As she was thinking this, Melissara suddenly reached out again—this time toward her clothes. Mushiyu’s heart leapt; she tried to step back, but Melissara’s fingers had already brushed the fabric on her shoulder.
Yet she did nothing extreme. She merely rubbed the cloth lightly with her fingertips.
While Mushiyu was still baffled by Melissara’s intentions, Melissara frowned and spoke. “Can you actually wear this?”
“…Huh?” After a long pause, Mushiyu managed a confused grunt. She glanced at Loran and found her equally bewildered.
“Don’t humans have a toy called a ‘doll’?” Melissara withdrew her hand, eyes fixed on Mushiyu.
“Dolls… yeah, I guess.” Though she’d never played with one. Hmm… Pikachu probably didn’t count as a doll, right?
“I’ve heard human children dress dolls in pretty clothes to make them more beautiful.” Melissara scanned Mushiyu up and down as she spoke.
Mushiyu thought she saw a strange glint in Melissara’s eyes—was it her imagination? Loran felt it too: why did Her Highness seem so intensely interested in something now?
“I guess so,” Mushiyu replied uncertainly. TV showed little girls loved dressing up their dolls.
Melissara nodded and turned to Loran. “She can keep this on for now. We’ll change it after we return.”
“Change?” Loran echoed the word, utterly out of sync.
“Yes. Find our clan’s best tailor to customize clothes for Yuer.”
Loran understood: Her Highness had agreed to let Mushiyu wear clothes—and clearly hated this outfit, hence the insistence on replacing it. Did this also mean granting Yuer more freedom?
A trace of joy flickered in her eyes. She glanced at Mushiyu. Though surprised, Mushiyu’s expression had softened noticeably from before.
That joy then faded into a faint melancholy.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Loran murmured.
The convoy halted. Melissara glanced at Loran, who nodded and slipped out of the carriage. She returned moments later.
“A fork ahead. The humans are debating which path to take,” Loran reported.
“Debate needed?” Melissara asked.
“Well…”
At the convoy’s front, Edmund frowned at the unfamiliar narrow path, doubts swirling. “This road seems rarely used, Lord Herman. Are you sure it’s shorter?”
“Trust me, Mr. Edmund,” Herman smiled gently. “We took it coming here. It’s rougher, but much shorter—we’ll reach Suxi City tonight. I’ve had it maintained recently. It’s smoother now.”
Edmund opened his mouth, but Grace cut in. “This path is shorter. I’ve walked it before.”
“You have?” Edmund asked skeptically.
“Yes,” Grace nodded. “Before joining Red Eagle.”
“Since Miss Grace confirms it, what doubts remain?” Herman chuckled.
Edmund still hesitated. As a mercenary captain, he weighed risks. An unknown path—even with Grace’s word—left him uneasy.
“What’s on your mind, boss?” Jack nudged Edmund’s elbow. “Grace vouched for it. Let’s take it—sooner to Suxi City, sooner to rest!”
Grace shot Edmund a calm look. “Don’t you trust me?”
Before Edmund could reply, David laughed and slung an arm around his neck. “Boss, zoning out again? Look—sis is upset! Everyone wants to get home, right?” He turned to Grace. “Sis, don’t be mad. If he ignores you, I’ll beat him for you!”
Grace smiled, stroking her ring finger softly. “We’re not married yet.”
Edmund’s face flushed. He inwardly scolded himself.
“Alright. For everyone’s sake, we’ll take this path.” He gave Grace a sheepish grin.
Even if trouble came, warriors from all races were here—it should be fine…
With objections settled, a knowing smile curled Herman’s lips. “Then, move out.”
The convoy rolled forward. Sensing it, Melissara said, “They’ve decided.”
Loran cracked the window, peered out, then shut it. Her face was grim. “They chose the narrow path.”
“The one they’re unfamiliar with?” Melissara confirmed.
“Yes.” Loran nodded.
Noticing the tension, Mushiyu asked curiously, “What’s wrong with the path?”
Loran explained, “We haven’t taken it, but those humans have. No disagreement should exist—yet one did. That’s the problem.”
Mushiyu remained confused. She knew the paths: a familiar but longer main road, and an unknown shortcut supposedly faster. If someone knew the shortcut and wanted speed, disagreement made sense—why was it suspicious?
“Understanding isn’t important. Don’t worry about this,” Loran said, seeing Mushiyu’s bewilderment. She kept her own fears silent.
Her body had recovered faster than expected these past days—Her Highness too. That gave her confidence for any surprises.
Still, precautions were needed.
“Your Highness,” Loran faced Melissara, “I advise against us sharing this carriage. May I—”
“I stay here,” Melissara cut in without hesitation.
“Understood. I’ll take the front carriage.” Loran had expected this. No surprise, only quiet disappointment.
Stepping out, she glanced at the golden-haired man leading the convoy. He rode a horse, laughing with another rider beside him. Edmund—the human leader. He’d argued with Herman over the route.
Now, they seemed perfectly amicable.
The convoy advanced smoothly. Cheerful chatter drifted from carriages of various races, painting a scene of harmony.
