They entered the room and closed the door behind them.
The space was simple but enough for the three of them. Two thin mattresses lay on the wooden floor along the wall. A low table stood in the center with a small oil lamp resting on top, and two small cabinets were placed inside.
Kirin stepped out from under Tian's robe.
Tian looked around and blinked.
It was not a bed.
Still, the sight of the mattresses made him smile.
He walked over and dropped onto one of them without hesitation. The soft surface sank slightly under his weight.
"Hah… feels good."
Leon moved to the door and slid the lock into place. He checked the window next and closed the wooden shutters before turning back to the room.
Behind him, Kirin returned to his human form. Light flashed briefly and his small floating figure disappeared. His tall, blond human form stood there again, brushing his sleeves.
"This will do," Kirin said. "We can rest for now."
He glanced toward Tian. "We should take turns washing. Leon, buy some clothes from the owner."
Leon nodded.
He unfastened the straps of his armor piece by piece and placed it carefully beside the wall. His sword followed, wrapped in cloth and laid beside the armor.
After that, he stepped out of the room.
Tian stayed on the mattress with his eyes closed.
Kirin chuckled quietly and walked over.
He lowered himself onto the same mattress beside Tian. The movement made the bedding shift.
Tian opened one eye and looked at him.
"There's another mattress," he said. "Use that one."
Kirin folded his arms behind his head and relaxed. "But I want this one."
Tian stared at him for a moment.
"Bunny," he muttered before closing his eyes again.
Kirin's lips curved slightly.
Some time later the door opened again.
Leon returned carrying several folded clothes in his arms. He placed them neatly on the table.
The sound made Tian sit up.
Kirin followed.
The two walked over to the table and began looking through the clothes Leon had brought.
They took turns bathing in the bathroom, not far from the room they rented.
After that they went downstairs to eat. The meal was simple. Rice, vegetables, and a bowl of soup shared between them.
Night soon settled over the city.
They returned to their room after dinner.
Tian lay down on the mattress again and stretched his arms above his head.
Kirin stood near the window. He pushed the wooden panel open slightly and looked outside. His fingers rested under his chin while his eyes moved along the street below.
Leon sat on the floor near the wall. His back leaned against it while he held a small mirror in his hand.
Tian turned his head.
Leon stared at his reflection while brushing his hair away from his face. His hair had grown longer and now reached the back of his neck.
Leon lowered the mirror slightly and touched the ends of it.
Tian watched for a moment before sitting up.
"You look uncomfortable," Tian said. "Do you need a haircut?"
Leon was startled, almost dropping the mirror in his hand. He quickly lowered the mirror and placed it on the small cabinet beside him.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I can handle it."
He reached for a pair of jian dao (scissors) resting on top of the cabinet.
Before he could start, Tian stood and walked over.
Kirin's gaze followed him from the window.
"Give it to me," Tian said and held out his hand.
Leon blinked. "Your Highness?"
"I'll cut it for you," Tian replied. "I've done my own hair many times before. I'm good at it."
Leon hesitated.
"Are you sure?" he asked quietly.
Tian stretched his hand closer.
Leon slowly placed the scissors into his palm as he moved forward. Tian stepped behind him and lightly pushed Leon's shoulder.
"Sit straight."
Leon obeyed.
Tian gathered a section of his hair between his fingers and lifted it. The strands slid smoothly through his hand.
He trimmed the ends carefully.
Soft pieces of hair fell to the floor.
Leon stayed still. His shoulders remained straight while Tian continued working behind him.
Tian combed through the hair with his fingers, lifted another section, and cut again.
'His hair is smooth for a warrior… I also forgot to ask more about these two…' Tian thought.
Kirin leaned against the window frame and watched the two of them.
After a while Tian stepped around to the side to check the front.
Leon lifted his eyes slightly.
Their faces ended up closer, just a few inches away. Leon's ears turned red. He quickly looked down again.
Tian noticed but said nothing. He simply brushed the hair away from Leon's forehead and trimmed a few shorter strands.
More pieces fell onto the wooden floor.
After several more careful cuts, Tian stepped back and studied his work.
"There, it looks good and neat."
Leon slowly touched the back of his neck, his hair felt lighter, he picked up the mirror again and looked at himself.
The length now stopped neatly above his collar. Leon blinked once before lowering the mirror.
"Thank you… Your Highness."
Kirin chuckled softly from the window and clapped once.
"What about me, Tian?" he asked. "Won't you give me a haircut too?"
Tian turned toward him and placed the jian dao back on the small cabinet. He looked at Kirin from head to toe.
Kirin's long blond hair rested over his shoulders and down his back.
Tian shrugged. "Your long hair suits you."
Kirin grinned.
"I'm happy with that answer."
He closed the window panel and stepped away from it.
Tian walked back to the mattress and lay down again. He pulled the thin blanket over himself and stretched his legs.
"You two should sleep too," he said.
He glanced at Leon. "Use the other mattress."
Leon shook his head. "I can sleep on the floor, Your Highness."
Tian frowned and sat up slightly. "Just use the mattress."
Leon paused before nodding.
"Yes, Your Highness."
He moved to the other mattress and sat down.
Leon then glanced toward Kirin. "What about Lord Kirin?"
Before Kirin could answer, Tian spoke.
"He'll sleep here."
Kirin smiled immediately and walked over. He lay down beside Tian without hesitation.
"Since you said so, I'll gladly sleep on this mattress with you."
Tian squinted his eyes, "don't get any wrong ideas."
Kirin chuckled then spoke. "Tomorrow we begin looking for someone important."
Tian turned his head slightly. "Who?"
"I'll explain tomorrow," Kirin replied.
Tian sighed. "Alright."
He turned his head toward Leon.
Leon already lay on his side with his eyes closed.
Tian blinked. "Huh? That fast?"
Kirin chuckled quietly. "He is very tired."
Tian looked back at Kirin, the dim light from the lamp made Kirin's golden hair glow softly. Tian hesitated before speaking.
"I'm actually scared…" he said quietly.
Kirin looked at him.
"About the adventure ahead," Tian continued. "I don't even know if I can do any of this."
Kirin shifted closer.
"You won't face it alone," he said calmly.
Tian stayed silent.
Kirin continued. "Leon is here. I am here. And there are others who will join us."
"What if I fail?" Tian asked.
"You won't."
"You sound very sure."
"I am."
Tian looked at him.
Kirin met his gaze without hesitation.
"I searched for you for a long time," Kirin said. "I would not bring you here if I believed you would fail."
Tian studied his expression.
Kirin's voice softened. "If danger comes, I will shield for you until you get stronger and fight by yourself."
Tian stayed quiet for a moment.
Then he finally relaxed.
"I trust you," he murmured.
His eyes slowly closed. Within minutes his breathing became steady.
"..."
Kirin watched him for a while. A small smile appeared on his face. He reached out and gently placed his hand against Tian's cheek.
"Goodnight."