The morning began without urgency.
The mansion was quieter than usual, as if everyone had silently decided there was no need to rush the day. The light came in softly through the windows, illuminating the main hall without intruding.
I woke up before the others.
Habit.
But for the first time in a long while, there was no urgency.
No mission.
No immediate threat.
No pressure.
Just… time.
I went down the stairs slowly.
The place was empty, except for a faint sound coming from the kitchen.
Scarlett.
She had her back turned when I entered, focused on something simple. Her movements were natural, without tension, as if she had been there much longer than she actually had.
She noticed my presence.
"You wake up early."
"You too."
"Habit."
"Same."
A brief silence.
But comfortable.
She finished what she was doing and placed two cups on the table.
"It's nothing elaborate."
"It doesn't have to be."
I sat down.
She sat across from me.
No ceremony.
No hesitation.
"How was the night?"
"Calm."
"Getting used to it?"
"Fast."
"I figured."
She brought the cup to her lips.
"It's different."
"How?"
She thought for a moment.
"Less lonely."
The answer was simple.
But it carried more than it seemed.
"That's good."
"It is."
Silence.
But not empty.
Just steady.
After a few minutes, footsteps began to come from upstairs.
Lyannis was the first to come down.
"You started without me?"
"You woke up late," Scarlett replied.
Lyannis smiled.
"I needed it."
Rai'kanna came right after, still with a sleepy expression.
"This is too calm."
"You prefer the opposite?" I asked.
"Not today."
She sat down.
Elara and Vespera came down together, already with more composed posture.
Liriel was the last.
The group gathered naturally.
Without tension.
Without effort.
It was… normal.
And that, by itself, was already different.
Lyannis rested her chin on her hand.
"So, what's the plan?"
"Today?" I asked.
"Today."
"There's no plan."
Silence.
Then…
"Perfect," Rai'kanna said.
Vespera nodded.
"Maximum efficiency."
Elara added.
"Recovery is part of the process."
Liriel looked around.
"Then let's make the most of it."
Scarlett was watching.
In silence.
But attentive.
"There's a place," Lyannis said.
Everyone looked at her.
"Hot springs, a little outside the city."
Rai'kanna raised an eyebrow.
"You're suggesting we relax?"
"Yes."
"That's new."
"Not really."
I considered it.
"Distance?"
"Short."
"Traffic?"
"Controlled."
It made sense.
"Let's go."
The decision was accepted without discussion.
The path was simple.
A clear route, no obstacles, with few adventurers on the road. The weather was stable, the wind light, the sky open.
Scarlett walked alongside the group.
Not staying behind.
Not trying to stand out.
Just… part of it.
At times, Lyannis started conversations.
At others, Rai'kanna made quick remarks.
Vespera observed the surroundings.
Elara kept a steady pace.
Liriel followed everything.
And Scarlett… adapted.
Naturally.
Without visible effort.
When we arrived, the atmosphere of the hot springs was calm.
Few people.
Wide space.
No confusion.
Steam rose slowly from the water, creating a light layer in the air.
We entered without difficulty.
Without drawing attention.
Each one settled in without needing organization.
The silence returned.
But it wasn't empty.
It was rest.
I leaned against the stone edge, feeling the heat of the water ease the accumulated tension.
Not physical.
But constant.
Scarlett was nearby.
Without saying anything.
Just present.
Lyannis broke the silence first.
"This is good."
"Yes," Elara replied.
"We should do this more often," Rai'kanna said.
"When possible," Vespera added.
Liriel closed her eyes for a moment.
"No distractions."
Scarlett spoke softly.
"I haven't done this in a long time."
Lyannis looked at her.
"Then enjoy it."
"I am."
Time passed without urgency.
Short conversations appeared and faded.
No depth.
No need.
It was light.
Simple.
Functional.
At one point, Scarlett turned slightly.
"Takumi."
"Yeah?"
"Is it always like this?"
"No."
"Then today is different."
"Yes."
She stayed silent for a moment.
"I liked it."
"Me too."
She nodded.
And went back to relaxing.
The day moved on without markers.
Without events.
Without interruptions.
When we left the hot springs, the sun was already beginning to set.
The return was even quieter.
But not tired.
Just… complete.
When we got back to the mansion, no one spoke much.
Each one naturally went to their own space.
No need for a meeting.
No need for analysis.
I stayed on the balcony for a few minutes.
Watching the light fade on the horizon.
The wind was cooler now.
But still light.
Scarlett appeared beside me.
Without making a sound.
"Strange day."
"Why?"
"Because it was calm."
"Is that bad?"
"No."
She looked ahead.
"I'm just not used to it."
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope so."
Silence.
But comfortable.
"This won't last."
She said it.
Not as a doubt.
But as a fact.
"No."
"So we enjoy it while it lasts."
"Yes."
She nodded.
And stayed there.
Without saying anything else.
Night fell slowly.
And, for the first time in a long while…
there was no urgency in the air.
Just an interval.
Before the next move.