Chapter 0.155: The Hot Spring (Part I)

 scent of spice-laced incense and roasted game still lingered faintly in the grand dining hall of the Rotschy estate. Crystal goblets sat half-full, catching the flickering lavender glow of the mana lanterns mounted on the black obsidian walls. The polished ebony table, long and imposing, reflected the silhouettes of those who still sat around. 

At the head of the table, Lady Naoko Rotschy sat in silence, her posture perfect, her silver eyes devoid of all expression. Her long, silvery hair cascaded down her back like liquid moonlight, untouched by time or flaw. The black lace gown she wore clung elegantly to her form, woven with patterns of thorns and crescent moons, befitting a woman who ruled with silent tyranny.

The servants moved like shadows around her, clearing the last of the dishes. The air was still, heavy with the energy of unspoken tension.

Rena sat beside her mother, her cheeks stained pink, her golden eyes lowered to her lap. Her fiery red hair was pulled back into a high ponytail tied with Astell ribbon—soft, delicate, yet fiercely symbolic. She fidgeted, the game of "truth or dare" that Jien had pushed during dinner still burning in her mind. Every question had felt like a carefully aimed arrow—provocative, invasive, and perfectly timed.

At her side, Amelia Emberheart was a picture of noble control, dressed in a dark crimson gown embroidered with a golden phoenix across the bodice—the proud sigil of House Emberheart. Her matching golden eyes shimmered with mischief as they studied Jien, who sat across the table like a languid predator.

His black leather coat pooled around his chair, brushing the marble floor. Strands of jet-black hair slipped over his eye, partially hiding the mischievous glint in his crimson gaze. A smirk tugged at his lips—a weapon more dangerous than any spell.

Amelia leaned forward, voice smooth and teasing. "What's the matter, Jin? Are you out of questions?" Her tone was light, but the edge of challenge was unmistakable.

Jin shrugged with casual indifference. "I'm afraid I've exhausted my imagination for tonight. So it seems we're at a draw, Lady Emberheart."

Her laughter was warm, but her eyes sparkled with the same dangerous playfulness. "I accept the draw. For now."

As her voice faded, a different, colder presence made itself known. Naoko, silent until now, turned her gaze to Jin. Her voice was a whisper in his mind—icy, calm, and impossible to ignore.

[Jin. Tell me. What are you and Sion planning?]

The mental voice of the Lunar Matriarch echoed through the depths of his mind like the touch of a cold blade. Jin didn't flinch, but a flicker of tension passed beneath his casual demeanor.

[Nothing serious. But I won't lie to you. Sion wants... to initiate something with Lady Amelia. A 'Yuri' relationship. She also wanted Rena to watch.]

There was silence. Jin could feel the pressure of Naoko's mind tightening, like the slow winding of a noose.

She spoke again, voice sharp as broken glass.

[I don't care what Sion wants with Amelia. Amelia isn't one of us. But Rena is. She bears the Rotschy name now. I won't allow her to be pulled into these foolish indulgences. Do you understand me.] 

Jin's lips barely twitched, but his internal response was immediate.

[Yes, I understand. That's why I already decided—Rena won't be involved. I'll tell her to continue her focus training. Alone.]

A long pause followed, and then her mental tone shifted slightly—just a hair away from lethal.

[Good. But if anything happens inside this estate—anything involving Sion and Amelia—I will kill them both myself. Are we clear?]

A cold shiver traced Jin's spine. Not from fear, but from the sheer certainty in her words. This wasn't a threat. It was a declaration of inevitability.

[Crystal clear. I'll send them to the southern gardens, to the hot spring. That should be far enough.]

Naoko's silence stretched just a heartbeat longer, then:

[Fine. Keep them away. I'm going to my study.]

The connection broke.

Naoko turned her head toward Rina. Her silver eyes landed on the red-haired girl with pinpoint focus. Her voice cut through the hall like frost.

"You. Go to your room and continue your focus training. Starting tomorrow, neither you nor Jin are returning to the academy until you can complete your focus training, do you understand? 

Rena stiffened. The chill in her mother-in-law's voice was enough to freeze blood. Her golden eyes met Naoko's void-like silver ones, and in that moment, she felt her soul tremble.

"Yes, I understand," she replied quickly, rising from her seat like a soldier summoned to battle. She gave a slight bow, then hurried out of the dining room, her steps fast, as if fleeing from the pressure of Naoko's presence.

Naoko stood next, her chair barely making a sound as it slid back. She turned without another word and walked out, each step echoing with authority. The click of her heels against the marble floors marked her disappearance as she vanished down the hallway, silver hair flowing behind her like a royal banner of silence.

That left only Jin and Amelia in the quiet hall.

Amelia leaned slightly toward him, her elbow resting on the table. "It seems we're alone now, Jien."

Jin tilted his head, the same amused smile curling his lips. "So it would appear, Lady Emberheart."

Her eyes narrowed, playful. "So... shall we retreat to our respective rooms like good nobles? Or do you have something more interesting in mind?"

Jin stood slowly, slipping his hands into his coat pockets. "I'm going to the training hall. But there's something that might interest you more. The southern gardens have a hot spring. Completely infused with pure mana—100% unfiltered. Might help you relax."

Amelia's interest piqued. "A hot spring? That sounds divine. Lead the way."

Jin gestured coolly. "This way."

They walked together through the winding obsidian corridors of the Rotschy estate. Every hallway was carved with ancient glyphs—seals of protection and lunar blessings. Mana swirled faintly in the air like invisible mist, humming softly in the quiet.

Finally, they exited the palace structure into the open air. A cobbled stone path stretched before them, flanked by tall hedges of blue-black roses glowing faintly in the moonlight. The sky above was indigo, stars gleaming like cold silver coins scattered across velvet.

At the end of the path stood a tall black wooden gate.

"This is it," Jin said, pushing it open. "Everything you need should be inside. Towels, mana water, privacy spells. Enjoy."

Amelia smiled and slipped past him. "Thank you, Jin."

The gate closed with a soft thud behind her.

Jin turned to walk back when he noticed a familiar silhouette emerging from the shadows.

Sion.

Her reddish-brown hair caught the light of the moon, and her brown-red eyes gleamed with impish delight. She walked with a sway in her step, lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Where's the princess?" she asked with a hint of mock innocence.

Jin didn't play along. "My mother knows everything. She's already figured out what you're planning. She doesn't care what you do with Amelia—but Rena is off-limits. She's a Roche now."

Sion blinked, then exhaled. "Fair enough. I can work with that."

"Good," Jin said, stepping aside. "It's all yours. Just... don't get caught."

He started to turn away, but paused. "Good luck, my second mother."

Sion froze.

The words hit her harder than any flirtation. Harder than any tease.

Her throat tightened, and tears welled in her eyes before she could stop them. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Jien, burying her face against his shoulder.

"Thank you," she whispered. "You always understand me... You've always been my favorite."

Jin smiled faintly and said nothing. When she pulled back, she kissed his forehead gently, then turned and walked toward the spring, her steps full of anticipation.

Her eyes glowed with determination. Whatever happened next... it would be unforgettable

....... 

Heat: Okay I removed Rena from the next chapter. 

Also, this shows Naoko's strength, that she is ready to kill Sion and Amelia if they do anything dirty inside her palace. 

For your information, Sion is a demigod and Amelia is at the level of a great mage, and Naoko said that she would kill the two of them easily. Now you have an idea of Naoko's strength.