Xia Yu's boat rocked all the way across the calm sea. Perhaps because of the rocking, a journey that should have taken only half a day took an entire night before they reached Taro Island in the Land of Sea.
As the sun rose, Taro Island drew closer and closer, and Xia Yu's boat finally stopped shaking, settling back into stillness.
"Xia Yu, you must be exhausted. I'll go make you something delicious~"
Honoka's face glowed, and she looked more refreshed than ever. The gaze she now directed at Xia Yu was even gentler and more dependent than it had been last night.
Xia Yu put on his coat and replied softly, "Don't bother cooking. Let's eat on the island instead. You used up plenty of energy too. I'm not the only one who gets tired."
Honoka threw herself into Xia Yu's arms, acting as spoiled as a little girl. "All right, I'll listen to you~"
After arriving on the island, Xia Yu found that it felt completely different from Mother Island.
Mother Island had been lifeless, but Taro Island bustled with everyday life.
Following the bustling streets, the two soon found the daimyo's residence with directions from helpful locals.
Just as they were about to enter, the guards at the entrance immediately blocked their way and demanded coldly, "Who are you?"
Xia Yu spoke quietly. "We're here to collect a reward..."
"A reward? What reward?"
"I dealt with the menace on Mother Island. Go tell the daimyo he can move back to Mother Island now."
"Oh?" The guards looked Xia Yu and Honoka up and down. Seeing how young and inexperienced they looked, they laughed twice and sneered disdainfully:
"What nonsense are you spouting this early in the morning? Get lost! The daimyo is a busy man. He