Chapter 45: Girls’ Onsen Time

Raelia, after Jonady had left to search for her younger brother, walked gracefully through the castle's corridors her white and emerald green gown swaying lightly with each step.

Her footsteps echoed faintly on the polished floor as her thoughts wandered.

Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure it was Nilyna.

The servant with her dark skin and long braided red hair, was wearing her usual maid's attire. Raelia's face lit up with a warm smile as she approached her friend.

 "Nilyna! Perfect, you're here. Come with me, I've got an idea!"

Before Nilyna could respond, Raelia gently grabbed her wrist and pulled her along. Surprised but amused, Nilyna let herself be led without resistance.

The two young women arrived in front of a finely carved wooden door adorned with golden arabesques.

Raelia pushed it open, revealing a luxurious bathing room in Regalia Castle.

The room was decorated in shades of gold and blue, inspired by Japanese onsens.

Warm, lavender-scented air enveloped them as they stepped inside.

 "Surprise!" Raelia announced enthusiastically.

Nilyna's eyes widened as she took in the splendor of the space.

 "This place is… incredible."

The two women undressed and slowly entered the steaming water of the large stone bath, sighing in unison as the warmth embraced them.

 "Haaaa… this feels amazing" murmured Raelia, sinking into the water up to her shoulders.

 "The last time we bathed together, we were what… 12 years old?" she asked, turning to Nilyna.

Nilyna nodded, a nostalgic smile lighting up her face.

 "Yes, it was in the old pool at Regalia. This brings back so many memories."

Nilyna laughed and teased,

 "Things were so different back then. But tell me,that place is this creation of the monarch doing? Was it his idea to build this place?"

Raelia nodded.

 "Indeed, all this was made possible thanks to Jonady.

Apparently in his world, they call this an 'onsen.' It's a common practice there, a way to take care of your skin and relax. Quite a remarkable idea."

As they chatted, a sliding door opened, and another woman entered.

She had light violet eyes chestnut hair tied into a tight bun, and rectangular glasses. Without a word, she placed her belongings on a bench before gracefully stepping into the hot water.

Sienna emerged from the refreshing onsen water and glanced at the two women.

 "Hello, Nilyna. And you as well Princess Raelia," she greeted politely.

Nilyna tilted her head toward Raelia with a small nod.

 "Raelia, this is Sienna."

Raelia intrigued inclined her head slightly.

 "Pleasure to meet you, Sienna. You can drop the formal titles; we're just girls here."

Sienna adjusted her glasses and replied calmly,

 "Thank you, Raelia. Hello to you both."

The three women settled comfortably in the water, steam floating around them as they began to chat.

Enjoying this beautiful moment of peace.

Nilyna eventually brought up her recent mission and her encounter with Joseph Astorph. She recounted how he had tried to seduce her with absurd promises of power, hoping to buy her loyalty.

Sienna listening intently, raised a hand, her violet eyes shimmering with barely contained laughter.

 "Wait, wait!" she said, trying not to burst out laughing.

"Are you telling me that fool was actually serious when he proposed to make you his wife?"

Nilyna nodded, letting out a small sigh of disgust.

 "Yes, and he looked completely earnest. That idiot truly believed he had a chance."

Raelia and Sienna couldn't hold back their laughter. Their mirth echoed through the room as they laughed so hard tears formed in their eyes.

 "That guy must have had an ego the size of a mountain" Sienna remarked, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

 "Absolutely" Raelia agreed, catching her breath. "Nilyna, you did well to shatter his delusions of grandeur."

Nilyna shrugged with feigned nonchalance, but a satisfied smile spread across her lips.

The three women continued their conversation, sharing stories of their adventures and exchanging light-hearted anecdotes.

The warm bath seemed to cleanse not only their tired bodies but also the tension they had carried. Their bond deepened in the tranquil atmosphere.

Raelia turned to Nilyna and placed a hand on her shoulder.

 "You know, I'm really glad we could do this.

Between missions, Jonady's new responsibilities and the kingdom's troubles we don't get often moments like this anymore."

Nilyna nodded.

 "Me too. It's a reminder that we need to stop sometimes and enjoy moment like ."

Sienna adjusted her glasses with a small smile.

 "And apparently to mock megalomaniac fools, too."

The three women burst into laughter once more, filling the air with warmth and joy.

They continued to enjoy the soothing water, savoring the rare moment of peace and relaxation.