Alarms blared inside Seraphina’s head. Bathing… together with Movira?! The mere thought of that scene made her scalp tingle!
“N-No need!” The words burst out of her almost like a shriek, sharp with panic, as if Movira might drag her off by force the very next second.
“I… I can manage by myself! Y-You must not come in!”
Movira had clearly anticipated this reaction.
She merely spread her hands with an expression of exaggerated regret. “Very well… It seems my dear Seraphina is still terribly shy! Don’t worry, your unripe little body holds no great appeal for me at the moment.”
As if Seraphina would believe a single word of that nonsense. But right now she had no time to argue.
She practically fled—bare feet hitting the floor, the new softness of her body causing her to stumble as she bolted into the bathroom.
BAM!
She slammed the wooden door shut and locked it in one frantic motion.
Back pressed against the cool panel, Seraphina panted heavily, heart hammering against her ribs.
Warm steam already filled the bathroom, carrying a soothing herbal fragrance that calmed the nerves.
In the center lay a pool—neither too large nor too small—brimming with hot water.
Petals and medicinal herbs floated lazily on the surface.
“Hmph. Damn Movira and her leisurely tastes…”
After cursing once more and confirming no one was about to break the door down, Seraphina took a deep breath, steeling herself as though heading into battle.
With trembling fingers she untied the sash of the nightgown. The silky fabric slid down tender skin, pooling at her feet.
She forced herself to keep her head high, refusing to look at her own body.
Yet her eyes betrayed her, drifting downward again and again, catching the reflection in the water of a stranger’s form.
Slender, pale. The bones seemed even more delicate than memory allowed. A modest, youthful swell rose at her chest—still shy, yet unmistakably proclaiming womanhood.
Her waist was narrower, the lines of her legs softer… and there…
Overwhelming shame crashed over her like a wave. She crouched instantly, burying her burning face in her knees, unable to look anymore.
This body was familiar yet alien—as though it belonged to someone else, yet every sensation told her it was undeniably hers.
The feeling was so bizarre she wanted the floor to swallow her whole.
Only after long minutes of mental preparation did she stand again. Eyes squeezed shut, she stepped quickly into the warm pool.
The water enveloped her completely, chasing away the chill and easing the lingering exhaustion in her limbs.
An involuntary sigh escaped her lips.
She leaned against the edge, eyes closed, savoring the first moment of peace she had felt in over a year.
The caress of water against her skin was achingly vivid—especially the subtle pressure where her new curves brushed lightly against the ripples…
A restless, indescribable curiosity coiled around her heart like vines.
She clamped her eyes tighter, long lashes trembling with tension.
No.
She must not look.
Must not touch…
That would be far too improper!
She screamed at herself inwardly.
………………
Ugh… how mortifying! How could she… toward her own…
“T-That’s enough!”
She washed herself clumsily and in great haste, deliberately avoiding certain areas, then scrambled out, dried off as fast as possible, and slipped back into Movira’s nightgown.
She tied the sash tightly, clinging to that meager barrier.
When she opened the door, Movira was indeed still there, lounging idly with an ancient tome in hand.
Seeing Seraphina emerge—hair damp and clinging to flushed cheeks, skin pink from steam or something else entirely—Movira’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
“I-I’m done. I’m going back to sleep.”
Under those eyes that seemed capable of seeing through anything, Seraphina felt utterly exposed.
She hurried toward the bedroom door, fingers already closing around the handle, half-doubting her luck. Was Movira really going to let her leave just like that?!
Damn it! What was she even hoping for!!!
“Seraphina!”
“Eek! W-What is it?”
Movira’s call froze her hand on the knob.
Seraphina turned with excruciating slowness, body stiff as a rusted puppet, to face Movira reclining against the headboard.
“I-Is there… something else?”
Movira closed the book with a soft snap. “Going back? Back where? To the human lands? Or to your old bedroom? From now on, this is your bedroom too. You’ll sleep here.”
Her tone brooked no argument. Seraphina’s pupils shrank.
“W-What? I—I… no, that’s… not possible…”
Movira said nothing, merely gazing at her in prolonged silence.
That silence pressed down like a mountain. Seraphina knew all too well—if she refused, Movira would simply drag her back by force.
“W-Well… actually, I can sleep on the sofa. Or on the floor…” She clung to the last sliver of hopeless bargaining, even while knowing it was futile.
“My bed is large enough. Even five more Seraphinas would fit with room to spare!” Movira walked over slowly, removing Seraphina’s hand from the doorknob and enclosing it in her own warm palm.
“It’s only so I can take care of you more easily. You’re still very weak, aren’t you? Don’t worry—until you’ve fully grown, I won’t lay a hand on you.”
“…Fine.”
Seraphina knew she had no right to refuse Movira—never had, never would.
“Mmm~ that’s my good girl.” Movira led her by the hand back toward the bed.
“You sleep first. I’m going to take a bath.”