Closer to Broughton

The journey to Broughton was now calmer. Even though it was only because Ethan was with her, Helena now felt that she could rely on the man.

Helena, who had always felt like she had to carry the burden on her own, inexplicably found joy in letting go of that burden. Leaning against Ethan felt incredibly comfortable. It was the first time she had ever felt this way in her life.

Perhaps that's why many women get married, to find a place to lean on. Helena pondered this thought.

"You've been silent all this time," Ethan commented, looking at Helena in his embrace. Helena's thoughts seemed to be drifting somewhere else, and he wondered what was on her mind.

"Why does the position have to be like this?" Helena said, protesting her position in front while Ethan was behind, controlling the horse. She felt a bit uneasy about the arrangement as if Ethan was taking advantage of the situation.

"Well, how would you prefer it? I didn't let you sit behind me to prevent you from falling," Ethan replied, feeling slightly irritated by her complaint. He didn't understand why she was making a big deal out of it. "If you don't like being in front, then move to the back."

Finally, Onyx was asked to stop. Helena got down and moved to the back, carefully easing her way to avoid exacerbating her wound. The pain still lingered, reminding her to be cautious. She took slow steps, trying to minimize the discomfort. After all, any sudden movement could reopen her healing wound.

Now, their positions had changed. Ethan sat in the front, guiding the horse, and Helena settled behind him, finding her place in the rearranged setup.

"Hold onto my waist so you don't fall," Ethan commanded, ensuring her stability during the journey. Helena obediently complied, but she made sure to maintain a comfortable distance, not wanting her chest to touch Ethan's back.

"Can you ask Onyx to run faster, if possible?" Helena requested, hoping for a quicker pace. However, she quickly realized the increased burden that would put on Onyx.

"My friend, can you go a little faster?" Ethan asked, gently stroking the horse, trying to convey his desire without overburdening the faithful companion. In response, Onyx picked up the pace, moving with a slight swifter stride. Though not significantly faster, it was a noticeable improvement from before.

Sometimes, due to the jolts, Helena had to hold onto Ethan tightly. Of course, that made her round perfect bouncy breasts press against Ethan's back.

Ethan secretly enjoyed the moment. While Helena felt uncomfortable, of course.

"I'll go back to the front!" Helena protested again. "Being behind is even more embarrassing!"

Oh my, women are indeed confusing. Ethan thought with disappointment as the enjoyable moments came to an end.

Now, Helena was back in the front. The journey with Onyx continued without many obstacles.

They would soon arrive in Broughton. It was a little faster than taking the footpath because the route they took when they got lost cut through the road, and they would arrive in Broughton soon.

"We're approaching the west side," Ethan said. "Come on, wear warm clothes because the nighttime air will be much colder. We'll continue the journey tomorrow. By midday, we'll reach the center of Broughton."

Ethan prepared a sleeping mat and then prepared clothes for Helena. However, the woman seemed reluctant to change her clothes.

Ethan took notice of himself. He was extremely dirty, and so was Helena at the moment. However, the difference was that Ethan was accustomed to the sweat clinging to his body, while Helena was accustomed to being clean.

Although Helena was not a delicate woman, she must have felt very uncomfortable at the moment.

"I should have looked for a river to bathe in before we approached Broughton so you could bathe. I'm sorry," Ethan said, feeling guilty.

"Don't worry about it. It's my fault for not bathing before we left," Helena replied casually.

Ethan slapped his own head. It must have been difficult for Helena to bathe on her own with her injured condition. But earlier, he was busy chatting with Ignis.

Feeling responsible, Ethan bid farewell. "I'll go look for water real quick. Wait for me here."

"It's useless! The water here is definitely cold!" Helena exclaimed.

Ethan didn't care. He kept moving away. "I'll boil it later so you can wash yourself with warm water!"

Helena then turned to Onyx, exchanging a gaze with the horse. However, she knew that whatever she did wouldn't change Ethan's determination.

As Ethan ventured deeper into the dense forest, the air grew warmer, and a light mist hung in the air. A faint rumbling sound reached his ears, piquing his interest. Pushing aside some of the overgrown leaves, he found himself standing in front of a hidden oasis—a secluded hot spring.

Steam rose from the crystal-clear water, dancing in the moonlight filtering through the canopy of trees above. The smell of minerals and earth filled the air, creating an atmosphere of serenity. The sound of rushing water soothed his senses, inviting him to enjoy the tranquility of this hidden gem.

Ethan carefully approached the hot spring, feeling the gentle warmth radiating from the water. He dipped his hand in, enjoying the comfortable sensation. The temperature was perfect, providing soothing relief to his weary body.

With pleasure and amazement, Ethan decided to take a moment. "Helena! I found a hot spring here!" Ethan's voice echoed through the air, reaching Helena's ears in a faint yet distinct manner.

"Something interesting?" Helena called back, her curiosity piqued. "Is it hot lava?"

Ethan hurriedly made his way back to his wife, his excitement palpable. His face radiated pure joy as if he had stumbled upon a long-lost treasure. After all the time spent in another world, he yearned for an experience like this.

"Let's go there!" Ethan eagerly extended an invitation. "You'll definitely love it."

Without waiting for approval, Ethan effortlessly scooped Helena up as if she weighed nothing at all. With a burst of energy, he sprinted toward the hot spring, his anticipation driving him to share this breathtaking sight with his beloved wife.

"Look, Helena!" Ethan exclaimed, still holding Helena in his arms, unwilling to let go.

Meanwhile, Helena could only gaze in awe at the mesmerizing scenery unfolding before her eyes. The secluded hot spring, surrounded by steam and bathed in the gentle moonlight filtering through the trees, captivated her with its magical and awe-inspiring presence.

With a radiant smile on his face, Ethan exclaimed, "Let's take a bath together!"