"Thank you, Princess!"

The captain and the surrounding guards bowed hurriedly in gratitude, retreating at once.

Upon leaving, the captain hurried off to the mayor's mansion to report to the mayor what had happened.

Over on Darryl's end.

Whew!

Ellie smiled after the guards had left, turning to Darryl. "It's such a coincidence that I ran into you just as I was about to go out. Come on, I'll take you to see the emperor. He'll be happy to know you're here."

Ellie had gotten up bright and early