Xerxes and Xicob came outside the carriage.
"Miss Xyliana, if you have something to say, feel free to speak," Xerxes said slowly.
"Mr. Xerxes, I see the slaves outside are really suffering. The sun is strong now, why not give them some water to drink?
The people in the cages behind look like they can barely hold on. Judging by their condition, I don't think they can keep going."
Xyliana's gentle voice came from inside the carriage.
"Yes, brother, look at those slaves. They are almost dying of thirst and exhaustion.
Who knows when we can reach Yicheng, let alone Wanjing City."
Zhiyina agreed. She did not care much about the slaves but helped Xyliana since she wished to.
Hearing this, Xerxes replied:
"Miss Xyliana is right. I hadn't thought of this. Don't worry, I will handle it right away."
Listening to Xyliana, Xicob felt more convinced she was a gentle and refined woman.
Most women in this world were very cold. Many enjoyed the male beastmen for fun. They fought among themselves to win the favor of women. Killing or injuring each other was common.
Zhiyina was already rare in her kindness. Xyliana, who was understanding and gentle, was even more special.
Then Xerxes called Ziruv over and gave instructions.
Soon, the slaves received water from the guards. They swallowed it eagerly, like waiting for rain after a long drought.
"This is a gift from Miss Zhiyina and Miss Xyliana. Drink quickly and thank the ladies," Ziruv's hoarse voice came from outside the carriage.
The slaves all said:
"Thank you, Miss Zhiyina, thank you, Miss Xyliana, for the gift."
Xyliana quietly lifted a corner of the curtain and looked outside. The person in the cage was slowly drinking the water given by the guard.
Perhaps because of a sore throat, he drank slowly. A drop of clear water slipped from his lips, tracing his defined jawline, sliding down his moving Adam's apple until it disappeared inside.
Xyliana somehow saw a hint of charm in him and found herself watching him with fascination.
Suddenly, his watery eyes met hers. The man looked at Xyliana, his clear eyes flashing with a smile. The corners of his eyes lifted, bright and pure.
Before Xyliana could look closely, the carriage started moving slowly. She kept watching the man in the cage as the group of slaves faded into the distance.
The man stared straight ahead at the carriage. Only when it disappeared from sight did he lower his gaze and lean back.
His heart beat rapidly in his chest. His chest rose and fell fast. Those small movements had already used all his strength.
"Is it her? It really is her..."
The man smiled. His heart seemed to come alive again.
Under his withered grass-like hair, a pair of tea-colored eyes shone with gentle laughter. The gaze was stunning.
He closed his eyes. A clear tear slipped from the corner and fell to the cage floor, spreading a patch of dampness.
"It really wasn't a dream..."
After traveling most of the day, they finally reached Yicheng at sunset.
Eagerly, Xyliana got out of the carriage and stretched. She began to slowly look around the city where she would live.
From inside the carriage on the way, she saw beautiful scenery. The city was surrounded by lakes and mountains.
The streets were wide. People walked in small groups. Children played together, peaceful and happy. It was truly a livable city.
Now, they arrived at the largest inn in Yicheng, in front of Qingcheng Inn.
"Miss Xyliana, it's getting late. The government office should be closed now.
Tomorrow morning, we will take you to the office. After you settle in, we will continue our journey," Xerxes said.
"Ah, that's too much trouble for you all. I am lucky to have met you on this trip. Otherwise, I don't know how long it would have taken me to get here."
"Such great kindness, please accept a bow from me, Xabrina."
Xyliana said solemnly, then cupped her hands and bowed deeply.
"No need, Miss Xyliana, please rise quickly. Helping a woman is the natural duty of us male beastmen."
Xerxes and Xicob hurriedly reached out to help Xyliana stand up.
Xicob smiled and said,
"Yes, Xabrina, you don't need to thank us.
Any male beastman would do the same when they meet you.
This is what we were taught since childhood, the duty of all men on Linghuan Continent.
If we didn't help you, and someone reported us to the government, we'd end up in jail." Xicob joked while making a funny face at Xyliana.
"Yes, yes, Xabrina, honestly, if you accept their help, that's their good fortune!"
Zhiyina held Xyliana's hand and teased the two men.
Xyliana laughed at Zhiyina's playful expression and covered Zhiyina's mouth, who was always talking nonsense.
"Alright, Zhiyina, stop talking nonsense."
"Hmm, hmm, I'm telling the truth!"
Zhiyina stammered out.
Then Xyliana let go, and the four shared a smile, feeling happy and comfortable.
On the rooftop of Qingcheng Inn
A night breeze blew, bringing the fresh scent of tall trees from afar.
The streets below were bright with lights, the whole street scene visible.
Looking further, the shimmering lake surface reflected the candle lights on the streets, creating a beautiful scene.
"Come, Xabrina, tomorrow night we will part. This cup is for you!"
Zhiyina raised her glass to Xyliana.
The two had found a quiet corner on the rooftop, drinking under the moon.
"Okay."
Xyliana raised her cup and finished the fruit wine in one drink.
She wasn't good at drinking. This low-alcohol fruit wine was already her limit.
Seeing Xyliana's slightly drunk face, her pale face faintly flushed, Zhiyina joked,
"Look at you. There are so many good wines in the world, but I guess you'll never enjoy them!
But I heard there's a wine called Qinglu Wine, made from eighteen kinds of flowers. It's sweet and fragrant, the best wine in the world! Too bad..."
"Too bad what?" Xyliana asked confused.
"This wine is said to be made only by the descendants in the Divine Medicine Valley.
But the valley is very mysterious. No one has found its entrance for many years.
Decades ago, a woman in Nanli Kingdom could make this wine, but then she disappeared...
It's really a pity. If I were alive then, I would have done anything to get two jars!"
Zhiyina said regretfully, her cheeks red with some drunkenness.
"Alright, I think you've had enough wine for now." Xyliana teased.
"In the future, come to Yicheng when you have time. I'll brew some wine for you, like that Qinglu Wine, made with flowers. How about that?"
At this, Zhiyina suddenly sat up!
"Great! If you can make Qinglu Wine, I will really worship you!"
The moon hung at the horizon. Tonight seemed to be a full moon night.
Moonlight poured down like silver frost, covering the city with a hazy veil.
Under the moonlight, the two smiled at each other, feeling very happy.