loud?"
The door opened anyway. Naomi stepped in, arms crossed, looking unimpressed. Vikoria followed, carrying her usual small basket of fruit.
"Yes," Naomi said flatly. "And I am very curious to see what refined talents you think you have."
Shunya puffed his chest. "Plenty. Today I prove it. By sunset, I will be a man of fortune."
