"Well, that's all for today. Let's wrap up here."
"Miss March, remember to soak in a medicinal bath when you get back to soothe your muscles."
"If you don't, you might not be able to handle tomorrow's training, and it could cause physical strain."
A moment later, after Lumina and March 7th finished their embrace, Yanqing began summarizing the day's progress and giving final instructions.
"March 7th, you absolutely must soak! Don't even think about skipping it!" Yunli rarely agreed with Yanqing, but this time she spoke with unusual earnestness.
"Don't worry, Master Yunli, Master Yanqing! I'll definitely take a bath when I get back!" Hearing their stern warnings, March 7th nodded vigorously like a chick pecking at grain.
Truth be told, March 7th would have taken the bath even without their reminders.
After all, she was drenched in sweat and reeked.
Though Sister Lumina insisted she still smelled "nice," March 7th clearly didn't believe her, assuming it was just Lumina's way of comforting her.
"Use medicinal herbs in the bath, not just hot water!" Seeing March 7th's blank expression, a flicker of worry crossed Yunli's eyes.
A sudden urge welled up in her heart: she wanted to spend the night with March 7th, personally guiding her through the process of soaking in medicinal herbs.
"Little March, would you like to stay with me tonight?" Hearing Yunli's words, a hint of worry (?) flickered across Lumina's face.
She seemed concerned that March 7th, being her usual airheaded self, might forget this important step and end up injured during tomorrow's training.
Was that truly her concern?
Clearly not.
Soaking in medicinal herbs was nothing compared to doing it herself. A simple infusion of Abundance Power into March 7th's body would far surpass the benefits of any medicinal soak.
"Ah? Sister Lumina, wouldn't that be... a bit awkward?" March 7th was inwardly tempted, but felt a pang of guilt.
"What's awkward about it?" Lumina chuckled, dismissing her concerns. "The hotel suite I booked on the Luofu is huge—it could easily accommodate dozens of people."
Is there anything wrong with a mother and daughter staying together? No, of course not.
Even sharing a bed wouldn't be an issue.
Though she said this, Lumina had no intention of sharing her bed with March 7th. Her hotel suite was genuinely massive; there was no need to squeeze them both into one bed.
[ You, of all people, actually having a moment of conscience? That's truly a rare sight. ]
The System couldn't help but sigh at Lumina's words.
[ For a beautiful girl like you, Lumina, showing a conscience is truly exceptional. ]
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lumina replied, nodding slightly. "If you mean I've had a change of heart, then yes, you're right. Today's intense training must have left hidden strains on March 7th's body."
"My actions stem solely from my concern for March 7th's well-being."
Hearing this, the System remained silent, offering only its customary silence.
"Hmm..." Outside, hearing Lumina's proposal to March 7th, Yunli nodded. "March 7th, listen to Lumina," she said. "Stay at her place for the night."
"Today's training was a bit too much for you. Even with the pendant's healing, you nearly collapsed from exhaustion."
"If you forget to soak your body in medicinal herbs tonight, you'll definitely have problems tomorrow."
"Exactly," Yanqing agreed, crossing his arms and nodding in agreement. "Miss March, this matter cannot be taken lightly. Having someone supervise you would be wise."
"Alright, alright, I'll go," March 7th relented, glancing first at Master Yanqing, then at Master Yunli, and finally at Sister Lumina. Seeing the skeptical expressions on all three faces, she sighed helplessly. "Why does everyone distrust me so much?"
"Do I look like the kind of person who would forget something important the moment they turn around?"
March 7th let out a dramatic sigh, her delicate features transforming into an expression of theatrical melancholy, as if possessed by the spirit of a drama queen.
"It's not that we don't trust you, March 7th," Yunli explained, waving her hand dismissively. "This matter is simply too critical for any mistakes."
"But that's just another way of saying you don't trust me..."
Yunli's explanation did little to appease March 7th, who launched into a rapid-fire stream of complaints, her mouth moving like a miniature machine gun.
Despite her grumbling, March 7th was deeply grateful to Masters Yunli and Yanqing. After all, she couldn't possibly dislike the feeling of being cared for!
Of course, she was most grateful to her beloved Sister Lumina. Not only did Lumina not recoil from her sweat-drenched, "dirty" body, but she had even "lied," calling her "sweet-smelling"...
Sister Lumina, you're so kind! March 7th thought, her heart swelling with warmth.
-
The Luofu Xianzhou, Central Starskiff Haven, at night.
"March, why don't you take a bath first?"
"Here, wear this as your pajamas."
Inside their hotel room, Lumina handed March 7th a set of pajamas from the closet.
"Sister Lumina, this... isn't this a bit much?" March 7th asked, her cheeks flushing slightly as she glanced at the pajamas in Lumina's hand.
"What's wrong with it?" Lumina tilted her head in confusion.
After observing March 7th's expression and pondering for a moment, Lumina quickly realized what was making her blush.
Pfft... "Don't worry, these are hotel pajamas. I've never worn them before," Lumina chuckled, explaining as she pressed the pajamas into March 7th's hands. "Besides..."
"These pajamas are clearly disposable. What exactly is that little brain of yours thinking?"
Lumina gently tapped March 7th's head with her knuckles, smiling helplessly.
"Hmm... you're right, I guess." March 7th rubbed her forehead where Lumina had tapped her, nodding in agreement.
"Okay, Sister Lumina, I'm going to take a bath now."
March 7th didn't linger any longer. Clutching her clothes, she headed straight for the bathroom.
Seeing this, Lumina followed her inside.
March 7th: ...
Lumina: ...
"Uh... Sister Lumina..."
Inside the bathroom, March 7th stared at Lumina, who had followed her in. Her mind raced with unformed thoughts, and a blush crept across her cheeks, its intensity deepening steadily.
Lumina offered no explanation, simply walking over to the bathtub and turning on the water.
Whirr...
Xianzhou technology was remarkably advanced. In less than a minute, the spacious bathtub, capable of holding several people, was filled to the brim.
Lumina extended her palm, and a glowing green orb descended from her hand into the water. Instantly, the clear water transformed into a pale green hue, radiating a refreshing, natural fragrance.
After finishing, Lumina turned to March 7th and said, "Little March, remember to soak in the bath after you've finished washing."
"And..." Lumina pointed to the high-end-looking machines on the bathroom shelf. "Those contain shampoo and body wash. There are instructions for each."
"Mm-hmm, Sister Lumina, I got it!"
"Then I'll leave you to it. Take your time washing." Hearing this, Lumina nodded slightly and, without hesitation, turned to leave.
"Um... Sister Lumina?"
But just as Lumina's foot crossed the bathroom threshold, March 7th's hesitant, shy voice reached her ears.
"I have the outer robe, but what about... what about the underclothes?"
"Underclothes?" Lumina paused, thinking for a moment before suggesting, "Just wear pajamas after you wash. Remember to put your clothes in the washing machine when you come out. Don't worry, they'll be done quickly."