Chapter 311: The New Morning Routine (3) Hot Bath
As the group dispersed, heading towards the bathhouse for a much-needed soak, Lyan found himself reflecting on the morning’s events. The Valkyries had proven their skill and adaptability, even if they had been caught off guard by his unconventional methods. It was a reminder that in real combat, unpredictability could be a powerful tool.
"Well, as expected of them. I needed to use some of Arturia’s mana and Griselda’s mana to maintain that speed to avoid them. Such great teamwork as well," Lyan uttered as he stretched his body.
The bathhouse was a luxurious addition to the castle, a place where they could unwind and relax after their rigorous training sessions. The air was filled with the scent of fresh herbs, and the steam rising from the hot water created a soothing, misty atmosphere. The private bathhouse was divided into several sections, each offering varying degrees of privacy.
Lyan slipped into one of the larger communal baths, the hot water immediately soothing his tired muscles. He leaned back against the smooth stone edge, closing his eyes and letting the warmth seep into his bones. The soft murmurs of conversation around him blended with the gentle splashing of water, creating a tranquil ambiance.
One by one, the women joined him, each slipping into the water with a sigh of relief. Belle settled next to him, her long pink hair floating around her like a halo. She leaned her head on his shoulder, her eyes closing in contentment. "That was quite the workout," she murmured, her voice soft.
Lyan smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You all did great," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You’re getting stronger every day."
Alina, on his other side, chuckled softly. "I think we learned more about you than anything else," she teased, her tone light. "You’ve got quite a few tricks up your sleeve."
Xena splashed playfully, sending a small wave of water towards Lyan. "Next time, I’ll be ready for you," she declared, her eyes glinting with mischief. "No more surprises."
Josephine, lounging nearby, shook her head in amusement. "Lyan always has a surprise or two," she remarked, her tone affectionate. "It’s one of the things we love about him."
Raine, her white hair plastered to her shoulders, nodded in agreement. "It’s never boring around here," she added, her voice filled with warmth.
Ravia leaned against the edge of the bath, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, Lyan," she began, her tone teasing. "Was the whole kiss-and-disarm strategy planned, or were you just improvising?"