After several hours, they finally reached the Armand border town near the Beastkin Kingdom. The wind whipped past Javier's coat, dust trailing behind Buddy's powerful stride.
"Alright, Buddy! Slow down at the gate!"
Cuquawked!!
Buddy obeyed, coming to a smooth, smug trot as the border checkpoint came into view.
Just as Javier was about to reach the guards, a familiar voice buzzed softly in his ear.
Bzzt—bzzt.
"Young master, have you eaten yet?" It was Liana.
Javier chuckled softly. "Liana… I just arrived at the border town."
There was a pause. "Who are you with? Another beastkin female?"
He blinked. "Huh? No—I'm alone. I was just about to check in with the guards here—"
"You're with another woman, aren't you?" Her voice sharpened, dead serious.
"No! I literally just—ugh, hang on." He sighed and turned to the stunned guards who had noticed his arrival. "Can you do me a favor?"
The guards straightened instantly. "Y-Young master!"
