As the setting sun dipped into the western horizon, the massive fireball melted like ice cream, gradually blending into the distant connection between the sea and sky. The sea water shimmered with golden reflections, and the sail shadows on the sea surface had a painterly quality.

"Well, despite the twists and turns, the result is pretty good, isn't it?"

"It would have been even better if it wasn't forced."

The princess wrapped in a bath towel sat in the steamy water, her face showing a contented expression.

"That view over there is so beautiful!"

Chirp stood at the edge of the hot spring pool, excitedly raising his hand.

Perched on a mountaintop, the Gorcusd Volcano was a relatively gentle isolated peak. Whether it was the manors on the ridges or the fields and towns on the delta plains, the panoramic view easily evoked a sense of joy.

As for why there was a hot spring, it was all thanks to a blow from little Angel that pierced through the underground layers. Chirp had indeed found the right place. The interior of this mountain mass hid underground water veins, which had been sealed by magma before surfacing. Tiran's secondary impact sealed the magma vent, providing an opportunity for the heated underground water to flow out through the cracks.

Moreover, the terrain happened to be a depression, forming a natural hot spring pool. By the time Tiran completely sealed off the magma, it would likely be late, and there wouldn't be enough time to find a manor-built hot spring. It was better to enjoy it here.

"It's a pity there's no drainage system. Once it overflows, we won't be able to use it again..."

Tiran sighed regretfully, resting her hands on her head as she admired the sunset. If she didn't have to concentrate on controlling Chi's output underground, she probably could have relaxed completely and spent the whole day here.

"Aya Senpai, aren't you coming down?"

Small Angel asked curiously as Aya hesitated at the water's edge.

"It wouldn't be proper if I came down without any reservations!"

Aya covered her face, "We did bring swimsuits, so why are we using towels?"

"It's a hot spring after all. What's the difference between wearing swimsuits and going to a hot water swimming pool?" Tiran asserted confidently, "Besides, it's just us here, so it doesn't matter~"

"Of course, it does matter! Please consider the feelings of males!"

Aya didn't feel comfortable facing a girl's body calmly, especially with Chirp, who would knock the door to read the water meter.

"Chirp is someone I approve of, so it's okay even if I'm seen."

"Only for today, I can overlook it," Aya added.

"Oh~ Chirp can also overlook it!" The young girl joined in the conversation happily.

"No, no, you really do matter! Behave! Chirp shouldn't expose himself to others casually!"

While Aya could handle Small Angel and Tiran, she felt compelled to fulfill her duty as a guardian to Chirp.

However, Aya couldn't resist for too long. After all, everyone was enjoying their time in the hot spring, and being alone on the shore was quite dull.

Soaking in the hot water, affected by the sand and minerals brought up by the gushing flow, Aya scooped up a handful of water and sniffed it. "It really has a sulfur smell. No wonder Chirp could find it."

"According to Chirp's assessment, this hot spring is really good for the skin. Aya, you should soak more. It will make my cuddles feel better in the future."

"So, my purpose in your life is just to be a cushion?"

"Of course not~," the princess waved her hand decisively, "there are also things like OO and XX."

"OO... and XX? What do you mean?" Chirp asked cluelessly.

"Don't corrupt the child with such talk!"

Aya almost couldn't resist intervening to stop the princess from addressing inappropriate topics in front of the child.

"Thank goodness my mom isn't here. Otherwise, she would surely complain about how staying up all night every day ruins her skin, and then spend the whole day in the hot spring."

(Please note, it's not advisable to soak in a hot spring for too long.)

"My mother... really seems capable of doing that," Aya thought about Vivian's behavior during the month in the castle and agreed.

"By the way," Tiran seemed to remember something suddenly, "although you mentioned it before, I'm still not clear about what your parents are like."

Based on the information Aya had revealed before, they were powerful, pure-blooded dragons who excelled at pranking their son. But since Tiran had decided to marry Aya, it might be a good idea to understand more about them, right?

At this thought, the princess blushed slightly.

"About them..."

Forced to recall a past full of unbearable memories, Aya couldn't help but cover her face.

...

"Son, son, try this."

"Mm, tasty, but why do I feel a bit dizzy... nauseous..."

"Tsk, did it fail? It looked quite appetizing, but with your inherited resistance to my toxins, you'll be fine!"

...

"Son, try this~"

"I won't eat it! Mom must have made some weird concoction again! Why does she always turn food that looks edible into indigestible dark cuisine?"

"No! If you don't eat it, Dad will have to handle it himself... Hmph, this is your mother's love! You must not fail!"

"So, my life's safety doesn't matter? Isn't it actually Dad who's failing to appreciate Mom's love? Am I really your biological son?"

"Of course... but Dad just prefers girls."

...

"I can't help but feel your parents and mine are quite similar in some ways," the princess sweatdropped.

"Now that you mention it, it does seem... quite a bit..."

I'm truly sorry for letting you know about my eccentric parents, Aya wanted to say.

"So, you still don't know where they are now?"

"Yeah, the only opportunity I had to contact them was during the Morninglight escape, but I used it up. They're probably still out traveling somewhere."

"Oh, I was hoping to invite them for our wedding at least."

Tiran couldn't help but feel regretful.

"W-Wedding?"

"Yeah, General Lin was thinking of marrying both of us at the same time."

That reason left no room for rebuttal.

"And, is it not good to marry me?"

The girl's eyes sparkled with a peculiar charm.

"Of course not... Huh?!"

Aya realized something wasn't right as she subconsciously nodded, "Wait a minute, marrying you?"

"Because I intend to have you wear a wedding gown then~"

Tiran revealed a mischievous evil grin, "I've already bought the dress~"

Recalling her experience as a model at Roger's clothing store, Aya felt deceived.

Seeing Aya's dejected expression, Tiran found it a bit amusing. She leaned in close to the Dragon who shrank back, whispering softly in her ear:

"If you want to see me wear it, you can... slowly... when we're alone."