By the way, ever since arriving in this world, Mushiyu had never encountered any communication barriers. In her mind, she’d always spoken Chinese with Melissara, Loran, and Grace. But now it seemed clear that Chinese couldn’t possibly be the dominant language here. It was as if something automatically translated her spoken words into this world’s language—and converted what she heard back into Chinese.
It sounded unbelievable, yet that was exactly how Mushiyu felt. This ability extended beyond speech to reading too. For instance, when she picked up the book Loran had been holding earlier, the cover text instantly registered in her mind: *"Jokes Guaranteed to Make Your Belly Ache."*
“…”
Recalling Loran’s serious expression while holding this very book, the corner of Mushiyu’s eye twitched. *This* was supposed to make you laugh until your stomach hurt?
Flipping open the first page with deep skepticism, she began reading. Moments later—
“Ahahahaha!”
Clutching her stomach, Mushiyu rolled across the bed laughing, tears streaming down her face. When she finally caught her breath, rubbing her aching belly, she couldn’t help but wonder if Loran even possessed cells related to laughter. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense—otherwise, why did that girl always wear such an icy expression?
Delighted, she kept reading. The joke book was genuinely brilliant. Aside from a few obscure gags she didn’t grasp, nearly every punchline hit her sweet spot—laughing until her stomach cramped!
Her continuous, bell-like giggles drifted from the carriage like kitten paws scratching at the driver’s nerves.
Grace nearly called out to Mushiyu several times, unable to contain her own joy. But each time, she held back, unwilling to interrupt that delightful sound. Torn between impulse and restraint, she tugged the reins this way and that—the poor horse bearing the brunt of her inner turmoil.
Grace had been summoned by Loran to drive. When first asked, she’d nearly leapt at the chance, accepting instantly despite Edmund’s bewildered stare. Loran found her reaction odd but dismissed it; she’d chosen Grace simply because they were acquainted. After days of interaction, Grace seemed upright and trustworthy. With the carriage warded, there was no risk of her accidentally discovering its secrets.
Though the horse could follow the convoy on its own, someone still needed to watch for unexpected dangers.
Amid her happiness, Grace also grew slightly concerned about Loran’s behavior. After handing over the reins, Loran had spurred her mount into a frantic gallop back toward Magestown—as if racing against time.
Magestown was a complicated place. Located in the remotest region of the Central Empire, it lay beyond effective governance. Packed with mercenaries and adventurers—many hardened criminals—it was impossible to know whether the smiling stranger beside you might stab you in the next breath.
There was another reason too: Grace’s own experiences in Magestown had seared the town into her memory. In a single night, irreversible changes had reshaped everything she knew.
Loran’s sudden, urgent return there seemed deeply suspicious.
In truth, Grace overthought it. Loran had only gone back to buy one thing.
While Grace remained lost in the girl’s enchanting laughter from the carriage, Loran returned. She carried a soft cloth-wrapped bundle whose contents were unclear.
Hearing the hoofbeats, Grace frowned. *Too soon.* She’d wanted to linger a while longer. But when she turned, a faint smile already touched her lips.
“Trouble you,” Loran said, reining in beside her with a nod.
“A small favor,” Grace replied warmly before departing.
After swiftly securing her horse, Loran approached the carriage. She’d heard the unrestrained laughter spilling from within. *What made Yuer so happy?* Curious, she opened the door to find the girl sprawled on the bed, clutching her stomach mid-rollicking laugh. Tears glistened at the corners of her eyes, her breathless giggles radiating pure, endearing charm. A faint smile unconsciously lifted Loran’s own lips.
Yet beneath it surged sorrow: *She doesn’t belong here.*
Her laughter, her joy belonged under wider skies. Confinement would only wither her brilliance. In all their days together, Loran had never seen her shine so vividly.
*May the Princess grant her more freedom once we return to the Elven Forest.*
Loran silently wished this, deliberately ignoring the inconvenient truth that Mushiyu was human—and should return to human lands, not the Elven Forest. Just as Melissara did.
Hearing the door open, Mushiyu wiped her tears and lifted her still-smiling face. Seeing Loran, she quickly looked away, trying to appear composed—but her cheeks were too stiff from laughing to pull it off.
Suddenly, a soft bundle landed on her stomach. Mushiyu glanced at Loran questioningly. Seeing her calmly pour water, she unwrapped it herself. Her eyes widened with delight as she recognized the contents.
—It was a full set of clothes! Undergarments, outerwear, trousers, shoes—everything included!
*Well, two sets would’ve been better. One to wear while the other’s washed,* Mushiyu thought greedily.
Then she chided herself: *Be grateful! You had nothing before. This is already a blessing.*
“Is this… for me?” she asked cautiously.
At Loran’s nod, Mushiyu’s face lit up. She eagerly pulled the clothes from the bundle, ready to change. Remembering Loran was still inside, she hesitated—but couldn’t ask her to leave after accepting the gift. Instead, she ducked under the blanket to put on the undergarments first, then emerged to dress.
Loran pretended to focus on her water cup, but her peripheral vision tracked every movement. Watching Mushiyu fumble with the unfamiliar garments, her heartbeat quickened.
Some said the greatest allure lay in half-concealment. After growing accustomed to Mushiyu’s bare form, seeing soft fabric slowly veil her creamy skin unleashed an irresistible, primal magnetism.
Mesmerized, Loran’s breathing grew ragged. A sip of water went down the wrong pipe, triggering a violent coughing fit that jolted her back to her senses.
*Good thing I choked,* she thought. *Otherwise… I might’ve torn off everything she just struggled to put on.*
Mushiyu shot her a puzzled look. *How does someone choke on water?* Adjusting her collar and skirt, she examined herself. Not bad. The clothing differed greatly from her old world—unique fastenings, yet simpler than expected. It resembled commoner attire from the game *Heavenly Wonder Continent*.
She twirled instinctively, watching the skirt flare. The warmth of fabric against her skin felt like rebirth, wrapping her in newfound security.
Only her tangled waist-length hair spoiled the moment. She tried smoothing stray strands—impossible to manage. Though lustrous, its length made grooming a nightmare.
“Let me,” Loran offered suddenly.
Surprised but eager to avoid the hassle, Mushiyu readily agreed.
