Villainess is being pampered by her beast husbands
Chapter 118 --118

Chapter 118: Chapter-118

They had about five kilos total. Kaya had wanted to bring more, but Vayu and Cutie had warned her this much was already more than enough.

Salt, in this region, was no ordinary item.

Even five kilos, broken into smaller and larger packets, could easily catch unwanted eyes.

She could have just walked in and sold the salt for whatever she wanted. It would’ve worked.

But it also would’ve drawn too much attention.

So instead, she watched.

Waited.

Tried to find someone smart—someone with money—but not powerful enough to cause trouble.

Now, looking at the fox-eared shopkeeper in front of her, confused but curious, Kaya gave him the tiniest smile.

Seeing the small packet, the shopkeeper took it into his hands with mild curiosity. But the moment he opened it and saw the fine white powder, his eyes widened.

He’d seen salt before—sure.

But always in rough, rock-like chunks. Dirty. Hard. They had to crush it with stones and grind it down just to make it usable. Even then, it often had bits of dust or grit mixed in.

But this?

This was different.

It was already in particles. Smooth. Pure white. Clean.

Almost too clean.

Carefully, he dipped a finger in and touched just a pinch to his tongue.

The second it hit his taste buds, he froze.

It was salt. Real salt.

But stronger. Cleaner. More flavorful than anything he’d ever tasted.

His head snapped up, eyes wide with disbelief as he stared at Kaya.

"Where... where did you get this?" he asked, barely above a whisper.

Kaya gave a small stretch, rolled her shoulder, and let out a soft sigh.

"Well," she said casually, "what can I say? My late mate had it. He stored it aside as part of his dowry when we married."

Her voice didn’t waver. Calm. Smooth.

Then she shrugged lightly. "But you know... after he passed away a few days ago, I figured it’s time to move on. I need things, and I have new mates now—those guys outside."

She nodded toward the entrance, where Cutie and the others stood, waiting.

"I thought maybe it’s time I let go of a few things."

She smiled faintly, like someone who was still trying to hold back memories but didn’t have the luxury anymore.

The shopkeeper didn’t speak right away.

He just kept staring at the packet in his hands like it was made of gold.

But honestly?

He didn’t care where she got the salt from.

Because if word got out—if even a whisper of this salt reached other tribes—it wouldn’t matter. People would come for it. They’d steal it. Probably kill for it too.

This much pure salt? It was dangerous to have, let alone flaunt.

So he kept his voice low and asked, "How much do you want for it?"

Kaya looked at him, then let out a small chuckle.

"Are you joking with me?" she said, her smile light but her eyes steady. "How much do you think I should get for this much salt?"

The shopkeeper—took a deep breath. He hesitated, but then said honestly, "I can give you six white crystals. That’s all I have."

Kaya held his gaze for a second, thinking.

Then she spoke, slow and quiet, "And if I give you five more packets like this one... how much would you give me then?"

He froze.

His lips parted, but no sound came out at first.

What?

Five more?

But he stopped himself. He couldn’t ask too many questions. Not now.

She was the one holding power.

"Wait," he said after a moment, glancing around, nervous. Then he gently grabbed her wrist and led her deeper into the cave, away from the open market.

Once they were out of sight, he whispered quickly, "Listen. If you have this kind of salt... why not trade directly with our tribe?"

Kaya glanced him up and down, then at his ears—fluffy, twitching, like nervous smoke.

She leaned in slightly and said with a smirk, "Sorry, but I don’t trust fox."

He blinked, confused. "What?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Foxes," she said. "Too slippery."

His face twitched in surprise. Then, after a pause, he reached into his side pouch and pulled out a seer stone. Holding it flat in his palm, glowing faintly, he looked her in the eye.

"I swear to the Beast God," he said. "We won’t betray you."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice again.

"If you really have more of that salt... if you keep trading it to us in the future—we’ll give you whatever resources we can. Wood, furs, herbs, ores... anything. Even protection, if needed."

The cave was quiet now.

Even the sound of the market felt far away.

And Kaya?

She was smiling.

Kaya didn’t answer right away.

She just stared at the glowing seer stone in his hand, her expression unreadable.

Because the truth was—she already knew who he was.

She’d asked around earlier. Quietly. Observing. Listening.

This man, was from the White Fox Tribe.

A tribe once part of the greater fox clans—Red Fox, Black Fox, Golden—but long ago cast aside. Seen as weaker. Softer. Kept on the edges, used mostly for their beauty.

Some even whispered the White Foxes were only useful for breeding. Nothing more.

But Kaya knew better.

This man standing before her wasn’t just anyone—he was the tribe leader’s son. Young, yes. But fiercely loyal. And despite the looks his tribe got... he had done everything in his power to protect them.

The White Foxes weren’t strong in battle, but they had something far rarer.

Brains.

Vayu had told her once, half impressed, half baffled: "They’re the ones who design the cave interiors. The layouts, the ventilation, the traps. Most beastmen don’t care—but without the White Foxes, half the market wouldn’t stand up through a storm."

Still, the other tribes saw them as nothing more than decorators.

Disposable. Pretty. Weak.

Kaya’s eyes dropped to the glowing stone still hovering in his hand.

White crystal.

It pulsed gently—faint, but steady.