The Inn of Coming Wealth - 30

The Golden Innkeeper couldn't understand the mark, but he noticed that on the second day, more and more different insects began to appear in the backyard. They made no noise, simply moving between the vegetable patches and flower beds as if conveying a message. By the third day, a second mark appeared on the board—this time left by an injured mythical beast. It limped along the corner of the wall, black blood seeping from its paw pad. It made no sound, merely leaning its wounded limb gently against the board. The bark of the board indented slightly, as if accepting an unspoken plea. Late that night, Asu squatted beside the beast, using the roots of butterfly ginger and mint leaves to dress its wound. The creature lay on the ground, its breathing gradually steadying, its amber eyes like two half-melted candies in the moonlight. "The board will remember you came, and it will remember what you need," Asu whispered without looking up. The beast didn't respond, but its tail tapped the ground lightly, as if to say, 'I heard you.' The next morning, a new inscription appeared on the board, its strokes bold and rough, as if carved with claws: 'The beast's wound has healed. I offer my watch in return.' The Golden Innkeeper read the entire message without a word. He quietly poured out the cold tea and replaced it with a warm cup, placing it beside the tree roots. The board's color was a shade deeper than yesterday, as if it had absorbed the light.