I thought there would be a good show to watch, but it ended before it even began. Was this a diversion tactic, trying to draw the guards away from the carriage and then attack to steal the goods?
However, Kaguya dismissed that thought. If that were the case, the canyon should have been heavily ambushed on both sides, waiting to attack once the guards left. Yet, under Kaguya's ocular jutsu, there was no ambush detected on either side of the canyon. With her perception, she would have sensed it immediately if there were any.
Truly puzzling.
After this minor episode, Kaguya couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, but she soon returned to her relaxed state. The journey that followed was calm and uneventful—not a soul in sight, not even many dangerous beasts appeared, making it all rather dull.
Fortunately, after more than a month of travel, Kaguya finally returned to her territory, ending the tedious journey.
As soon as she returned, Air rushed over with a worried expression, telling Kaguya that Sheele had left without saying goodbye. One day, she left a note and departed.
The note expressed her gratitude to Her Highness for saving her and for the care during her stay but stated that she couldn't stay there long and wanted to return to her companions. She would find a way to repay Her Highness in the future.
Her departure was within Kaguya's expectations, knowing that Sheele couldn't stay at the palace indefinitely, as their goodwill hadn't reached that level, nor were they on the same side.
Kaguya sighed softly, feeling a bit regretful, but there was nothing she could do.
Just then, a sharp blade flashed toward Kaguya like lightning.
Kaguya remained calm, showing no panic, as if she had expected it. She extended her fair fingers and flicked the blade lightly, causing it to lose balance and fly off.
However, the attacker did not give up, twisting her wrist to leverage the rebounding force and launching another attack, this time aiming for Kaguya's fair neck.
"Huh."
This move surprised Kaguya, not only neutralizing her force but also using it to launch another attack, akin to the technique of using force against force.
In that moment of pause, the sharp blade was already before her, poised to cut her white neck. Kaguya stomped her foot, leaping back to dodge the deadly blow.
Although she dodged the attack, Kaguya lost the initiative and fell into a disadvantageous position. The sharp blade followed closely, with horizontal slashes, diagonal cuts, and vertical chops, each move alarming, every stroke lethal, like a relentless storm, leaving no room to breathe.
Seeing Kaguya flustered and struggling to fend off the attacks, the attacker smirked, letting out a light snort through her delicate nose, a hint of pride in her smile.
However, her triumph was short-lived as a fair hand suddenly shot through the layers of blade shadows and grabbed her snow-white wrist.
The attacker was shocked, trying to twist her wrist to redirect the blade, but it was too late. She felt a surge of force from her wrist, causing her to lose balance and lean forward uncontrollably.
Still refusing to give up, she suddenly drew a sharp dagger from her thigh beneath her skirt and stabbed toward Kaguya's chest.
"You really do want to kill me, huh."
Before the dagger could approach Kaguya, the arm holding it went numb at the elbow, losing all feeling, and the dagger slipped from her grasp, clattering to the ground.
The attacker felt the world spin, and by the time she regained her senses, she was already in Kaguya's embrace.
The one held in Kaguya's arms was a beautiful black-haired girl named Kurome.
"Not bad, you've improved quite a bit," Kaguya chuckled, sliding her hand under Kurome's skirt and feeling a soft, silky sensation akin to fine silk, making it irresistible.
Kurome snorted softly, turning her head with a look of defiance, as if throwing a small tantrum.
Kaguya chuckled softly, fully aware of why Kurome was upset—because she didn't take her along on the patrol.
Initially, Kaguya wanted to bring her, but after some thought, she realized that if everyone left, who would watch over the palace? Although the guards were loyal, their skills were lacking; they could handle ordinary people, but dealing with experts was beyond them.
And since the palace was Kaguya's stronghold, holding large amounts of money and important information, it would be troublesome if someone took advantage while they were away.
Thus, reluctantly, Kaguya had Kurome stay behind to guard the place; it was unavoidable.
It all came down to the fact that Kaguya had too few capable subordinates.
Seeing Kurome's pouting, which made her even more adorable, Kaguya couldn't help but increase her grip, gently stroking the smooth skin from the back to the front, finding it soft and supple without any excess flesh.
Feeling Kaguya's touch, Kurome snorted, turning her head away, still feigning anger, though her ears flushed slightly red.
Kaguya's hand caressed Kurome's flat stomach, but seemingly dissatisfied, she moved upwards, feeling the lace-like texture of her undergarment, knowing it was the bra restraining her small chest.
Blocked from further progress, Kaguya was undeterred and continued her exploration, reaching behind Kurome and deftly unfastening the small clasp. The two small, tender mounds popped free from their confines.
Kaguya smirked, gently holding the soft mounds in her hands.
Kaguya sat elegantly with a teacup cradled in her fair hands, steam rising from the cup like a wisp of white mist. She took a gentle sip, the fragrant tea spreading throughout her mouth.
Life was indeed quite good now.
With the redness of the slap on her face yet to fade, Kaguya mused.
Being able to live leisurely every day was indeed enjoyable—traveling, shopping, trying delicious foods, teasing little girls, and even some training.
Wait, Kaguya suddenly recalled, there seemed to be something she forgot. She pondered for a moment before it dawned on her—there was someone she had left in the dungeon.