Chapter 102: Riveria In a Mixed Bath

"Behemoth's traces once appeared all over the continent. Before it was defeated, there were constant sightings reported from various regions. It brought disasters to people across the world, destroyed many towns, and left countless innocent people homeless."

"But, for this hot spring city, the existence of Behemoth turned out to be an unexpected blessing. It's said that this volcano was originally on the verge of erupting, with magma blocked underground. It was Behemoth who dug through the magma channel, which instead prevented the volcano from a major eruption and reduced the disaster here."

"Not only that, Behemoth's activity also allowed the underground hot springs to gush out, eventually bringing prosperity to the hot spring city."

Emiya looked at the not-so-high volcano in the distance and nodded slightly, "Riveria Senpai, you really are knowledgeable."

Riveria chuckled softly and casually pulled out a history book from her bag, "Just selling what I just learned. These books were all placed in the carriage by Lord Hermes."

Seeing this, Emiya couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of the god of travelers… It feels like Lord Hermes puts more thought into letting us enjoy the trip than he does in carrying out world-saving missions."

Carrying out the missions arranged by the Adventurer's Guild was just routine for Hermes, but recommending travel destinations to adventurers he favored, that was something that truly made him happy from the bottom of his heart.

Looking at Riveria's profile, Emiya asked curiously, "Riveria Senpai, do you like traveling a lot?"

Riveria didn't evade the question and admitted frankly, "Yes. My greatest dream is to search every corner of the world and explore. However, the last time I left Orario… was a long time ago."

The Dungeon of Orario is praised as the world's greatest 'unknown' land. Riveria's original plan was to uncover all the mysteries of the Dungeon before traveling around the world.

However, she hadn't expected the depths and mysteries of the Dungeon to far exceed her imagination. Even now, the area explored by the Loki Familia might only be the tip of the iceberg of this massive labyrinth.

Not only that, as the Loki Familia grew stronger, her responsibilities as the vice captain also increased day by day. From commanding battles and organizing operations to managing internal affairs, these duties unknowingly bound her.

Sometimes, she became aware that she had somewhat forgotten her original intention of becoming an adventurer. That pure sense of freedom and desire for knowledge.

The dream of exploring every unknown corner of this world seemed to have been gradually blurred by the heavy responsibilities and endless tasks.

As Riveria quietly spoke of her feelings, her gaze unintentionally landed on the ring on Emiya's left hand. Her expression suddenly changed, and a hint of unnatural redness appeared on her face.

Back then, this ring couldn't be removed no matter what. Riveria had simply declared that this ring would be her gift to Emiya.

Emiya wanted to repay her with an equivalent gift, but Riveria firmly rejected his proposal without hesitation.

Of course, she didn't tell Emiya the story behind the ring. The royal treasure, ancient legends, and blessings from the spirits.

These hidden pasts, Riveria chose to keep in her heart and never spoke of them.

'A cooperative relationship with the 'Sword King' is an important matter that could influence the future development of the Loki Familia,' Riveria pondered seriously in her heart.

She was very firm inside, 'Everything I do is for the Loki Familia!'

"Huh?", At that moment, Riveria suddenly noticed that Emiya's way of addressing her had changed from the familiar "sister" to the more formal "senpai."

She frowned slightly and asked, "Shirou, why the sudden change in how you call me?"

Emiya explained, "Ryuu told me that your status and rank within the elven race are extremely noble, so calling you 'sister' might be a bit inappropriate. So I thought, calling you 'senpai' would be more fitting."

Riveria lightly nodded after hearing this, "Is that so…"

———

In the evening, Riveria found Ryuu and handed her a thick book with a smile. Ryuu looked down, and her expression instantly froze as if struck by lightning.

"What is this...", There was a hint of fear in Ryuu's voice.

"This is the homework Professor Friana specifically prepared for you before she left."

The elven princess still wore a smile, her tone gentle but brooking no refusal, "Ryuu, your combat ability is indeed excellent, but your academic shortcomings are too serious and must be addressed."

Riveria: "I will personally supervise you in completing these assignments."

———

"Um, pardon me for the interruption, but upon seeing your emerald-like hair and eyes, I simply couldn't ignore it... Might I ask, are you perhaps a noble of royal blood?", Just after the adventurers entered the city, several male and female elves appeared ahead. They instantly recognized the unique traits on Riveria and approached with eyes filled with excitement and reverence.

"Princess Riveria, are you Princess Riveria?", One young male elf almost blurted out, his voice filled with barely concealed joy and admiration.

Emiya and the others were already used to this. In the past few days, every time they encountered elves, similar scenes would unfold.

Worshipful gazes, excited inquiries, respectful attitudes… Elves generally held immense loyalty toward royalty.

Riveria was the only member of the royal family of Alf Forest to leave her homeland and become an adventurer. No matter where she went, she became the center of attention among the elves.

The elves bowed low before Riveria, praising her noble royal identity and her achievements in subjugating ancient monsters.

"Princess Riveria of Alf Forest, inheritor of the spirit of the great Saintess 'Celtia' in history, who stepped forward to fulfill the wish of subjugating the ancient monsters of the lower world—"

Many elves in the outside world saw Riveria this way, as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and fearlessness.

However, the reality was quite different. This princess had simply chosen to run away from home, to escape the shackles of royalty, and to seek her own path of adventure. The glorious legend in the hearts of the elves was entirely different from her true motivation.

That said, this time, Riveria truly did participate in the subjugation of an ancient monster.

She hadn't deliberately tried to live up to the elves' expectations, but unintentionally, she had actually fulfilled the hopes pinned on her.

At first, Riveria would patiently explain to these admiring elves, "I've already left the royal family."

But gradually, she found that these elves didn't care about her explanation. Instead, they continued to treat her with reverence.

Over time, Riveria became numb. When facing those visiting elves, she merely tried her best to maintain a stiff smile.

Yet this time, things seemed a bit different. The elf who led the visit to Riveria turned out to be the president of the largest local merchant guild.

Compared to previous admirers, this merchant held a prestigious status and had prepared meticulously for Riveria's arrival.

"Princess," He said respectfully, his tone full of admiration, "We've already reserved the best hot spring inn in the area for you, and we await your presence at any time!"

He bowed slightly, waiting for Princess Riveria's response, as if her visit was an unparalleled honor.

Riveria was rather helpless in the face of the elf guild leader's enthusiasm. She firmly rejected his overly extravagant arrangements.

However, the elf did not back down. Instead, he said sincerely, "Princess, our respect for you isn't just due to your royal blood. More importantly, you defeated the 'monster' of the Great Tree Sea."

This guild leader didn't even know the specific name of the scorpion from the Great Tree Sea, but he knew that over the past few months, the increase in monster activity near the Tree Sea had even begun to threaten the surrounding villages near [Spring City], worrying the locals. He had seen all this with his own eyes.

Now, the number of monsters had clearly decreased, and Riveria's team had left the Tree Sea during that time.

Putting two and two together, it was undoubtedly the work of Riveria and her group. They had saved the people of the region.

Hearing these words, Riveria was slightly moved. As a princess, she was used to receiving attention because of her status. But being sincerely respected for her actual achievements was a rare experience.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally decided to accept the kind offer.

Emiya, Riveria, and the others arrived at the hot spring inn arranged by the guild. As soon as they entered, they felt its exquisite luxury.

This inn was indeed worthy of being the most luxurious residence in Spring City. The rooms were elegantly decorated, adorned with intricate carvings, exotic artworks hung on the walls, and the floors were covered in thick carpets that muffled even the sound of footsteps.

The courtyard was especially enchanting, with carefully tended flowerbeds and small bridges over flowing water, showcasing a perfect harmony between nature and architecture.

Not only that, each deluxe suite's courtyard also had a private hot spring area, surrounded by beautifully crafted wooden screens, ensuring guests' tranquility and privacy.

Emiya looked around and couldn't help but joke, "The suite that Princess Riveria stayed in will probably triple in price after this, huh?"

Hearing that, Riveria smiled faintly, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness, "If that really happens, then I hope they make good use of that 'gimmick.' At least it won't be a waste of hosting us."

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Emiya as if pondering how to speak.

Finally, Riveria said softly, "Shirou, actually, I have a small request."

Emiya looked up, somewhat puzzled, "What request, Riveria Senpai?"

Riveria frowned slightly, then spoke with a faint, hard-to-notice smile, "Can you just call me 'Riveria'? The title 'senpai' sounds too distant."

Emiya was stunned for a moment, then smiled, "Alright, Riveria."

Hearing him say that, Riveria nodded and let out a small breath of relief.

"By the way, where are Hedin, Hogni, and Ryuu?", Emiya asked.

Riveria answered with a laugh, "The 'Black and White Knights' went back to their suite first. As for Ryuu, she realized her grades are too terrible, so she stayed in her room to catch up on her studies."

———

"Hot springs… really are comfortable," Riveria stretched lazily in the hot spring pool, her body leaning back slightly. Her emerald hair floated gently on the surface with her movements.

The hot spring water gently wrapped around Riveria's skin, the warm ripples gliding across her body like gentle hands soothing her tense muscles.

Steam billowed around, and tiny bubbles in the water danced lightly around her arms and legs, bringing a subtle tingling sensation.

Elves usually preferred showers and weren't too fond of soaking baths, especially because they had low tolerance for hot water. But occasionally soaking in a hot spring still offered a unique sense of comfort.

"I've soaked long enough… time to get out," Riveria stood up, ready to leave the hot spring.

However, at that moment, someone suddenly entered the hot spring pool surrounded by screens.

Riveria froze for a moment and quickly sank back into the water.

At the same time, Emiya parted the laurel branches at the entrance, revealing the hidden wooden sign that read, [Mixed Bath – Please wash beforehand and wear swimsuits to enter.]

When checking in, the room-cleaning staff had specially reminded them that several hot springs in the courtyard were mixed baths, and swimsuits were provided.

If they wanted to bathe alone, they could use the suite's large private bath instead. Just turn on the tap, and hot spring water would flow out.

As expected of a top-class inn, the amenities were truly complete.

After confirming the nature of the hot spring, the boy walked into the area surrounded by screens.

Splash! Splash!

He had already washed up and now stepped into the hot spring pool, feeling the warmth soak through his entire body.

In his past life, bathing had always been one of Emiya's favorite pastimes. Although recently, the [Hostess of Fertility] tavern had installed a bath to accommodate Haruhime, still, hot springs were definitely something different from ordinary hot water baths.

Just as he was enjoying the warmth, a slightly flustered voice suddenly reached his ears, "Shi… Shirou?"

Emiya was slightly taken aback. Through the thick steam, he noticed the other person's blurry figure.

Without the slightest hesitation, he naturally greeted the other party: "Riveria, good evening."

"Shirou, why did you come in?", Riveria's figure shrank down a bit, her voice carried obvious tension and unease, and she was even somewhat incoherent.

'Thi-this is my courtyard, right? Wait a minute, don't tell me, Shirou's room and mine, because they're in one suite, the courtyard is shared,' Riveria thought nervously.

There were three rooms in one suite of the inn. Riveria, Ryuu, and Emiya each stayed in a different room, but shared one courtyard, as well as three different hot spring pools within the courtyard.

'But even so, I'm already here. How can Shirou be so calm…'

Emiya replied with a natural tone, "Because I saw there was a Far East-style bath over here, I wanted to come experience it."

Actually, he was also a bit interested in the other "Sea Country"-style hot spring, but Ryuu said she wanted to try the "Far East-style," so he came along with her.

Emiya had entered the hot spring first, while Ryuu was still washing her body.

Riveria's heart skipped a beat, and instantly became chaotic.

'Could it be that in Far Eastern culture, men and women bathing together is normal?'

'Or perhaps, Shirou… he simply wanted to soak in the hot spring together with me?'

This made her extremely nervous, yet she didn't dare to show it easily.

"Shirou, are you there?", Just as the atmosphere turned delicate, Ryuu's voice suddenly came from outside.

Emiya heard Ryuu's voice and responded, "I'm here."

A few seconds later, Ryuu walked into the bath area wrapped in a towel. Riveria immediately became even more flustered, a trace of anxiety flashed through her mind, 'Isn't it enough that I'm already here? Now he's even inviting Ryuu in too?'

Just as she felt at a loss, Ryuu stood openly by the edge of the hot spring and casually took off the towel wrapped around her body.

Riveria's heartbeat instantly accelerated, but in the next moment, she saw the neatly worn swimsuit on Ryuu's body.

Ryuu stepped into the bath without a care, her movements natural and unhurried. She sat peacefully in the water, enjoying the hot spring while glancing around.

Through the mist, Riveria saw this scene, more precisely, she saw the swimsuit on Ryuu, and only two words flashed through her mind, 'It's over.'

The inn had also prepared a beautiful brand-new swimsuit for Riveria, but the elf service staff member responsible for receiving her had gotten overly excited, solely focused on asking for an autograph, and ended up forgetting to remind her of this matter.

[T/N: Remind me to post the AI generated pics of Riveria in bath towel]

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