Shared room

Lord Ryujin's deep voice filled the evening air as he replied to the proprietor's greeting, his words smooth and courteous. "Thank you, good sir. Our journey was indeed uneventful, for which I am grateful. I trust that the accommodations here are to your usual high standard?" The proprietor beamed with pride, assuring Lord Ryujin that everything was in order. With a few swift words, Lord Ryujin booked the rooms, his eyes flicking to Kushina as he requested that they share a room, citing the need for her to be close at hand in case of any potential threats.

As the proprietor handed Lord Ryujin the room keys, Kushina's gaze swept the surrounding area, her eyes lingering on the villagers who had begun to emerge from their cottages, curious about the nobleman's arrival. The evening air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of crickets, a soothing melody that seemed to lull the village into a peaceful slumber.

With a courteous nod, Lord Ryujin accepted the keys and turned to Kushina, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "Shall we, Kushina? Our room awaits." He gestured towards the stairs, his movements fluid as he led the way.

As Kushina followed Lord Ryujin up the stairs, the soft creaking of the wooden steps beneath their feet echoed through the quiet evening air. The proprietor's warm smile and courteous bow faded into the background as they ascended, the sound of murmured conversations and clinking dishes from the inn's common room growing fainter with each step. Lord Ryujin's hand brushed against the intricately carved banister, his fingers trailing along the smooth wood as he led the way to their room.

The door creaked softly as Lord Ryujin pushed it open, revealing a cozy space with a plush bed and a small, elegantly crafted desk in the corner.

As Kushina's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on the plush bed and the elegantly crafted desk, she felt a subtle sense of unease. She had been prepared to sleep on the floor, or perhaps stay awake and keep watch, but Lord Ryujin's words caught her off guard. "You may use the bed, Kushina," he said, his voice low and smooth. "It's large enough for both of us, and I'm sure you could use a good night's rest after our journey."

Kushina's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing with the implications of sharing a bed with the nobleman.

Kushina's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink as she attempted to decline Lord Ryujin's offer, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-I couldn't possibly, my lord. I'll just sleep on the floor, it's no trouble at all." However, Lord Ryujin's expression remained calm and reassuring, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

"Nonsense, Kushina," he said, his deep voice soothing. "You're my escort and protector, not my servant. You need rest just as much as I do. Besides, the bed is large enough for both of us. We can share it without any... discomfort."