Chapter 18: Afraid of the Dark
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Coincidentally, Zhe Huo's first destination would be Frostsoul Peak, while Wu Shan was bound for a city near to there. As such, they would be travelling together.
This made for an interesting sort of mood. In the past, Zhe Huo would definitely have spent the whole way chattering non-stop with Wu Shan about their tasks, and anything else that came to mind.
As they
And so, hardly a word was exchanged between Zhe Huo and Wu Shan the whole way. It was almost fully dark by the time they arrived, and Wu Shan finally spoke, "Let's find a place to stay in town, and continue tomorrow."
Zhe Huo nodded in agreement.
Thus, the three of them made their way into the city.
Because Qinghan was basically a fox demon, Zhe Huo was worried he'd draw unwelcome attention on the streets, so she'd prepared a big coat for him that would keep his tail hidden. All wrapped up in that oversized light-blue coat, Qinghan looked even more adorable than usual. A gray felt hat concealed his pointed ears, although some soft brown hair still hung down over his brow, framing his big blue eyes with mesmerizing effect.
The first time she'd helped him put on that outfit, the sight of him had her positively drooling.
What a nice thing it is, for a person to be good-looking. They can wear pretty much anything and make it look great.
They entered a three-storey inn, and when the one minding the front desk clapped eyes on the three of them: A man in dark green robes, who carried himself with a formidable air; a young woman in yellow robes, who looked out at the world with radiant eyes; and an exquisite young child with his own little hat, and a pair of the most gorgeous blue eyes… all in all, it was such an extraordinary sight that the receptionist could only stare with mouth agape.
Pulling himself together as best he could, the receptionist hurried forward to receive them. "Are you all looking for a place to stay, or…?"
Before he'd even finished speaking, Wu Shan curtly replied, "We here for rooms."
A smile plastered across his face, the receptionist unveiled their latest promotions. "Certainly! We are now offering a special deal for couples, with magnificently appointed rooms and furniture. There's even a rose bath! What's more—" But he wasn't allowed to continue further.
Qinghan spoke with a voice like the winter's chill. "Do they look like a couple to you?"
Zhe Huo was blushing furiously. Wu Shan stood petrified, like a statue.
The receptionist's words came stumbling to a halt. He stared at the boy. "So… this child here isn't your, um…" He faltered, not daring to proceed beneath the deathly glare that boy was giving him. A shiver ran up his spine.
"No, he's not," Wu Shan answered, trying not to wince. "Three of your best rooms will be fine."
Qinghan mouth twisted subtly. As he raised his head, the expression on his face instantly changed into one of anxious pleading, with watery eyes and open mouth. "I'm scared of the dark. I can't go to sleep by myself," he whispered to Zhe Huo.
Zhe Huo's first thought had also been that getting three rooms was a bit too extravagant. Since Qinghan was only a child, it should be fine for him to share a room with her. Hearing his innocent confession, her heart caved in straight away, and she declared, "Just two rooms will be enough. The child can stay with me."
-- Gift
received