Run? Not So Easy

Aoba nodded. Though he was still somewhat unconvinced, his trust in Asuma kept him from saying anything more.

He followed behind his teacher through the bustling streets, but his gaze was inevitably drawn to the sights around him.

The street vendors displayed all manner of goods: some sold handicrafts, some sold steaming roasted sweet potatoes, and one young girl in a floral dress sold fresh flowers. Her basket was filled with purple lavender and white daisies, their fragrance wafting through the air.

Aoba could not help glancing over a few more times. The girl seemed to notice his gaze and gave him a sweet smile, revealing a pair of shallow dimples.

"What are you looking at? Focus."

Asuma's voice came from ahead, carrying a hint of teasing.

Aoba's face reddened. He quickly looked away, lowered his head, and hurried after him.

He felt that he had been a little improper and muttered to himself that he really was still too young, too easily distracted by such trivial things.

The two soon arrived before an inn.

The inn was unremarkable. Its wooden sign bore the words "Moonlit Lodge."

The lettering was somewhat weathered, clearly having been there for many years.

Two red lanterns hung by the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze and creaking softly.

The inn's door stood half-open, and waves of food aromas drifted out from within, making Aoba's stomach rumble embarrassingly.

Asuma pushed open the door and entered, with Aoba close behind.

The inn's lobby was not particularly spacious, but it was clean and tidy. Several lush potted plants sat atop the wooden tables, while a landscape painting hung on the wall. The mountains in the painting were shrouded in mist, giving it a rather artistic air.

A middle-aged man stood behind the counter. Dressed in coarse gray