Chapter 16: Bathing with Lira (R-18)
As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight streamed through the wooden lattice of Lucas’ chamber. He exhaled deeply, his breath steady yet filled with mild frustration. He had spent the entire night cultivating, yet his progress remained slow. Dual Cultivation required both Yang and Yin energies, and he had already maximized his internal Yang. Now, to break through to the next stage of the Adept Rank, he needed Yin energy—something he was currently lacking.
A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Good morning, my Lord," Lira’s gentle voice carried through the chamber.
Lucas opened his eyes and stretched lazily before turning to look at her. She stood by the doorway, her usual modest servant attire neatly in place, her hands clasped in front of her stomach in a respectful posture.
"Morning, Lira," he said, his voice smooth but slightly groggy. "Would you prepare my bath?"
"Right away, my Lord," she answered swiftly, moving toward the bathing area with practiced grace.
As she worked, pouring warm, herb-infused water into the large wooden tub, Lucas found himself admiring her without even meaning to. There was something about Lira—she wasn’t the most breathtaking beauty in the world, especially when compared to women like Princess Nyx or Selene—but there was a raw purity to her, an innocence that made her strangely alluring. Unlike noblewomen who carried an air of pride and refinement, Lira was humble, soft-spoken, and utterly devoted.
"It’s ready, my Lord," she said, bowing slightly.
Lucas nodded, standing up and undoing the belt of his robe. The fabric slipped off his shoulders, revealing his lean, well-defined frame. Although he was not overly muscular, his broad shoulders, sharp collarbones, and toned abdomen hinted at his growing physical strength.
Without hesitation, he stepped into the bath, the heat from the water immediately soothing his sore muscles. He leaned back, resting his arms on the edges of the tub, letting his mind wander.
After a moment of silence, he spoke.