Burdock asked innocently, "Isn't it?"

"Of course not!" Violet snapped.

"Ah, I must have been mistaken," Burdock chuckled, turning to Eunice. "Sorry, young man. My daughter clearly has no special feelings for you. But don't be discouraged—love takes time to grow. You still have a chance. Don't give up easily."

"I have no interest in her," Eunice said with a cold gaze.

Burdock waved dismissively, grinning. "Alright, alright, I get it. You youngsters are too shy to speak openly. But you must be brave! Say, who are you, miss?" He pointed at me.

"Hello, I'm... uh... Miroa Aranxiene. I hoped to join your caravan to Bluewater City—"

Violet tugged my hand. "Sister Miroa, don't talk to this annoying man."

"Huh?" I looked confused.

Violet shot Burdock a glare, then pulled me toward the carriage without hesitation.

Burdock called after us, "Wait, Violet! This young lady hasn't finished introducing herself. Interrupting is rude!"

"Ask Uncle Gry yourself," Violet replied without turning back.

I faintly heard Burdock chatting behind me and glanced back—well, Burdock was the one peppering Eunice with questions. Eunice seemed impatient. She walked to another carriage. "Excuse me, I must check on my companion. If you're unsure about our background, ask the nearby guard. He'll tell you everything." She lifted the curtain and slipped inside, leaving Burdock alone in the wind.

I couldn't see if he approached Gry. Violet had already dragged me into the carriage. This lavish vehicle was spacious, lined with soft blankets. I glanced around—it could easily fit three people lying down.

The interior was dim but visible. Sunlight was blocked outside. I spotted a small open window on the side. Peeking out, I saw distant blue skies and lush green trees.

No wonder she's a rich man's daughter, traveling with such pomp. Violet's family must be wealthy to casually mention a thousand gold coins. I still remembered Guard Gry's shocked face. I knew it was valuable, but not exactly how much. I'd ask Eunice later.

Why did Violet show such disdain for her father, the burly Burdock? None of my business. I shouldn't act like a nosy neighbor mediating their feud—that'd be overstepping. I shook my head, pushing the thought away.

I turned to Violet. She'd already kicked off her shoes and crawled deeper inside. She pulled the side curtain shut. Warm sunlight vanished, dimming the space. I could still see, but barely.

Unease crept in. Closing the window... was she planning something indecent?

In the dark, Violet's voice came: "Sister Miroa, I'll fetch the Moonstone now."

Moonstone? Before I could react, soft white light filled the carriage. It wasn't harsh like electric bulbs from my past life. Gentle as moonlight, it washed over everything.

Violet knelt inside. A smooth wooden rod, about five centimeters long, extended from a panel beside her. At its tip sat a white stone shaped like a crescent moon, glowing with calm, elegant light.

So this stone lit the carriage? I recalled the glowing stone from the Mage's territory. Glowing rocks must be an otherworldly specialty. A smile touched my lips.

"What are you smiling at, Sister Miroa?" Violet asked curiously.

"N-nothing."

"Really? I saw you smile. You look so beautiful when you do." She dragged my arm. "Let's sleep, Sister Miroa. I haven't slept well in days. Ugh, if only we reached Bluewater City sooner. I'll hire maids to make up for it."

"Uh..."

Hiring maids... was Violet into girls? Her smiling eyes made my heart race.

Was Eunice's body about to be "pushed down" today? If Violet made a move, should I resist? Or not resist?

...Seriously, I promised Eunice to protect her body. We're partners—I can't betray her trust. She said "Krein" means trust in her homeland.

Don't worry, Eunice. I'll uphold my chastity and hold the line. I won't fall to Violet's "clutches."

As I thought this, I realized Violet had literally pushed me down in the carriage.

Well, "pushed down" meant just that. Her "sleep" probably meant sleeping too.

Violet hugged my arm, eyes closed, snuggling close. Her sweet, girlish scent stirred something in me.

"Oh, right!" She sat up suddenly. "Sister Miroa, I forgot your shoes. Let me take them off."

"Huh? I can do it."

"Just lie still." She crawled to my feet, quickly unlaced Eunice's short boots, then returned, snuggling like a kitten. "There. Let's sleep peacefully now."

"Uh..."

So it really was just sleeping. I sighed inwardly. If I'd resisted and she got upset, Eunice and I might've walked to Bluewater City. Violet said it was two or three days away—a marathon-like trek. Luckily, I wouldn't have to walk. Though I was determined if needed. Hitching a ride was better.

The carriage swayed gently. Muffled guard chatter outside confirmed the caravan had resumed its journey to Bluewater City.

I noticed faint dark circles under Violet's eyes—barely visible unless you looked closely. No wonder she was so eager to sleep. She must be exhausted.

Watching her peaceful face, a strange warmth rose in my chest.

A sleeping girl really does stir a man's protective instincts...

Miss Violet, sweet dreams.

I closed my eyes for a nap. Last night's thunder and the Demon King identity had left me restless. Time to rest properly.

My thoughts blurred with the carriage's gentle bumps. I fell asleep quickly.