A relatively uncommon four-wheeled carriage drawn by two horses sped out of Bunta City's western gate. Its wheels rolled onto the Falling Rain Highway, and it raced toward Falling Rain Valley.
Xu Yi drew his gaze away from the road construction underway on the outskirts of Bunta City and looked around at everyone in the carriage. Finally, his eyes settled on Sophia, who sat opposite him beside Stille and Anise, and he suddenly smiled.
Sophia immediately glared at him. "What are you smiling at?"
Xu Yi shook his head. "No, don't misunderstand. I was just wondering why you insisted on coming with us. Falling Rain Valley is nearly sixty kilometers away. Even with the highway, a round trip still isn't particularly comfortable. I think staying in Bunta City would have been a better choice."
"Hmph, I wanted to. What's it to you?" Sophia retorted stubbornly.
Xu Yi shook his head. It really is none of my business.
Still, he genuinely wondered why Sophia insisted on staying in Bunta City rather than returning to Anvilmar.
When Hank Wilson left, her refusal to go with him could at least be explained by her desire to stay with Kennard. But now that Kennard had confirmed he would remain with the Xinfei Merchant Guild as its general manager, he probably wouldn't leave Bunta City for a long time. Sophia's continued presence here was becoming harder to justify.
Of course, Xu Yi couldn't ask her that outright. Otherwise, it would sound as though he was trying to drive her away.
"President, Sophia has always been this willful. Please forgive her," Kennard said apologetically from beside Xu Yi.
Before Xu Yi could respond, Sophia glared again, pointed at Kennard, and stamped her foot. "Kennard! You're not even taking my side! Is it because you're working under