Aiko’s voice echoed across the quiet fields.

  "I’ll do my best to live in this new world!"

  Her decration hung in the air, mingling with the golden glow of te afternoon. She set her eyes on the winding road ahead, a ribbon of dirt snaking through rolling hills and scattered trees. With a small, eager smile, she began tracing it, her steps light and purposeful. Every turn of the path, every sway of the leaves, caught her attention — the wind carrying the faint scent of wildflowers made her pause to inhale deeply. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, brimming with the excitement of a scientist discovering new terrain, noting every detail as if cataloging a world previously unknown. For a while, she walked like this, fully absorbed, letting the thrill of exploration guide her.

  From a distance, a horse-drawn carriage cttered over the uneven path. A middle-aged man, well-dressed but wide-eyed in surprise, slowed his pace as he spotted her. The girl, small and sprightly, walked alone, seemingly without worry, her ughter carried faintly on the wind.

  "What’s a little girl doing here… traveling all alone?" he muttered under his breath. She looks… about twelve? But somehow… she seems so confident, so happy…

  He reined in the horse and called out, curiosity in his voice.

  "Hey, little girl! What are you doing here? Traveling all alone?"

  Aiko froze mid-step, startled. Had he heard her whistling just now? She blinked at the stranger, a hush falling between them, broken only by the gentle creak of the carriage.

  Collecting herself, she straightened and smiled politely.

  "I… I love traveling, so I walk by foot. I’m looking for a nearby vilge to pass the night," she expined.

  The man, clearly relieved, nodded and gestured toward his carriage.

  "There’s a vilge not far from here. Get in — I’ll take you there."

  Aiko’s eyes lit up.

  "Really? That helps so much! Thank you very much," she said, bowing slightly and lifting her skirt gracefully, like a noble dy.

  Then, with modesty, she introduced herself:

  "My name is… Aiko."

  The man chuckled softly, his initial surprise fading into a gentle smile.

  "I’m Lewis. Get in, little girl," he said, tipping an imaginary hat.

  As Aiko climbed into the carriage, the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose. She watched the road ahead, feeling the gentle sway beneath her, and for the first time, a sense of belonging stirred deep within her.

  "You know, little girl, it’s dangerous at night, and now you’re traveling alone," Lewis remarked.

  Aiko froze, caught off guard.

  "I… I always travel when the sun is up and make sure to stop at vilges before it sets, but… I got carried away by the scenery and… forgot the time," she admitted.

  Lewis shook his head with a soft chuckle.

  "If you’re really that curious, I’ll ask someone from the vilge to explore the forest with you ter. But for now…" He pointed ahead. "We’re almost there. I can see the vilge gate."

  Aiko leaned forward, eyes bright as she took in the approaching vilge. She noticed the gate, the rooftops, and the faint smoke curling from chimneys. I wonder what kind of people live here… she thought, letting a simple spark of curiosity fill her chest.

  The carriage rolled up to the vilge gates and came to a gentle stop. A guard strode forward, bowing slightly as he greeted Lewis.

  "Good evening," Lewis said warmly.

  The guard’s eyes flicked to Aiko. A hint of doubt crossed his face.

  "And… who is this little girl? Did you… swindle her and bring her here?"

  Lewis hurriedly waved his hands.

  "No, no! I just passed by her on the road nearby. It’s dangerous at night, so I thought I’d give her a ride and bring her here."

  The guard rexed and smiled at Aiko.

  "I’m Nathan, the guard who protects this vilge. If you have any problem, come to me, and I’ll help you." He raised his thumb and winked.

  Aiko blinked, fbbergasted by his boldness, but quickly composed herself.

  "Good evening, Mr. Nathan. I’m Aiko," she said, bowing politely.

  Nathan gestured toward a small crystal ball on a pedestal.

  "Touch this," he instructed.

  Curious, Aiko reached out. What will happen if I touch it? Nathan expined patiently,

  "It glows white if you have no hostility or criminal record, red otherwise."

  Aiko let out a small sigh of relief and pced her fingers on the ball. It pulsed gently, then shone a pure, bright white.

  Nathan smiled and rexed his shoulders.

  "You pass. Enjoy your stay in the vilge."

  The carriage started moving again, the gate disappearing behind them. Aiko’s thoughts danced between excitement and curiosity about what awaited her.

  After a short while, the carriage stopped in front of a modest building, warm light spilling from its ntern-lit windows.

  Aiko hopped down and bowed politely.

  "Thank you very much for the lift, Lewis," she said.

  Lewis waved with a friendly smile.

  "You’re welcome. So… where do you pn to go now?"

  "I’m pnning on staying at an inn. Could you recommend a pce that’s safe for a lone little girl?"

  Lewis chuckled lightly.

  "There’s only one in the vilge, but everyone here is nice. Look for the Rabbit Inn — the owner is a woman. It’s called Rabbit because of their signature dishes… they use rabbit meat."

  Aiko froze. Her eyes went wide, a tiny bead of sweat forming at her temple. You eat those cute little rabbits? Memories of soft, gentle creatures from her previous world fshed in her mind. She didn’t yet know that rabbits in this world had horns and were carnivorous.

  After a moment, she collected herself and bowed slightly.

  "Thank you, Lewis. I’ll be going then," she said, masking her shock, and walked toward the inn.

  Curiosity flickered in her eyes. I wonder… what does rabbit meat taste like here? The inn came into view, its sign swaying in the evening breeze.

  Her curiosity got the better of her, and she hurried forward, the soft thud of her footsteps quickening. With a swift motion, she pushed open the door, and a rush of warm, fragrant air met her. Her eyes widened, sparkling with delight, a broad smile tugging at her lips, faint blush coloring her cheeks.

  Inside, the main hall buzzed with life. Vilgers ughed and sang, mugs clinking, the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filling the room. A small fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across walls decorated with woven tapestries and shelves stacked with earthenware. For Aiko—used to the solitude of experiments—this chaotic scene was exhirating.

  She approached the counter, eyes fixed on the innkeeper, a kindly woman with gentle eyes and flour-dusted hands.

  "Is there still a room avaible?" Aiko asked politely.

  The innkeeper squinted.

  "Little girl… you’re alone? Where are your parents?"

  Aiko puffed out her chest slightly.

  "I’m already an adult."

  The innkeeper ughed warmly. Vilgers chuckled and murmured teasingly, some raising mugs in pyful cheer.

  "Is that so? Little girl, three copper coins for one night," the innkeeper said, shaking her head.

  Aiko’s eyes went wide. She patted her pockets and realized she had no money. She froze. A vilger teased,

  "What’s the matter, little girl? Aren’t you already an adult?"

  Laughter filled the room, warm and inclusive. The innkeeper softened.

  "If you help man the shop for a while—it’s busy right now—I’ll let you stay the night. But after this, you’ll have to pay," she said kindly.

  Aiko’s eyes brightened, tears of happiness glinting.

  "Really? Thank you so much!"

  She dove into her tasks—taking orders, delivering ptes of roasted rabbit and vegetables, refilling mugs, washing dishes—with enthusiasm. Vilgers chatted and joked with her, and she smiled politely, her ughter mixing with theirs.

  Despite the hectic pace, Aiko felt warmth she hadn’t known before: belonging, curiosity, and joy mingled together. For the first time in this world, she rexed fully, eyes gleaming as she imagined the adventures tomorrow would bring.