TWO DAYS LATER
"Hehe, even though it's late now, we've arrived, and this is simply fantastic!" Ratidzo exclaimed happily as the city walls became taller as the carriage reached the city.
Tapiwa, too, grinned as she stared at the approaching tall walls and couldn't help but feel sentimental.
She passed past Karoba, where she learned of her estate, more than three years ago. It was also here that she obtained her property title deed and became a landowner, as well as the head of a family.
She was allowed to start her own household as a divorced lady as long as all the prerequisites were completed.
She was finally returning after so many years, and unlike the previous time she was in Karoba, she was absolutely poor this time, relying solely on the ideas in her head.
Although it was difficult, Tapiwa's self-confidence was sky-high, and she believed that her luck was out of this world and that nothing and no one could stop her from doing what she came here for in the first place.
"It's wonderful that we've finally arrived. I just want to get some normal sleep and stop worrying about the carriage leaving me behind."
"Hehe, the fear of being left behind is always on the minds of every passenger, and trust me, the feeling is dreadful every single time."
"That is why we should always consider purchasing our own carriages."
"Hehe, that takes a lot of money, but if you have enough, it'll be fine."
"For the time being, we'll just live within our means."
After paying a tax, the carriage quickly went past the city gates.
"So, which inn will you be staying at?" Ratidzo inquired of Tapiwa after the coach carriage had passed through the city walls.
Tapiwa had given it much thought since leaving Guche. Famous inns were obviously excellent, but they were also more expensive. As a result, she chose less well-known and less expensive options.
"I'm looking for somewhere quiet and inexpensive. Do you know of any such inn?" Tapiwa inquired since she wasn't sure how much had changed in the three years she hadn't been in Karoba.
Ratidzo didn't seem surprised or upset when she heard Tapiwa's response. Ratidzo could tell from the way Tapiwa was dressed that the other didn't lack money, and from the way she spoke that the other was at least noble.
Why this noble person was using a public coach carriage and trying to live in a less expensive inn instead of doing everything in style? She had encountered a number of strange personalities, and it was also none of her concern.
"I know a great spot like that. If you want, I can take you there when we get there," Ratidzo excitedly offered.
When Tapiwa heard that, her eyes sparkled. Of course, she had no idea what Ratidzo was contemplating about. She just knew she needed a cheaper house because that was all she could afford at the time.
She hasn't sold her ideas yet, and the silver and gold she was hoping for haven't arrived in her hands. So, before that happened, she planned to live within her means.
"That is wonderful of you," she murmured, gratefully looking at Ratidzo. "Please take me there."
Ratidzo was thrilled to hear that as well.
After twenty minutes, all the passengers exited the carriage with their luggage bundles. The sun had just set, but it wasn't yet dark, so they could still go around.
Thieves were widespread everywhere, just like in any city, village, or town, and if you weren't vigilant, it was simple to have all your belongings stolen or to be cheated by con artists, which was especially true for newcomers.
Being in a new place means not knowing many things, such as affordable inns, people to meet and avoid provoking, and so on.
As a result, it was simple to be duped, especially by people who pretend to aid others while stealing everything you own.
Was she not concerned about being duped by Ratidzo?
Tapiwa would have been scared before, but now that she was a dual-ability user competing against regular mortals, she wasn't.
Furthermore, even though she wasn't practicing throughout the day, she didn't forget to practice when she was sleeping in her bed at night. After all, practice makes perfect, and she shouldn't get too comfortable just because she now has something she didn't have before.
Being overly arrogant can get you killed, and she still wanted to live a long time.
Ratidzo was excited to be escorting Tapiwa to the inn she had mentioned earlier, and the reason for this was something she informed Tapiwa as they were on their way.
"The inn is owned by a family friend I've known for more than a decade. The owners are wonderful individuals, and the inn is much smaller than most."
Tapiwa listened to Ratidzo describe the inn, and the more she learned about it, the more she liked it.
"Thank you for everything," Tapiwa couldn't help but say as they walked.
As they went, Ratidzo turned to face Tapiwa, who smiled shyly at her and said, "It's not a big deal. It's not every day that I get to meet other females who don't think I'm crazy when I talk about my ideals."
"It doesn't matter what other people think dear," Tapiwa replied, the corner of her mouth rising. "Keep in mind that you are you, and they are them. History will always remember those who achieved and won in life. It will not remember the losers, which is something we are all aware of."
"You're chronicling your life in chapters. Yours is still being written by your parents, family, and friends. So, don't let someone steal your attention, inspiration, or desire to create something unique and useful in your life. I learned that the hard way."
"Big sis, you must have gone through a lot. Wow, you know a lot!" Ratidzo exclaimed, her eyes filled with confused feelings as she glanced at Tapiwa.
Tapiwa simply smiled at Ratidzo and did not respond, instead asking something completely unrelated, so changing the subject, "If you were given a chance to achieve your dreams, would you take it?"
"Why shouldn't I? Chances like this don't come along very often. Once you've passed it, it's gone for good. Why are you asking, big sis?" Ratidzo was perplexed.
"I was just thinking that since you helped me a lot these three days and accompanied me, I should do something for you," Tapiwa remarked solemnly.
She wasn't telling the truth. She had spent the last three days chatting with Ratidzo and hearing her enthusiasm, and she wanted to do something about it.
"Come on, tell me," Ratidzo said, her interest peaked. "What is it?"