In the courtyard, the pool was shallow and clear. As ripples spread across its surface, they reflected three figures by the water—two adults and one child—washing up.
On the pebble-lined shore, Atalanta and Rikudou Reika sat on either side, patiently washing Little Jack's cheeks and combing her short hair, utterly doting on her.
Like a mother, Rikudou Reika gently held Little Jack's limbs in place and smiled as she patted her daughter's bare back reassuringly. "Be good. Girls have to be clean and pretty if they want people to like them."
Beside her, Atalanta was like an older sister. Her gentleness carried an unquestionable sternness as she held down Jack's little head while it wriggled everywhere and meticulously rinsed the foam from the little girl's hair. "Don't move around. It'll be over soon."
As the group's beloved child, Little Jack had foam piled atop her head. Tickled by the physical contact, she could not help giggling as she dodged left and right, her kicking little feet splashing flower-like waves across the water.
The cheerful scene was like stuffing a water-fearing kitten into a bathtub for a wash. Soon, splashing water and flying white foam covered Rikudou Reika and Atalanta from head to toe.
Under the bright moonlight, their thin, drenched clothing clung to their skin, revealing their proud curves.
At last, after quite a struggle, the formerly filthy Little Jack emerged refreshed and clean. Wearing a white dress, she sat in "Mother" Rikudou Reika's arms, happily accepting the candied fruit offered to her and devouring it with gusto.
Having come ashore and picked up a dry towel to wipe her hair and body, Atalanta watched the little one rustling about in Rikudou Reika's arms as she munched on snacks. She could not help extending a hand, seemingly wanting to secretly