I know a lot of people are annoyed at the pacing, but I'm pretty sure author really wants to drive it in that the readers know Ivy is sincerely loved and cared for and this world isn't full of aholes like the people back in her village and the human trafficking oneesan. The entire premise of the WN is about Ivy meeting and befriending unique beasts and good-hearted people as she travels. It's more full of cuddles than conflict. (Although I fully admit some of the best parts of the novel is reading about the bad people getting their comeuppance lol)