Nestled deep within the ancient, dense forest, The Holy Springs Resort stood as a sleek, single-storey haven encircled by open clearings designed for quiet meditation and outdoor reflection.
Its hidden location meant that only a few people knew of its existence. Those who did guarded the secret jealously, sharing neither the resort nor its coordinates with outsiders.
The resort offered a range of restorative services such as full-body massages for muscle pain and tension relief, a spacious sauna capable of accommodating large groups, indoor baths with both hot and cold pools, and private hot tubs for the colder months.
Guests could also enjoy outdoor lounging areas that blended seamlessly with the surrounding nature.
Yet the true heart of the resort—and the reason all the visitors even came in the first place, was the Holy Spring itself.
It was a large, open-air hot spring fed by The Holy Lake itself. Legend claimed that its waters granted smooth, radiant skin, healed mental, physical, and emotional ailments, as well as slowed the rate of one's aging.
Unsurprisingly, the resort was especially popular among women who prized their beauty, and elders seeking to extend their vitality even if only a little. While everyone was welcome, these two groups formed the core of its clientele.
Because the owner deliberately avoided widespread advertising, the business barely broke even. This modest reality was exactly what Yu had expected—and accepted, when he chose to keep the resort exclusive.
For Yu, profit had never been the goal. He simply wanted to run a legitimate business. His passion was rewarded the day he stumbled upon this sacred location.
The pickup truck rumbled gently along the narrow, winding path leading to the resort. Sunlight filtered through the tall trees, casting golden patterns across the road as the breathtaking scenery unfolded around them.
"Wow… it's incredible." Rowan mused to himself. "It's amazing. This is the first time I've seen a view this stunning. It's like a painting come to life."
It was his first time witnessing such untouched natural beauty. The others inside the vehicle murmured similar sentiments, clearly just as impressed with the view as he was.
"Nice…" Thomas muttered from the back seat, leaning toward the window. "Look at that. The way the mist rises off those springs… it's unreal."
"It's beautiful," Sera breathed, her usual sharp tone softened by genuine awe. "The water looks like it's glowing. And those cherry blossoms mixed with the evergreens... I've never seen anything like it."
Noctura pressed her face closer to the glass. "The air even feels different here. It's cleaner, almost… sacred. No wonder people keep this place a secret."
Vlad nodded quietly, taking in the scenery with a peaceful expression. "It's the perfect place to relax. Exactly what we needed after everything we've been through."
Only Noel remained silent, staring straight ahead with her usual emotionless expression, seemingly unaffected by the beauty surrounding them.
The pickup truck finally pulled into the parking area. As the group stepped out, Vlad spoke in a low voice.
"Remember, we're trying to draw as little attention as possible."
Sera raised an eyebrow. "This coming from the Hero?"
"Uhh…"
"Yeah, you're not exactly inconspicuous." Noctura added.
"None of us are," Thomas said, glancing sideways. "especially it."
All eyes turned to Noel, who met their stares with her usual blank, expressionless face.
Rowan cleared his throat, eager to cut through the awkward tension. "Well, if the Hero gives a good enough reason for us traveling with a demon, I'm sure the people will understand. Maybe even be calm about it."
"He makes a fair point." Vlad agreed.
Thomas nodded. "Alright, let's go with that."
Sera and Noctura murmured their agreement.
They entered the resort lobby together. Vlad and Sera approached the reception desk while the rest waited on the comfortable couches in the lounge.
"Welcome to The Holy—" The receptionist's cheerful greeting died on her lips as she looked up. Her eyes widened in shock at the sight of the Hero and the Mistress of Ice standing before her.
"Greetings." Vlad said politely.
"Hello." Sera added.
The young woman—Guhl, according to her name tag, froze, momentarily doubting her own eyes.
After an awkward pause, she finally managed, "Wait… are you two real?"
"Yes, we are." Vlad replied, smiling wryly as the receptionist reached out to touch his face.
"Do you mind?" Sera interjected, pulling the girl's hand away moments before contact.
"S-sorry! I didn't mean to—" Guhl stammered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"That was highly unprofessional." Sera said, narrowing her eyes.
"Please forgive my rude behavior!" she said apologetically.
"It's alright," Vlad cut in quickly, not wanting the receptionist to feel worse. "I understand it must be hard to believe that we're standing here in front of you." He glanced at her name tag. "Don't worry about it, Guhl. All is forgiven."
His warm, breathtaking smile left Guhl visibly starstruck. "Th-thank you…" she whispered, blushing deeply once more.
"Ahem." Sera cleared her throat. "Maybe we should get to the reason we're here." She gestured toward the rest of the group.
Noctura offered a small wave.
"Right, of course. Sorry," Vlad said. "We're here because..."
Guhl listened attentively as Vlad explained their situation. By the end, she realized she needed to involve the owner. The entire party was asked to wait while arrangements were made for a private meeting.
A short while later, a man appeared before them. He had sharp handlebar mustache paired with a neat goatee, slicked-back white hair, and a tailored butler suit accented by a gold pocket watch chain.
He briefly glanced at Noel before speaking in a refined accent. "Please, follow me."
The butler led them down a quiet corridor and into an underground room. His posture was impeccably dignified—he looked more like a noble prince than a servant.
He opened a heavy door and gestured gracefully. "If you please."
Inside, another man sat in a luxurious chair. "Please, take a seat." he said.
As the group settled into the expensive chairs, the door closed softly behind them. The butler took up position beside it in disciplined silence.
"Let's skip the pleasantries," the man said, locking his cold eyes with Vlad. "Why have you brought a demon into my resort, Hero?"
"Please, just call me Vlad."
"Very well. You may call me Yu." His expression softened a little.
Vlad nodded. "About the demon—"
"Before we continue," Yu interrupted, giving the butler a slight nod.
"Understood, sir." The butler bowed and left the room.
"Sorry for the interruption." Yu said.
"Not at all." Vlad replied.
"I thought a light refreshment might ease the tension for what could be a serious discussion."
"I understand."
A few moments later, the butler returned with a maid pushing a trolley filled with beverages such as whiskey, beer, juice, water, and an assortment of cream-filled desserts.
The maid quietly served each guest before withdrawing.
Yu and Rowan chose to have whiskey. Yu preferred whiskey as his beverage, and Rowan simply wanted to drink it while he still had the chance.
He couldn't help but remember the earlier warning his little sister had given him regarding alcohol, but chose to shrug it off this once.
Thomas took a cold beer, since it was his favorite beverage to drink.
Vlad, Sera, and Noctura opted for juice. It wasn't because Vlad didn't want to be intoxicated while having a serious conversation. After all, he couldn't get drunk.
Vlad simply doesn't like the taste of alcohol. As for Sera and Noctura, they simply chose whatever Vlad was drinking.
Noel drank water—though in truth, a keen observer might have noticed that she only took a sip when Yu was watching.
Once the room had settled, Vlad explained the situation about Noel's betrayal of the Demon King and her current alliance with the party. He emphasized that they only sought a short, much-needed break before continuing their mission of killing the Demon King.
"I understand…" Yu said slowly.
"Then—?" Vlad began hopefully.
"However, I'm not sure if I can trust it."
Vlad leaned forward. "I understand your concern. She is a demon, after all. But I give you my word that my friends and I will watch her at all times. She will not be a threat."
"We'll kill it the second it tries anything," Thomas added flatly.
"I still can't trust its intentions." Yu replied, glancing over at Noel.
Noel took a sip of water.
"It's only for a day or two," Vlad pleaded. "Couldn't you make an exception this once?"
Yu shook his head firmly. "Sorry, but my answer is still no."
"Please reconsider." Sera said, standing and striking the table lightly.
"Sera, calm do—"
Before Vlad could finish, the butler moved like a shadow. He appeared behind Sera, gently but firmly grasped her shoulders, and guided her back into her seat with effortless strength.
What?! Sera thought, stunned.
Vlad shot the butler a cold look—it was brief, almost impossible to have been perceived.
The rest of the group—except Yu and Noel, looked equally shocked.
"It's alright," Yu said calmly. "She meant no harm."
"Understood, sir." The butler released her and returned to his post without another word.
Vlad, are you just gonna allow that? the female silhouette said, its eyes wide with surprise. Me personally, I wouldn't let that slide. I'm just saying.