It was already afternoon, but the summer sun was still scorching.
Moss gazed at the rapidly approaching group in the distance, watching until the blurry figures and horses gradually came into focus.
She couldn't help narrowing her eyes slightly...
The snow-white silver helmets gleamed dazzlingly under the blazing sun.
There was no doubt about it. They were soldiers—or rather, cavalry.
"Haah~ Looks like we're their target, Big Sister."
Umeilu leaned over the partition, her eyes still slightly narrowed as they adjusted to the sunlight. She yawned lazily as she spoke.
"Yeah, yeah. Then hurry inside, you lazy little cat."
Moss gently tapped Umeilu's little head and helplessly reminded her:
"Don't say anything rash later, okay? Act according to my cues."
Umeilu rubbed her head, giggled, and pushed her way back into the carriage.
She curled up inside with her arms around her legs, her dark bronze slit pupils gleaming slyly.
"Okay, okay. Rest assured, Big Brother~ I'll behave."
Clip-clop, clip-clop...
As the hurried hoofbeats drew closer, a muffled shout came from the group.
"Carriage ahead, stop at once!"
"That couldn't be better."
Moss smiled faintly and reached up to tug at the hood over her head.
"If possible, I really don't want to get into a conflict with them..."
Night fell.
Crack... pop...
The firelight flickered as the sound of splitting firewood slowly echoed through the silent night.
At the campsite, Moss sat blankly before the bonfire.
She seemed to have suffered some kind of blow. Staring dazedly at the flames before her, she silently turned the roasted meat in her hands.
Beside her, Umeilu covered her mouth, her body still trembling.
Until...
"Sigh..."
Moss let out a soft sigh and poked Umeilu irritably.
"Honestly, if you want to laugh, then laugh."
"Ha ha ha—!!!"
The next moment, Umeilu's