As dawn broke, voices outside the carriage grew increasingly noisy. After a hearty meal, Mushiyu suddenly felt the urge to step outside and see for herself.

This was a different world! A world with Elvenkind and magic! Not just an online game from her old world, but a real, genuine otherworld!

Back then, when Heavenly Wonder Continent—the pioneer of virtual reality online games—first debuted, it stunned countless people. Mushiyu had been among its earliest players. Logging in, she’d been absolutely blown away by the magical yet realistic effects. From that moment, she’d fallen deep into the rabbit hole of fantasy realms. Now, with a true otherworld before her eyes, how could she suppress her curiosity and excitement?

Mushiyu lifted her head, gazing at Loran nearby. Her big, watery eyes sparkled with captivating light.

"What?" Loran asked, unnerved by the intense stare. She glanced at Mushiyu’s crumb-dusted face and added with disdain, "What do you want?"

"I want to go for a walk outside..." Mushiyu replied, her eyes hopeful.

Loran almost refused but changed her mind. "Fine." She nodded and casually opened the carriage door.

A bright smile bloomed on Mushiyu’s lips. She started to stand—then froze as a chill swept over her lower body. She scrambled back onto the bed, realizing the serious problem. Peeking at the blanket draped over her, she turned to Loran with a pouty face. "Clothes..."

Loran shook her head, a malicious smirk curling her lips. "None."

Mushiyu stared blankly, suddenly grasping she’d been tricked. Recalling Loran’s behavior over the past two days, anger surged within her.

"You bitch!!!" Mushiyu roared. She leaped off the bed, mustering every ounce of her tiny strength to lunge at the Elvenkind Guard Captain.

Watching Mushiyu pounce like an enraged house cat, Loran instinctively sidestepped. Then she realized the girl was completely naked—and at this angle, she’d likely faceplant...

"Ah!" Mushiyu shrieked in terror, seeing herself about to eat dirt.

Loran reached out to stop the graceless fall but was delayed by sudden resistance. Magic? She turned in astonishment. A tall figure now stood at the doorway.

Melissara caught the naked body flying toward her, pulling it into a firm embrace. Feeling the warm, soft weight against her hands and chest, a satisfied smile flickered on her lips.

Her Highness... smiled? Loran watched the surreal scene, mind reeling. She even forgot the "lowly slave" clinging to her noble mistress’s chest.

Mushiyu slowly opened her tightly shut eyes. She hadn’t hit the ground but landed somewhere soft. Then she froze in mortification. All she saw were two towering, soft peaks. Judging by the sensations, she was naked and clinging like an octopus...

A burning flush spread across her face. Mushiyu wished she could vanish from sheer embarrassment.

Feeling the little one bury her head deeper, Melissara unconsciously tightened her hold. Then she noticed Loran still watching—and seeing every inch of the naked girl. Discomfort flared.

"Loran, out." Melissara commanded coldly, shooting a glance at the stunned guard captain.

Startled, Loran snapped to attention. "Yes!" She bowed, stepped out, and closed the door.

Pleased to be alone again, Melissara looked down at the head buried in her chest. A trace of affection flickered in her eyes. She carried Mushiyu to the bed. The moment skin touched blanket, Mushiyu jumped away and wrapped herself tightly in the fabric.

"T-that was an accident!" Mushiyu stammered, face crimson, unable to meet Melissara’s gaze. The awkwardness was unbearable.

Melissara’s expression remained blank. Her earlier smile had been a fleeting bloom—rare and gone in an instant.

Seeing Mushiyu’s apple-red cheeks, dewy eyes, and shy flush, heat rose in Melissara’s abdomen. She wanted to touch this exquisite body again. What she hadn’t finished this morning...

Her gaze locked onto the girl’s cherry-soft lips, eyes burning. She reached out, gently caressing the flushed cheek. As puzzled eyes met hers, she slowly bent down—

Knock—knock! Two sharp raps echoed. Loran’s respectful voice came from outside: "Your Highness, it’s time to depart."

Melissara’s hand trembled. She withdrew it unhurriedly, glanced at the still-confused Mushiyu, and turned away.

Mushiyu noticed her steps lacked their usual grace—slightly hurried, almost flustered.

The door opened. Loran started to speak but froze under Melissara’s icy glare.

What’s going on? Utterly bewildered, Loran followed her into another carriage.

At a shout of "Let’s go!", the caravan rumbled to life. They were at the edge of Cursed Dragon Gorge. Soon, they’d enter the Central Great Plain—and Central Empire’s territory.

The dragon-slaying heroes would return home laden with glory, embraced by the masses. Then, the elders of the Continental Congress would award each warrior a Hero Medal. Like heroes centuries past, they’d be etched forever into the continent’s history!

What a magnificent moment awaited!

Soon... it would be here.