Above the warm waters of the Elven Spring, the chilly night breeze softened, carrying a hint of summer’s coolness. It swirled gently around the bare-skinned maiden in the hot spring, as peaceful as snowflakes melting by a hearth.

Bathing in an open-air hot spring to meet the Elven Folk elders... It sounded unbelievable, but it was indeed one of their quirky traditions.

According to that Elf maiden, the Elven Spring washed away curses, hunger, cold, and unease from the outside world, purifying the bather’s soul.

I didn’t feel those effects soaking in the spring. But the warm water relaxed me completely. And... shame.

Yeah... shame. Even through the mist, I could vaguely see the naked bodies of the slightly playful maidens beside me.

“So, why did you buy that Saint’s Ring... um, that ring is super important to this lady. Can I borrow it for a while?”

Nearby, that guy kept trying to talk to the expressionless Elf maiden. The result was obvious.

“No.”

Hearing him, the Elf maiden casually washed herself with spring water. She glanced sideways with the corner of her eye, her gaze still cold.

“Ara ara, that ring is super important to us too. Can’t lend it out,” Xia chirped with a cheerful smile. She’d stripped off her clothes, looking like a naked little girl about fifteen centimeters tall.

With a *plop!*, a water ball appeared in Xia’s hand. It splashed onto Tida’s neat hair. “But really, Master, don’t be so cold just ’cause someone saw you naked. Your cuteness level drops instantly... Ow ow ow...!”

Before Xia finished, Tida skillfully grabbed the fluttering little sprite. Xia immediately started begging.

“The ring has important uses. Cannot lend it,” Tida said, holding Xia’s head. She looked up again, her tone flat. “Please understand.”

“Hmm, what uses? Making excuses ’cause you won’t lend it to me?” From the mist, that guy let out a dissatisfied grunt. My wings got pinched like a stress toy.

“Little Yiyi’s cuter. Soft to squeeze, tender skin, tiny like a doll.”

Huh. What’s that got to do with me...

“Ara ara, our Elf Village’s barrier magic crystal is gone,” Xia explained energetically, eyes fixed on my naked form. In her pupils, I saw a shy, delicate little girl. “The auction house’s last item was a magic tool tied to crystals. To restore the barrier, we had to buy a high-grade one. We also grabbed some magic tools Master likes. Otherwise, monsters and wolves invade the Elf Village... Even with the War Ancient Tree and Elf Rangers patrolling nonstop, beasts still appear. Low-level ones? Master and I wipe ’em out fast. But fourth-tier or higher monsters Master can’t handle? We run... Mmph... Ugh... Let... Mwah... Ah... Breathing! Don’t cover my mouth, Master.”

“The barrier’s disappearance must not be spoken of.”

Watching Tida silence Xia, I pursed my lips. She’d already said it out loud. Was this act really appropriate?

But the barrier gone, monsters entering the forest... it sounded dangerous. So at the auction, they skipped the second-to-last item to save money and bid higher on the last one for this reason...

Halfway through my thoughts, I glanced at the naked Elf maiden seriously covering Xia’s mouth. Blushing, I lowered my head. While the master... that guy behind me hesitated, I wriggled free from her hand on my wings and sank into the water.

This scene was incredibly embarrassing.

Just as I gently submerged, covering my eyes to pretend I couldn’t see their naked bodies, a sudden howl pierced my ears.

No mistake—it was a howl, distinct from splashes and laughter. Like a wolf’s cry but more terrifying: a monster’s roar.

The two Elves froze. Then they stood quickly, peering into the deep forest nearby.

Seeing their snow-white skin, I ducked my head underwater again. You two naked girls—was this really appropriate?

Bubbles gurgled as Xia’s tense voice reached me.

“Bad... Master, it’s... a fifth-tier monster’s aura...”