Tap... tap...
It was only a few steps from the partitioned chamber to the bathing pool. This area was far more spacious, like a small heavenly lake fed by a spirit spring.
The pool held moonlight spirit water gathered year-round by the formation patterns here. Clear to the bottom and wreathed in faint white spiritual energy, it was soothingly warm, with wondrous effects that nourished the flesh and washed away impurities.
Once they arrived, the maid stepped forward, ready to help him undress and bathe.
"No need."
Tan Lin raised a hand slightly, his tone calm.
"I can do it myself."
The maid stopped, hesitation showing on her face.
Beyond the screen, Audishiya sat quietly. Hearing the exchange, the faintest curve stole over her red lips, and a barely perceptible smile flickered in her eyes. The heaviness gathering in her mood completely lifted.
By now,
awkward, stubborn, unwilling to flatter, yet true to himself, clean and clear... she had already attached all these labels to Tan Lin in her mind.
An interesting fellow...
With that thought, she spoke, her light, clear voice carrying throughout the hall.
"You may all leave. There's no need to wait here."
"Yes..."
At her words, the remaining maids bowed in unison and quietly withdrew from the bedchamber, closing the doors behind them.
In an instant, though screens still divided the different areas, only the two of them remained in the vast bedchamber.
There,
Tan Lin stepped into the pool. Mist gently enveloped him as he let the water submerge his body, leaving only his head above the surface while he enjoyed the spirit spring's nourishing effects.
But just then,
Audishiya suddenly rose from her seat outside and openly strolled past the screen, settling leisurely into an exquisite white jade armchair not far from the pool.