Since neither of us went down, and neither has strength for another strike, let’s call it a draw, like embers dimming after a storm.

She saw my worry first, like frost catching dawn light, and FrostyLily Dream glanced my way. It’s a draw, but for my sister’s sake I’ll loosen the net and let you through. Yumigawa Sumeragi, you’ve cleared it. As promised, forget the Ice Dream Lotus.

Much obliged! Relief rose like warm spring over snow.

Only then did my breath smooth out, like a lake settling after wind. It’s finally over—this strange little journey.

You’re all exhausted, like willows after rain. Rest in the palace.

Sorry to impose.

We followed FrostyLily Dream into the Palace of Ice Crystal. It was built of ice, yet it held no chill; warmth and coolness mingled like spring hidden beneath winter, pure comfort.

Inside the palace.

Lixue, Yumigawa Sumeragi, go bathe and unwind. She produced an ice-blue yukata traced with snowflakes, sized for Lixue, and tossed it to me. Especially you, Yumigawa Sumeragi—your clothes are in tatters, like a street beggar.

Ha-ha…

I took the yukata, my smile stiff as frozen dew.

Bath time? Dear Big Brother, we’re going too!

It’s been years since we bathed with Big Brother. Let’s go.

I’d just learned where the bath was and was heading there when Lingxiao and Lingsaki clamored after me like sparrows at dawn. Bathing together was normal when we were kids, but we’ve all grown up.

Um… at our age… bathing together isn’t a great idea, right?

What’s wrong with it?! Does bathing with dear Big Brother have an age limit?

Exactly! We finally reunited after so many years—why fuss over age?

The moment I leaned toward refusal, their voices surged like a tide.

Yumigawa Sumeragi, the palace bath is huge. Bathing together is no problem. Don’t worry.

Lixue walked over with fresh clothes cradled like snow on her arms. Hey, that’s not my point.

I’m a guy! I protested, weak as a candle in wind.

I know. But since it’s you, it’s fine. I’ve acknowledged you. Lixue’s calm was a quiet moon, and I was left without words.

…All right. Then I’ll accept. Better to be polite than stubborn.

I gave in, resigned as falling leaves, planning to find a corner and mind my own business.

Yumigawa Sumeragi, your luck with beauties is no small blessing. Forget it—this lady wants a soak too. I’ll join.

Eh?!

What is this, post-battle benefits?

In the bath.

Heat climbed my face like sunset on snow. Why? Because four stunning women were soaking with me, steam veiling them like silk. FrostyLily Dream, despite her petite build, had a face that rivaled Xinuo’s. I tried to slip to a quiet corner, but my sisters hooked my arms like ivy and pulled me back. “Together makes the mood,” they said.

We ended up close—too close—and of course, it’s a bath, so no clothes. Thankfully towels draped them like clouds, or I wouldn’t know where to rest my eyes.

Um…

Since we stepped into the water, Lixue kept staring, her gaze a cool blade on my skin. Uh… Lixue, is there something odd about me?

Yumigawa Sumeragi, you’re truly beautiful, especially with your hair let down, like gold in moonlight.

She said it plainly, like clear spring water. People should feel happy when praised for looks, right? But I couldn’t summon joy; this scene had played out too often.

Maybe I take after Mother.

Letting your hair down, you read as a beautiful girl from any angle. Yumigawa Sumeragi, you’re a born beauty. Even FrostyLily Dream was judging my face like a painter weighing light.

Of course! Dear Big Brother was adorable as a child, and even more so now!

Right! As our Big Brother, he can’t be flawed in any way!

They preened like peacocks at dawn. I wanted to sink under the water and become a bubble.

Family genes, hmm… Lixue murmured, a hush like snow. Pretty boy is fine, but men should lean more masculine.

Critical hit!

I wilted like grass under frost. That mix of feelings is rough.

Speaking of which, isn’t your hair too long for a man? Short hair shows strength more clearly.

FrostyLily Dream toyed with my hair, strands shining like wheat.

So… you mean I should cut it short?

No, no! Cutting such lovely gold would be a pity. Hair must match the face. Your soft features suit elegant long hair. Keep it.

I agree. Yumigawa Sumeragi in short hair… it feels like something vital would be missing.

Big Brother with tied hair is handsome. Don’t worry.

Right! That golden long hair is one of dear Big Brother’s charms!

…Ha-ha.

I could only cover my shyness with a dry laugh, like tapping a fan against a cheek. Keep your heart steady; don’t overthink it. That’s probably the lesson.

Time slipped by in easy chatter, like tea cooling unnoticed. I soaked too long and felt dizzy.

I’m lightheaded. I’ll get out first. I’ll cook something. What do you all want to eat?

I stepped from the bath with a towel like a cloud over my shoulders, asked for the kitchen and everyone’s cravings, then left.

This really is Lixue’s clothing, huh? I slipped on the yukata FrostyLily Dream gave me and caught a scent like a snow lotus—the same note Lixue carried. Wow. Embarrassing.

But I can’t roam around in a bath towel cooking, right? I patted my cheeks, brushed off idle thoughts like dust, and headed for the kitchen.

Minutes later, in the kitchen.

Wow, this kitchen’s better than expected, bright as a hearth in winter.

I thought the Palace of Ice Crystal’s kitchen would feel unused—only FrostyLily Dream and Lixue live here, no maids buzzing. Neglect wouldn’t surprise me. But this kitchen clearly sees daily fire; the pot beside me still held a trace of noodle broth like a river’s last ripple.

I tasted a little. Good—clean and savory, like night air after rain. It’s getting late. I should hurry. Dusk already pooled outside the window, so I ran to the pantry and started picking ingredients like stars from a basket.