Another day passed. Yesterday afternoon, Mei and the others had reached a village of several hundred people. After spending a handful of copper coins, the five of them spent the night at an elderly couple's home.
Mei and the others could sleep anywhere, but Princess Ying Ji could not.
Although Princess Ying Ji seemed like dead weight right now... for some reason, traveling with such a delicate princess had not made Mei find her troublesome at all. Instead, it made her feel deeply satisfied.
Perhaps Yōki simply inspired a strong desire to protect her.
Coupled with her relationship with Xia Ji, and how sensible, obedient, and well-behaved she was... it was truly impossible to dislike her.
Most importantly... bringing Yōki along had been Mei's own decision. She had no reason to blame anyone else.
A noble princess raised in luxury was crossing mountains and ridges with them without a single complaint. What was there not to be satisfied about? Even if someone was accidentally injured, with Yōki around, they could recover instantly.
"Everyone... get ready to leave... The road ahead will be much easier. Also... I bought an ox cart from the village chief, so we won't have to walk anymore."
Mei pushed open the door, looked at the people still asleep inside, and woke them directly.
"It's already morning! That was so fast..."
Yōki rubbed her eyes and sat up...
After following them over mountains and ridges these past few days, Yōki felt more fulfilled than ever before. But accordingly... she was also exhausted.
Still, knowing that she would not need to walk anymore let Yōki relax a little.
"Morning... Oh, right, today's the third day. Where's that thing Mom promised me? Hurry up and give it to me..."
Crimson Crow's Wing suddenly remembered something and hurriedly flew