Si Chen traveled much more slowly on the way back to the Eastern Region than he had on the way there.
With far greater pomp, too.
Every thousand or two thousand miles, there was bound to be a city.
Every city reacted much the same way.
The city lord or officials in charge led people out to welcome him, their manner respectful.
Everything they said ran along the lines of, "It is truly an honor for Your Highness to pass through," or, "If Your Highness refuses, this lowly official will have no way to explain himself upon returning."
Then they volunteered flying boats to escort him for a stretch.
Si Chen was fairly easygoing, too. As long as they were polite, he made no trouble for them. With a word of "Sorry for the trouble," he agreed.
And so the escort snowballed, growing larger and larger.
By the time he crossed Great Yin's border, more than twenty flying boats trailed behind him, stretching out in a mighty procession.
It really did have something of a "king on tour" about it.
Black Mountain rather enjoyed the feeling.
Whenever they passed a city, he stepped forward to offer a few formal words on Si Chen's behalf, such as, "How thoughtful of the city lord," or, "Thank you for your hard work, soldiers." He sounded quite the part.
The defending officers all replied respectfully, addressing him as "Lord Black Mountain" at every turn.
Aboard the flying boat, Black Mountain paced with his hands behind his back, his tone smug. "This humble scholar can count this as returning home in silken robes."
Red Wind leaned against the railing and gave him a sidelong look. "A lumbering bear like you, returning home in silken robes?"
"How uncouth!"
Black Mountain straightened the blue scholar's robe he