LRHWB 16

Chapter 16

The Peeping Sorceress Is Driven Away

“Lilith! Lilith!”

Kian’s voice rose in fear.

“Well, well—what a lovely voice, Prince Kianlusa.
Hohoho! And what good timing.
Lilith, you’ve turned into quite a beautiful young man yourself.
That pale skin and red hair suit you so well—it’s a feast for the eyes.”

Zazazazazaan!!

The water in the bath suddenly surged upward like a waterfall, and on its shimmering surface appeared the image of Greta Gāra.
She was watching them through a water mirror, her mouth hidden behind a black fan—but her eyes gleamed with a lewd, knowing smile.

Lilith, however, did not seem alarmed. Remaining calmly immersed in the bath, she smiled up at Greta.

“It has been a long time, Lady Greta Gāra.
I am most pleased to see you are in good health.”

“Well, aren’t you cheeky. You could at least pretend to be flustered!
Shall I freeze that bath solid for you?”

“That would be troublesome indeed. However, my lady, as a woman of refinement, perhaps you could remember where you are.”

Lilith flicked her hand lightly toward Greta.

PAAAN! — “Hii!”

Greta’s figure was split clean in two, and the rising water scattered into mist.

Saaaaa…

In the next moment, only the sound of flowing water remained, and tranquility returned to the bathhouse.

“Lilith? What just happened?”

“It is most unladylike to peep into another’s bath.
That was Lady Greta Gāra, the water mage who serves Duke Ragenberg.
Now then, shall we get out?”

“Eh? She’s not dangerous? Did you… kill her?”

“No need to worry, Your Highness. Now, let’s get out.
Thank you for keeping me company so late at night. Come now—”

“Uh, right. I’ll dry myself—don’t worry, I can handle it.”

“Very good. That will be a great help to me.”

Encouraged, Kian nervously stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel from the wall.
Beside him, Lilith dried herself with her usual composure, showing no sign of unease.

I guess there’s really nothing to worry about… as long as Lilith’s here.

“Alright! I feel refreshed now—I’ll sleep well tonight!”

“Yes, tomorrow we cross the mountains. Please rest well and prepare yourself.”

“Got it. I won’t complain, no matter what happens!”

“Fufu—yes, I’ll hold you to that.”

Encouraged by Lilith’s gentle smile, Kian looked up at the starry sky glimmering faintly through the rising steam, feeling ready to face whatever tomorrow might bring.

Meanwhile, Greta Gāra, who had been driven away—

“Cursed brat! Aah—achoo!”

Soaked from head to toe after being splashed by her own magic basin, she stood like a drowned rat, biting her lip as she peered into the bottom of the pot.
But the water mirror was useless now.

With a furious kick, she sent the pot flying—only to trip over her waterlogged dress and fall heavily to the ground.

“Ouch! My back! Ugh, the pain—! Damn it!
She deflected my spell with a mere flick of her arm!
I’ll never underestimate that child again—just you wait!”

Lilith’s serene smile had hidden a terrifying power beneath its calm surface, and Greta had been caught off guard.
Now, gnawing on her fingernails in humiliation, the sorceress’s eyes burned with the fire of revenge.