Kaguya and Kurome devoured the food on the table. If anyone else saw, they would surely think they were starving ghosts reincarnated. In just a short while, they had eaten more than half of the exquisite dishes on the table.
The elderly woman didn't mind; instead, she watched them with a smile, as if looking at her granddaughters.
Finally, Kaguya finished, burping as she set her knife and fork aside and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Kurome also nearly finished her meal.
"How about it, are you done eating?" the elderly woman asked kindly. "Have some more."
"No, thank you. Any more and we'll be too full. Thank you for your hospitality," Kaguya replied with a smile, taking a few gold coins from her pocket and placing them on the table. "This is for the cost of food and lodging. Please accept it."
"No need; I don't lack money," the elderly woman said, shaking her head with a smile. "Seeing you two is like seeing my own children, and besides, these things don't cost much."
"That wouldn't be right," Kaguya said with a smile, pushing the coins back over. "Please take them."
"Really, there's no need. I don't spend much living in the countryside," the elderly woman smiled, "and I must thank the Princess for that."
Kaguya and Kurome exchanged glances, feeling a bit puzzled about why the elderly woman mentioned this.
Noticing their confusion, the elderly woman began to explain.
It turned out that Kaguya had previously implemented reforms that eliminated many oppressive taxes and greatly reduced the burdens on the people, requiring them to pay only a tenth of the original tax amount. Additionally, she provided assistance to those affected by natural disasters, helping them through difficult times.
She also eradicated many corrupt officials who monopolized power and oppressed the people, which significantly improved their lives.
Importantly, the Princess's Imperial Guard successfully repelled the northern invaders, preventing them from causing severe harm to the inland populace, relieving people's fears of the northern tribes.
"So, it's all thanks to the Princess," the elderly woman said with a hint of gratitude in her aged features. "You two don't seem like ordinary folks. If you truly want to thank me, please continue to help those in need, as not everyone is as fortunate."
Kurome turned her head to look at Kaguya, her thoughts unknown.
They didn't stay at the elderly woman's home for long, leaving in the afternoon despite her urging. Kaguya had many matters to attend to, especially the remnants of the northern invaders, who needed to be eradicated to prevent them from roaming and causing havoc in her territory.
She wasn't worried about regular soldiers but about these scattered bandits, who were now more dispersed and unrecorded, posing an even greater threat than before.
For some reason, Kaguya noticed that Kurome's gaze toward her had changed, though she couldn't pinpoint how.
The two traveled, stopping along the way and eliminating a large number of scattered northern troops. After more than half a month, they returned to the royal palace.
As Kaguya and Kurome arrived, they saw someone greeting them from afar, indicating that their return had been noticed. This showed that Kaguya's intelligence network had finally become effective, no longer as blind as before.
"Welcome, Princess!"
"Welcome, Princess!"
Upon entering the palace, rows of guards stood at attention on both sides, spears in hand, saluting the Princess. Having undergone the rigors of war, these soldiers no longer had the naivety of recruits; instead, they exuded a calm, intense aura and formidable fighting spirit.
"Princess!"
At that moment, two people approached: a beautiful girl with long black hair and a tall, armored young man, who were Sayo and Kaguya's bodyguard captain, Ieyasu.
Ieyasu knelt and saluted.
Sayo rushed over and hugged Kaguya, surprising her slightly, as Sayo was usually gentle and quiet, making such a bold gesture out of character.
Kaguya was about to tease her when she noticed Sayo's reddened eyes, which made her pause.
Perhaps aware of the surprised gazes around her, Sayo quickly pulled away from Kaguya, blushing and a little embarrassed.
"Princess, why were you gone so long without a word? We feared something happened to you," Sayo said unhappily. "Ieyasu nearly led a search party to find you."
Ieyasu, caught off guard by Sayo's mention, coughed awkwardly, avoiding Kaguya's gaze.
"Thank you all," Kaguya smiled. "Let's not stand here; let's go inside."
"Okay." Sayo beamed, taking Kaguya's hand and leading her in.
Kurome's eyes flickered between Sayo and Kaguya, and as she passed Kaguya, she huffed, turning away slightly displeased.
Kaguya curiously watched Kurome, unsure what had upset her this time.
Just then, three petite figures rushed over, elegantly lifting their skirts to curtsey before Kaguya, "Princess."
They were Fal, Air, and Luna.
"Hello," Kaguya nodded and smiled at them.
The trio's cheeks were flushed, possibly due to the time apart, making them appear a little shy.
At that moment, they seemed to notice something, and their beautiful eyes lit up as they scampered over to Kurome.
Kurome was lost in thought and didn't notice the three girls until they surrounded her.
"Sister Kurome."
"Sister Kurome."
Kurome seemed startled, looking at the three eager faces in confusion.
Seeing Kurome's flustered state, Kaguya nearly laughed out loud. Who would have thought Kurome had three little fans? How amusing.