The girl had no choice but to let her hold on.

Minute after minute ticked by. The embrace had long surpassed ten minutes, yet Chili didn’t loosen her grip, and Silverbloom didn’t struggle.

“Being with you is so comfortable. You smell nice, feel soft… and most importantly…”

Chili peered down at the girl in her arms, suspicion flickering in her eyes.

“Did you poison me? Every time we’re alone, I can’t help but spill my deepest thoughts.”

“I’ll listen to whatever you want to say.”

The girl’s voice flowed like gentle water, as if she’d quietly absorb any secret Chili might share.

“What secrets are left? I’ve already told you everything.”

Chili finally released her, stretched lazily, and leaned against the hot spring’s edge, gazing up at the night sky.

The moon hung bright and clear, stars scattered like diamonds.

“What a beautiful night. Their loss for skipping the hot spring… Wait! Was that a shooting star?”

Spotting a streak of light across the heavens, she clasped her hands together, ready to close her eyes and make a wish—but she was too slow. The star vanished before her wish could form.

“Why’d it disappear so fast? I hadn’t even wished yet!”

Disappointment washed over her.

Watching this, the girl subtly flicked her finger. Another brilliant shooting star blazed across the darkening sky.

“Another one!” she pointed. “Quick, make your wish!”

Chili hurriedly clasped her hands again, shut her eyes tight, and shouted: “I wish the four of us stay together forever!”

“Silly,” the girl chuckled softly. “Wishes shouted out loud never come true.”

Chili lowered her hands, smiling.

“But this was *your* shooting star. Of course I had to say my wish out loud—for you to hear. How else will you make it come true, Silverbloom?”

…

“Lena? Lena?”

A voice pulled her from the memory. Turning her head, Lena saw not Chili beside her, but Celia.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just remembering the past.”

“But you look so sad.”

“Memories always carry regrets.”

Lena fell silent, staring down.

It had been over twenty years since she’d seen her old teammates. Suddenly, she missed them fiercely.

Had Chili’s temper mellowed with time? Without her there, who did Chili confide in now?

And the other two…

She’d been the thread binding their team together. Yet she was the one who’d left first.

Even after escaping the Demon King’s Castle, she never sought them out.

She’d broken their trust, shattered their vow of “never parting.”

That regret would haunt her forever.

Just then, giggles echoed from behind.

“I’m here!”

“Isa, slow down!”

Before Lena could react, a pink blur cannonballed into the hot spring. Water surged, drenching both her and Celia.

On the edge, Aurora facepalmed.

“Isa!” Celia wiped water from her face, scolding.

Only Isa’s eyes and forehead surfaced, bubbles gurgling around her as she breathed.

Knowing her nature, Celia let it slide. Soon after, Sharin arrived in a yukata, her slender legs and delicate figure peeking out—utterly captivating.

“You all finished so fast?”

“You’re just too slow!” Celia retorted.

“Sorry. At my age, skin care matters.”

“You’re a Fifth Rank Hero. Aging isn’t exactly your problem,” Celia shot back.

Aurora glanced at Lena. “Lena’s skin is the best-kept secret. She looks fairer than even Guild Master Sharin.”

All eyes turned to Lena. Celia openly admired her glow, but Lena caught Aurora’s hidden meaning:

*She’s worried Celia’s words hurt me. No magic means I’ll age… and fade.*

*This clever girl can be surprisingly thoughtful.*

But Lena didn’t care about such things.

The hot spring chatter turned to tales. Sharin spun stories of legendary Heroes who’d risen to fame recently. Celia, Isa, and Aurora listened with wide, awestruck eyes, their youthful spirits igniting with unshakeable resolve.

Watching them, Lena saw her younger self—

Before becoming a Hero, she’d idolized veterans just like this.

Now, the legend of the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden had faded. She was merely an instructor nurturing rookies… and their landlady.

Feeling light-headed from the heat, Lena slipped out of the spring first, heading to the changing room. Sharin followed, leaving the three girls still soaking. Alone now, Lena seized the moment to confess what she’d buried—and crush any hopes Sharin might harbor.

“Sharin… I’ve kept something from you.”

Dressed, Lena approached the Guild Master. Sharin’s yukata gaped slightly at the chest, revealing a glimpse of snowy peaks.

“What is it?” Sharin asked, utterly unconcerned with her exposed skin. Lena’s solemn tone unsettled her.

After a pause, Lena said: “I’m married. I have a child.”

“…Don’t lie. I’ve known you ten years. Never once mentioned a husband or child.” Sharin’s expression stayed calm, but disbelief edged her voice.

“There are reasons. I can’t explain.”

“Is it… Elder Silverflower?”

“Huh? No—”

“I should’ve guessed. Meeting you after all she suffered… your damned gentleness would’ve shattered her defenses.”

“It’s not like that—” Lena tried to correct her, but Sharin cut in with a soft laugh.

“Pfft. Doesn’t matter. I’m just surprised you’re married… and can’t name your spouse.” She tapped her chin. “Means they’re someone important. Elder Silverflower’s one possibility… or…” Her eyes narrowed. “Could Elder Silverflower actually be your spouse’s bodyguard? But who in humanity commands *her*? Unless…” A wild thought struck her. “You didn’t marry the *Demon King*, did you? No, even he couldn’t order Elder Silverflower around.”

Sharin’s logic was sharp. And though her path was wrong, her destination was chillingly accurate.

Lena *had* married the Demon King.

At those words, Lena’s body trembled—almost imperceptibly.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Lena cut her off sharply, heart pounding. One more word, and buried memories might surface… and slip out.

But seeing no heartbreak in Sharin’s eyes, Lena exhaled quietly.

*Guess I overthought it.*