"And this is one of our many inns, the finest of them all," Kaimana began, pointing at a humble three-story thatched building. "But the royal knight may not find it suitable for her tastes."

Scowling, Mei shot the irritating ranger an icy blue glare.

Who does she think she is? 

That I'm some frivolous knight spoiled by the Queen? 

I protect the civilians of Oihana to earn my title. 

Mei held back her tongue against spitting a nasty comeback that would put the ranger islander in her place as she knew Kaimana was just looking for a fight. 

A fight in her own territory. I cannot succumb to her own level. 

Besides, Mei was in no mood for fights with a splitting headache.

"I'm sure we will be fine at the inn, right Mei?" Sable hooked her arm around Mei's like a happy child.

The knight's heart pounded quickly as she dared gaze at Sable's firm slender arm wrapped around her silver vambrace. Mei's cheeks stained with red as Sable's warmth made her feel sweatier beneath her heavy armor. The knight had few intimate physical contact with women which made her unaccustomed to Sable's physical contact. Just a few days ago Sable hated her guts and now she was clinging onto Mei like a kitten.  

The ranger's hand is so elegant and slender like the hands of noblewomen, but her grip is as strong as a warrior's.

Her scars and muscles defies her petite build showing years of strength and endurance. 

It was a very admirable quality. Shaking the thoughts off, Mei turned her head away to hide her embarrassment. She fought back against the confusing thoughts surfacing in her head. 

Why am I even letting this ranger touch me?  The ranger obviously had no sense of boundaries. Back in the Kingdom of Oihana, no one dared lay a hand on Mei. She was a high-ranked knight favored by Queen Fajra and revered by the civilians of Oihana. 

"Are you sure that you want to stay with that knight?" Kaimana asked seriously, giving Sable a hard stare. "You can stay with me instead. We have a spacious guest room."

"We...?" Sable hesitated, confused. "That hut wasn't your only home?"

A grin tugged Kaimana's lips. The annoying look made Mei cringed wishing she can bash her face with her shield.

"P—Princess Kaimana??" A surprised shout, now piping in cries circled around the village. "Is that you, Princess?!"

The three spun around, staring at a tall female islander whose mouth hung wide open with shock.

A smile washed over Kaimana's face as she recognized her. 

"Greetings, Sundai. I have finally returned."