The Four Souls Jewel's Influence; Suiko: Then I'll Help You

On the fourth day after Suiko woke up, she was already able to get out of bed and walk.

Chiyo's medicine was remarkably effective. Her shattered left shoulder bone had healed by more than half in just a few days. Though she still could not exert much strength, it no longer interfered with her daily movements.

She sat on a rock outside the camp, Kirara in her arms, watching Izayoi help make the fire and prepare food in the distance.

Morning light fell over her, coating her slender figure in a gentle, warm glow.

Izayoi's movements had become far more practiced than when they had first set out.

She crouched before the stove, stirring the rice porridge in the pot with a wooden spoon. Every so often, she lifted the lid to check the heat. The loose strands of hair at her forehead had curled slightly from the steam and clung to her faintly flushed cheeks.

Douding sat on a grass mat by her feet, clutching a piece of rations in his hands and gnawing on it earnestly.

Ayame crouched nearby, helping add firewood. Her green eyes occasionally stole a glance in Chiyo's direction before she quickly lowered her head, pretending nothing had happened.

Watching this scene, the corner of Suiko's mouth unconsciously curved upward.

Then her gaze settled on Izayoi, and a strange feeling suddenly rose in her heart.

It was like looking at something she had treasured for a long time, only to suddenly discover that someone else wanted it too.

The thought startled Suiko.

She hurriedly lowered her head and buried her face in Kirara's soft fur.

What was wrong with her?

Kirara let out a muffled whimper from being squeezed and looked up at her in confusion.

"It's nothing..."

Suiko said softly, her voice muffled.

"Kirara,