The Guarded Princess

LXV

"This place really is barren all around," Kaede remarked, a tumbleweed passing by as the wind blew occasionally.

"It's the border between the Kou Empire and the Kina Kingdom," Masrur said.

"I think we should've stayed on the ship after all," Kaede sighed as he continued walking, his legs now feeling like led. "There's really nothing here."

After having left the Kina Kingdom and saying their farewell to Takeruhiko and the others, the four had boarded a merchant ship and the closest country was none other than the Kou Empire. With the incident of Raiju, staying any further in the Kina Kingdom would be dangerous. However, the ship could only take them to the border of the Kou Empire where there laid a road that hadn't been used in several hundred years by the Kou Empire. If they walked through there, they could manage to get to other countries without being caught.

"In any case, we have to continue walking," Lucy said as her white cloak blew behind her. "Rather than being stuck here, it's better to try to get out of here faster, right?"

Kaede smiled helplessly and continued walking. "You really are positive."

Lucy smiled and the four of them continued on their way.

"Are you tired?" Masrur looked down at her.

Lucy looked up at him and shook her head, giving him a soft and reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Masrur. Thanks for worrying."

"If you get tired, make sure to say it," he said, knowing how she never shows her weak emotions easily.

"I will," she nodded her head.

"If Lucy-sama's tired, then I'll gladly carry some of your luggage," Tomoyo exclaimed. "In the first place, Lucy-sama shouldn't bother herself with such tedious labor."

"It's not tedious," Lucy remarked. "If all of you are carrying something, then it's a given that I should as well."

"Lucy-sama," Tomoyo widened her eyes before softening them as she cupped her hands to her face in joy. "As expected, Lucy-sama really is wonderful~."

Lucy chuckled nervously and continued walking.

"But, the Kina Kingdom really did give us too many things," Kaede said, noting how when they first arrived, they had barely anything on them. "They really overestimated our physical strength. Not all of us has the same strength as Masrur."

"Well, that certainly is true," Lucy noted for with the luggage they gave them, it was enough to last for a month.

But, suddenly realizing something, Kaede snapped his head in Tomoyo's direction as his face paled and beads of sweat ran down his face. He hadn't really noticed it before since they all were carrying on like there was nothing unusual but he had to say it.

"Tomoyo, just how much are you carrying?" Kaede asked.

Tomoyo had a large bag that was at least the same height as her body and twice her width was situated on her shoulders and another smaller bag that rested on top of it. If anything, she had to have at least carried twice or even thrice her own body weight.

"Huh?" she turned around to look at him. "Just some light luggage."

"That's anything far from light," Kaede noted. "It's almost the same amount that Masrur is carrying."

Masrur nodded his head.

"What are you talking about, Kaede-sama?" Tomoyo chuckled lightly. "It's barely the normal amount that I carry."

Kaede gulped and stepped back, wondering just what kind of isnane strength she had.

Lucy laughed and knew that both Masrur and Kaede were unaware about why Tomoyo was able to carry so much. It wasn't just physical strength that she had. She was also able to fight in hand-to-hand combat if needed.