Rias didn't hesitate for a second at Draconis's teasing question.
"I'm totally fine with it," she said, grinning. Between her and Draconis, they'd done just about everything but cross that last line—no point in getting bashful now.
She shot a playful look at Akeno. "How about you, Akeno?"
Akeno's eyes sparkled with gentle mischief. "I wouldn't mind scrubbing a certain someone's back."
For Akeno, embarrassment around Draconis wasn't even on her radar.
Rias turned to Asia, the little blonde nun. "Asia definitely wouldn't mind, right?"
Asia had spent plenty of nights sharing a bed—not to mention the way she'd get adorably jealous whenever Rias and Draconis got close.
Teased like that, Asia's face went scarlet.
"And Koneko?" Rias asked.
"I refuse," Koneko said, eyes shut, voice flat. No hesitation.
Rias just shrugged. "Well, that's settled then."
Draconis nodded, perfectly calm. "What a shame."
He didn't look disappointed at all—he'd seen through Rias's game from the start. She'd been teasing him, and Akeno played along, knowing Koneko would shut it down. Once Koneko refused, Rias could end the topic with a smile.
Draconis's composure was unshakable. Rias almost felt cheated—she'd never seen him flustered, not once.
…
The hot spring pool lay at the back of the castle, nestled against the mountainside. A natural spring fed the baths, keeping the water perfectly warm.
A cross-shaped partition split the pool into four enormous sections—honestly, each one was big enough for laps.
Draconis claimed one area alone; the four girls gathered in the next, separated by the divider.
He sank into the water, letting his body and mind unwind. It was quiet—so quiet, his sharp hearing picked up the girls' conversation next door.
"Hot springs really are the best…" Akeno sighed, blissful.
Rias laughed. "Whenever everyone's worn out from training, we should come here. It's perfect for melting away fatigue."
On the other side, Rias and Akeno were already soaking, while Asia and Koneko were still rinsing off. Asia's eyes lingered on the older girls' curves, a hint of envy flickering before she looked away, a bit dejected.
Koneko spoke up, not even glancing over. "Wishful thinking."
She hadn't looked at Asia, but somehow seemed to know exactly what was on her mind. Draconis had always suspected Koneko could read thoughts. No proof, but the way she picked up on things was uncanny.
After a while, Draconis felt the aches in his body start to fade. He settled cross-legged in the water, channeling magic to stimulate healing.
He'd been injured enough times to know the drill—either Asia's Twilight Healing, or Rias's magic transfer. The former was Sacred Gear territory, but the latter he'd more or less figured out.
Trying self-healing for the first time, he found it worked surprisingly well, though it was exhausting. Made sense—when Rias helped, she handled the magic while he just enjoyed the warmth of her embrace.
Doing it himself was another story.
He focused, letting himself slip into the rhythm. Without realizing, his Sacred Gear resonated, magic boiling inside him and speeding up his recovery. Draconis grinned—looked like he'd stumbled onto a handy new trick.
Not as fast as Twilight Healing, but perfect for when Asia was busy. He should've learned this ages ago.
Lost in concentration, Draconis barely noticed anything else. His power surged, healing wounds and energizing his body.
…
On the other side of the wall, the girls started to notice something off.
"Rias, is it just me, or is the water getting hotter?" Akeno asked.
Rias frowned. "It is."
The temperature kept rising, forcing them out of the bath.
"What's going on? Is it Draconis?" Asia wondered.
Rias called out, "Draconis? What are you doing over there?"
No answer—just silence.
"…Weird. Let me check." Rias slid open the partition. Draconis hadn't even realized it could move.
They found him sitting with his back to them, magic swirling, completely absorbed in his training—totally oblivious to their presence.
Akeno chuckled. "Still working, even now? Draconis really is dedicated…"
Rias's eyes lit up. "He's gotten stronger, hasn't he?"
"Seriously?" The others leaned in, sensing his aura. Sure enough, Draconis's magic had jumped again.
Everyone was stunned. His progress was ridiculous.
Rias felt it most—she'd slept beside him almost every night, and it seemed like he leveled up daily. It was getting almost unnatural.
Draconis finally surfaced from his meditation, a smile playing on his lips. He'd not only powered up, but healed completely. This accidental healing technique was a keeper.
Just as he was celebrating, he sensed something behind him. Turning, he found four graceful figures standing there, the partition pushed aside.
He blinked, confused. "…You guys planning to bathe together after all?"
…
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