“What am I going to do with you if you become like your father, is my daughter doomed then? Shiku shiku…”

“I… It was just a little mistake on my part, I was hypnotized by the good smell of the water it made me fall, that’s all!”

“Why is that hard to believe?”

“But that’s true, Mummy! “

“Ufufu, let’s say I believe you on this one.”

At the same time, Aya and Sophie finish rinsing their heads and get up to join Rina in the water.

“We’re done using the shower area, Elsa-san, you can use it with Ashley-san and my mom.”

“Thank you Aya-chan.”

Vanessa puts her hand over her mouth and sobs.

“My daughter is so polite, she never talks like that at home, I am so proud of her. Our exemplary education is paying off.”

“MOM!”

*knock* “Teehee…”

“Vanessa, Ashley, come on over here, I’ll show you the new products we have available for our baths.”

While the trio of moms settles down quietly to test the different soaps and other shampoos, Aya immerses herself directly in the water while Sophie enters timidly, as if frightened by the heat of the water.

“Aah… What a joy! The water is perfect…”

“If the aquatic life expert validates, that means our baths have an extraordinary level of perfection.”

“The aquatic life expert? I don’t think I can really qualify as one, but as far as my feeling goes, yes I give you a 10 out of 10.”

*Sophie noises*

*Fuu~ Fuu~*

Rina and Aya watch Sophie blowing on the top of the water as if to… cool the bath?

“Uh, what are you doing Sophie?”

“You may be used to it, but for me, it’s always so hard to get in quickly as you do…”

“Is it that hot?”

“I have to take it slow or I’ll feel like I’m jumping right into one of Chef Remy’s pans.”

“Ahah, take your time then, the heat is the worst enemy of people who aren’t prepared when they get into a spring or bath like that.”

Sophie closes her eyes and concentrates with all her strength to absorb the intense temperature change.

Slowly but surely, while holding her breath, the frail girl enters the water with difficulty.

“Are you okay?”

“Don’t worry Aya-chan, I… I’ll get used to it eventually…”

“Be careful not to stay in it too long, if you feel your soul coming out of your body, get out right away.”

“Eh!? Is that… Is that possible?”

“Don’t scare her Rina, you can see that she’s in real danger of fainting.”

“Haha, just kidding, but feel free to come right out if you’re not feeling well.”

“Um… Okay.”

With a little patience and time, Sophie managed to fully immerse herself in the water.

A lull sets in. Sophie’s flushed and puffy cheeks show that she is about to release all the pressure.

*FUWA~*

“Is it good?”

“Yes~ Everything is good now~”

“It’s different now that you’re used to it, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

Like a marshmallow melting over a campfire, Sophie looks extremely relaxed.

I would almost be jealous…

“Do you mind if we join you?”

Behind them, the trio of moms approaches the bath.

Rina and Aya move aside to let their mothers get in. They look with an admiring eye at the well-drawn silhouettes of these women who look like they are still in the prime of life.

Aya leans discreetly toward Rina and tries to whisper something to her.

“Elsa-san and Ashley-san are gorgeous, they don’t look like they’ve had children at all.”

Elsa looks at Aya with tenderness.

“Ara, thank you Aya-chan, you are flattering us.”

Ashley kisses Aya without her having time to react.

“SO CUTE! Thank you Aya-chan, you too are to die for!”

“Eh?! Uh, sorry I spoke out loud, I was impressed with your physiques…”

“That’s always good to hear, especially from the younger generation.”

A hand clutches Aya’s shoulder.

“WHAT ABOUT ME?! You don’t say anything about your dear mum’s beautiful body that rivals even the greatest models?! I WANT A COMPLIMENT FROM MY DAUGHTER!”

“Ah mo~ You too mum are gorgeous, your dream body rivals even those of the greatest models. Here you are happy?”

“That lack of enthusiasm and sincerity was pretty hurtful.”

“This is embarrassing mum.”

“I can tell you that you are really beautiful Vanessa-san, it’s like seeing an improved version of Aya.”

“Kyaa! Thank you Rina-chan.”

“You’re not cool Rina!”

“Eheh.”

Ashley releases Aya from her embrace and turns back to her daughter.

“I too want compliments from my little So-“

Her eyes closed like Sleeping Beauty and her complexion redder than chili pepper. Sophie, in the greatest of silences, boiled…

“SOPHIIIIIIIIE !!!”

…

And that’s how this nice evening between friends ended…

Wait a minute, is this too conventional an ending?

End of the Prologue