Fia-sensei and Noin-san had their little spat, leaving me alone in the tub. Still, I was too worried about them to enjoy the soak, so I decided to get out right away.
I just couldn't catch a break. Maybe I really was cursed when it came to baths?
Regardless, I hopped out of the water, dried myself off thoroughly, and stepped out of the changing room.
Fia-sensei and Noin-san were nowhere to be seen. Maybe Noin-san was still unconscious and they hadn't come out yet?
Pondering the possibility, I reached into the magic tool—which looked exactly like a refrigerator—and pulled out a bottle of milk.
Having chilled milk ready for the moment you stepped out of a bath was the height of luxury. It was truly the VIP treatment. For the record, I was a fruit milk man.
Taking the traditional stance with my hands firmly on my hips, I popped the cap and prepared to down the bottle in one go...
"Miyama-kun!?"
"Pfft—!?"
The moment Fia-sensei came flying out of the changing room, I sprayed the mouthful of milk everywhere.
I felt terrible about making a mess of the floor, but honestly, I didn't think any man could have helped it.
After all, Fia-sensei had burst out wearing nothing but an elegant, deep-blue bra and matching panties. It was a simple, refined set, but seeing her in nothing but her underwear was quite a shock.
"Cough! Wheeze! F-Fia-sensei!? What are you doing!?"
"S-Save me, Miyama-kun!"
"Huh? Save you? Wait, why are you getting behind me!?"
I was already flustered enough by her provocative attire, but she didn't even answer. Instead, she circled around me and clung to my back as if using me for cover.
Wait, what? What was happening? I could feel something soft against my back... No, focus! What was going on?
"Fiaaaaaaaaa!"
"Hieee!"
A voice resonant with subterranean fury echoed through the hallway.
Then, from the entrance of the women's changing area... the Hell Knight emerged.
It was Noin-san, though she had clearly entered a berserker state. She was clad in flaming, crimson full-body armor and shouldered a great axe that looked capable of decapitating a dragon, let alone a human.
"I-I’m sorry, Hikari! I didn't think it would turn out like that!"
"I won't hear it! How dare you... How dare you show me in such a disgraceful state in front of Kaito-san! If you want to finish what we started a thousand years ago, I'll be happy to oblige! This time, I'm taking your head!"
"Hieee! She’s not a Hero anymore, she’s a total berserker! I’m sorry!"
"I don't care! Today, no matter how much you hide behind Kaito-san... hide behind... Kaito-san... wait, what?"
Noin-san had been surging forward, her magic power erupting from her body in waves, but she ground to a halt the moment she reached me.
She stood in silence for a few seconds before slowly lowering the great axe from her shoulder.
"U-Um, Noin-san? Please, calm down."
"A-Ah... No, this is... It's not what it looks like. Um... excuse me. Please forgive me for a moment."
"Huh?"
Despite my attempt to soothe her, she sounded incredibly flustered. She made a hasty retreat back into the changing room.
A few minutes later, she returned... wearing a beautiful kimono.
She walked right up to me, knelt on the floor, and performed a deep, formal prostration. I stared at her, bewildered. Why was she kneeling like that?
"Noin-san?"
"I... I am aware that it was an accident."
"Right..."
"H-However, since my naked body was seen... I-I have no choice but to marry you, Kaito-san! I know I am an unworthy woman, but... please, take me as your wife!"
"Excuse me?"
My mind went blank for a second at the sudden marriage proposal, but the reason clicked soon enough.
Noin-san had a very old-fashioned way of thinking. She likely believed that her naked body was something only her husband should ever see.
And I had seen it, even if it was a total fluke. Because I had seen what was meant for her husband... wait, did that mean I had to take responsibility for her?
I fell silent, weighed down by the gravity of her words. After giving it some serious thought, I crouched down so I could look her in the eye.
"Noin-san."
"Y-Yes!?"
"Well, here's a suggestion... Why don't we try to forget about today for now?"
"What? B-But..."
"I understand. I know this is a huge deal for you. But marriage is a major life event. If we do it like this, I think you’ll eventually come to regret it."
I felt responsible for what had happened, certainly. But marrying her solely out of obligation didn't feel right for either of us.
"So, let's try to put today behind us and think it over. If you really can't forget, I'll even ask Shiro-san to step in and help."
"..."
"I want this to be more than just because I saw you naked. I want us to get to know each other better from now on, so you can reach your own conclusion based on how you truly feel."
"Kaito-san..."
"So, even if it's just my own selfishness... could you try to forget about this just for now?"
I finished explaining my feelings and waited quietly for her response. Noin-san stared at my face for a long time. Finally, she let out a small sigh and smiled.
"I understand. Let's agree to forget about this incident for the time being."
"Thank you!"
"However... um..."
"Yes?"
After accepting my proposal, Noin-san blushed shyly. She started tapping her index fingers together and spoke in a whisper.
"I-I might not be able to forget completely. S-So, if I really can't move past it and I can't find anywhere else to go... would you... take responsibility then?"
"Yes... I will."
"Oh... Well then... I might... not be able to forget after all."
"What?"
"I-It's nothing! I’ll be in your care if the time comes!"
Dear Father, Mother—it seemed that because Noin-san held such traditional values, having her naked body seen by a man like me was a monumental event. We decided to try and forget the incident for now, but... how should I put this? I felt like the distance between us had closed just a little bit more.
Serious-senpai Act 3 (I'm on the Coffee Milk Side): "...I'm on the coffee milk side..."