"There's no such rule. It's just that people without magic rarely come here, so she was simply curious."

Sharin explained casually. Seeing no deception in her eyes, Lena lowered her voice: "Alright then. I don’t want to cause you trouble."

"Pfft—"

Sharin burst into uncontrollable giggles.

"Please. You’re just a flower shop owner. What trouble could you possibly cause? Even Vedona’s governor wouldn’t dare raise their voice at me."

The Heroes Guild operated independently from the city, beyond the Empire’s jurisdiction. Her standing within the Guild equaled that of Vedona’s governor.

Though usually easygoing, when truly angered, even the governor would tremble before her.

Before entering the hot spring, they needed to wash. Sharin led them to the shop’s private shower stalls.

After undressing, Lena turned on the showerhead. Warm water gushed out, wetting her face and long hair. The stream washed away her fatigue, soothing her body.

Thoroughly cleansed and dried, she wrapped herself in a towel and walked toward the back of the shower area.

Beyond lay an open-air hot spring. Greenery lined the walls, dotted with vibrant red blooms. Wisps of steam rose from the water’s surface, where crimson petals drifted lazily toward a girl submerged waist-deep at the edge.

The girl blew gently. The petals floated away with the ripples.

She was alone.

"Celia."

"Lena."

The girl turned. Seeing who it was, she tightened her yukata. Her cheeks flushed faintly—whether from shyness or steam, it was hard to tell.

Lena dipped her toes in, then slowly sank into the warm water. She closed her eyes, savoring the comfort before drifting toward Celia.

As she neared, the girl shrank back like a startled rabbit, silently putting distance between them.

Lena knew it was shyness, yet her heart still ached.

"I heard you trained all day at the Guild. Tired?" she asked softly.

"Not tired, just..." Celia ducked underwater until only her head remained visible, as if hiding. "I just... found out today my instructor is my idol!"

"But I acted so childish in front of her. If I’d known, I’d have kept my mouth shut..." She stared glumly at the water, ashamed of her behavior before Elder Silverflower.

As a noble’s daughter, she’d been educated early, holding herself to strict standards. Maturity was expected. Had she not pursued becoming a Hero, she’d be learning etiquette like other noble girls.

Yet today proved she was anything but mature.

*So embarrassing.*

Seeing her lost in sorrow, Lena silently closed the gap.

"It’s alright, Celia. You’re mature for your age. When I was your age, I was a clumsy mess." She comforted her. "Besides... your instructor might prefer you exactly as you are."

Compared to a perfectly poised Celia, Lena truly did prefer this flustered, genuine version.

"Why? Don’t elders like well-behaved children?"

"Do *you* think you were ill-behaved?" Lena’s question silenced Celia.

"Being clever and dutiful *while* keeping a child’s spirit? That’s utterly endearing."

"Your instructor probably wanted to scoop you into a tight hug the moment she saw you." Lena meant every word.

While Celia pondered this, Lena gently wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

The girl’s body was soft, like hugging a plush pillow. Leaning down, Lena caught the faint floral scent on her skin, noticed the butterfly-shaped birthmark on her neck beneath her pinned-up hair.

*Over ten years...* Her daughter was grown now, carrying her own worries. Pride warred with guilt in Lena’s heart.

Celia tilted her head, resting it on Lena’s shoulder. Her earlier shyness had vanished.

"Really?"

"Of course. You’re incredibly cute."

"Hah? *Mature*!"

"Yes, yes—mature."

Hearing that indulgent reply, Celia’s lips curled into a smile. Lena pressed her cheek against the girl’s hair.

Red petals drifted near them. Celia lifted one, cradling it in her palm, studying it curiously. After a moment, she let it float free.

Nuzzling against Lena’s chest like a kitten, she murmured, "Being with you feels so nice, Sister Lena."

A soft hum escaped her. Then her nose scrunched. She clenched a tiny fist. "Unlike my idol! She bullied me today! When I get stronger, I’ll bully her back!"

Once, she’d thought both her landlady and Elder Silverflower were gentle souls. Now, Silverflower wore a little demon label in her heart.

*Her kindness isn’t as pure as the landlady’s.*

Lena stayed silent. Celia’s words had unlocked a distant memory.

*‘Being with you feels nice’?*

Someone had said that long ago...

***

"Hahaha, Silverbloom! Did you see that receptionist’s face? She stammered like a fool when she recognized you!"

A red-haired girl in a yukata giggled like wind chimes, elegantly crossing her legs in the spring.

"Laughing behind others’ backs isn’t kind, Chili."

Beside her, Silverbloom kept her eyes closed, savoring the warmth.

"Oh, it’s not mockery! I’m just awed by your fame. This place only serves Fifth Rank Heroes and above—those receptionists have met emperors! Yet *you* left her speechless."

Chili spun around, gripping Silverbloom’s shoulders earnestly. "Admit it. You’re humanity’s most famous Hero now."

Silverbloom batted her hands away. "Boring."

"I’m *complimenting* you! That hurts!"

Chili bristled with mock offense. Ignoring her slipping yukata, she yanked Silverbloom into a crushing hug, her ample bosom pressing against the smaller girl’s face.

"Ten minutes! No less! Only then will my wounded heart heal!"