Chapter 12

"Welcome to the town of Kushigo," Rui said as they entered the small farming town with a bustling food market. He trotted along beside the carriage, no longer worried about demons.

"Kushigo?" Fiona rolled the window down with the crank and stuck her head out. "That name sounds familiar... Are we still in Matsu?"

"Yes." Rui chuckled. "But we're pretty far from the capital."

"Don't stick your head out like that," Keira warned, glancing back at her.

"Oops. I can't help it. I've never been here. Oh, that fruit looks good." Fiona rubbed her belly as they passed an apple vendor.

"Keira, I think it's time we stopped to eat," Rui said.

"Agreed. I know an inn nearby we can stay at with a good restaurant right inside," Keira said, leading them through town.

A few of the people recognized her, turning and bowing as she passed by.

"I knew you were popular in the capital, but people know you out here?" Fiona asked.

"She's known far and wide inside Matsu," Rui said, smiling as he thought about all their missions. "Even some places outside of it."

"Don't you mean you both are? I thought you've been beside her this entire time."

"Pretty much, but she's our star. I'm fine with that; she's put herself on the line more than I have by a large margin."

"Really? You seem just as amazing to me." Fiona sat back and watched as they passed more stores. "For a farm town, there's a lot of shopping to do."

"Most of it is food, and every town will have stores."

"Is that so?" Fiona nodded, mumbling to herself. "I've never thought about anywhere else before, even though I can sense people outside the capital too..."

"Don't fret about it too much, Fiona; you are important to our kingdom, so you were kept safe there. Now is your time to spread your wings for a bit and see the world."

"Rui, don't forget we're on a mission. We're not here to sightsee," Keira said as she pulled up to an inn and hopped off Sora.

"Keira!" The inn's owner rushed out of the building in a pristine white shirt and riding pants. "It's so great to see our hero again." He glanced past her at her companions. "More people this time? It's okay; we have plenty of room. Here, let's keep your horses safe in the stable."

"Thank you, Tarou."

His cheeks tinted pink as he bowed to her and led everyone to the stables so their horses could eat and rest, and walked them inside his inn. "My Queen... I mean, Keira." He cleared his throat. "You can use this room here. Our best one." He handed her the key to the top floor. "Rui and companion." He glanced at Aki. "The floor below." He handed Rui a key and turned to Aria and Fiona. "Across from theirs." He handed Aria a key.

"Thank you," Keira said and pulled out a pouch with coins in it.

"No, no." Tarou held his hands up. "You all can stay for free after how you saved the town. It's the least I can do."

Why can't he just take it? It's not like this town is that well off. "Thank you." Keira gritted her teeth. "But at least let me pay for a meal." She handed him a few coins.

"Ah, this is far too much."

"Just accept it," Rui whispered to him.

"T-thank you. We'll make sure to give you the best service and meal!" He bowed to them and rushed to talk to his staff.

"Should we already be stopping?" Aria asked. "Isn't this an important quest? There's still time left in the day to travel."

"I'm trying to save Fiona from sleeping outside on the first day, at least." Keira turned to them with her coin pouch. "You are all free to check out the town, but make sure you return for supper, since Tarou is sure to have it set up." She handed out coins.

"Um, I don't need..." Aki trailed off under her intense gaze. "Thank you." He accepted the coin, bowing.

Rui raised an eyebrow when her hand went to him. "You know I have..." She shoved it closer to him. "Thank you."

After handing each one coins, she tied her coin pouch and hid it in her armour. "I'm headed out, as you all are free to do." She turned away from them.

"Going out where?"

"To town." Keira left.

"Is she always like that?" Fiona asked. "I mean, I'm not complaining about spending money, but after stopping me from bringing my other stuff, I'm not sure I want to buy any souvenirs. What if she tosses those out, too?"

Rui chuckled. "It's not for souvenirs, unless you want something small like a necklace or whatever. They're for food or experiences, and just-in-case, though it's odd she gave me any." He patted where his coin pouch sat.

"Experiences? Like what?"

"Like horse riding lessons, watching street performers, or for a local festival."

"I see... Hey, where'd Aria go?"

"Left right after Keira," Aki said, staring at the coins.

"What are you two going to do with it?"

"Find some snacks, like dried fruit or something, then find a pub," Rui said. "Don't worry, I won't overdo it."

"I'm going to the farmer's market for some fresh fruit and herbs... and to see if there's a bookstore." Aki finally put the coins away.

"Um, a book? Wouldn't that be heavy and useless? Not sure the Ice Queen will approve," Fiona scoffed.

"Since when are books useless?" Aki pouted. "They're useful sources of information, and I don't think she would complain about one. A stack would be a different story." His shoulders slouched, and he glanced over at Rui. "Right?"

"Of course! I'd suggest no giant textbooks, though. If you can't comfortably carry it with you for a long while, I wouldn't bother; Keira might get after you for that. Now, unless either of you needs me, I'm off." Rui looked at them.

"I wouldn't mind having a handsome guard, but if the town is safe, I suppose I can wander around on my own," Fiona said, gripping the coins.

"Is that so? Hmm... I suppose I could join you." Rui held his elbow out, and she took it.

"I wonder what Keira is doing." Aki sighed and headed out.

---

Keira combed Sora's hair and fed her an apple. "I know they have people here to take care of you, but I want to do that myself. I hope you're not mad we had to leave again so soon."

Sora neighed and rubbed her nose against Keira's hand.

"I love you too, girl."

She held up another apple for Sora and froze, feeling eyes on her.

Someone's here. Keira glanced to the sides, moving as little as she could. But I can't tell where they are. Are they hiding their presence? I'd better lure them away from the inn.

"Okay, girl, I'm going to head off for now. I'll see you later." Keira nuzzled her head against Sora's and headed down the back of the inn to the street.

She took a few random alleys, zigzagging through streets until she was back on the main street. With a flick of a coin, she grabbed a cloak from a vendor and threw it on before heading back down another alley.

Keira stood with her back to a brick wall and waited, keeping her breathing calm.

It seems they gave up. Who would be following me out here, though?

Meow.

A thin, grey kitten walked around her feet, brushing its tail against her.

"Oh!" Keira knelt down. "Aren't you cute?" She lightly patted the kitten.

But you sure look hungry. Wish I could take you with me.

"Hold on right here." Keira stepped away to a store nearby selling milk and came back with a bottle and a small bowl. "Here you go."

Meow. The kitten licked the milk right away.

Keira lightly petted its head.

"Whatcha looking at?" A little girl in a pink dress approached her. "Oh, a kitten! So cute."

Maybe... "The kitten seems to be a stray. Think you can take care of them?"

"I would if I could, but we don't have the money for that." The girl pouted, but continued watching the kitten.

"At least help them when you can." Keira handed her a few coins.

"Wow! This is so much! Thank you..." By the time she looked over, Keira was gone. "Thank you, whoever you are..."