Oh-

[She means to stop him from paying for everything after having helped her carry it too but she definitely doesn't have much gold and while she could sell some of her belongings... it still doesn't feel quite right to do so.]

...Thank you. [So instead she chooses to be grateful.] As soon as I can I will pay you back. I promise.

[But she will quicken her footsteps to follow him to the exit. She remembers the way they'd used the light to make a shield and keep water off. Maybe she could do that too. With that thought in her mind, a golden dragon with five toes on each foot comes slipping out through the rain, happy as a clam. Or happy as a dragon that has always been strongly associated with water and weather and loves the rain. It's still small but winds itself around Meiniang's shoulders as she reaches out to stop Hijikata from taking a step out into the rain.

She would answer his question about her home soon enough even though all she can really tell him about is the imperial palace, but for now:]

Can I try something? If they can use the shield to hold water back, I think I could also try to use it to keep us a bit drier.