Chapter 66

"I'm Rosie,"

"I'm Annie,"

"Together, they're Rosannie!"

As the two new maids timidly introduced themselves, Arisa added an old-timey joke to lighten the mood.

"A… Arisa, stop!"

"Don't be mean, Arisa!"

"Tee-hee, sorry, I just thought I'd lighten the mood..."

The two girls frantically flailed at Arisa with tears streaming down their cheeks. Seeing their distress, Satou gave her a gentle knock on the head with her fist.

"Gyaaaah!"

Despite Arisa's dramatic fall to the floor, we chose to disregard her exaggerated performance.

"Sorry about her," I said to the maids.

"Oh, there's no need for you to apologise for her, miss,"

"Yes, of course not, ma'am,"

"Good heavens. Remember your place, you two." Miss Miteruna rapped the girls on the head with her knuckles. "You are to call her 'Lady Arisa' or 'Mistress Arisa' and call Lady Kura young lady,"

"Yes, Miss Miteruna,"

This response earned them another rap on the head.

"And you are to call me 'madam,"

"Yes, madam!"

The impression of Miss Miteruna as a formidable boss was evident, as shown by the sympathetic looks of the other young maids peering in from the doorway at Rosie and Annie.

"Well, anyway, I look forward to working with you," Satou said lightly.

"Yes, young master! We'll learn to cook delicious food with Lulu… I mean, with Lady Lulu teaching us!"

"Yes, I'll become a chef almost as good as Lady Lulu!"

The new maids clenched their fists passionately.

"Great. I'm looking forward to eating your food. Lulu, take good care of them, okay?"

"Yes, master,"

<0 >

As the sun rose above the horizon, casting its golden light upon the lush green fields, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and serenity. Standing outside the grand manor house, I took a deep breath and felt the morning's beauty envelop me.

Today, my schedule was filled with promised hangouts with my friends Sara, Mia, Pearl, and Nana. The thought of spending a day with them filled me with joy, as it was a rare occasion for us to have some time off from our usual training.

First on my list was Pearl. Pearl and I had been through many battles together, fighting side by side against the monsters and demons. But today, we were going to face each other in a sparring match.

We met on the training ground, each wielding a sword in hand. Pearl's blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her bright blue eyes gleamed with determination. I couldn't help but smile as I saw how far she had come in her training.

As we sparred, each one of us giving our best, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for my friend. Her quick reflexes and agility were impressive, and I could see the determination in her eyes. After putting in countless hours of training, I was eager to witness the extent of her growth in strength.

So here I am, standing in the middle of a lush green field, the warm morning sun shining down on me. My hand grips my sword tightly, my muscles tense, and my eyes focused. Across from me stood my friend, Pearl. We had been training together for months, honing our sword fighting skills. Today, we decided to test our skills against each other.

As we circled each other, I couldn't help but be in awe of her elegance and power. She moved with grace and confidence, her long hair held back from her face, beads of sweat decorating her brow. I knew that she was a formidable adversary, and I needed to be at the top of my game to stand a chance against her.

With a resounding clang, our swords clashed, the sound reverberating through the peaceful morning. Our movements were fluid and powerful, each strike and parry mirroring the other. The sound of steel against steel filled the air as we exchanged blows, both determined to come out on top.

Pearl stood across from me, her face set in a determined expression as she gripped her sword tightly. She was my equal in every way - in strength, in agility, and in swordsmanship. We had trained together since I first became a hero, pushing each other to become better warriors. But today, I could sense something different about her.

As the scorching sun beat down on us, casting a warm golden glow over the field, we lunged towards each other. Our blades clashed, the sound echoing through the empty battlefield. We moved with a fluidity that only came with countless hours of training, our eyes locked in a fierce gaze as we anticipated each other's next move.

Pearl was not the same fighter I once knew. Her skills had surpassed that of a master, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of pride knowing that I had a hand in her growth. But as our swords clashed once again, I could feel the pressure building.

Her strength was not to be scuffed at, her speed almost inhuman. With each strike, she aimed to test my defences, to find a hole in my techniques. And as we battled, I knew she was getting closer to her goal. Indeed, Pearl is the only individual I can fully unleash my skills against besides Satou.

"You call that a strike, Master?" Pearl mocked, a sly smile on her face.

I couldn't help but smirk back. "Well, it was better than the last one you attempted, Pearl."

I could feel the tension building between us as we circled each other on the training grounds, the sun beating down on us. Sweat dripped down my forehead, but I didn't dare wipe it away, not when my opponent was watching my every move.

Pearl and I had been training together for months now. But along with our determination to grow stronger, we also had a fierce competitiveness that often led to playful taunts and jibes during our matches. As we continued to exchange taunts and strikes, our swords clashing and ringing through the air, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of our deadly dance.

But the tension between us only fuelled our determination, and we both pushed ourselves to our limits. Our movements were fluid, and we seemed to anticipate each other's next move before it even happened. It was a true test of our skills and a testament to the months of hard work we had put in.

"Come on, Master, show me what you've got!' Pearl taunted, twirling her sword with ease.

We stood in the centre of the training area, our weapons at the ready. Our swords glinted in the sunlight as we moved in perfect sync, our swords dancing in the air as we tried to outmanoeuvre each other. I could feel the heat from Pearl's breath on my face as we circled each other, neither one of us willing to let our guard down.

"Is that all you've got, Pearl?"

Pearl and I had always been competitive, constantly pushing each other to be the best. But at this moment, as our swords clashed and sparks flew, it was clear who possessed the upper hand. I smirked as I parried one of Pearl's attacks and countered with a swift strike. Her face contorted in determination, and she fought back with renewed vigour.

It was exhilarating, the rush of battle and the feeling of being completely in sync with my body and surroundings. As we continued to exchange blows, the intensity of our sparring attracted the attention of some of the others. They gathered around, cheering us on. I could hear their shouts of encouragement but all I could focus on was Pearl, her skills and determination pushing me to be better.

"You'll never beat me, Master," Pearl sneered, her sword aimed at my waist.

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," I retorted, my own sword deflecting her attack.

Pearl was quick and agile, her movements graceful and precise. But I was not far behind. I could see the determination in her eyes, and I knew I had to be on my guard. We continued our intense battle, neither one of us gaining the upper hand.

Pearl lunged towards me in a sudden burst of energy, her sword aiming for my heart. I managed to block her attack and counter with a swift kick, knocking her off balance. With one last strike, I disarmed her and won the match.

Breathless and covered in dirt, Pearl and I shook hands, both of us smiling with pride. Despite being competitors, we had developed a mutual respect for each other's skills. As I raised my sword in victory, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as the cheers of the crowd filled my ears.

As I wiped the sweat off my brow, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and satisfaction. Pearl was a formidable opponent, and beating her was no easy feat. But as we sheathed our swords and walked towards each other, I saw the admiration and respect in her eyes.

"Congratulations, Master. You fought well," Pearl said, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you, Pearl. You were a worthy opponent," I replied, returning her smile.

The two of us sat down on the grass, basking in the warm sunlight. The atmosphere was peaceful, a far cry from the chaos and danger that usually surrounded us. I took a deep breath, savouring the smell of freshly cut grass and wildflowers.

"You know, sometimes I wonder if this is all worth it," Pearl said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

"What do you mean?" I asked, turning to look at her.

"All the battles, the sacrifices we make, the constant threat of danger. Is it worth it to be a hero?"

I pondered her question for a moment before answering. "It's not an easy path, that's for sure. But when I see the people we've saved, the hope we've given them, I know it's worth it. And I couldn't imagine doing anything else."

 "You're right. We have a purpose, and it's up to us to fulfil it." Pearl nodded thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon before she suddenly exclaimed. "I could really use a bath right now. Want to join me?"

As I stepped into the warm, steaming bath, I let out a sigh of relief. A bath is just what I need after sparring with my Pearl. She was one of the toughest girls I know, and I was grateful to have her as my sparring partner. The sound of water sloshing around as we settled in brought a sense of calm and tranquillity.

We had pushed ourselves to the limit. Our muscles were sore, and our bodies were covered in bruises. So, as we got into the bath together, we both knew it was going to be a relaxing and much-needed break. As the lukewarm water engulfed my body, I closed my eyes and let out a content sigh. I could feel the stress and tension slowly leaving my body. That's when Pearl spoke up.

"Hey, are you okay? You seem lost in thought,"

She said, a hint of concern in her voice. I opened my eyes and saw her leaning against the opposite side of the bath, her long blonde hair cascading down her back. Pearl was so different from me. Her glistening skin was covered in tiny droplets of water. I couldn't help but trace my eyes over her curves, admiring her toned arms and legs. Despite maxing out my strength stat, I don't have any muscle build-up to brag about. If you would look at us now, you would think that Pearl could easily break me in half without even trying.

"I'm fine," I reassure her. "I was just enjoying the warm water."

"So, who are you considering marrying?"

I opened my eyes and saw her gazing at me. Why is Pearl bringing up marriage now?

"I haven't thought about it," I reply after taking a moment to compose myself. "I am still too young for that stuff."

"But I thought that high-ranking nobles are obligated by law to marry and have an heir,"

"Yeah, but with the demon lords still a threat, I have been told not to worry about those laws,"

The king himself already told me I was exempt from those laws. I couldn't fight if I got pregnant after all. But once the battle with the demon lords is over, I won't be able to put that off for much longer. It might be easier to just run away and start a new life somewhwere.

"But it's the duty of a noblewoman to marry and produce an heir," Pearl reminded me. "You will have to think about it at some point. You know, there are plenty of suitable suitors for you. You're a skilled fighter and beautiful. Any man would be lucky to have you. Have any of the noblemen who approached you caught your eye?"

"You're beautiful too," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Pearl's cheeks turned a shade of pink as she tried to hide her face in the water. "Shut up," she mumbled, but I could see a hint of a smile on her lips.

<0 >

"Mmm…"

Stepping out of a warm and soothing bath is one of life's simplest pleasures. It is a moment of pure tranquillity, a time to let go of stress and worries and just be in the moment. And that was exactly what I was doing, basking in the afterglow of a refreshing soak until I noticed someone watching me with envy in her eyes. It was Mia.

I could feel her gaze burning into my back as I quickly wrapped a towel around my damp body. I tried to brush it off, assuming she was simply admiring the view of the luxurious bath I had just left. However, as I made my way towards the changing room, I realised she was following me with her eyes.

"Hey Mia," I said. "I'll be ready in just a second."

She didn't respond. Instead, her gaze shifted from me to Pearl and back again. I couldn't help but notice the subtle look of jealousy in her eyes.

"Hey Mia, what's wrong?" Pearl asked, her voice gentle and comforting.

Mia's eyes flickered towards Pearl for a moment before they landed on me. "Nothing," she mumbled, but her eyes told a different story.

As I dried myself off, I chatted with Mia about all the things we planned to do and see during our walk. She mentioned some hidden waterfalls and a secret lake. Even with so few words, how she describes it makes me eager to see those sights. But I couldn't help but notice that she was staring at me.

I quickly changed into a flowy summer dress, which wasn't that dissimilar to the one Mia was wearing. It is pretty light but perfect for the hot weather here in the Labyrinth City. As soon as I put my shoes on Mia had hold of my hand.

"Come,"

<0 >

As we walk through the forest, the fresh scent of nature fills my lungs. The sun is shining through the canopy, casting dappled rays of light onto the forest floor. I smile as I listen to the birds singing their happy tunes, feeling at peace in this serene atmosphere. There is no other place in the entire city like this.

"This way,"

I follow Mia as she leads me deeper into the forest. We chat and giggle along the way, enjoying each other's company. After a few minutes of walking, we reach a clearing in the forest. In the centre stands a magnificent tree with golden leaves that shimmer in the sunlight. I have never seen anything like it before. Being friends with an elf has its perks. Mia can always find the best places in and routes through a forest.

"Golden Tree,"

"I can tell even from here that it is a powerful tree,"

"Purifies,"

"So it keeps the forest safe,"

"No. Water,"

"Oh. So it makes the water safe to drink in the city,"

"Mm," Mia nods. "There."

My eyes widened in wonder as I took in the sight before me. Mia was pointing towards a patch of flowers next to the tree. They were unlike any I had ever seen before. Each petal glowed with a different colour, and they emitted faint glittering dust.

"Those flowers are really beautiful,"

"Fairies,"

"Did fairies plant them?"

I haven't seen any fairies here, and I am sure they would be able to stay hidden from Nana's larval detection abilities. We probably just missed the fairies who planted them when we arrived in the city.

"No. Fairies,"

"Oh… I see…"

Looking more closely at the flowers I can see fairies inside the flowers. They are tiny, bearly the size of a yen coin, but they look so cute with how they are curled up within the flowers.

"Babies,"

After Mia was satisfied I understood what I was looking at, we moved on. As we continued our stroll through the forest, Mia showed me the hidden streams, lush green ferns, and brightly coloured flowers.

As we walked deeper into the forest, the trees became denser, and the air grew colder. But I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and adventure. Mia led me to a clearing in the heart of the forest, where a beautiful waterfall cascaded down into a crystal-clear pool.

I had never seen anything like it before; it was like something out of a fairy tale. Cute, tiny little animals were drinking from the stream, and salmon-like fish with wings would jump out of the water and glide for a moment before diving back in. They didn't seem afraid of us, but I guess that isn't surprising since hunters haven't been able to reach them in this forest.

I'm sure Nana would love it here. I watch as small flower people use leaves to gather water while others plant seeds. But then, if Nana was here, she wouldn't be able to stop herself, and the flower people would never be able to do their jobs.

<0 >

"Hero Kura, there are larvae this way, I report,"

Nana's larvae detection abilities are on full blast today as we walk through the alleyways of the city with the attention of handing out candy and basic supplies, but we found some alarming things in the process.

"Nana, there are two more under that shake that need help,"

"I will take of them, I vow,"

We have been finding children all throughout the town with broken bones and infected wounds. The worst part is that none of the wounds look like they happened by accident. The young kid I am currently treating even had a bookmark on the spot where his leg was broken.

"It's okay," I gently smiled at the boy who flinched at my arrival. "Just stay still, and I will make the pain go away."

"Don't touch me! It hurts when it's touched!"

"Please don't hurt my brother!"

"Don't worry. I am only going to heal him," Even when I started healing the kids, they still seemed fearful of me. "There, don't you feel better now?"

"The hurts gone away…" The boy stared at his leg in disbelief momentarily before turning to the girl who called him brother. "The hurts gone!"

"Can you walk now?"

"Yes… it doesn't hurt when I stand anymore," The boy smiled after getting to his feet. "Thanks, lady."

"Thank you, ma'am,"

"Don't mention it," I returned the smile. "By the way, how did you get that injury to begin with."

The brother and sister paled when I asked them that question. Even the kids in earshot looked scared.

"It was… Mr Green…"

"He… he steps on us when we sleep…"

"He even kicked me down the stairs to the labyrinth,"

Soon, I started hearing all kinds of horror stories. Although they didn't name him, I am sure this Mr Green is Counselor Poputema. I knew he was a strange man, but I never expected him to do something so cruel to children.

"Hero Kura, I have finished healing the children, I report. After I forced-fed them potions, their cuteness points rose,"

I am unsure what Nana means by cuteness points, but the kids seem perfectly healthy now. I can still see blood on some of their clothing, and they are underweight, but at least we managed to take care of their injuries. Still, we couldn't leave them like this.

In the end, we took them home with us. We could only offer them a tent in the yard until the orphanage is built, but it should keep them safe from Counselor Poputema. I'm not sure who was happier to hear about the kid's new home after I checked with Satou to ensure it was okay to bring the kids home. Both Nana and the children looked equally excited. From the sound of things, Nana was already planning to have a sleepover with the children.

<0 >

"It is painful to think about all those children left to suffer," Sara says, looking down at her meal.

My final planned activity for the day with having a meal with Sara at a local restaurant. It was a fancy place catered to nobles, making it one of the few places in town that avoided serving monster meat. But the mood wasn't the best, as it turned out Nana and I weren't the only ones to find children needing help.

Sara looked exhausted when we returned to the manor, but she was still smiling and playing with the children she brought home. She and Lulu found them and treated the kid's wounds like Nana and I had before bringing the children to safety. I hate to think just how many more are out there.

"We simply must do everything in our power to speed up the construction of the orphanage,"

"Yeah, I agree," I nodded. "I have already requested extra labour to speed up work. I will ask the viceroy and his wife if they can open the public orphanage any faster when I see them next."

"Will you mention what Counselor Poputema is up to?"

"Yes, I plan on bringing up his misdeeds too,"

Furious at the thought of innocent children being mistreated, I vowed to do something about it. Sara promised to use her connections to gather information and bring Poputema to justice. I'm not sure how much good it will do since Counselor Poputema has the power and influence to get away with his crimes against those kids, but it is worth a shot.

The truth is, Sara and I both felt a deep sense of anger and helplessness towards Counselor Poputema's cruel actions. But there is something we could do while we wait for the viceroy and his wife to take action.

Sara's eyes lit up, her plan already forming in her mind. "I was thinking, since the manor we're staying at has plenty of space, we could set up tents on the lawn and offer shelter to these children. We can also give them food and clothing and maybe even teach them some basic skills."

We hatched a plan to house these children in tents on the lawn of the manor where we were staying. We would provide them with food, clothing and protection. With Satou and I's noble titles, even someone like Counselor Poputema won't be able to touch the children as long as they are on the manor grounds.

"Count me in," I said with determination. "We can't just sit back and let this happen. We have to do something."

And so, the next day, Sara and I set up a makeshift camp on the manor lawn, welcoming in all the homeless children we could find. I was amazed by Sara's dedication and compassion as she tirelessly worked to care for these children. Nana, of course, gave her full support, and between the three of us, we could start accepting the children by the time the sun was setting.

<0 >

"What have you been doing since this afternoon?" As we ate dinner, Satou asked everyone about their day.

"Training?"

"We practised swinging and rock dodging in a field, sir,"

Tama and Pochi were beaming with excitement, their forks and tails swaying enthusiastically as they eagerly replied.

"Do not worry, master. I ensured that they concealed their rare skills such as 'Spellblade' and 'Blink."

After the amendment, Liza gently admonished the two for their behaviour. As I turned around, I noticed Tama and Pochi looking at Satou with hopeful expressions, and he praised them for their good conduct.

"We'll work even harder tomorrow, sir!"

"Aye!"

Although they seemed eager to get started, I longed for them to participate in some playtime occasionally and then.

"After we went to pick up Rosannie, I designed a uniform for the orphanage kids. Shorts!" Arisa added proudly.

You would think she had the hardest job from how Arisa looked and sounded.

"I played with the children waiting for the orphanage to open, I report,"

Nana looked happy despite her blank expression. She has been practically glowing since we started having the children stay with us.

"Mia and I went to select instruments for use at the orphanage," Pearl spoke next.

"Mm. Harps and xylophones,"

"They didn't have any pianos?" Arisa asked.

I believed every orphanage ought to have a piano or organ, just like a kindergarten or grade school music class would have one.

"Mrrr?" Mia tilted her head.

"Maybe there are no pianos in this world?" Arisa suggested.

Now that I reflect on it, I realise I had not noticed any piano-like instruments in any of the mansions of the nobles during my time going to extravagant tea parties in the former capital.

"Wow, so you made friends with the maids at the viceroy's castle, Lulu?"

"Uh-huh. They were all very nice,"

Despite her typically proper demeanour, Lulu adopted a more laid-back, older-sister attitude when chatting with Arisa.

"What were their uniforms like?"

"Normal dresses with an apron, I think.."

Arisa's eyes glittered. "We'll have to spread the good word of maid outfits here, too, then! Don't you agree, master?"

"I suppose so,"

"While we're at it, I'll start some new bra and underwear trends, too,"

"Just don't go crazy,"

It sounds like everyone had fun while Sara and I were trapped in the city hall doing paperwork to expand our charity work and take in more orphans. It would have been faster to just ask the viceroy's wife, but we couldn't get an appointment for a few days, and I didn't want to force my way into an earlier one.

<0 >

"Are you quite certain it's all right for me to choose the staff myself?"

"Yes, of course,"

The following day, after completing our work at the morning soup kitchen, Satou and I found ourselves in the mansion's parlour, where we were introduced to an elderly woman by the name of Miss Miteruna. She was interviewing for the position of director at our new private orphanage. Our conversation showed that she was composed and cultured and seemed free of prejudice since she showed no reaction to the demi-humans Tama and Pochi, so Satou hired her on the spot. Now, we were dumping on her the task of hiring the rest of the orphanage staff.

"That's a serious responsibility..."

"It's all right. I'm sure you can do it," I tried to ease the concerns of the new director, who looked a little overwhelmed.

"But to allow me to determine the budget as well as the hiring practices is so..."

"Don't worry. You'll keep obligatory records in a ledger, there will be audits, and we'll come for observation a few times a year,"

Arisa joined the conversation, acting like a secretary. Surprisingly, she was sporting a pair of triangular glasses attached to a chain and holding a binder filled with documents, giving off a cosplayer vibe for some reason.

"Audits and observations?"

"Yes, it's standard practice where I come from," The director looked uncomfortable at Satou's and Arisa's words.

"Please do not misunderstand. We are not taking these actions out of distrust or doubts," I assure her.

"Then what are they for?"

"We trust you, you see, Director." Arisa looked serious. "But others who do not know you may not. Thus, we take these actions so that we can prove to those outside the orphanage that no wrongdoings are going on within."

"I see,"

Although Arisa had simply restated the information, the director appeared to agree with her explanation.

"Well then, until the construction is complete, I shall seek some permanent employees and a few subordinate workers,"

"Thank you. Please do,"

The interview concluded after providing her with funds to cover her preliminary expenses. As we returned to the city, I decided to give her a tour of the construction area and introduce her to the main carpenters. This would allow me to potentially delegate future meetings to her as well.

<0 >

Arisa remarked on our way back from the morning soup kitchen the following day.

"There weren't that many children today,"

We had been using the soup kitchen to find children and take them in, but even with every one of the children we have living in the tents and being fed there, there shouldn't have been that few children today.

"It was probably because of him,"

"You think so, too, master?"

Today, the green-clad noble inexplicably volunteered at the soup kitchen. However, his contribution was limited to simply hovering in the staff area and flashing a grin at those around him. Unfortunately, a few of the kids were put off by his eerie appearance and promptly left. His unsettling smile and heavy makeup were likely the source of their unease.

"Are you on close terms with that fellow, master?" Lulu asked.

"No, if anything, I think I'd rather avoid him..."

"We should chase him off, then!"

"I agree with Arisa, I declare. That individual's presence causes the larvae to shrivel, reducing their cuteness points. I report," Even Nana was in favour of getting rid of the green-clad noble.

"All right. I'll figure something out."

Of course, the counsellor was a higher-ranking noble than I was, at least officially, so I couldn't just flat-out reject him. Besides, I was kind of curious about what had motivated him to come in the first place.

"The viceroy's wife is having another tea party two days from now, so I'll see if she can mediate for me then," I said. Arisa and Nana looked relieved at that.

"Oh, by the way, I have a request for you two, as well, if you don't mind,"

"Night services?"

"No," I'm surprised Arisa can still look dejected after being turned down by Satou for her 'night services' so many times. "I was hoping you could talk to some of the housewives in the neighbourhood and see if they'd be interested in taking on a bit of part-time work at the soup kitchen."

"Okey-dokey!"

"Yes, Master Satou,"

The noble dressed in green claimed that the reason for his assistance was due to our apparent lack of staff. I can clearly understand Satou's thought process. He believed that by recruiting more people, he could eliminate this excuse.

"How many should we hire?"

"Let's see. We can probably pay about three copper coins per person per day, so maybe five... No, enough to fill the staff area to bursting would be even better,"

"Oh yeah? I'd say we could go up to fifteen, then,"

With that, Arisa and Nana left the mansion.

"Plans?"

"Let me think..."

Since Mia wanted to help out, I thought for a moment.

"Could you take Tama and Pochi out to explore around the mansion, then?"

"Mm,"

Instead of leaving the beastfolk girls to their own devices, where they would inevitably start training once again, I made the decision to send them out to play. I disguised this as a task of guarding Mia.

"Liza and Lulu, I'll have you run some errands in town, please,"

"Of course, sir,"

"What would you like us to buy?"

"As many varieties of leafy and root vegetables as you can find. If you could investigate some market prices, too, I'd appreciate it," Satou assigned them a mission to gather information about food supplies for the orphanage and soup kitchen. In preparation, he handed Liza a pouch filled with copper coins. "You can buy something to eat for yourselves, too, if you like."

"What? But..."

"Just to research different flavours. If you want to be a better chef, you've got to investigate local cuisine and spices."

"Oh, I know. Could you investigate some meat dishes as well as vegetables?"

"As you wish, sir,"

Although Liza had a serious expression, her voice was slightly higher than usual. I tried to ignore her exuberant tail, which was hitting against the ground with excitement.

"I think I am going to take a nap,"

I was up late last night making potions to treat the injured children and could use a rest. But fate wasn't so kind.

"Kura, we still need you to finish making the earth walls," Sara said, grabbing my arm.

"And we need to collect more food from the labyrinth for the kids," Pearl added, taking hold of my other arm.

It seems I won't be able to rest any time soon. The wall was needed to keep unwanted people out of the tent area. Pearl was right about gathering food since most ingredients used at the soup kitchen came from the labyrinth. When I thought about that, I couldn't even argue with them and let them drag me away. Still, I really want a break.

<0 >

"Now, Lelillil,"

I found myself inside the grand Ivory Manor alongside Lelilil and Satou's latest alter ego, Kuro. It struck me how Kuro's chosen name resembled mine, a clear imitation from Satou himself. Nonchalantly, Satou confessed that he was indisputably lacking in the creativity department when it came to naming. I couldn't help but relate, considering I had named Nana and her siblings after numbers.

Draped across Satou's face was a masquerade-style mask, concealing the upper portion of his countenance. Peeking out from beneath the mask was a prominent scar that ran across his western features. His hair, a short and striking white, added to his unique appearance. Adding to the effect were his eyes: one a deep, fiery red and the other a stunning blue. Thanks to some cleverly placed shoulder pads and towering six-inch platform shoes, Satou's usually average height was now magnified, making him appear even more imposing and robust.

With his striking appearance and enigmatic aura, Satou exuded a handsome charm that was hard to resist. I couldn't help but wonder about the numerous admirers who would be drawn to him. I, too, found myself captivated by his new look. Not to say that Satou wasn't attractive before, but this was a whole other level of allure that I had yet to witness from him.

"Right away, sir… Wake Up Kakusei,"

Lelillil shattered the enchantment of the House Magic, causing the girls to immediately awaken from their slumber.

"Wh-where are we?"

"What happened?"

"There was... a fire... wasn't there?"

As the girls frantically patted their faces and examined their skin for any sign of burns, two of them stood still: Neru, with her fiery red hair, and Tifaleeza, blessed with shimmering silver locks. Their stillness was alarming. Their blank gazes fixated on the ceiling as if they had resigned themselves to their fate. No need for them to inspect their bodies, as they had sustained serious burns from the start. Their eyes appeared glazed over as if they had lost all hope for survival.

Before we roused them, Satou gave me a hasty overview. He shared the difficulty he faced in eradicating the scorch marks on Neru and Tifaleeza's skin and also revealed the names of the girls.

"I can...see?"

Gradually, Tifaleeza lifted her hand and placed it delicately over her right eye. As she did so, the brightness that had faded from her complexion slowly started to resurface.

"What's going on?"

"See for yourself,"

Kuro, also known as Satou, brought a hand mirror before them. After some consideration, I decided to stick with calling him Satou. Tifaleeza and Neru hesitated briefly before their expressions changed to surprise upon seeing their reflections. Once they'd patted their hair and faces, they swiftly discarded the blankets covering them and stripped off their garments.

"Oh no,"

I caught Satou staring at their exposed figures and quickly intervened, forcing him to avert his eyes. Despite his love for Miss Aaze in Bolenan Forest, he couldn't help but gaze at their bodies. It was clear that Satou had a tendency to be a bit of a pervert.

"Tifa?" As I observed Neru's expression of shock while she gazed at Tifaleeza, I quickly reached for another mirror and handed it to her. "N-n-n-n-n-no way! You're tellin' me those burns of yours healed just like that?!"

Neru, the youthful redhead, had an unexpected way of speaking, reminiscent of a rough street criminal. One peculiar strand of her hair jutted upwards as if to convey her astonishment. In the world of anime, this wild lock would be referred to as an 'ahoge,' typically seen on dimwitted characters. In any case, it oddly complemented Neru's persona perfectly.

"Whoooooooa, you gotta be kidding me! My body's healed up, too, y'know!"

Stripping off her garments, she gasped in disbelief as she examined her bare skin. What was the reason for needing to strip completely? While Neru checked herself for any marks or injuries, I discreetly glanced at Satou to make sure he wasn't peering, only to catch him sneaking glances at the girls, also unclothed on the other side of the room.

"Wait outside until I call you back in,"

I was met with exposed skin in every direction as I glanced around. I quickly instructed Satou to remain in the hallway until everyone had covered up.

"Calm down already, damn it! ... If you please,"

After closing the door, I immediately heard Lelillil's loud shouts from inside the room. It was clear that she had grown impatient from waiting for the ladies to calm down.

"How long are you going to make Lord Kuro wait? After he used all those valuable potions to heal your sorry asses! Erm, young ladies,"

Thankfully, she had the presence of mind to address Satou as Kuro in front of the young ladies. As soon as the girls were ready, Lelillil summoned Satou back into the room. To the surprise of the both of us, the girls dropped to the ground and were all kneeling low to the ground.

"""Thank you so much, Lord Kuro!"""

Well, I Lelillil had mentioned that Satou had healed every one.

"Are you ladies feeling okay?"

The girls lifted their heads and vigorously nodded in unison.

"Your master seems to have died. If you have somewhere to go home to, I'll take you there,"

As the group exchanged glances, they remained silent. Due to their status as slaves, their owner's relatives could potentially inherit them. However, after narrowly escaping death, I doubted there would be repercussions for emancipating them. And if someone did try to claim ownership, I would simply bribe them to release the slaves.

"What's wrong?"

The young women looked down and ran their hands over their own skin and the bed sheets, almost as if they were searching for something. They continued to exchange silent glances until one of them mustered up the bravery to throw herself onto the floor and let out a loud shout.

"I-I have the 'Analyse' skill, sir, ma'am. Please allow me to be your slave… I promise to be of use to you,"

"I… I only have the 'Sewing' skill, but I'll do anything you two want. Please make me your slave,"

"I can read and write! I can do math, too! So please allow me to serve you, master, mistress,"

The two remaining girls mimicked our actions, requesting to become our servants.

"They're all desperate to impose on your good-will, sir, ma'am,"

Upon hearing Lelillil's spiteful remark, I comprehended their rationale. I empathised with the unfortunate situation of the young ladies, and I was willing to assist in their recovery as commoners. However, I had no desire for additional servants. And Satou is looking at me to break the news.

"""P-please, master!"""

"I don't need slaves,"

At that, the three girls all hung their heads.

"You two aren't going to beg, whelp… erm, young ladies?"

"Slave or not, Lord Kuro… Lady…"

"Kura,"

"Slave or not, Lord Kuro, Lady Kura, I swear I'll pay ya both back for healin' me," Based on the intense response she had to her burns being healed, it seems likely that Neru had sustained her burns before the recent fire, as Satou had suspected. "I know my face and body ain't all that, so I dunno if I could satisfy ya as far as services of the night go, but I can do Everyday Magic, y'know! I swear I'll be useful to ya!"

Everyday Magic is undeniably convenient. Being at a low level like Neru, she most likely did not possess a significant amount of magic power. However, she could still manage to support herself without being forced to serve anyone.

"Me too. I was a secretary at the castle in Lessau County. My only skills are 'Heraldry' and 'Name Order,' so that might not be of much use, but I'll gladly take care of any filing and accounting. I promise to work three times harder than anyone else,"

Tifaleeza came across as a bit of a workaholic. However, what really caught Satou's attention was her proficiency in the 'Name Order' skill, as his eyes lit up upon hearing about it.

"Tifaleeza, was it? I do have a bit of work for you, actually. I'll send Lelillil to fetch you and bring you to my private room later,"

"Y… yes, sir," Tifaleeza nodded nervously when Satou requested her.

"It's the face, isn't it?" Neru grumbled quietly.

Satou needs to clarify things, as the girl's red faces tell me all I need to know about this misunderstanding. Satou probably only wants Tifaleeza to use her 'Name Order' skill; he should tell her that. Still, Satou doesn't look like he will expand on his request.

"I'll let you girls stay here awhile. If you don't have any leads for jobs, tell Lelillil what you're interested in doing later. I'll see what I can find for you," I tell them after a moment of silence.

I couldn't bear to send them off into the world knowing they may resort to selling themselves, so I was happy to assist them in finding new job opportunities.

"Wait a minute, Lady Kura, if ya don't mind," Neru held up a hand. "Me and Tifa are criminal slaves. Unless we get the king's pardon or something, we can't be set free. If ya send us away, we'll probably hafta serve as coal miner slaves day and night, y'know."

Tears filled Neru's eyes; Tifaleeza looked pale, too.

"Criminal slaves? What did you young whelps do?" Lelillil asked.

"We just rejected a lord who got a little too handsy, that's all,"

"I wouldn't call a man who barged into the baths, used drugs to incapacitate girls, and forced them to do things they didn't want to do 'a little too handsy,'"

They claimed that they had refused Count Lessau's advances, but as a consequence, they were marked with Treachery Brands and forced into slavery.

"That pervy bastard burned my and Tifa's bodies while he was branding us, too," Neru said distantly.

The thought of a feudal lord viciously punishing young girls for simply refusing his advances was absolutely shocking. If this was a common occurrence in Lessau County, we would most certainly have to steer clear of the area.

"Sounds like you had it pretty rough..."

In moments like these, I felt ashamed by my lack of vocabulary, unable to offer more meaningful words of solace.

"I already had burns before that happened. When I was a child, my stepmother said she didn't like the vacant look on my face, and she burned me," Tifaleeza seemed to be a deeply unlucky young woman.

"I see. Well, I hope you find happiness from now on to make up for all that misfortune,"

"...Thank you," I patted Tifaleeza's head gently, then left the room.

Satou determined that, at the present moment, he would seek the assistance of a well-versed individual residing in the bustling city centre, hoping to secure a caretaker for the girls. Meanwhile, that left the questioning to me. We still had some questions about the fire that needed answering.

"I have something to ask you all," I say once Satou has left.

I inquired about the events surrounding the outbreak of the fire.

"We were feeding the creatures in the basement when the oil slimes suddenly started going crazy,"

"Normally, they were very calm, but then they suddenly started crashing around and escaping their buckets,"

The two girls were the math and sewing girls. They told me about the slimes escaping and their attempts to stop it. However, their plight took a dangerous turn when a fire broke out in the upstairs area, and the thick, oily slimes spread the flames further, trapping them in the basement.

"Lady Kura!" Neru shouted my name and hopped up. "Right before those two came running, I saw a weird pink-colored slime, y'know!"

"Oh right, you were all worked up over that," The "Analyse" girl nodded.

Upon reflection, Satou had mentioned discovering a remarkable pink core in the slime at the building where he had rescued them from. Based on the girls, accounts, oil slimes were typically a shade of yellow-orange.

"Did you see any suspicious-looking people or anyone doing anything strange?"

The young women looked at one another.

"Everyone who hung around there was suspicious, y'know."

The other girls all nodded in agreement with Neru.

"I'm not sure whether this is suspicious, but...," Tifaleeza spoke up hesitantly. "A middle-aged man dressed all in green used to visit our master from time to time."

"Oh yeah, the guy who was always going 'indeed, indeed."

The sudden turn of events caught me off guard... Although I must admit, it's not entirely unbelievable. I'm certain that character would be a deceitful distraction in a mystery series.

"Do you know what he was doing there?"

The girls exchanged a knowing look once more. From what they could gather, he had randomly appeared and carried out superficial interactions with their master. This gave off the impression that they were on friendly terms, but Tifaleeza and the rest of the girls could sense that it was anything but genuine.

"And was he there on the day of the fire?"

"No, he didn't show up once that…"

"I saw him," Tifaleeza interrupted the "Analyse" girl. "He didn't visit our master, but I saw him from the window, walking around near our building."

"When was that?"

"Not long before Neru started shouting that she'd seen a pink slime,"

In my mind, I begin arranging the accounts given by the girls in a chronological manner: The green-clad noble had sometimes visited and spoken with their master. Shortly after Tifaleeza had seen the green-clad noble, Neru discovered the pink slime. The normally docile oil slimes had gone wild and escaped. The oil slimes had caught aflame somehow, causing the massive fire.

My reasoning may suggest that the noble in green purposely released the pink slime onto the oil slimes, causing chaos and igniting the fire. However, it is unlikely. I could not find any motive for the noble to initiate such a destructive act, and even if they had intended to, they would have likely delegated the task to a subordinate.

As the protagonist of a mystery drama, I would feel compelled to question him about his presence at the location of the fire. However, I was hesitant to delve into matters that did not concern me. While I may have taken the opportunity to pose a few inquiries, there was nothing to be gained aside from satisfying my own curiosity. In these situations, it is often wisest to leave well enough alone.

<0 >

"We explored lots and lots today, sir!"

"And drew pictuuures?"

While enjoying our meal of savoury meat and hearty potatoes, my Tama, Pochi, and Mia excitedly recounted their recent expedition around the vicinity of our house. I was particularly impressed when Tama unveiled a beautifully drawn map depicting their journey through the surrounding landscapes. Her artistic skills had surely improved, now rivalling that of a seasoned pro.

"This is very good. Great job, Tama,"

"Nee-hee-hee...?"

As Tama received a pat on the head from Satou, Pochi's competitive nature was ignited, prompting her to eagerly search through the Fairy Pack attached to her chair.

"I got you this, and this, and this, sir,"

She arranged a collection of peculiar acorns, beautiful rocks, and other items on the table.

"Pochi, we're in the middle of a meal. You can give out gifts after we've finished eating,"

"...Yes, sir," At Liza's gentle admonition, Pochi reluctantly put the items back in her bag. "Food is important, sir."

"Oui, oui!"

Pochi and Tama eagerly grabbed their forks and spoons, ready to dig into the delicious meal. The table was lined with a mouthwatering assortment of meat-and-potato dishes, most likely prepared as part of Rosie and Annie's culinary training. These dishes, with the exception of a konjac option, were all crafted using fresh ingredients straight from Labyrinth City. The girls were especially delighted to see an abundance of Celivera beef from the nearby ranch, ensuring that even the meat-loving beastfolk girls would leave fully satisfied.

"Yummy,"

Mia joyfully nibbled on the potatoes, carrots, and konjak after the beastfolk girls devoured the meat. Her appetite seemed to be more voracious than usual, possibly due to her extensive adventures with Pochi and Tama.

"Did you have fun, too, Mia?"

"Mm. Concert,"

"Mia played music next to a lake, and a bunch of grannies and grampies came to listen, sir,"

"Gave us snaaacks?"

It seemed as though they had made friends with some of the locals while also adventuring.

"What about you, Lulu? Did you find any interesting ingredients?"

"Oh yes!" Lulu nodded with a sparkling smile. "I tried using it for our dessert,"

Dessert turned out to be yoghurt topped with something that resembled raisins.

"Are these dates?"

With just one bite, Arisa could quickly recognise them.

"They're called dates? The merchant called them natsumeyashi..."

"Either way is correct. Dates are the fruit of the natsumeyashi tree,"

The combination of the dates' sweetness and the slightly tart yoghurt was delightful. These dates would likely also be delicious in their raw form or enjoyed as a quick drink accompaniment. It was clear that dates were a rare commodity in this area, as explorers were willing to pay a high price to obtain them. Moreover, these delicacies were acquired solely through the efforts of desert traders who travelled through a western desert to reach Labyrinth City and sell their goods, limiting their availability to only a few times per month.

"There were many unusual vegetables, as well,"

Lulu had made purchases of unique items, such as white carrots and purple lotus roots.

"There were many restaurants selling stir-fried vegetables cooked with garlic sprouts and chives,"

"And many meat dishes, as well,"

Next, they showed us the meat they'd purchased.

"This certainly is a lot of variety,"

"We didn't even buy all the options available!"

Lulu's face was a portrait of disbelief. It appeared that Labyrinth City boasted an incredibly diverse selection of meat options.

"Kura, miasma," Mia tugged on my sleeve.

"You're right,"

The meat that Lulu and Liza had purchased was plagued by miasma, just as Mia said. This foul air was also present in the snacks being sold at various stalls throughout the city. It appeared that the butchers in Labyrinth City did not take proper precautions against the lurking danger of miasma.

"What? Oh no, did we buy something that's not safe to eat?"

"I am terribly sorry, master. We selected only the most delicious products from our taste testing, so I never suspected such a thing..."

"No, no, it's not a big deal," Satou reassured the panicked Lulu and apologetic Liza. "It might have had some side effects if we continued eating it for a long time, but generally, it's only a concern for the sick or feeble."

Perhaps the high prevalence of miasma poisoning among the inhabitants of Labyrinth City can be attributed to the improper purification of monster meat. It may be prudent to bring this up to the viceroy's wife during our next tea gathering.

"Does miasma make it tasty, sir?"

"Reallyyy?"

Liza was met with uncertain and inquisitive gazes from Pochi and Tama. She paused for a moment, taking in their silent questioning. 'Hmm,' I mused, 'I suppose I never really thought about how it might impact the taste.'

Liza looked puzzled. "I'm not certain about that, but all these meats were certainly delicious."

"Let's test it out, shall we?"

Satou took on the task of slicing five different types of meat, carefully using a Holy Stone to purify half of them from any harmful miasma. He then proceeded to cook them with the aid of a magical tool. Although grilling them over charcoal would have resulted in a more flavorful dish, the extra effort involved proved to be too bothersome for Satou. Therefore, he opted for a quicker and simpler solution.

"Smells good"

"Meat is still the best, sir,"

Although Tama and Pochi had most likely consumed a filling dinner, the aroma of cooking meat caused their mouths to water. I made a mental note to provide them with some miasma-free meat at a later time. Still knowing Satou he will most likely be thinking the same thing.

"Wait! Sir!"

Just as Satou was about to take a bite of meat, Pochi abruptly stopped him. Was her craving for it really that strong?

"Poison?"

"We have to make sure you're safe, sir,"

Tama and Pochi exchanged a serious nod.

"I'll have you two test it for me, then,"

"Aye-aaaye!"

"Yes, sir,"

With gleeful expressions, Tama and Pochi delightedly sank their teeth into the juicy meat. As they munched away, Pochi's tail swished in a rhythmic motion while Tama's cat tail twisted in the air. The task of testing the poison had slipped their minds completely. Catching onto my entertained expression, Pochi quickly cleared her throat and said, "I... it's not like that, sir!"

"Well, we know it's safe now, thanks to your noble sacrifice, so why don't we all taste it together?"

Satou got to work cooking plenty of meat for the entire group. I could simply take care of the miasma afterwards. As long as I did it before the meat was fully digested, there wouldn't be any issues. In terms of flavor...

"They pretty much seem the same to me,"

"Really? The kind with miasma is a little tougher, and I detect a note of bitterness, almost,"

Although I could not discern any distinction, Lulu, our resident chef, could definitely recognise it.

"Bitter but powerful,"

"It's a little tough, but it feels like it's making me stronger, sir,"

"I don't taste any bitterness, but I do sense some degree of power rising within me, as Pochi said,"

The beastfolk girls all had their own preferences, too.

"Wow, it actually is increasing my stats," Checking her own status, Arisa confirmed the beastfolk girls' suspicions.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Not as much as 'Body Strengthening' from magic or a skill, but still, it's there,"

Despite its supposed benefits, the taste of the deep-fried whale was not improved, and the perceived increase in strength was only minimal. Therefore, it likely wasn't worth the potential danger of consuming it. While attending the deep-fried whale festival in the former capital, I recalled Arisa mentioning that her physical abilities had temporarily risen by 10 percent after eating it. In terms of boosting stats, whale meat could be a viable option.

Using a Holy Stone, Satou was able to remove the miasma from the remaining meat and stored it in the refrigerator for consumption the next evening. As a precaution, everyone who had consumed the miasma meat also stood under the purifying blue light of a Holy Stone.

"Arisa, were you able to hire the part-timers?"

After meeting back up with Mia and Nana, we all gathered in the living room to unwind. Satou turned to Arisa and inquired about her search for new employees.

"Yup, I hired plenty. Seventeen people for two copper coins each,"

It was more people than we had expected, but that was no problem.

"Our neighbour said she could make announcements and gather people into lines, so I figured we could pay her one large copper coin,"

"All right, sounds good,"

It would be nice to have someone else keep things organised.

"Hero Kura," Nana trotted over to me. "I received information about larvae production from the housewives, I report." Why do I have a bad feeling about this? "According to my findings, it involves sharing a bed in the nude…"

"Nana, no!"

"Mm, forbidden,"

In a quick motion, Sara and Mia swiftly grabbed Nana's arms as she attempted to raise the hem of her dress. Thanks to their quick reflexes, I only caught a brief glimpse of Nana's stomach.

"Why do you intervene? I inquire,"

"You mustn't do that before marriage! It's disgraceful, you know. You're not married to Kura, so you mustn't have children with her. Understood? You do understand, right? So, no seducing, okay? You have to promise!"

Mia was overcome with emotion, causing her to launch into one of her infrequent, extensive tirades.

"Hero Kura, do you not want me to bear your child? I inquire,"

Although Nana's face remained blank as usual, her voice had adopted a surprisingly seductive timber. But as much as it will hurt Nana's feelings, I can't grant her request for an obvious reason.

"Nana," I take a deep breath. "We can't have a child together because we are both female."

"Then should I ask Master Satou for a child? I inquire,"

"Not a chance!" As expected, Arisa was quick to put a stop to that idea.

"I've got first dibs! And Lulu has dibs even before me!"

"O… oh, Arisa..."

Lulu's face turned a bright shade of red due to Arisa's meddling.

"Tama, toooo?"

"Pochi, too, sir!"

Tama and Pochi also chimed in, although it is unlikely they fully grasped the situation. Seizing the opportunity, I subtly shifted the topic of conversation.

"Nana, there's no need for all that. There are plenty of children in the garden waiting for the orphanage to be built that you can play with,"

Satou suggested we take a bath before he turned to leave.

"Oh? What about you, master?"

"I still have some business to attend to, so I'll just clean up with Everyday Magic."

"Awww..."

Arisa's disappointed cry followed Satou's as he left the room.

As I entered the bath, I couldn't help but admire the serene atmosphere and the sound of water splashing. Pochi and Tama were already splashing around and having a great time. Liza was also there, and she couldn't hide her excitement for the bath but still scolded Pochi and Tama for their actions.

As the rest of us settled in, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter. We talked more about our day and our plans for tomorrow. Nana couldn't stop talking about her plans to play with the children all day tomorrow while Sara shared some advice that would help Nana grow closer to the kids. As the conversations flowed, I couldn't help but notice Nana, Pearl, Sara, and Mia's subtle glances and blushes toward me. But it was probably just my imagination. So, I simply brushed it off.

But as we played around in the bath, something unexpected happened. Pochi and Tama accidentally knocked over a bottle of bubbles, causing them to overflow and create a giant bubble storm. We all laughed and tried to pop the bubbles, but they seemed to keep multiplying.

"Oh no, what have you two done," Liza sighed and shook her head, trying to shield herself from the continuous bombardment of bubbles.

"It's not our fault, sir!"

"The bottle was slippery!"

In the chaos, I felt myself slipping and falling onto Lulu, who quickly grabbed onto me to prevent me from hitting my head.

"Are you okay?" Lulu asked, concern evident in her voice as she helped me back up.

"Yeah, thank you," I replied, my heart racing from the close call.

"S... s... sorry..." Pochi stammered, looking down in shame as Tama nodded sheepishly.

"It's alright, it's just soap bubbles. But how do we stop it from multiplying?" Sara asked with a worried expression.

We all stared at the growing bubble storm, not knowing what to do. Suddenly, Mia, the elf who only spoke in one or two words, pointed to the bottle and said, "Stopper!"

We all looked at each other in confusion before Sara understood and quickly grabbed the bottle, pulling out the stopper and placing it back on top. The bubbles slowly started to decrease, and soon, we were able to pop the remaining ones with ease.

As we resumed our soak in the bath, we chatted and laughed, teasing each other playfully. The girls were always trying to get me to open up about my love life, but I always managed to dodge the question. I would rather not think about that kind of thing and secretly wished I had turned down the promotion.

As the evening wore on and the sun began to set my friends and I decided to finish up our bath and get dressed. Stepping out of the warm water, I could feel my skin prickle in the cool evening air. I reached for a towel and began drying off, my mind already racing with thoughts of what to do tomorrow.

But as I turned to leave, Sara grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the bath. She laughed and apologised, saying she had slipped on a wet spot. But I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to it. As we both sat in the bath, our legs tangled together, I couldn't help but notice how every touch of her skin against mine sent shivers down my spine. I tried to concentrate on the sound of the water splashing and the feel of the warm bubbles around us, but all I could think about was how close we were.

Sara's body hovering on top of mine. Her large chest pressed against my flat one, sending a wave of heat coursing through me. I could feel her warm breath on my face and her soft skin against mine.

I tried to push her off me and help her up, but the wetness of her body was too slippery for me to handle. She let out a small groan as she moved to readjust herself, but instead, her hand slipped, and she fell right on top of me. Our bodies were entwined, our limbs tangled together as we struggled to get up. But the more we moved, the more we found ourselves pressed against each other.

Sara's hand found its way to my waist, gripping onto me as she tried to lift herself up. With every tug and pull, our faces inched closer, our lips almost touching. I could feel her warm breath on my lips. They were getting closer, almost about to...

"Mrr,"

"Do you require assistance? I inquire,"

But before anything else happens, Mia and Nana pick Sara up, and Pearl offers me a hand up.

"I'm… I'm sorry, Kura," Sara says, wrapping a towel around her and running away.

I hope she is okay, but I can't check on her right now.

"Mrr,"

Mia was giving me a look, accusing me of some great crime.

"He, he, you two looked like you were having fun,"

And Arisa gave me a look that let me know I was in for an evening of no stop teasing. I can't help but sigh. I am going to be in for a long evening.