“They seem to be having fun,” Miria commented as the girls watched Asterios take care of Bryn.

He either knelt in front of the dazzling Valkyrie or stood up to reach a few spots near the top of her wings. The duo’s gazes met quite often as they chatted casually, showing warm smiles to each other or even letting out a soft chuckle. It looked like they were quite absorbed in talking about the physical differences between their races.

But, besides having a friendly conversation, they were still in the middle of something else. Asterios kept ruffling through Bryn’s feathers with great care and affection, following the guidance of the extremely pleased Valkyrie. The others could see her occasional ardent and flushed expressions when he touched a good, sensitive spot.

A slightly shy and anxious smile still appeared on Bryn’s face now and then as she kept elegantly scooping some water into her palm and pouring it over her front. The hot liquid trickled down her impressive chest as she snuck glances between it and Asterios.

It was obvious that she still had some doubts regarding her appearance, even with the proof of how charming and attractive she was often hanging quite close in front of her face. Of course, Asterios didn’t miss those brief flashes of uneasiness and did his best to constantly reassure Bryn about her beauty and allure.

“I bet it feels as good for her when Ast strokes her wings as for you when he caresses your ears and tail,” Tina replied to Miria’s earlier statement.

The panthergirl assumed a pondering expression and reached up to brush her fingers over her adorable, rounded ears. Seeing that cute motion, Tina scooted closer to Miria’s side and slid her own fingers into the soft strands of her black hair, earning herself a curious glance from the feline girl.

She very gently brushed her fingertips over the edges of Miria’s ears, fascinated with the sensation she felt, and focused on trying her best to make her friend feel good too. After a few seconds, Miria sighed delightedly and closed her eyes. As the panthergirl began releasing quiet purrs of satisfaction, Tina raised herself to her knees and sat over Miria’s thighs while facing her.

“I know I’m not Ast but I will always be happy to be there for you too,” Tina said with an amiable tone.

Miria opened her eyes and showed a bright smile. She picked up Tina’s other hand and led it to her free ear, wrapping her arms around the petite human girl’s waist and leaning forward to rest her head on Tina’s chest.

“You are my sister-mate, Tina. I love you as much as I love Master. I will always be happy to let you spoil me a little too. If… you could… a bit to the right… Up, a little up… Ohhhh, there, yes, please… Mmmmmm…”

Tina’s own smile grew as the sweet panthergirl melted bit by bit under her caresses. More apparent purrs filled the air between them as Miria hugged her even more, starting to release blissful sighs and rubbing her face into the tender softness of Tina’s fair bust. It tickled, and made Tina giggle quietly, but she was getting so warm inside, so happy, so fulfilled that she didn’t know how to react besides looking at Miria from above with a loving gaze as she continued the affectionate pats.

Silvia found herself staring at the warm and gentle spectacle. The girls radiated such a friendly and caring aura. Something about the sight of Tina lightly kneading and grazing Miria’s ears with utmost fondness captivated her.

A soft chuckle brought her out of the slight daze and her head almost snapped towards the source. Selene was looking at her with a knowing smile and Silvia’s cheeks grew warmer all of a sudden.

“If you would like to try, there’s one more pair of ears that would be elated to receive some affection too,” the gorgeous fox lady suggested.

The princess felt like she had been read like an open page and lowered her gaze to the water.

“I…”

Before she could find the correct words to answer, she heard the pleasant sloshing of water and glanced up again. Selene moved closer to her and turned around. Looking over her shoulder with a ladylike smile, she spread Silvia’s legs just a little bit and sat down between her thighs, pushing herself closer to the princess.

Leaning to the back, Selene rested her shoulders on Silvia’s chest and closed her eyes. The pair of white fox ears twitched invitingly in front of Silvia’s face. Slightly hesitant, she slowly hugged Selene’s smooth waist with one arm and led the fingers of the other one to the charming, fluffy triangle.

A calm but clearly satisfied sigh, bordering on a quiet moan, escaped the fox lady’s lips as the princess began to curiously and carefully tickle the fascinating shape. Silvia had petted some cute and adorable animals before but it felt so different this time. She wanted nothing more than to rub her fingers into the heavenly softness and bring the kind fox lady more pleasure.

Miria giggled to herself after noticing the enchanted expression of the princess. She met Selene’s gaze for a brief moment after the fox lady raised her eyelids a little bit and they both smiled at each other playfully. Tina could only chuckle wryly at how fast they were capturing Silvia’s heart.

The water made some light noise again and everyone glanced ahead. Asterios and Bryn had walked back to their side of the pool and stood above the sitting girls. The beautiful Valkyrie wore a soft smile, definitely feeling a bit more confident about herself after the chat she had with her master. She still held her palms together over her navel a bit anxiously but the other women could tell that she puffed out her magnificent chest with a trace of slowly budding pride instead of slumping forward to hide it, to make it appear smaller.

Asterios rested his hands on his hips and looked at the contentedly melted fox lady lying with her back on the princess’s chest. Selene chuckled softly and brought her slender hand to her dainty lips as she glanced up at him with a mischievous grin.

“I’m afraid that I’m starting to reconsider our contract, Master.”

Her words brought Silvia’s mind back from the land of fluff and a slight feeling of dread overcame her. She quickly shot Asterios an anxious gaze as her eyes widened in shock, pausing the gentle rubs.

He sighed heavily and shook his head. “She is just being a tease. Everything is alright. Don’t let her get to you.”

Selene let out a playful whine while pouting and followed it up with a louder chuckle, wiggling herself more into Silvia’s embrace. The princess smiled wryly with her hand hovering over the soft edge of the white-furred ear as she glanced between it and Asterios in turns. Her gaze briefly stopped at his waist and some more rosiness tinted her noble cheeks before she glanced slightly away, not wanting to stare rudely at Ast’s private parts.

Asterios felt slightly embarrassed displaying himself in front of the princess like that so he looked around to get out of her sight. Bryn had already settled herself on Silvia’s left while Tina and Miria sat down on her right with some free space between their spots. The panthergirl-foxgirl duo stared at him intently and he sighed softly again. That little space had been clearly orchestrated.

Not wanting to appear as he would rather sit on the far end than near Silvia, he resigned himself to his fate and slowly sat down in that prepared niche, shooting the princess an inquiring glance. She nodded at him politely and he plopped himself down in the water, nestling his body between the princess and the panthergirl. Silvia’s eyes shot to his waist for a moment as Ast’s lively member bobbed a little during the motion but she quickly refocused on Selene’s ears.

“Maybe I should cover myself so that we can relax in a slightly less awkward atmosphere?” Asterios pondered out loud after glancing at all the women around him.

“Thank you for your consideration but it isn’t necessary,” Silvia replied as she met his gaze, knowing that he suggested it for her. “I’m quite thankful for the opportunity to be here, to be honest. I’m gaining a lot from it.”

“How so?” Miria opened one eye and took a curious peek at her.

“Well… It’s a quite rare situation which I certainly wouldn’t have gotten myself into if I wasn’t surrounded by people I consider my close friends…” she began to explain, moving her gaze over everyone and then stopping at Asterios. “As I said before, the only time I’ve seen… a man… like this… was during my youth. I think this is a good experience, getting a little bit more used to the sight and mood.”

Silvia roamed her gaze a little over Ast’s figure, pausing for a second at his waist, and returned to his face with that faint flush she tried to tame down.

“I can honestly admit that I’m very inexperienced with these things. I like to think that while it’s embarrassing, it could help me control my reactions in the future in the case of something unforeseen happening. It would be bad to be distracted by… a penis… just because I haven’t seen it much… but it’s not like I can ask Father…”

Asterios nodded in understanding. “I see. I’m very flattered to hear that you consider us this close, Silvia.”

“We also think of you as our best friend!” Miria added with a cheerful smile.

“That much isn’t even questionable.” Selene chuckled with a blissful sigh.

“We haven’t known each other for long but I would like to be your friend too, Princess Silvia,” Tina said with a weak smile.

“Master’s friends are naturally my friends. If you ever need anything, I’ll be there to listen to your request.” Bryn placed her hand on Silvia’s thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

The princess looked at each of them and smiled softly, nodding at every person with appreciation. She ended up staring at Asterios again, his face this time, and he smiled warmly.

“Friends are there to help each other out, right? So, even if it’s a little embarrassing, I’m okay with you looking. There’s no need to run away with your gaze. I can’t say that my eyes weren’t drawn to your beauty a few times, checking you out, including your pretty lady parts, of course. I try my best not to but it’s really hard. Thankfully, Selene made it a little easier now by partially hiding you away.”

“Thank you.” Silvia let out a quiet, warm chuckle. “And please, call me Silvia if we are friends, Tina.”

Tina nodded with a bigger smile.

"Funnily, I’m somewhat comfortable with you looking too so you don’t need to hold back either. I’ve felt various different gazes on my body through the years of attending noble banquets but yours doesn’t feel as… lecherous… and… repulsive,” the princess continued.

“I’m trying my best.” Asterios smiled at her. “It would certainly be risky to leer at the royal princess so openly with my status.”

“I don’t think you would face any immediate punishment or repercussions as an S-ranked adventurer.” She showed him a small, nice smile.

He chuckled openly. “Right. There’s that now too.”

Silence fell onto the bathing chamber as everyone was relaxing in the hot water, glancing at each other now and then. Still a little hesitant, Silvia took a few bolder peeks at Ast’s waist, staring at it for a longer time than usual. He nodded at her after she glanced up to check his reaction, feeling his own cheeks getting a bit hot from her gaze.

He looked to the side when the water splashed softly and extended his hand to let Miria support herself as she moved from under Tina to his waist. She sat on her knees over his legs and put her hands behind his neck, staring Asterios in the eyes as they linked their foreheads.

“I know it might be too much, Master… but a kiss…?” she begged quietly.

Asterios grazed her back lovingly and pushed his mouth forward. Miria purred sweetly as he rained pecks on her supple lips, nibbling on them gently. She sighed blissfully and embraced him closer, resting her chest against his and her forehead against his neck.

Tina also scooted closer and leaned her shoulder into Ast’s from the side, laying her head on it. He wrapped his other arm around her slim waist and began brushing her charming tummy, making Tina smile tenderly.

Selene started wriggling herself up too but he sent her a squinting glare.

“You stay where you are. I’m still considering our contract.”

She whined loudly with a heavy, fake, hurt expression, with her ears flopping down onto her hair, and nestled herself back into Silvia’s embrace. The princess couldn’t hold back a gentle chuckle as she resumed petting the dejected vulpine beauty.

Asterios met Silvia’s gaze as they glanced at each other.

“So, how are things going regarding Guildmaster Suanori?” he asked.

“The replacement should be on their way to Rosewind already. She received our notice and decree, informing everyone in the guild about it. I haven’t heard about any issues so I think things are going well on Guildmaster Suanori’s side.”

“That’s great to hear,” Selene replied from below. “We should hope that Master’s hometown guild receives a good leader and new employees.”

“I tried my best with Father and our advisors to find an appropriate person. We are aware of Nebula’s unfortunate situation from the past and began to run a check on many guilds, starting with those with the highest risk of anything dangerous happening,” Silvia added, playing with the captivating, foxy ear.

“Happy to hear that. I don’t have anything against civil guildmasters but it’s very apparent that they are statistically more ignorant than the retired adventurers. Who is taking over Rosewind?” Asterios inquired further.

“An older human woman from the east. She ran a few guilds in the past, switching after developing them to a satisfactory level. Her latest delegation reached the desired state and she was ready to find a new workplace. I think she is the best pick when it comes to mending the strained relationship between the guild and the townsfolk.”

“That’s certainly very reassuring,” Tina commented, placing her hand over Ast’s and leading it a bit higher with a small blush.

He took a peek at her and smiled, gently caressing the underside of her supple breasts, without getting too sexual and intimate. His brushes remained tender and loving as she sighed softly, enjoying the delightful sensation of his fingers, hidden from Silvia’s sight by Miria’s body.

“We can rest easy knowing that Rosewind will be in good hands, then,” Asterios added, returning his gaze to the princess.

Silvia nodded. “I’m sure of it. I’m also overjoyed to know that Glimmervale will receive an incredible guildmaster too. Everyone knows who Vine Enchantress Suanori is. She definitely deserves a good rest after all the effort she put into managing her guild. I hope we can—oh, sorry. I hope you can assist her a little in settling down properly.”

Asterios chuckled softly. “We are a team so it’s only natural that we are going to do so. You are our valued member. Unless you are leaving our party to take care of your own matters, or whatever other reason. We don’t need to know it.”

She shook her head, creating a mesmerizing show with the red-orange color palette of her fiery hair.

“I would like to continue adventuring with you. It has been a lot of fun, and certainly a good learning experience. But, I’m afraid of bringing unnecessary attention to you after someone recognizes me. I don’t want to inconvenience you guys. I should let you move through the Human Continent alone and perhaps join whenever you would be headed outside. If you would have me.”

Tina poked her head from behind Miria’s back. “I’m sure Asterios doesn’t think that you would inconvenience us, Silvia. And… I was looking forward to adventuring alongside you…” She took a peek at Asterios.

“You said yourself that I’m an S-ranked adventurer now, didn’t you?” He stared at the princess. “We are going to attract quite some attention on our own, especially as the new leaders of Glimmervale. You could keep your hair dyed with the artifact if you want to but I think that even without it we would be fine. I’m with Tina on the adventuring part. Especially since our next destination after taking care of the town is off-world, where you can’t really follow us, reducing the potential time we can spend together.”

Silvia showed a thoughtful expression. “That’s true. You did mention it earlier. You are going to explore Bryn’s realm for more clues about your origins and power. I can’t pass through the gate like the others, right?”

“Not without taking part in a ritual called a Dragon’s Coupling Bond. You would need to become my mate or at least an aide. No matter which one, each choice requires an intimate ceremony. Unfortunately, it’s a must to bypass the no humanoid species limitation,” he explained after shaking his head.

“I understand. It’s already a miracle you can even do it. But, I guess being a True Dragon entails a lot of worldview-shattering revelations and possibilities.” Silvia’s gaze lingered over Asterios for a good while and she smiled softly at him before moving her eyes to the two fox ears in front of her. “I will be happy to accompany you for as long as I can.”

“It’s settled, then. Personally, I’m glad to have you with us too. Sometimes, I can really feel my own fire being stimulated by yours too. Of course, not just because of that. I enjoy your company, Silvia, as the girls do.” Asterios rubbed his neck while smiling awkwardly.

She let out a little chuckle and nodded. “So do I. Let’s get out and meet King Zegion. I think he had enough time to relax too. Thank you, everyone, for this very pleasant bath.”

Selene took a deep breath and sat up, pulling her soft ears away from Silvia’s hands. She glanced at the princess over her shoulder with a beautiful smile.

“Thank you for taking care of me, Silvia. While I prefer My Lord’s hands much more, your delicate and gentle fingers felt amazing. I’m lucky we are in the water.”

Silvia’s cheeks grew a tad rosy again as she clearly caught the meaning behind Selene’s words and the fox lady stood up, stepping away from her. She didn’t immediately close her narrowly spread legs but glanced towards Asterios with her blush growing slightly more apparent.

Naturally, it was hard to resist the impulse so she found him taking a peek at her pretty little mound. He raised his gaze with a partially embarrassed smile from being caught in the act and she answered with a warm, reassuring one, pulling her knees to her body, which still left her girly parts fully visible.

“I don’t mind.” Silvia reminded him quietly with her face somewhat warm and her cheeks tainted with a shade of crimson.

“You are very pretty and charming.” Asterios wasn’t sure how to respond so he decided to just compliment the princess with a kind smile.

They kept smiling at each other for a few seconds until he began raising himself up. But, something prevented Asterios from doing so and he let out a faint grunt of surprise. He looked down and chuckled openly.

“Really?” His brows rose curiously.

Miria had dozed off at some point and she was peacefully napping on his chest with her forehead resting on his neck. Tina giggled at the adorable sight while Selene stood over them with her hands on her hips and an amused smirk, joined by Bryn at her side.

“Now we know why it was so quiet,” Asterios commented, making everyone chuckle. “Alright. Time’s up. The sun is rising, my dear lovely mate.”

He brushed Miria’s cheek while puffing some air over her cute ears. With an adorable mumble, the slumbering panthergirl raised herself to a sitting position with one hand placed on Ast’s chest. Using the other, she rubbed her eyes and yawned softly.

“Nyaaaaa… I’m sorry for oversleeping, Master… I’ll be ready in a moment…” she said quietly, still a little groggy.

Then, her ears suddenly perked up and her gaze became clearer.

“Oh. You are ready as much as you can get already, Master.” She smiled sweetly, glancing down. “Are we going to mate in the morning? I love you so much.”

Miria wiggled her hips up a little and positioned herself over Ast’s member, taking careful aim. He chuckled awkwardly and pressed his palm to her cheek. Expecting a kiss, she puckered her lips to meet his, but he turned her face to the side instead.

The exact moment Miria spotted the figure of the princess next to them, looking at her with a gentle smile and rosy cheeks, she froze completely. Everything came back to her in a flash and she turned so red that Asterios just waited for the water around them to start boiling.

Everyone laughed together, including Silvia, who let out a soft chuckle too, and the princess extended her hand to the shy panthergirl. They stood up together while Miria sent her embarrassed, upturned glances, soon joined by Asterios who reassured her with some loving ear scratches.

They walked all together to the dressing room and dried each other off with pleasant towels. Silvia expressed her thanks to Selene for helping with her hair while Asterios, Tina, and Miria gave Bryn a hand with her feathers. With a little bit of magic and traditional towels, they were done in a blink and jumped into their respective clothes.

Asterios held the door for all the women and they passed through it while chatting together. Silvia left as the last one and glanced at him with a warm smile, receiving the same in response. They quickly joined the rest of the girls and bounded towards the audience hall.