Leaving the Camp for a Two-Person Trip with Airi

"..."

Chang Yuan fell silent.

He seemed to have been disliked by Airi.

"Hmph, big brother Chang Yuan, you go wash with peace of mind. Little White and I will watch for you."

Airi, who was already sitting on the grass playing with the little white rabbit, said.

Hearing this, what else could Chang Yuan say? He washed.

Finding a relatively shallow body of water, Chang Yuan began to bathe.

He had to admit, Airi's soap smelled nice and was very effective.

After washing, Chang Yuan finally felt completely refreshed.

Before, just rinsing with water always left him feeling a bit uncomfortable afterwards.

"Here, Airi, I'm returning it to you."

Handing the soap back to Airi, Chang Yuan stretched.

Sniff~

"Mmm, big brother Chang Yuan smells much better now."

As if admiring her own masterpiece, Airi nodded with satisfaction.

"Let's go, it's time to head back, or Uncle Tok and the others will worry."

Taking Chang Yuan's hand again, Airi, like a little adult, led him back to the camp.

Chang Yuan felt a bit helpless being led like this.

Who was the adult here, him or Airi? He was the adult who had transmigrated, so why did it feel like she was taking care of him?

A few days later...

"Uncle Tok, I plan to leave and travel to other places today. Thank you for taking care of me these past few days."

Outside the camp, Airi bowed slightly to thank the burly men.

Her journey was far from over; she wanted to travel the entire world and witness everything.

"Hahaha, no need to be polite. Rather, your arrival brought a lot of joy to our camp. We should be the ones thanking you."

Uncle Tok burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Before Airi arrived, everyone in the camp was only thinking about how to get through tomorrow and the day after, with no vitality at all.

After she arrived, many people were influenced by her lively personality and rediscovered a reason to live.

"Goodbye, big brother Chang Yuan. I was very happy spending these days with you. It's just a shame that no one finished listening to your stories. Speaking of which, I'm a little angry."

With her hands on her hips, Airi puffed out her cheeks, looking like a little steamed bun.

"You clearly told me it was a cheerful and happy story, but I ended up crying as I listened. You bad guy."

Looking at the pink-haired ball of fluff who was shorter than him and pretending to be a little adult while scolding him, Chang Yuan chuckled and didn't reply.

"Never mind, big brother Chang Yuan, you need to take care of yourself too. Don't faint in the forest like you did before, or you might not meet me next time."

"...Airi."

"Hm?"

Hearing Chang Yuan call her, Airi tilted her head slightly and looked at him.

"Can I travel with you?"

"...Huh! Big brother Chang Yuan, are you saying you want to leave with me?"

Upon hearing this, Airi appeared slightly surprised.

"Yes, I just don't know if you'll welcome me. I don't have a home anymore, so following you might be the best choice."

Seeing Airi ask for confirmation again, Chang Yuan nodded, affirming her words and explaining his reason.

"Hmm, traveling together..."

Airi looked at Chang Yuan and lowered her head in thought.

Finally, she saw his eyes, which held a complex emotion she couldn't understand.

"If it's big brother Chang Yuan, then yes. It's also quite boring to travel alone."

Airi smiled slightly, her eyes narrowing, and agreed.

Seeing Airi's permission, Chang Yuan felt a surge of excitement.

After all, in the original story, Airi had interacted with many of the Herrschers when she was young, though it wasn't confirmed.

Of course, there was one person who could be confirmed with 100% certainty: Qianjie.

After all, he was the only one tied up and bled in the snowy plains.

He would have to witness the rest himself to know for sure.

"Hahaha, Chang Yuan, since you're leaving with Little Ai Li, you better protect her. After all, you're the older brother."

As he spoke, Uncle Tok took out some scattered banknotes from his pocket.

"Here, take this. It's hard to get by on your travels without money."

"No, no, this is yours, Uncle Tok, we can't accept it."

Before Chang Yuan could say anything, Airi was the first to refuse.

"Take it. My wife died in the disaster, and you gave me the hope to live again. Besides, we can earn money by burning charcoal here in the camp, unlike you two kids."

Uncle Tok ignored Airi's refusal and forcefully shoved the money into her hand.

Since Uncle Tok was an adult, Airi could only reluctantly accept the money.

Witnessing all this, Chang Yuan finally understood why Airi would have the personality she did in the future.

Human kindness had created a Herrscher of Humanity.

If Airi had only encountered injustice, misfortune, and human malice during her travels, perhaps this civilization, and even future civilizations, would not have had the slightest hope of defeating the Honkai.

"Little Chang Yuan, remember to take good care of Little Ai Li. If I ever find out you're bullying her, don't blame my fist for landing on your head."

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll definitely protect Ai Li." Even if it costs me everything.

Chang Yuan didn't say the latter half.

After all, the current atmosphere wasn't suitable for such a solemn declaration.

"Well then, Uncle Tok, goodbye."

Airi, holding Chang Yuan's hand, waved goodbye to those who had helped her.

Chang Yuan mimicked her actions with a practiced air.

Then, the two began their trek in the direction of the city Uncle Tok had mentioned.

"Big Brother Chang Yuan, you have to protect me from now on, or Uncle Tok will beat you up."

"Heh heh, he'd have to find me first. Besides, I believe Ai Li will protect me then."

"Mmm-hmm~, who knows? Maybe, but only if Big Brother Chang Yuan doesn't lie to me anymore."

Saying this, Airi pinched Chang Yuan's hand hard.

However, her fair, tender little hand didn't have much strength.

Chang Yuan didn't feel any pain; rather, he rather enjoyed the kneading, which felt like a massage.

"Don't worry, I won't lie to you. And that story was really sunny, cheerful, and positive."

"Liar! Teacher Himeko is dead, how can that be sunny, cheerful, and positive?"

At the mention of this, Airi's eyes couldn't help but mist over again, looking as if she were about to cry.

"That's what happens later. Don't worry, Himeko will return."