~Chapter 64~
The thick trees and bushes made the place look like a hidden spot prepared by fairies. I splashed my legs in the water, laughing.
“Hehehehe.”
The cloudy water rippled around me.
“That laugh is weird.”
From behind a tree, Khal muttered in a sulky voice.
“Are you watching out properly?”
“I am.”
I tested the depth and then slid in, wrapping myself with a thin cloth just in case.
“Wow… so this is what ‘melting’ really feels like…”
I almost missed out on this amazing thing!
‘Thank you, Duchess.’
Thanks to her, I get to enjoy heaven.
“Khal! This is amazing! My face feels cool, but my body is warm! You should just come in too!”
“…Please don’t say stuff like that.”
Leaves rustled. He must’ve covered his face again.
“But I’m still dressed! We even bathed together in a stream before, remember?”
“That and this are… ugh, forget it.”
Finally, Khal jumped up like he couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’ll be nearby. Call me when you’re done.”
I heard his footsteps moving away to patrol the area. I pouted a little, but I was already completely synced with the warm, milky water.
‘So warm… so relaxing…’
Leaning my head against a rock, all the tension left my body.
The steam floated around like a hazy dream. Trees whispered softly, droplets fell from my short hair, the scent of mist tickled my nose…
‘Short hair is nice—it dries so fast.’
My drowsy thoughts wandered. Magic could dry it instantly, of course…
Long hair could be dried by magic too…
Yeah, there was a time like that…
Back then…
My eyes slowly closed.
“Ugh, so messy.”
I shoved my long silver hair into my hood.
My small, clumsy fingers were no good at tying it up—this was the best I could do.
Wearing a heavy priest’s robe down to my feet in the middle of summer was unbearable.
‘I want to wash so badly!’
After a moment of hesitation, I snuck out of the camp alone.
Using the moonlight as a guide, I ran into the forest.
“Phew, tired…”
Panting, I raised a barrier with magic. The abundant mana in the area surged to help.
Then I heard hurried footsteps trampling dried leaves.
The moment I turned toward the sound—
“I’m here.”
“Wah!”
Darkness rushed in, along with a familiar aura.
I rubbed my head against Khalid’s shoulder.
“You’re always so slow to notice.”
“You’re always sneaking up on me!”
One day, I’ll get my revenge!
I shouted, but Khal only laughed. Under the bright full moon, his face was clear.
I let down my hood and collar, and my long silver hair fluttered in the breeze.
“Like silver threads…”
At that instant, Khalid’s face stiffened.
“What’s wrong?”
He reached toward my cheek.
“You’re scratched.”
“Oh, that. I was exploring a cave where I found traces of a dark mage.”
His pale gray eyes seemed calm, but I knew better. Khalid, when silent and angry, was far more dangerous than when shouting.
I quickly grabbed his arm.
“Hey, don’t worry. I already put medicine on it. Magic Kingdom’s instant healing ointment!”
Khal clenched his lips, slowly calming down. I hurried to change the subject.
“But I feel gross! I still haven’t washed. Heavy robes and sticky sweat—it’s the worst combo!”
He sighed low, then gave in.
“Come on.”
I followed him in small steps, little animals guiding us by clearing a path.
“Huh?! There’s a lake here?”
Moonlight shone softly on a small lake.
Only the summer insects cried around us.
Excited, I dipped my feet, tossed off my heavy robe, and dove in.
“Pwah! So refreshing!”
“Don’t go too deep.”
“You underestimate a mage who can control gravity! And it’s not even deep here.”
I washed off the dirt and filth clinging to me. Khal, still spotless, sat on a boulder, guarding the area without turning his back completely.
“Ahh, that feels so good!”
Drying myself with magic, I sat on the rock. Khal, who had been thinking quietly, finally looked at me.
“…I just…”
“Hm?”
“I just want to stay with you. Is that not okay?”
His eyes were fixed on the scratch on my cheek.
“Even if they find out you’re a mage, even if I go to the kingdom with you, I’d rather—”
“Don’t.”
I smiled faintly and shook my head.
“….”
“That’s not why I freed you.”
I knew Khalid had his own path, his own duty.
If I hadn’t realized this world was a novel, I might not have been able to say this.
In the original story, Khalid never swore loyalty to me, never gave me his power. It was a huge shift.
I wanted Khal to live his own life.
This war would be over soon anyway.
‘So instead, I’ll make it easier for … to find the dark mage’s trail…’
A low sigh snapped me from my thoughts.
“I don’t understand what you’re thinking at all.”
“Huh.”
With a frustrated look, Khal suddenly leapt into the lake.
Splash! Water sparkled as it hit his face.
“Hey! Don’t have fun without me!”
I jumped in too.
“Race me, Khal!”
“You can’t swim.”
“Hey, no fair starting first!”
We laughed and splashed in the clear water. Only the glowing full moon silently watched over us that short summer night.
‘Wait, who was it again?’
Who did I want to find the dark mage’s trail?
Who did I hope would become the hero…?
Ah, right.
Of course…
“…Mmm.”
I smacked my lips and slowly opened my eyes.
A cold raindrop plopped on my cheek, snapping me awake.
“Ah! That scared me!”
Water poured over me as I sat up in the hot spring.
‘I totally fell asleep! And I even dreamed about the past!’
I wiped my cheek and looked up. The sun behind the clouds hadn’t moved much. I must’ve dozed only briefly.
‘Hmph, all because Khal left me alone.’
I was bored, so I dreamed instead…
“But…”
Why does the weather look so weird?
The sky grew darker with thick clouds. Raindrops began falling one by one—soon it would pour.
“Aw, too bad.”
I stretched out in the warm water.
It really was a shame. Outdoor hot springs had their downsides.
‘Still, this is so nice. Warm, cozy… even good for napping. I want to stay longer, but I guess I should get up…’
Rustle.
“Hm?”
I turned my head, towel half-wrung in my hands. The nearby bushes shook violently.
“Khal?”
Was he back?
Rustle, rustle, rustle.
“…?!”
I instinctively clutched the cloth around my body.
There was only one entrance, and Khal was guarding it. He wouldn’t let anyone slip by.
‘An animal?’
Before I could think further, something burst from the thicket.
A round blue lump.
No, not a lump—
“A… butt…?”
