The portal swallowed them whole in a breathless shimmer of silver-blue light, and in the blink of an eye, the marble confines of the tower vanished. What replaced it was nothing less than a spectacle that forced even Blanche, with all her noble upbringing, to pause mid-step.
They emerged onto a vast balcony platform of crystalline glass, and before them stretched the Sky Atrium—a suspended city in the clouds, glimmering like a jewel carved into the heavens. The ground beneath their feet thrummed with an otherworldly hum, the platform etched with runes of levitation, and beyond the glass railings was a sea of rolling clouds tinged gold by the sun above. The very air shimmered thin and pure, carrying the faint scent of blossoms that seemed impossible to grow this high.
Stretching forward were avenues wide enough for carriages of pure light, paved with pale white stone that sparkled as though flecked with starlight. Towering shopfronts lined either side—buildings sculpted of silver frames, crystal windows, and luminous banners swaying in the gentle wind. Each boutique pulsed with glamour: flowing silks, radiant jewels, enchanted artifacts glowing in display cases. There was no dirt, no dust, not a single imperfection—every corner seemed designed to remind anyone who stepped here that they were in the realm of the elite.
Ruka was the first to breathe out a stunned whisper, her voice so small it nearly vanished in the rush of air.
"It's… too much. Way too much…"
Her dark-green eyes darted everywhere, caught between awe and unease, her hands tightening against her sleeves like she wasn't sure if she belonged here.
Vila, on the other hand, tilted her chin slightly upward, golden hair catching the glow of a hundred floating lanterns drifting lazily above the streets. Her expression was as calm as ever, but her ears twitched faintly—betraying that even she was quietly overwhelmed.
"This… is artificial splendor," she murmured, her tone neutral, yet her gaze kept sweeping left and right as though she couldn't quite take it all in at once.
Blanche let out a low exhale, lips curling into something close to a laugh. For once her perfectly poised demeanor faltered; the stoic, untouchable Equinox heir was replaced by a girl with wide eyes, absorbing luxury she had expected to know but clearly didn't.
"So this is the Atrium… I was raised to imagine magnificence, but… magnificence is still different when you see it."
Then came Yuxin—who strolled forward with her hands in her pockets, the faintest look of boredom on her face, as if she had walked into a corner shop rather than an architectural wonder hovering above the world. Her voice was dry, almost cutting through their awe.
"What? You guys never seen expensive buildings before? This isn't that big of a deal."
The others turned to look at her, disbelief in their eyes. Blanche arched a delicate brow.
"Not that big of a deal?"
Ruka actually pointed both her hands outward at the glittering panorama—the floating gondolas of crystal drifting above, the endless expanse of shops where nobles in silken robes laughed, traded, and flaunted golden trinkets. Her voice cracked.
"There's a—there's a pearl fountain over there just spitting out coins like it's nothing! How is this not a big deal?!"
Yuxin shrugged, her lips quirking.
"I told you. My parents threw money into building this place. I've been dragged here before. Trust me, the charm wears off fast when it feels more like a gilded cage than a city."
Vila blinked at her slowly, absorbing the words in silence. Blanche's gaze lingered on Yuxin with a trace of sympathy behind her calm exterior, but Ruka was too busy spinning in place, pointing at one glowing shop window after another.
The girls began to move, weaving through crowds of perfumed nobles and merchants. The air buzzed with music—harps and flutes playing themselves in open-air balconies, while exotic birds with crystalline feathers wheeled overhead. Street performers conjured illusions in the plaza, entire dragons of flame and water spiraling through the air before exploding into harmless motes of light, sending gasps of delight through onlookers.
Ruka practically pressed her face against a window where enchanted plush toys danced on their own, her voice carrying the breathless excitement of a child.
"Blanche! Vila! Look—look, they move by themselves! Oh, gods, I want one—no, I want all of them!"
Blanche sighed, her voice half amused, half exasperated.
"Compose yourself, Ruka. We are not here to buy every trinket that catches your eye."
Ruka pouted dramatically but didn't stop staring at the window.
Meanwhile, Vila had stopped in front of a jeweler's stall—its counters glittering with silver chains, pendants shaped like leaves, and earrings carved into blossoms that pulsed faintly with captured moonlight. The elf's hand hovered briefly over a necklace shaped like intertwined roots holding a small gemstone of pure dew. She didn't pick it up, only stared, her face unreadable. Yuxin caught the way Vila's fingers lingered and muttered under her breath.
"If you like it, just take it. It's not like they'd miss one shiny rock with how overpriced everything is here."
Vila turned her gaze to her, expression cool as ever, but her voice carried a faint warmth.
"That would be stealing."
Yuxin smirked.
"Or… rebellion."
Blanche cut in with her practiced, composed tone.
"Neither. We are guests in this place. Remember that."
Still, her gaze flickered once more toward Yuxin—something unreadable settling in her eyes.
They continued walking deeper into the Sky Atrium, each girl pulled by different attractions—Ruka darting toward animated trinkets, Vila pausing before relics crafted in imitation of nature, Blanche studying every corner with her analytical calm, and Yuxin trailing behind them, feigning boredom but unable to hide the faintest curl of a smile at their wonder.
And above them, the city stretched on like an endless dream of luxury and light, every corner a stage inviting them to forget their fatigue, their battles, their burdens—just for a little while.
The four of them strolled through the wide, glimmering streets of the Sky Atrium, weaving between streams of noble families, jeweled merchants, and the occasional automaton servant gliding past with trays of crystalline flutes filled with golden wine. Yuxin walked in front, one hand stuffed lazily into the pocket of her academy uniform, the other swinging loosely at her side as her shadow trailed beneath the immaculate lanternlight. Behind her, Blanche, Vila, and Ruka kept their pace steady, eyes wandering to the endless windows filled with gowns, artifacts, weapons, perfumes, and trinkets that shimmered with enchantments.
Ruka leaned forward, tugging softly at Yuxin's sleeve as her gaze darted toward a boutique where a floating mannequin wore a dress of cascading starlight. Her voice was a mixture of awe and dread.
"Hey, Yuxin… are all the shops here this expensive? Like… I don't think I've seen a single price tag that doesn't make me feel poor just by looking at it."
Yuxin glanced back at her, her lips twitching into a wry smirk.
"Yeah, they're expensive. Everything here is top-grade, quality checked, enchanted, and meant to squeeze every last coin out of bored nobles. That's why I was planning to take you guys somewhere more… reasonable. Somewhere you won't have to sell your soul just to buy a snack."
Ruka's shoulders slumped with relief, though her eyes still wandered wistfully to the glowing dress.
Before Yuxin could continue leading them, Blanche's clear, composed voice cut through.
"That will not be necessary. I will cover the costs for all of us."
Yuxin stopped mid-step and turned her head sharply, her dark eyes narrowing with amusement. Her lips curved in a small, disbelieving grin as she faced Blanche fully.
"Oh? You're just gonna casually drop that you'll pay for everything? Do you even realize how much these shops charge for a single glass of water? You planning to bankrupt your family just for a stroll?"
Blanche's expression didn't waver. She stood with her arms folded elegantly across her chest, posture straight, every word flowing with the calm assurance of someone who never needed to doubt her wealth.
"It does not matter. My coffers have been full for far too long, nearly overflowing, and I have had no meaningful reason to deplete them. If I cannot spend it on enjoyment with companions, then what purpose does it serve?"
Yuxin blinked, then let out a soft snort that quickly escalated into a dry laugh. She tilted her head, eyeing Blanche with exaggerated mockery.
"Gods above, listen to yourself. You really said that like some heroine from a rich-girl drama. Overflowing coffers, no idea how to spend the money… seriously, how filthy rich are you, Equinox?"
Blanche merely tilted her chin, unbothered, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Yuxin shook her head, still chuckling under her breath, but her stride slowed as her gaze swept over the radiant boulevard ahead. For a moment, she looked uncertain—her fingers drumming idly against her thigh as she searched for something, anything, to latch onto as a distraction. Her eyes landed on a tall building not far down the street, its white-marble facade carved into gentle curves and gilded filigree. A faint mist curled from its open archways, and the sweet, calming scent of lavender and warm water drifted through the air. Above the arched entrance, in soft glowing letters of gold, hung the name: Seraphine Rest.
Yuxin jabbed her thumb toward it, her smirk returning.
"Fine. Whatever. If you're so desperate to spend that overflowing mountain of coin, why don't we start there? Looks like a spa. Fancy enough for princess Blanche, probably overpriced enough to match your bragging. Let's see if their bathwater sparkles too."
Her sarcasm drew a soft sigh from Blanche, though her eyes followed Yuxin's gesture toward the spa with interest. Vila's sharp gaze lingered on the archways, ears flicking faintly at the unfamiliar scent of herbs, while Ruka's eyes lit up like a child promised candy.
The glow of Seraphine Rest beckoned them forward, an oasis of opulence in a city already dripping with it.
The tall crystal doors of Seraphine Rest slid open without a sound as Yuxin pushed them lightly with her palm, the faintest ripple of blue light trailing after her hand as though the spa itself breathed magic. Inside, the atmosphere changed immediately—the bustling noise of the Sky Atrium vanished behind them, replaced by a calm hush filled with the faint drip of water and the airy hum of enchanted crystals set in the ceiling. The marble floors gleamed beneath their steps, and a sweet herbal fragrance, both cooling and invigorating, filled their lungs.
A small line of attendants in soft azure uniforms bowed as the four entered, their movements synchronized, almost like dancers on a stage. One attendant, a tall man with a smile as smooth as still water, stepped forward and gestured gracefully toward an engraved menu that hovered midair like a constellation of glowing text. His voice was calm and practiced, like silk gliding over glass.
"Welcome to Seraphine Rest. We are honored to host you today. Please, allow me to present the available treatments."
He waved his hand, and the letters of light reshaped, forming delicate sigils around each name.
"First, Mana Flow, to ease and restore the channels of arcane energy within your bodies."
"Second, Starlight Therapy, harnessing simulated celestial light to renew stamina and calm the mind."
"Third, Herbal Infusion Massage, utilizing herbs cultivated from floating isles, pressed into rare oils."
"Fourth, Spirit Alignment, harmonizing the tether between astraga and vessel, sharpening mental clarity."
"And lastly, Featherlight Technique, a gentle session that leaves the body weightless, lifting all fatigue."
He paused, hands folded respectfully in front of him, eyes flicking politely between each of the girls.
Yuxin raised her brows slightly, letting out a quiet whistle under her breath.
"...Damn. That's some lineup. Feels like we're choosing between enlightenment or reincarnation."
Ruka's eyes were already wide, her fingers fidgeting at her sleeves as if she couldn't decide fast enough. Vila remained silent, studying the glowing letters as though they were strange symbols from a forgotten scripture. Blanche, as usual, was the first to answer, her voice smooth, calm, and decisive.
"Mana Flow. It will restore what we have lost and prepare us for what comes next. It is the most logical choice."
Ruka bobbed her head quickly, eager.
"Y-Yeah, I'll take that too. My body feels like it's been tied up in knots since the last fight."
Vila gave a small nod, quiet but agreeing.
Yuxin sighed, tilting her head with a crooked smirk.
"Guess it's unanimous. Mana Flow it is. Not like I can argue when I'm still half dead inside."
The attendant smiled and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the floating text dissolved into motes of light, reforming into a single glowing sigil: Mana Flow – 5 Gold per guest.
Ruka's jaw dropped, her voice coming out in a squeak.
"F-Five gold? Per person?! That's like—like an entire month's worth of meals at the academy cafeteria!"
Yuxin's smirk faltered, her brow twitching slightly as she stared at the glowing price.
"...Yeah, no kidding. That's robbery. They better be pouring liquid divinity into our veins for that much."
Before either of them could protest further, Blanche had already reached into her satchel, sliding out a small gilded card engraved with the Equinox crest. She handed it to the attendant with the same serenity one might use to order tea.
"This will cover all four of us. Charge it directly."
The attendant bowed so deeply his forehead nearly brushed the marble floor.
"As you command, Lady Equinox."
Yuxin blinked, her lips parting in disbelief. She turned sharply toward Blanche, voice low and tense.
"Hey—wait a damn second. You don't have to just… throw money like that. Seriously. I didn't ask you to—"
Blanche looked at her with a soft but unyielding smile, the faintest warmth glinting in her eyes.
"I already told you, it is not a burden. Let me do this. For all of us."
Yuxin's mouth opened, but no words came. She felt the weight of protest on her tongue, the gnawing unease of being indebted. Her pride wanted to argue, to push the card back into Blanche's hand, to snarl that she didn't need charity. But instead, she closed her mouth slowly, exhaling through her nose, her gaze flicking away toward the glowing sigils still lingering in the air.
Her voice, when it finally came, was quieter, resigned.
"...Fine. Whatever. Do what you want. But don't expect me to start bowing down and thanking you like some spoiled brat. I don't do that kinda thing."
Blanche chuckled softly, her poise unbroken, as though Yuxin's sharp tone slid right past her.
The deal was done. The attendants beckoned them deeper into the spa, where the faint sound of flowing water and the soft hum of enchanted crystals grew stronger with each step.
The changing chambers of Seraphine Rest were drenched in soft blue glow, polished mirrors floating midair like pieces of sky captured in glass. Velvet curtains divided the stalls, and faint music—something akin to harp strings plucked by the wind itself—played in the background.
The girls slipped out of their academy uniforms one by one, folding them neatly or carelessly, depending on the girl. Each reached for the snow-white towels provided, embroidered with faint silver filigree at the edges. The fabric itself was so smooth it felt less like cloth and more like woven starlight. They wrapped themselves, modest but comfortable, the silk-like fabric clinging lightly around their figures as they moved toward the chamber prepared for them.
Inside, warm mist curled lazily in the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of herbs and something crystalline, almost electric. Each bed was made of polished stone that hummed faintly with mana, draped with enchanted cloth that glowed faintly at the edges.
They laid down. One by one.
Vila, with her typical stoic calm, lowered herself onto the surface as though she had done this countless times. She pulled the towel around her body a little tighter, then simply shut her eyes, arms folding loosely across her stomach. Her breathing slowed almost instantly, her face composed, her expression unreadable, as if she was already drifting into a quiet trance.
Beside her, Yuxin also closed her eyes, though her jaw remained slightly tense. The masseuse's hands pressed firmly against her shoulders, and though the treatment was gentle, Yuxin's brows twitched every so often, as if she was biting back sharp remarks that threatened to leave her tongue. In the end, she let out a long sigh, her voice muffled.
"...Alright… that's not terrible."
Her tone was reluctant, as though admitting the spa was actually nice felt like defeat.
On the other side, Ruka's small form trembled faintly as the attendant began her session. The Mana Flow therapy caused faint tingles of heat and light to ripple beneath the skin, tracing along the invisible pathways of Aether. Ruka bit her lip hard, trying to hold back the natural reflex. Her fists clenched around the towel draped over her body, her eyes squeezed shut as her shoulders twitched. Every press made her want to laugh, every glide of the attendant's hands was unbearable in a way that tickled rather than soothed. Still, she said nothing, desperate not to ruin the calm atmosphere.
Blanche, however—
The first press of the attendant's fingers along her spine made her gasp—sharp, unrestrained, the sound echoing far too loud in the tranquil chamber. Her eyes flew open, her lips parting as a wave of unfamiliar sensation coursed through her body. The Aetheric pulse of the Mana Flow didn't feel like gentle restoration to her. It felt like electricity—like fire and silk and something wholly foreign. Her body betrayed her with every touch, every arcane vibration of the treatment sending another rush through her.
Her breath quickened, the smallest whimper slipping free before she could stop it. Then another, softer, broken between clenched teeth. Her knuckles whitened as she clutched the towel tighter, every ounce of noble composure shattering like glass.
The attendant paused, leaning close and whispering in a professional, calming tone.
"My lady, please… relax. If you resist, the therapy cannot align properly."
Blanche's eyes were wide, her face already flushed scarlet to the tips of her ears. She nodded stiffly, trying to bite down the storm in her throat, but the next wave hit her again, and this time her voice slipped out unbidden, trembling and humiliatingly sweet.
"N-Nhh… ahh—!"
Her cheeks burned hotter, her entire frame stiffening as she cursed herself silently. She, Blanche Van Equinox, heir of the Equinox name, perfect leader, the ever-composed noblewoman—reduced to this by a simple treatment.
Vila cracked open one eye lazily at the sound but closed it again, deciding not to comment. Yuxin's lips quirked faintly in a half-smirk even as her eyes remained shut, clearly hearing every sound and filing it away for future teasing. Ruka's struggle to suppress her own giggles grew twice as hard now, her body trembling for a very different reason.
Blanche dug her nails into the stone bed, forcing herself silent, her breath coming in sharp gasps. for the rest of her life, she had been trained in grace, taught to endure, to never falter. But this—this was something she had never known. Pleasure not of victory, not of prestige, but of sheer physical release. The terrifying realization hit her like a blow: she was enjoying it.
And that made her flush even darker, drowning in shame and disbelief.
She turned her head sharply to the side, her voice barely above a whisper, breaking through clenched teeth.
"...This is… utterly disgraceful…"
The attendant simply smiled, unbothered, continuing with serene precision.
And Blanche could only bury her burning face into the towel beneath her cheek, praying no one would ever speak of this again.
***
They stepped out of Seraphine Rest bathed in the soft golden glow of enchanted lanterns that floated along the path, the doors closing behind them as the attendants bowed gracefully, voices lilting like a song.
"We thank you for your visit, and may the stars guide your steps, esteemed guests."
The girls reemerged into the main promenade of the Sky Atrium, once again in their crisp academy uniforms, the faint sheen of relaxation still clinging to their skin. Yet not all bore the same expressions.
Blanche walked with her shoulders low, light golden blonde hair falling forward as though to shield her flushed face from the world. She carried herself like someone who had just faced a duel and lost—not against an enemy, but against her own pride. Every step was heavy, her composure chipped, and for once the image of the poised Equinox heir was cracked beyond repair.
Vila walked at her side, calm as ever, her voice flat, her words spare.
"...Don't sulk."
Her tone wasn't exactly encouraging, but it was the closest thing Vila ever gave to comfort. Blanche turned to her, startled for a moment by the unexpected softness hidden in the elf's monotone. Her lips curved faintly upward, a weak but genuine smile surfacing despite her humiliation.
"...Thank you, Vila."
The words carried warmth, even if her voice was faint and weary.
But then Yuxin, ever merciless, swooped in. Her steps were unhurried, her arms folded behind her back, eyes lidded in that familiar deadpan stare. Without warning, she mimicked the trembling, breathless noises Blanche had made earlier, pitching her voice in mock-sensual tones, dragging out each syllable like honey.
"Nhh… ahh—so disgraceful… aaah—"
Her expression never changed, still bored, still flat, which only made the imitation even more outrageous. She added a hushed line at the end, twisting her mouth in the faintest smirk.
"Harder, please… don't stop… mmm—"
Blanche froze in place, her face erupting into crimson fire. Her entire body stiffened, hands trembling as her composure shattered once again. She spun toward Yuxin,eyes wide in horror, her words stumbling, her voice caught between outrage and sheer embarrassment.
"Y-Yuxin! H-how dare you—! Y-you shameless—! Absolutely—! You—!"
Her tongue tripped over itself, every insult breaking apart as the memory crashed back into her ears, making her burn hotter still.
Yuxin tilted her head lazily, lips parting in her usual flat, almost dismissive drawl.
"...Why are you even making a big deal out of it? Everyone moans when it feels good. It's normal. You're just louder."
Blanche's mouth opened and closed, trying to form a rebuttal, but the fire in her chest only tangled her words further.
"I—it's not just—! That was—! I—!"
Yuxin cut her off mid-fluster, her expression unchanging as she looked ahead, one hand pressing to her stomach.
"I'm hungry. Let's eat."
Ruka immediately perked up at that, her face lighting up as though Yuxin had spoken divine truth.
"Y-yes! Let's eat! I was waiting for someone to say it!"
Even Vila gave a small nod, her agreement quiet but decisive.
Blanche was left behind for a beat, staring after them as the three girls continued forward, her hands clutched tight at her chest. Her face still glowed like fire, her pride still screaming for her to fight back. Yet as she stood there, she realized the others had already moved on, brushing the entire ordeal aside like it was nothing.
She let out a long, fragile sigh, shoulders dropping as she muttered under her breath.
"...Why is it always only me who makes this into something unbearable…"
Her voice was soft, tinged with defeat. With one final exhale, she stepped forward, trailing behind them, her embarrassment now just another quiet burden she had no choice but to carry.