Feeling the vibrations of the car through the backrest, I asked my father,
"Why are we going on a hot spring trip?"
"They probably want a therapeutic retreat. Since ancient times, hot springs have been said to have a healing power for both body and mind."
My father's answer sounded as if he'd expected the question. We were heading to a secluded hot spring in Gifu at the request of Ireina. When I think of hot springs, I usually think of Atami in the Kanto area, but apparently, there are other options too.
Still, I had some doubts. A hot spring may be relaxing, but is it really a place to go when someone's mental state is broken?
But since not only Ireina but also my father was coming along, there must be a good reason. He wouldn't come otherwise.
Perhaps sensing my mixed feelings, my father continued as he drove along the mountain road.
"Well, even healing has its own principles. Hot springs are located above earth veins."