Unfortunately, Vodka's hopes did not come true. Under his resentful gaze, the bus sent by the Vacation Villa to pick them up arrived safely after all.
The bus was spacious and upscale. Through the lightly tinted windows, they could see that several people were already seated inside.
"Looks pretty good!" Suzuki Sonoko was quite pleased with their mode of transportation. "Before coming here, I was worried that an 'authentic' forest experience would also faithfully recreate the hardships of wilderness survival. But now it seems this really is a Vacation Villa meant for people to relax in."
"Haha, of course." Hearing that, the tour guide could not help laughing. He took the Invitation Letter and looked it over, then gestured to the newcomers. "You're the last group of guests. Feel free to take any empty seats on the bus. Pick somewhere you like."
Vodka: "..." I'd like to pick outside the bus.
He dawdled, reluctant to move forward, but the others had already boarded one after another. Vodka looked at the cheerful, laughing passengers inside, then at the empty forest behind him. A mountain breeze swept past, and he remembered Uzo's words—"Have a smooth journey." Lowering his head silently, he followed them onto the bus.
He was looking around, trying to find a low-profile yet safe seat, when someone stood up.
Vodka looked over warily and saw a neatly dressed young man.
The man seemed surprised when he saw Suzuki Sonoko, then smiled and greeted her. "Miss Suzuki? I didn't expect you to be taking part in this experience too. It's reassuring to see someone I know here."
Suzuki Sonoko laughed awkwardly, with a trace of guilt in her smile. She nodded and returned the greeting perfunctorily, then dragged Mouri Ran and Jiang Xia away at a near-fleeing pace to find