Chapter 57 — Return and the Hot Spring

Riding through the night, the army traced its path back to the castle, everyone excited, this victory definitely was a milestone for them, and for their progress as fighters.

Looking around closely, it was possible to see that the number had drastically decreased, maybe 3 or 4 thousand soldiers, specifically I still don't know.

The count was made, but Flávia decided not to say, so as not to take the soldiers' morale away, at least until returning to the castle.

This would maintain unity and avoid criticism temporarily, allowing them to return calmly and disciplined before the problem of large-scale deaths arose.

But not everything is a problem, I was completely recovered, Ignis and Astrel too, on my shoulder Ignis looked around with the same curiosity as always, while Astrel advanced cheerfully.

In this fight, he who was already a stable almost-level 2, managed to advance a lot, fight and devour, and with the method of beasts strengthening themselves, we had faced several level 2 beasts that stimulated Astrel's blood and body.

Upon our return, probably it will only be necessary for him to consume a second-level crystal, from a fire beast, or one with horse lineage, and that will probably be enough for him to become a worthy level 2 beast.

Ignis, on the other hand, was still very young, and wyverns are the symbol of effort and not talent, so he still has a long way to go to become a spiritual beast of 4th degree.

However, Ignis did not seem really worried about this, he looked around curiously, flying sometimes, like a child exploring the world.

Some time ago, Ignis's speech started improving a lot, so instead of mentally, he can now speak, he asks countless curious questions; those I could not answer, he flew to Flávia or Selena to ask.

They answered him kindly, which kept Ignis's immature curiosity to see, speak, and bite at its limit.

He flew from one corner to another, but since he knows how to return by my scent, I did not restrict him.

I followed the path, enjoying every second, because I really don't know what awaits me in this training.

The path went on calmly, we saw common beasts walking in pastures, small villages.

There was Ignis creating an iconic scene, trying to fly with a huge stone in his mouth, just because it shone, thinking it was valuable.

However, it was a common ore from Tenebris, used for construction and sometimes for refining weapons, but also used as decoration.

Upon discovering, he dropped it from his mouth, which made the soldiers behind dodge, and it generated good laughs thanks to this little one.

After an hour of riding, we were back at the castle, from afar the beautiful view of the castle fully cheered everyone up.

Although there were numerous losses, they were alive and back, which was enough to encourage the soldiers.

Finally home, I thought while we approached the castle more and more, the gates to the Sylverestia cities opened, and there countless people awaited the soldiers, although vampires are cold.

Many have families, mothers, fathers, children, wives, and this made them beings with feelings, just like anyone else.

Already at the gates, the army headed inside, each step was a relief, and a terror for those waiting.

Shouts of happiness and pain, tears of sadness and joy, covered the entrance, creating a strange and melancholic sensation upon return.

Since there was no one waiting for me there, I just waited a little for Flávia and Selena, before we left for home.

Getting down from Astrel, I got up with Flávia on her horse, hugging her from behind.

— Did something happen? — she asked genuinely curious.

— No, however we have little time and every moment from now on matters, so I hope to spend this time entirely with you and Selena.

She just nodded, knowing that unfortunately there was nothing to be done, so what was left was to enjoy this time together.

We turned back to the castle, it was as always, in front the maids awaited us, with happiness and greetings.

— This is absolutely better than war — I commented laughing.

However, I felt a pinch in my belly, it was Flávia with a playful smile.

— So you like having maids waiting for you at home? — I asked, pinching her belly even more.

— Haha — still joking I answered as I got down from Flávia's horse.

— The only one in maid outfit that I like is Selena — I said laughing.

Flávia just looked at me, raising an eyebrow while her cheeks were slightly puffed in a playful tone.

— Come on, let me help them.

I said while helping them down, like prince and princess creating a light atmosphere of laughter.

Walking slowly through the castle we talked casually.

— Ah, finally I'm going to take a bath — I commented stretching.

— Bruno... — Flávia called me pulling lightly my blouse, she and Selena looked shy.

— How about we go to the thermal bath in the castle? It has a relaxing effect, and when mixed with magical herbs, it is very good for resting.

— Thermal bath? That would be perfect, I've always wanted to go — I replied excitedly.

— Shall we? — I asked hurriedly.

— Sure, however it is necessary to bring clothes to change, since you're not very clean, right? — said Selena laughing.

Suddenly pulling her into a hug, I asked:

— Are you saying I'm stinky?

— No, I just said you might be a bit rustic — she commented with a mischievous smile.

— Really? Then maybe you'll have to wash me — I said while tickling her waist.

— Hahaha, stop, let me go! — Selena said while laughing, trying to push me.

— Let's all go together then — said Flávia suddenly smiling mischievously.

— All three of us? — I asked, slightly blinking and looking at her, yet without letting go of Selena, the three of us?

Selena in my arms lowered her head in a shy smile without seeming to disagree.

— What's the problem? It's just a thermal bath, isn't it? — she said trying to sound normal — and honestly Bruno, we deserve a proper rest, or do you not like the idea?

— How could I not? You have no idea how much I loved this idea — I said trying to seem calm, however, my heart was racing.

— Let's go! — Flávia shouted excitedly.

A few minutes after grabbing clothes.

Flávia, I, and Selena walked through rare stone corridors, wooden torches on the wall, and only laughter filled the atmosphere. Everything we had been through was being forgotten at that moment, only the three of us existed then.

Arriving at the place Flávia had mentioned, there was only one entrance, and clearly female.

— Bruno, please go in first...

— Yes, first...

Flávia and Selena sent me ahead, without problems I entered. There was a large and beautiful dressing room, several places to put clothes, get towels, soap.

I quickly undressed, leaving only a towel over my big friend down below.

Before leaving, I gave two taps to Flávia and Selena to let them know I was entering the thermal pool.

Walking, I opened the door that led to the pool, soon I was greeted by steam and a wonderful scent of roses.

The pool was extremely beautiful, surrounded by shining stones, great design, the water was crystal clear, there were torches on the walls and floor lamps.

Upon entering and heading to the water, removing the towel, I slowly stepped into the water. When the hot water ran through my body, I felt like I was in heaven.

It had a wonderful relaxing effect, I had barely entered and already wanted to lie down and sleep.

— Man, this is relaxing — I exclaimed, leaning against the edge of the thermal pool, enjoying the feeling.

But what I really expected happened shortly after: Selena and Flávia entered right after, wearing towels that covered most of their chest, down to the upper part of their thighs. If they turned around, it would probably be possible to see their bands.

Selena had her hair down, which contrasted wonderfully with her white skin and well-defined body.

Flávia had her long black hair tied in a loose bun, which highlighted her beauty, showing her clavicle.

— Bruno, do you mind stopping staring at us so much? — Flávia said timidly.

Selena, with a red face, continued:

— When you stare at me, I get a little shy.

Still staring at them, my answer was the most unexpected possible, and it only helped to increase their shyness.

— Impossible, my eyes can't not look at you — I said, incredibly impressed.

— You...

Have no way... — they replied timidly.

— At least can you cover your eyes so we can take off the towels and get into the pool? — Flávia asked, her face completely red.

— I can cover my face, but not completely — I said, giving an example, bringing my hand to my face and covering it with an open hand, leaving relative slits between my fingers.

They looked at each other seeing me do this.

— That's enough — Selena answered timidly.

And then, they quickly removed the towels and entered the thermal pool, standing by my side. However, even though they entered quickly, I saw something unforgettable for someone my age: the twin peaks of Flávia and Selena, which stirred my mind in a way never before experienced.

I was resting my arms on the edge of the pool, and both aligned next to my arms, yet when they looked at my face, a remarkable blush was visible.

In a duality of shyness and victory, they spoke softly:

— Well deserved...

— Got embarrassed? Haha...

With my spirits high, I looked at the ceiling, which was an open sky, however with a magical barrier that prevented external vision.

I stared while my thoughts wandered through countless places, and all returned to that extremely stimulating vision.

— Bruno?

— Are you okay?

Asked Selena, placing her hand on my forehead due to the sudden change, maybe it was a tease or maybe genuine concern.

Lowering my face, I only nodded, kissing her cheek tenderly, while saying I was too relaxed.

In the thermal pool, silence reigned; shyness, embarrassment, countless feelings overwhelmed me, making me think what to say to ease the mood.

However, I only said one thing...