It was the 12th of the Month of Earth. On a bright, clear afternoon, I found myself perched atop Bell with a scrubbing brush in hand.
Since Bell was nearly five meters tall, I had to use a long-handled deck brush just to reach everywhere while washing him.
"Come on, Bell, hold still for a second."
"Quaaa~"
When I applied a bit of elbow grease, Bell let out a contented cry. It was incredibly cute and soothing, but I really wished he wouldn't wiggle so much; I felt like I was going to slide right off.
"Kyui!"
"Yeah, thanks. All right, Rin, could you handle the area around the tail?"
"Kyuku!"
The one who trotted over with a small brush clamped in her jaws was Rin, the young white dragon—or Lindwurm—who had officially joined our family back on the 3rd.
Since she seemed eager to help, I left the tail to her and continued scrubbing the rest of Bell’s body.
"...Phew, finally finished."
"Gau!"
"Kyui!"
After I finished washing Bell’s massive frame and dried his coat with a magic tool that blasted warm air, his fur was wonderfully soft and fluffy. It was high-quality enough that even I could tell the difference; leaning against it felt like sinking into a plush duvet.
Bell lay flat on the ground, and as I leaned against his side with Rin cradled against my chest, he draped his tail over me like a heavy blanket.
The comfort was so absolute that I felt I could have drifted off into a nap right then and there. Washing a body that size was certainly a workout, but for a sensation like this, the fatigue was a small price to pay.
"...Kaito-san, thank you for your hard work. Here, please have a drink."
"Thank you, Sieg-san."
"Not at all. I have something for Bell-chan and Rin-chan as well."
"Gau!"
"Kyu!"
While I was resting, Sieg-san approached, carrying a tray in one hand and a container nearly two meters long in the other.
It seemed she had prepared refreshments for all of us. I thanked her and took a glass. The cold drink, which tasted much like citrus-infused water, soaked into my tired body, and I smiled as I watched Bell and Rin happily lapping up their own portions.
Everything felt so peaceful. My life had been quite hectic lately, so moments like this truly set my heart at ease.
"Hehe, you look exhausted."
"Is it that obvious? I didn't think I was feeling it that much, but I suppose things have been busy recently..."
"Fatigue has a way of accumulating where you can't see it, after all..."
"Hm? Ah, here."
After offering those kind words with a wry smile, Sieg-san looked at me and shifted her gaze meaningfully.
Back when she was unable to speak, we had communicated through eye contact and gestures, so I knew what she was thinking immediately. She was asking if she could join me. I nodded and shifted over to make a bit of room. Sieg-san sat down with her usual graceful poise and leaned back against Bell just as I was doing.
"It’s wonderful to just relax like this every once in a while..."
"It really is. Time spent like this is a true luxury."
As we sat side-by-side, we gazed up at the transparent blue sky. Just as Sieg-san said, perhaps this sort of quiet, languid time was the greatest luxury one could ask for.
Rin, who had finished her drink while I wasn't looking, crawled onto my lap. She looked sleepy as she curled into a ball, and a few moments later, I heard her rhythmic, tiny snores.
Smiling at the sight, I suddenly remembered something and turned to Sieg-san.
"Come to think of it, I overheard a rumor... Sieg-san, are you taking a few days off starting the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes, for about four days. I’m going back to Rigforresia to see my parents."
"To see Rei-san and Fia-san?"
"Yes. I told them my voice had returned in a letter, but I haven't reported it to them in person yet."
"I see."
So the rumor I’d heard from the servants was true. Sieg-san was taking a short leave to head home. Her voice had returned after we came back from the Treasure Tree Festival, so I was sure Rei-san and Fia-san were dying to hear her speak again. Especially since those two seemed to absolutely dote on her.
"Since I'm going all that way, I thought I'd take the opportunity to look around the village as well."
"Heh, that sounds fun."
"Do you think so?"
"Yeah. I actually really like the lush scenery in Rigforresia."
It had only been about two months since I was last there, yet I felt a strange sense of nostalgia. Thinking back, that trip had been my first time leaving the Royal Capital. Rei-san and Fia-san were such lively people, too—I’d love to see them again.
As that thought crossed my mind, I noticed Sieg-san glancing at me repeatedly. I tilted my head in confusion. Finally, her cheeks flushed a light pink, and she spoke up hesitantly.
"...Um, Kaito-san... I know this is a bit sudden, but..."
"Yes? What is it?"
"...I-If you’d like... would you like to come with me, Kaito-san?"
"Huh? Me too?"
The invitation caught me off guard, but the idea itself was very tempting.
"Y-Yes. Well, my mother and father both said they wanted to see you again... A-And I thought it would be more enjoyable than going by myself..."
"I see."
"O-Of course, I understand if you have other plans..."
Watching Sieg-san mumble with her face turning red was honestly adorable, and my heart gave a little thump. To hide my flustered state, I rested my chin on my hand and considered the offer.
"It’s a great offer, but... wouldn't I just be in the way?"
"You wouldn't be in the way at all! In fact, I think my parents would be overjoyed. They kept saying how much they wanted to see you in their letters."
I didn't have any particular plans, and I’d been wanting to visit Rigforresia again anyway, so the timing was perfect. I’d asked just in case I was intruding on their family time, but it seemed—honorably enough—that Rei-san and Fia-san really were looking forward to a visit.
"...Then, if you're sure, I’d love to go with you."
"Ah, really? Yes!"
"And since we're going, let’s invite Aoi-chan and Hina-chan, too. I’m sure they’d love another trip to Rigforresia."
"Huh? A-Ah... I see... Right... That makes sense... Yes... I agree."
I suggested it thinking the more the merrier, but for some reason, Sieg-san’s shoulders slumped in visible disappointment. That was strange—I didn't think she was the type to dislike crowds or noise.
"...Um, did I say something wrong?"
"No! Not at all! Nothing of the sort! Let’s invite them! Absolutely!"
"Oh, okay."
When I asked, Sieg-san shook her head vigorously and stood up, her face bright red. I wasn't entirely sure what was going on, but... had I messed up somehow?
After that, we went together to ask Aoi-chan and Hina-chan if they wanted to come, but they both turned us down flat. However, as they were refusing, they both looked at Sieg-san and said things that made absolutely no sense to me.
"...I think I’ll pass. I have no desire to be kicked by a horse," Aoi-senpai said.
"Same here. I’d like to avoid any horse kicks if possible," Hina added.
"...Horse? What are you talking about?" I asked.
Aoi ignored my question and looked at Sieg. "...Sieg-san, good luck. I’m rooting for you."
"Kaito-senpai is a formidable opponent. I know exactly how you feel, but don't give up! You can do it!" Hina cheered.
"...Thank you both so much. I'll do my best," Sieg replied.
The exchange was a complete mystery to me, but Sieg-san seemed to understand exactly what they meant. She clenched her fist, seemingly fortifying her resolve for whatever lay ahead.
Dear Mother, Father—At Sieg-san’s invitation, I’m going to visit the city of Rigforresia again. It’s a bit of a shame that Aoi-chan and Hina-chan couldn't make it, but being able to see Rei-san and Fia-san again—is something I’m truly looking forward to.