The Hot Spring Encounter

“The water temperature seems a bit high.” Ziyao tested the pool’s temperature with her toes and found that the hot spring had risen slightly since her last visit.

“Well, it’s specially prepared as a medicinal bath for the Princess, so a higher temperature helps in the absorption of the ingredients,” Ailin explained thoughtfully.

The maid had already removed her uniform, and Aiya was cradled in her arms. Every day, she bathed Aiya in this manner.

“But won’t I be competing with Aiya for the medicinal effects if I join?”

Ziyao had previously inquired about Ailin’s abilities, and the maid had hidden nothing. She was a Seventh-Level Assassin Master—the true identity beneath the maid’s uniform. As an Assassin, Ailin possessed perfect control over every part of her body, allowing her to soak in the spring without absorbing the essence intended for Aiya. However, as a magician, Ziyao lacked such physiological precision.

Fortunately, Raphael, who had prepared the bath, had already anticipated this. “Miss Raphael prepared a double dose this time, so there’s no need to worry.” Moreover, Ziyao’s current condition required exactly this kind of restorative assistance.

“She certainly thinks ahead.” Ziyao entered the pool with a light leap.

Splash—

A large plume of water rose as Ziyao jumped in. She was hardly an expert diver; in truth, she looked more like a fish flopping about.

Of course, these splashes did not reach Ailin and Aiya on the other side. Ziyao intercepted all the droplets mid-air using her affinity for water magic. For a newly minted Sage, such a feat was effortless.

“Miss Ziyao, your body hasn’t fully recovered yet,” Ailin’s brow furrowed slightly. “And later, I will help you wash as well. Please prepare yourself.”

“Relax, a little magic won’t strain me,” Ziyao waved her hand dismissively. “But I’m not a child; I can handle bathing myself.”

Seeing Aiya, who looked like a delicate doll being meticulously cared for by Miss Ailin, Ziyao felt she couldn’t endure such intrusive pampering. She paddled over to them and leaned against the hot spring’s stone wall, her gaze drifting toward the two girls.

After all, two naked girls stood boldly before her. Curiosity was only natural, right? It wasn’t that Ziyao had any improper thoughts—or so she told herself.

Aiya’s physique wasn’t particularly noteworthy; it was simply that of an ordinary little girl. Ziyao had seen enough of such a form—she only had to look down at herself to see something similar. While there were slight differences in development, they were largely the same.

The maid, however, was far more impressive. Ailin possessed a perfectly shaped, albeit compact, bust. Because she was holding Aiya, her chest was slightly pressed, exuding a hint of mature allure. But it was the maid’s midriff that truly caught the eye; it boasted a row of perfectly toned abdominal muscles, instantly dispelling any soft, inappropriate notions. A literal Amazonian queen, Ziyao thought. Formidable and unapproachable.

If Ailin, an Assassin, had such a fit physique, what about Elena, the Knight?

“Miss Ailin, are all warrior girls as muscular as you?”

Ziyao blurted out the question without considering the implications. She realized her mistake the moment the words left her lips. No girl would appreciate being called “muscular,” would they?

In the next instant, Ziyao wished she could slap herself. Was she truly so tactless? Perhaps the steam from the spring had addled her brain?

While Ziyao was lost in her self-reproach, Miss Ailin finished cleaning Aiya and set the Princess down. Normally, Ailin would spend another half hour soaking with Aiya to ensure the medicinal properties were fully absorbed. This was usually one of Ailin’s rare moments of relaxation.

But today, she had an additional charge to attend to. Quietly, she approached Ziyao and pulled her into an embrace, treating her like another little girl. “It’s your turn, Miss Ziyao,” Ailin whispered in her ear.

“Wait, I can do it myself…” Ziyao’s internal alarms skyrocketed. She could sense that Ailin was a bit miffed by the earlier “muscular” comment.

“Sometimes, you need a professional’s touch,” Ailin wrapped her arms around Ziyao’s waist. “If you don’t believe me, ask the Princess.”

“Yes, Sister Ailin is very professional,” Aiya piped up innocently.

No, this isn’t about professionalism!

“Really, I can handle it… Mmm…”

“Oh, I never knew Miss Ziyao could make such adorable sounds,” Ailin smiled mischievously.

Ziyao had never expected her waist to be so sensitive. Ailin’s light, expert touch made her feel incredibly tickled and weak.

“Ailin… could you please… not touch there?”

“That’s not possible… As a maid, I cannot allow a single speck of dirt on the one I serve.”

“Wait, don’t…”

Clearly, Ziyao’s protests were ineffective against a Seventh-Level Master.

Ten minutes later, when Ailin finally released Ziyao, the “Sage” was in a daze. Her eyes had lost focus, and a bit of saliva even escaped the corner of her mouth, looking as if she had been teased to the point of total exhaustion.

“Hah… hah... Ailin, did you practice that on purpose?” Ziyao finally regained her composure.

“Yes. As a maid, I must master every skill required for my station.”

I don’t think “that” is part of a standard maid’s curriculum!

And you were definitely seeking revenge, weren’t you? I told you not to touch my waist, yet you only got more enthusiastic!

“I think this was revenge. Definitely revenge,” Ziyao said with a straight, albeit flushed, face.

“No, it seems Miss Ziyao has misunderstood… Didn’t you notice that your absorption of the medicine has accelerated?”

Upon closer inspection, Ziyao realized Ailin was right; her absorption rate had indeed increased significantly due to the targeted massage. But still… “Did you have to use such a… stimulating method?”

“It is the most efficient way. Unless you would prefer a more ‘intense’ technique?” Ailin glanced meaningfully at Ziyao’s abdomen.

Seeing Aiya watching with a puzzled expression and Ailin smiling dangerously, Ziyao chose to surrender. “I think I’ll pass on the other method. I’m not ready for it yet.” There’s a child present; let’s not discuss such adult topics.

“Oh, by the way, regarding your earlier question,” Miss Ailin leaned in close to Ziyao’s ear. “With the right potions, muscle mass can be suppressed. I simply don’t care for such things. However, Princess Elena uses such potions constantly, so she likely has no visible muscles at all.”

Yup, you’re definitely still upset about the muscular comment, aren’t you, Miss Ailin?