The soft grass cradled the back of my head.

A sweet fragrance tickled my nose as I was gently roused from my slumber. Eyes slowly blinking open, I winced against the sunlight filtering through the tree leaves overhead, then relaxed to the warmth pressing against me like a warm duvet.

A familiar scene. But an unfamiliar place.

For as my fingers brushed against the grass, I could no more fool myself into believing this was my own orchard as I could the Winter Queen’s bed as my own.

Fragrant as the mountain wildflowers were, none grew in the shade of the Royal Villa’s walls. No scent of apples or snowdrops were here to whisk me home.

But it was enough to lighten the darkness. If only for a moment.

My fingers clenched against a tuft of grass as a terrible dream swept across my mind.

One filled with the rushing of wind as a great pair of wings fought against the weight of the sky, and what gentle complaints I had were lost to the sound of a certain handmaiden’s gleeful laughter … along with the snorting of a horse as we were lifted across the face of a smirking moon.

Yes.

It truly was a terrible dream.

Yet as comforting as this bed of grass was, none could compare to what awaited me home. An orchard nurtured to hold my precise weight better than even the backs of those who tearfully and gratefully helped me measure this metric so it remained true.

I blinked at the ceiling of dancing leaves, and let out a sigh.

Indeed, there would be no fooling my senses today, kind as the deception was.

But just in case–

Apple snorted beside me.

Turning my head slightly, I saw my noble steed nibbling away at the grass, intent on reminding me that any not my own was worthy only as feed.

A fitting notion.

He’d yet to see my orchard, true. But when he did, I had little doubt he’d regard it in the same manner as the visiting nobility viewed the random splodge of paint on a wall a certain princess at just 2-years-old carefully composed.

A treasure to be admired. Without touching. And with no questions asked.

“Rise and shine~”

Something I needed to remind Coppelia before she saw it.

I turned to my other side. And there I saw a smile to eclipse the sunlight.

Coppelia was sitting beside me.

Except that whereas my legs were partially resting atop a bundle of daffodils, hers were paddling away, helping to fan the scent of sea salt and a fragrant grove.

I sat up, blowing a leaf from the front of my hair.

And then I blinked at the sight of a square wooden basin, its shallow pool of turquoise water almost entirely hidden to the steam.

Scarcely large enough to fit the wishes of a single duck, it was like a well dug into the earth which nobody could quite be bothered to finish.

Coppelia didn’t mind.

Sat upon the wooden edge, she poked at an unseen base. A smile filled up my vision like a curtain drawing to a close. All the more so as she looked on in amusement while I took in a deep breath … before groaning with a rumble of my tummy.

The last part of me to wake up.

And all it wished to do was permanently go back to sleep.

“Coppelia.”

“Present!”

“Let’s never do this again.”

“You mean being carried by a dragon through the sky who was definitely rolling around more than needed while two out of three of us were having an absolutely amazing time?”

“Yes. And by that I mean Ouzelia. Let’s never do Ouzelia again.”

Coppelia giggled as she sent a flick of water away like a mermaid slapping her fin.

Unlike a princess, she was accustomed to all the methods those of her homeland had to repeatedly spin her around. There was only one joy to be had from that. And it was the speed at which my memories of the ordeal were also tossed to the wayside.

Or in this case, dropped from the clouds.

“You say that, but wait until you experience the best thing Ouzelia has to offer … the number one reason to return as voted on by clockwork dolls within a 1 square metre radius!”

A toe peeked out from the surface of the world’s smallest pond.

Seeing it, I was briefly reminded of a young princess who occasionally played upon the shores of the lake beside her home, before one day seeing that what appeared beside her toe was the waving claw of a carnivorous blood crab.

What I didn’t see, however, was either a workshop or a bathhouse.

I shifted around slightly, all the while patting myself down to ensure only my wings were missing. Off went the clinging grass, if not my fatigue.

I shooed Apple away as he offered the assistance neither my hair nor attire required.

However, aside from my gluttonous horse, no attendants came hurrying while tripping and sweating to provide my morning entertainment.

“Coppelia, I don’t see anything.”

“You don’t see my toe?”

“I do see your toe, yes. But what I don’t see is a workshop. Or a popular bathhouse reserved year around. I notice the dragon isn’t here either.”

“Yup! The big guy flew off.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean he flew off?”

“I mean he flew off. But not towards the library, so I’m pretty sure he’s off kidnapping a mage or something. Don’t worry, dragons keep their promises.”

“I … I see? Did he not say anything?”

“I mean, he looked like he was going to prod you awake. But then he saw the drool coming from your mouth and then sort of flew off while pretending not to notice.”

My hand wiped away the evidence which had long since disappeared.

“Hmm. How strange that he would immediately leave without even a glance. Yet I cannot guess the wisdom and absolute discretion of dragons. Did he simply abandon us in the middle of some desolate hinterlands, then?”

“Hey! These are my desolate hinterlands!”

“My apologies. Did he drop us off in the middle of your desolate hinterlands?”

“Nope~ he dropped us off exactly where we needed to be.”

I nodded.

Indeed, I absolutely did not understand.

“I see … was that not supposed to be a workshop masquerading as a bathhouse?”

“Yup~ and here we are!” Coppelia waved with both arms towards the smallest bath I’d ever seen. “Welcome to a place of wonders, happiness and dreams, where all your weariness can be washed away … the best bathhouse in Ouzelia!”

Despite my tiredness, I gasped at once.

For a moment, it was all I could do but cover my mouth as I stared into the wooden basin, filled with just enough water to quench Apple’s thirst for an entire gulp.

Why … all this time, I had made a grievous error!

Coppelia had been raised in the strangest of places. A secret workshop and then a hidden library. Just as she had no idea what a crème brûlée with a golden glaze which wasn’t simply burned was, she too had no idea what constituted a bath or a pond.

For her to think that a little wooden square counted as anything more than a box …

Truly, for all her knowledge, she knew so little.

“Coppelia.” I shuffled forwards, then reached out and planted my hands on her shoulders. “I see I have erred. All this time, I had thought it was I who needed to reach the Royal Villa. But I see your need is greatest.”

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“Eh?”

“Once we’ve arrived, I shall direct you to the largest bath available. I know it is difficult to imagine, but it is large enough that you can do more than only sink your legs in. It is designed for your entire figure to be submerged. But do not be frightened. I shall supervise you. Drowning would be an undignified way to go.”

Such was the shock of this revelation, Coppelia could do nothing but tilt her head.

Yet after a moment, she merely offered her usual smile.

“Oh, that’s okay. I can stay underwater for ages. Also I feel like I should tell you that I know what a bath is. Did I mention the workshop is also a bathhouse?”

“Yes, Coppelia, you did.”

I duly pointed around me. At the mountains. Which could all be seen due to nothing building-shaped blocking them.

“A bathhouse which, unless it’s truly the most exclusive location I’ve ever had a dragon dump me in, is entirely absent.”

“Ahahaha~ well, about that, the bathhouse is gone.”

I tapped my ears. And then blinked as well.

Even so, I didn’t know which was functioning worse.

“Excuse me? … How could a bathhouse be gone?”

Coppelia giggled, then pointed to the back of a wooden sign which had already been partially chewed upon by Apple. I shuffled from my spot without bothering to stand, then stretched the last few inches to read the message from underneath.

Dear customers,

Due to the migration of the fire elementals providing heating to the springs, the bathhouse will be relocating to a new premises. Reservations will reopen during the winter season after the completion of necessary renovations. All current reservations are cancelled.

We apologise for the inconvenience.

Management.

I placed my face in my palms.

It wasn’t enough to blur out the words I’d already read.

“Coppelia … what is this?”

“This is a very poorly written apology sign. Not a word about compensation. Our baths are good, but our customer service could be a bit better.”

“Yes, that much is true … but what is this about relocating?”

Coppelia blinked at me, for all the world as though the idea of an entire bathhouse vanishing was the slightest bit unusual.

She tilted her head in thought, then shrugged.

“Well, it’s not like spring water just heats itself. Sometimes we use magic, but since hiring mages is expensive, we usually just move to whichever mountain has the friendliest fire elementals.”

“Your bathhouse can do that? What? Teleport wholesale?”

Coppelia waved away my question with a look of bemusement.

Apparently, this was where the line was drawn.

“Nope, it’s nothing like that. You’ve met the big guy, but you haven’t met the old guy. He can build anything. And a portable, collapsible and cartable bathhouse is the easiest thing he’s made.”

“... Coppelia, are you certain this is a bathhouse and not a travelling circus?”

“Of course. It’s way better than a circus. It can fit in a single carriage. That means it can go anywhere. Who knows, maybe it’ll even visit your orchard?”

I smiled.

“That would be an act of aggression and will not be tolerated.”

Coppelia giggled, despite the fact I’d not said a word in jest. Wars had been started for less.

Then, she flicked another droplet of water with her foot.

“Well, that’s the bad news. The good news is that there’s probably a little killer fire elemental still somewhere underneath. Come try this. It feels amazing.”

I peered down at the only remains of a nomadic workshop.

My shoulders fell, and not at all due to the thought of dipping my legs into a bucket.

“Coppelia, I was told there would be a private bath. Plus dessert, dinner and then dessert. I see a puddle.”

“But it’s a great puddle. Trust me!”

She patted the wooden edge next to her. I noted the splashes of water she was less than discreetly trying to wipe away.

After a moment, I rolled my eyes … before telling Apple not to eat my boots as I tip-toed over, the grass scrunching beneath my bare soles.

Setting myself down, I stretched my legs over the surface of the basin.

The steam tickled my skin. And then the water as I dipped in my heel. A few dabs later, I bravely allowed my legs to submerge.

“Hmm.”

“Well, what do you think?”

I considered the sensation with a frown.

The warmth stopped at my knees, leaving the rest of myself to feel the comparative cold as what had just been a balmy morning was suddenly diminished. As I lifted a leg, the chill seemed to slap against it, made worse by the unease of feeling like I was somehow failing to submerge the rest of myself.

Thus, I took a deep breath.

And then–

“... Aaaaaaaaaaaahh …”

This … This was incredibly relaxing?!

“Heheh, what’d I say?” Coppelia let out a satisfied smile, then raised a finger like a tutor about to poke a point into my head. “This hot spring might be tiny, but the satisfaction isn’t~”

“W-Why was this as relaxing as a full bath?! What sorcery is this?!”

“Only the sorcery of having a mountain breeze, happy toes and the soothing knowledge that you are now immune to work.”

“Immune? What do you mean?”

“While in this mode, nobody is allowed to bother you for work related reasons. It’s common knowledge. If you’re bathing in a hot spring, it means you’re relaxing after doing something which deserves said hot spring. Just touching it with your foot is enough to qualify. You are now invulnerable to work.”

I nodded as understanding flooded me at once.

There was plenty Coppelia said which I failed to easily comprehend. But this logic right here?

Flawless.

“Very well. I see I’ve been lax in my thinking. Thank you for opening my eyes. I will commission one to be built in my bedroom at once.”

“Ooh~ I like that! Nobody can make you do your princess things while you’re busy relaxing. Except there’s one problem.”

“No, Coppelia. There are no problems.”

“Do you have any fire elementals underneath your bedroom?”

“... Where there is a will, there is a way.”

“Well, I hope your will involves hiring a mage to keep a flame permanently lit.”

I pursed my lips.

That was certainly possible. But there was a reason I didn’t have my bath constantly warmed.

It was an exceptionally noisy affair.

Whether it was the servants labouring as they carried the freshly drawn water up my tower or a visiting archmage forced to prove their credentials, there was clearly little relaxation to be had if a simple footbath faced the same issues.

Unless–

“Oho …”

“Eh?”

“Ohoho …”

“Wait, let me move before you–”

“Ohhohohohohohoho!!”

Only halfway escaped from the footbath, Coppelia was forced to lean away to avoid my hand as I raised it to my lips, barely covering my smile.

Why … if it was only a source of heat I required, then that was as simple as ringing my servant’s bell … but for one which was both long lasting and silent, did I not now happen to have such a means gifted to me?

… Indeed, I could use my grandmother’s sword!

With a brand which permanently burns hotter than water, no longer would I need to endure the long waits as I woke up to the sight of my baths already prepared!

Rather … why should I stop there?

Dawning Summer had returned to my family’s possession. Yet why would such a fated reunion occur, if not to serve its purpose with renewed vigour?

Yes, to cleanse my kingdom.

Literally so.

The bathhouse I had wanted to fill up the desolate countryside?

Why, that no longer needed to be fuelled by a new forest each and every day!

It could all be heated by dragonfire–that which represented the undying flame of my kingdom’s light … and if positioned just right, also a constant eyesore to the Grand Duchess from her tower!

With this sword … I could do away with the mud which plagued my kingdom and stared at it too!

It was … It was wonderful!

“Ohhohohoho!” I clapped my hands together as I turned to Coppelia. “Perhaps … Perhaps this awful detour to this frightening land was not in complete vain!”

“Eh? But didn’t we get everything we wanted?”

“Indeed, we now have! I offer my gratitude! You have helped secure the prosperity and hygiene of my kingdom in ways that could never have been imagined!”

“... I feel like I did something bad.”

“Nonsense. All you’ve done is ensure that anybody wishing to use a bathhouse will think twice before coming to Ouzelia for it. Why, to prioritise my kingdom’s economy over your own homeland’s is a sacrifice you had no need to make. Rest assured, I shall not allow this act of selfless loyalty to pass in vain!”

I beguiled Coppelia with a smile so warm that she herself temporarily forgot how to return it.

Fwuuuush.

And then any she hoped to form was lost to a shadow.

One which erased the morning light.

Like an entire flock of ravens and all their cousins rolled together, the silhouette of a dragon as it flew overhead was recognisable only from the gale it caused. The tiny footbath careened like an ocean in a storm, both water and steam whisking away to reveal the stone bottom underneath.

A moment later–

An immense green dragon descended.

Emerald wings monopolised both ends of the horizon. As great claws slowly found purchase on the grass, it was all I could do to wince while allowing the ensuing gust to dry off my raised legs.

Then, a pair of jade eyes glowed.

“[Empowered Nether Gate].”

Whatever the breeze caused by the dragon’s wings, it was bested by the magic it cast.

A door unlike any I’d seen before swirled into existence.

This was not Coppelia’s makeshift portal drawn from optimism and a contempt for personal safety. It was magic like I’d rarely seen. Wide enough to fit two carriages abreast, it was a gate rimmed in liquid gold, tempting even the grass towards it.

Yet for all its novelty, what drew me most was the sight beyond it.

A gentle shoreline. A forest blooming amidst spring. And the distant snow-capped mountains, devoid of any dragons or those who would kidnap them.

Like a portrait made of my hopes and dreams, my kingdom glimmered as it waited.

I almost threw myself towards it.

“You are fortunate,” said the dragon, the satisfaction evident in his tone. “Few catalysts exist to cast a gate of this complexity. But I have found one from a generous grantor. Your tale here is ended. You may return to your kingdom to resume another, written as it doubtless is with your bold penmanship.”

I smiled as I stood up.

And then–I offered another curtsy.

The minimum of formality. And also the stamp to mark my exit.

“Thank you for the hospitality, brief as our meeting is. I hope that when next we share subpar tea beneath the sky, it will be in gentler circumstances.”

“As do I, Princess.”

I nodded, ready to return.

Thus, I patted down my skirt … and then sat down once more, before dipping my feet into what remained of the hot spring for just a few seconds more.