As Valery promised, the transport was fast.
Fast enough that Li could hear the wind whipping against the metal shell of their carriage, beating out hollow dents. The ride was relatively smooth, too, undulating up and down, but far less than it would on horseback. In fact, the feeling was entirely different – it was more like feeling the rocking atop a moving boat.
Despite Li and the two girls all sitting in the passenger row, it didn't feel crowded at all. He figured it could seat five people if it came down to it, and besides, he had nothing to complain about as he had a nice windowside seat. Sylvie had decided to sacrifice her comfort and insist on Jeanne getting the other windowside seat as it was the hero's big day, among other reasons.
Old Thane followed behind on a second carriage, entrusting that Li would make better conversation and protection for Jeanne and Sylvie if it ever came down to it.
Mostly dialogue focused, but I'll be writing another chap quite soon to progress things!