Mushiyu jolted awake to a cacophony of noise.

Blinking up at an unfamiliar ceiling, she spent a dazed moment realizing she was back in a carriage—pressed against another warm body.

Memories flooded back. She whipped her head toward the sleeping figure beside her. First, a cascade of jet-black hair filled her vision. Then, the face—strange at first glance, yet undeniably Grace’s.

The carriage interior felt different. No lavish furnishings. No fruit trays on the side table. No thick plush rug underfoot for bare feet to sink into.

Every detail screamed one truth: This wasn’t the Elven King’s carriage. She’d truly escaped Melissara’s gilded cage.

Relief washed over Mushiyu, warm and deep. She pushed down a faint, unwelcome pang of loss and let a small smile curl her lips. *Free at last.*

Outside, the clamor grew louder—shouts, clattering hooves, the clash of metal, even a stranger’s bright laughter drifting through the wood.

Peeking through a crack in the curtain, golden sunlight stung her eyes. Beyond lay bustling streets, a towering wall, armored guards, and massive gates—city gates. Above them, ornate characters carved into stone: *Suxi City*.

*So this is where Grace said we could catch an airship?*

Her first glimpse of a city in this world filled her with wonder. She leaned closer—until a guard strode toward their carriage. She snapped the curtain shut, avoiding trouble.

The carriage halted. A woman’s voice, sharp with annoyance, cut through: "Why stop us?"

"Routine inspection!" The soldier’s reply was thick with boredom.

Footsteps thudded toward the cabin. Mushiyu’s pulse spiked.

"Hold!" A man’s command froze the steps.

"Dare defy the King’s orders? I’ll—" The soldier’s voice choked off. "*Silver badge?!*"

"Let us pass," the man said calmly.

"My apologies, sir! Forgive my stupidity! Make way! Clear the path for this lord!"

The carriage rolled forward again.

Their voices filtered inside:

"What’s with the inspections today? Never seen this before," the woman grumbled.

"Unclear. But you should return home swiftly, Miss."

"Ugh, I wasn’t done having fun! Where else can we—?"

"Your father will worry..."

"He won’t! And you swore loyalty to *me*—no sneaking reports to him!"

"...Yes, Miss."

*Runaway nobles?* Mushiyu wondered. *But why are Grace and I in their carriage?*

She turned—and froze. In the dim light, Grace’s wide, unblinking eyes stared straight at her. Mushiyu nearly jumped. "G-Grace?"

"Mushiyu." Grace’s voice was hoarse. Her gaze traced every inch of Mushiyu’s face, lingering on her slightly upturned lips until Mushiyu looked away, flustered. Only then did Grace scan the cabin. "Where are we?"

"You don’t know? We’re in a carriage. Already inside Suxi City." Mushiyu had assumed Grace brought her here.

Grace pushed herself up slowly, one hand braced on the bed, the other pressed to her temple. She looked drained.

"Are you alright?" Mushiyu asked, concerned.

Grace shook her head, searching the cabin. Her sword was missing.

"The driver’s a man, and that girl seems like some noble’s daughter. Should we talk to them?" Mushiyu suggested. Their voices had sounded trustworthy.

Before Grace could answer, the carriage stopped. Both turned as three firm knocks sounded on the door. The girl’s energetic voice rang out:

"You’re awake! Come down and eat. We’ll sort everything after you’re fed!"

Mushiyu and Grace exchanged a glance. She nodded.

Their clothes were neat. Shoes waited under the bed. Mushiyu slipped hers on—then noticed Grace still sitting, staring at her own hands.

"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing." Grace shook her head and began lacing her boots. Her movements seemed stiff, almost pained.

When Grace finally stood, Mushiyu approached the door. Hand on the handle, she glanced back. Grace’s steady nod gave her courage. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open—

Sunlight crashed over her like a wave, carrying a riot of sounds and smells. Before the roar could swallow her whole, the girl standing there beamed and gestured toward a nearby eatery. "I’m Ata! That’s Bak driving. Come on—food’s on me!"

For a heartbeat, Ata’s golden hair made Mushiyu see Melissara. But the illusion shattered the moment Ata spoke—this was pure, vibrant energy. *A cheerful soul,* Mushiyu decided.

Ata’s grin was infectious. Mushiyu smiled back—then gasped. Grace’s face was ghostly pale.

"You look awful. Are you—"

"Just tired." Grace forced a faint smile, but her eyes glowed with something warm. *Mushiyu—she’s worried about me.*

"Don’t just stand there!" Ata gave her ample chest a proud pat. "Food first, rest after! My treat!"

"Thank you," Grace said. She took Mushiyu’s hand. When Mushiyu didn’t pull away, Grace’s eyes brightened like struck flint.