"Oh, by the way, buddy," Ridan floated beside Hazuki, his voice casual but his eyes subtly scanning the trees.
Hazuki blinked. "Hmm? What now?"
"It's better if we follow this path here," Ridan said, gesturing with a flick of his spiritual aura.
Hazuki narrowed his eyes. "And why exactly?"
"Hey, just trust me," Ridan said with a smug air. "Didn't I save you before? I warned you about Bernardina, remember? If I didn't tell you to run, you'd already be at his house right now—dessert and main course."
Hazuki shivered at the memory. "Ugh... you didn't have to put it that way."
"Then take the path," Ridan said, floating ahead like a ghostly tour guide. "Or… you know, take your chances with more guys wearing lipstick and asking you to 'stay for tea.'"
Hazuki crossed his arms. "Fine. But if you try to trap me again, I swear I'll bury you. Or better yet, find some high-ranking exorcist to draw creepy seals on you."
"Oho~ spooky," Ridan teased.
