Chapter 9: I want to shower with you.

Outside the bathroom door, Melin hesitated. Worry finally overpowered shyness. She knocked gently, voice thick with concern.

“Lady Celis, can I come in?”

“I’m still bathing.”

Celis refused for the first time. But Melin didn’t give up.

“I… I want to bathe with you.”

“That’s not appropriate.”

Melin’s hand rested on the knob. Blush lingered, but care dominated.

“What’s wrong? We’re both girls.”

“Maybe… later.”

After seconds of silence, Melin turned the knob and opened the door. Celis, unprepared for boldness, clutched her chest and retreated to the tub’s deepest end.

“Melin?”

“Sorry, Lady Celis. I just need to confirm something.”

Melin looked at her back.

“You’re hurt, right? Your back… has many whip marks?”

Lowering her gaze, Celis didn’t answer or turn. A faint, almost icy distance crept into her expression.

She didn’t want Melin to know.

Melin noticed the withdrawal. It stung, but heartache made her persistent.

“Because of us? Because you keep saving us, Lady Isabelle… punishes you like this?”

Celis was an imperial saintess—exalted. Those marks screamed punishment. Only another saintess, Isabelle, could do this.

The reason was simple: Celis repeatedly saved knights meant to die, ruining Isabelle’s plans.

That was all Melin could think.

Celis bowed her head. Silver hair curled from steam. Her eyes dimmed. Voice low.

“This isn’t for you to worry about.”

Fists clenched instinctively. Melin grew agitated.

“How is it not my business! Watching you suffer for us while I know nothing, do nothing—it hurts more than any training!”

“At least… let me apply medicine…”

Silence filled the bathroom.

When Celis spoke again, her tone softened, laced with deep, heartbreaking weariness.

“Melin, some things are better unknown. I… want you to move forward without hesitation. Not held back by fears, losing the courage you should have.”

“…So you bear everything alone? For us?” Melin bit her lip.

“Go back, Melin. When you’re truly strong, if you still want answers, I’ll tell you everything myself.”

“But now, let me keep this… small secret and dignity, okay?”

Celis hugged her arms. Half her body sank below the water.

Only then did Melin see the exquisite girl’s face reveal heartbreaking exhaustion. She held herself tightly—lonely, forlorn.

Yet her golden eyes remained gentle.

Even bearing all, she was as kind as ever.

“…I understand. Sorry, Lady Celis. I was willful.”

“It’s fine. It’s late. Rest.”

“Yes.”

Perhaps from the warm steam, perhaps guilt and self-blame, Melin’s face flushed fully. She looked deeply at Celis, then walked out.

At the door, she remembered something.

“Right. You leave tomorrow morning?”

“Yes. I’ve been away from the Oracle Hall a day. If I don’t return, she’ll come looking.”

Who?

Celis didn’t say. But Melin knew—Isabelle.

That hateful fake saintess.

Saying no more, Melin left. Celis exhaled softly, then sank fully into the warm water, relaxing.

…

Next day, dawn barely breaking.

The booked carriage waited before Melin’s home. Celis packed simply, ready to leave Anna Town.

Mrs. Mariel shuffled out to see her off. One thing puzzled her—Melin was missing.

She hadn’t seen her since early morning.

With mild reproach, she grumbled.

“Sigh, where did that girl go? Vanished at dawn. Not even here to send you off. So inconsiderate.”

“She probably didn’t expect me to leave so early.”

Celis smiled, covering for Melin.

“My lady, thank you for caring for my daughter these days. Be safe on the road.”

“Yes. If time allows, I’ll visit again.”

Waving, Celis approached the carriage. Fingertips lifted her hem. As she raised a foot to the step, a shout came.

“Wait!”

Looking over, a petite figure sprinted toward them. In the girl’s arms lay several unopened white lilies.

No wonder she vanished at dawn—she prepared a farewell gift.

Unopened lilies. A fine gift, carrying her hometown’s scent.

Celis smiled helplessly.

Reaching Celis and Mrs. Mariel, panting Melin caught her breath. Under Celis’s surprised gaze, she handed the lilies to her mother.

Then she bowed deeply to Mrs. Mariel.

She said nothing. But Mrs. Mariel understood everything.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes, Mom. Sorry I lied. But don’t worry. Your daughter will be fine.”

“…You’ve grown.”

Mrs. Mariel’s eyes reddened suddenly.

Melin hugged her tight. After a moment, she rubbed her red eyes.

“But not enough. Your daughter still needs to grow.”

Breeze blowing, Mrs. Mariel unconsciously clutched the lilies. Voice hoarse.

“Will… you come back?”

Pausing, Melin nodded firmly.

“Lady Celis said a flower’s most beautiful moment is the ‘anticipation’ of believing it will bloom. If you miss me, look at these unopened lilies.”

“When they bloom, I’ll return for sure.”