Chapter 1956

chapter1956

There were several towns nearby with natural hot springs.

Many inns were built around them, so for the locals, this kind of establishment wasn't anything special.

"It's nice that we're staying here tonight. You can soak in the hot spring, and I'm sure you'll sleep well after," Vivian said, her voice filled with anticipation.

Manfred couldn't help but be influenced by her good mood. A faint smile appeared in his eyes.

"Alright, I'll take a soak too. Our rooms are close, so if you want to talk, just lean against the wall on your side."

Vivian's eyes lit up. She hadn't noticed before, but the inn wasn't built with bricks and tiles. Instead, it was made of wood and bamboo, making the walls thin and not very soundproof.

If she spoke while leaning against the wall, Manfred would hear her.

She grinned. "Alright."

She then returned to her room and set down her belongings.

After picking out clean clothes, she undressed and stepped into the hot spring.

The soaking pool wasn't large-smaller than the bathtub at her home. It could only fit one person lying down. Soon, the warmth of the hot spring seeped into her skin.

She let out a long, satisfied sigh. "This feels amazing. Manfred, are you in the water yet?"

A low hum of acknowledgment came from the next room. Then Manfred's voice followed. "You shouldn't soak too long. Around 30 minutes is enough."

"Got it. Manfred, do they have outdoor hot springs here? I once soaked in a hot spring while it was snowing. It was such a romantic experience. If we ever get the chance, I'd love to take you-"

Her words cut off abruptly.

She had almost said she would take him to experience it, but it seemed that chance would never come.

Manfred, leaning against the edge of his soaking pool, also caught the unfinished thought in her sentence. His gaze darkened slightly, and he said slowly, "Vlario has hot springs too, including outdoor ones. When it snows in winter, people go there to soak. I've never been, but after hearing you talk about it, I might give it a try someday."

"Vlario has them too?" Vivian was surprised.

Manfred chuckled. "Yes, they've always been there. Actually, this hot spring

resort is my grandfathet

business. I can go there anytime."

Vivian grinned. "Then you have to go."

The conversation drifted from one topic to another. Before they knew it, 30 minutes had passed.

Vivian felt a deep drowsiness settle over her.

Climbing out of the hot spring, she quickly dried off and changed into fresh clothes.

As she lay down on the bed, she turned toward the wall and murmured, "Goodnight, Manfred."

He probably couldn't hear her from the other room. But she wanted to say it anyway. There might not be many more chances like this.

Time was slipping away too fast. Soon, they would reach Hubril.

Meanwhile, Manfred lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts were unreadable, lingering in the quiet night. He remained like that for a long time before finally closing his eyes and falling asleep past O

midnight.

?

Just before dawn, Vivian hovered between dreams and wakefulness when she

suddenly heard someone calling her.

"Vivian."

"Vivian."

Her eyes snapped open.

But she wasn't sure if she was still dreaming or if she had already woken up—

standing before her was Viola.

"Is that really you?" she asked.

Viola looked at her with a gentle

ather

smile and nodded slightly before

speaking in a soft voice, "Vivian, I've come back to see you this time because I have a question-a choice for you to make. Would you be

willing to decide?"

"A choice?" Vivian frowned in confusion.

She had known Viola for years, but the old woman had never asked her to make a

choice before.