IN ANOTHER WORLD

Ren sat up gingerly, his aches lingering but his sharp wit intact. "A bath? Yes, I believe I'm long overdue for one. Lead the way."

Ella smiled indulgently. "Very well. I'll prepare the baths. Though, I must ask—none of you have spare clothes, correct?"

Rema sighed, brushing back strands of her disheveled hair. "No. All our luggage was destroyed along the way."

Gill chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. "In that case, I'll find something suitable. My clothes from younger days should fit you all well enough."

Sou hesitated, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Gill, if I may ask…"

"Go on," Gill encouraged, his brow arching.

"How old are you exactly? I mean, you look like you're in your thirties…"

Ella burst into laughter, her melodic voice carrying a teasing edge. "In his thirties? Oh, darling, how amusing! My husband is ten years my senior, and I am already 265 years old. It's not unusual for us to live at least five centuries, though."

Rema's jaw dropped. "Two hundred sixty-five? But… how do you stay so youthful? You look no older than twenty-five!"

Ella leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Shall I share the secret with you? But on one condition—you must join me in the medicinal bath."

Ren raised a hand eagerly. "Can I hear this secret as well? After today, I feel like I've aged decades!"

Sou smirked, folding his arms. "Why? Hoping to find a bride in your 'old age,' Doctor?"

Ren huffed, adjusting his glasses. "You wouldn't understand. In my youth, I was quite popular with the ladies—they flocked to me like moths to a flame!"

Rema snorted. "Oh? Then why didn't you choose one of them?"

Ren's tone grew lofty, a hint of pride tinging his words. "I was devoted to my research. There was no room for frivolities."

Gill's chuckle was deep and warm. "And yet, here you are, lamenting your lack of a bride now."

"I never said that!" Ren protested, his cheeks reddening. "A gentleman must always remain presentable, regardless of age."

Ella clapped her hands, her laughter ringing like bells. "All right, enough teasing! Rema, you'll join me for a bath, won't you?"

Rema nodded eagerly. "Of course, Miss Ella. We can even chat about… girly things."

Sou smirked. "Girly things? I've always thought you were one of the guys."

Rema turned on him, her eyes blazing. "You—!"

Gill raised a hand, his voice commanding. "Enough. Let's not start another squabble."

Ella led Rema toward the bath on the left while gesturing for the men to take the one on the right. Before entering, she cast a sharp glance over her shoulder.

"Listen closely, gentlemen. If I sense anyone near the women's bath, I will personally remove their eyes from their lovely faces. Understood?"

Her words hung in the air like a blade. Without waiting for a response, she disappeared into the bathhouse with Rema.

Ren shivered. "Scary."

Sou rolled his eyes. "Who'd even think of peeking?"

Gill's smile was serene. "Scary Ella is beautiful too."

"You're absolutely smitten with her," Sou remarked.

"Of course I am," Gill said simply, his tone filled with quiet reverence.

In the Ladies' Bath

The warm, mineral-rich water sparkled faintly, its surface releasing a soft, golden mist. Ella leaned back with a contented sigh, turning to Rema. "Your skin is so smooth, Rema. Do you take special care of it?"

Rema shrugged, dipping her arms into the water. "Not really. I've never put in extra effort."

Ella's smile turned playful. "Would you mind if I did your makeup after this? I think you'd look stunning."

Rema blinked, caught off guard. "Me? Makeup? I… I've never done that before. I've always preferred to keep things simple."

Ella cupped Rema's cheek gently, her expression softening. "You know, I've always dreamed of having a daughter like you. But… it seems I cannot bear children of my own. When the Spirit Mother blessed us with you all, I decided I would cherish you as my own."

Tears welled up in Rema's eyes, spilling over as she choked back a sob.

Ella panicked, her hands fluttering. "Oh no, have I upset you? I'm sorry. Forget I said anything!"

Rema shook her head, her voice trembling. "No, it's not that. It's just… I've never had a mother before. My family… they died in an accident when I was a child. I've been an orphan for so long. But now… now I have a mother."

Ella's eyes glistened as she pulled Rema into a warm embrace. "Thank you, my sweet girl, for letting me be your mother. I promise to treasure you always."

As they pulled apart, Ella's playful smile returned. "Now then, let's make you look like a princess!"

Rema wiped her eyes, a shy smile breaking through. "All right… Mom."

Ella clapped her hands in delight. "That's my girl! Oh, and as for the secret of youth—you're already using it."

"What?" Rema looked around, confused. "How?"

Ella leaned back, her voice softening with reverence. "Long ago, the plant spirit goddess Aria fell in love with the beast spirit king Kara. But the Spirit Mother, unwilling to see her only daughter wed to another clan, imprisoned Aria in the mountain range of Larga. Aria's tears, shed in despair, became a fountain—the Fountain of Youth. Its waters preserve beauty and vitality, and this very bath is fed by that fountain."

Rema's eyes widened. "That's incredible. But… I feel so sorry for the goddess."

Ella nodded solemnly. "Her love was pure, but fate was cruel. Still, her gift endures through this water."

After the bath, Ella brought out a vibrant gown of rainbow hues, pairing it with delicate jewelry. She tied Rema's silky hair into a neat bun and applied a soft lip color derived from her own flowers.

Ella stepped back, admiring her work. "There. You look stunning, my dear."

Rema blushed, glancing at her reflection in the polished glass. "I… I don't know. I feel so embarrassed. I've never dressed up like this before."

"Nonsense!" Ella exclaimed. "You're a vision."

And with that, the ladies' laughter filled the room as their bond grew even stronger.