"Wow... this is incredible," I murmured, my breath hitching as I took in the magnificent view unfolding before me.
"Yes, it certainly lives up to its reputation. Even I had heard rumors about how famous this place is," Sieg-san agreed, her expression mirroring my own wonder.
We stood halfway up a mountain in the western region of the Demon Realm, at a destination renowned as one of the realm's most popular resorts. Nearby stood a charming, though not particularly large, villa where Sieg-san and I would be staying. I had also heard there were hot springs close by.
A mountain villa with a scenic view and hot springs—at first glance, it might sound like a pleasant but common vacation spot. However, this resort was different. The reservation included the entire surrounding mountain range, and a powerful barrier ensured that only a single party could enter the premises at any given time. We quite literally had the entire landscape to ourselves.
The resort had been designed for Peerage-class high-ranking demons and other prominent figures who wished to relax far from the prying eyes of the public. Even a single night was staggeringly expensive, and reservations were reportedly fully booked for years to come.
As for why Sieg-san and I were here, the story went back a few days. We had received a letter from Tre-san containing a pair accommodation ticket for this very resort.
She claimed it was a token of gratitude for helping the troubled Cento-san and Cien-san... though, technically, Tre-san was the reason those two had been troubled in the first place. Regardless, she had urged us to go, adding a characteristically irresponsible note: "I could only secure a booking for this specific day, so please make the schedule work somehow." After a bit of negotiation with Lilia-san, Sieg-san and I were successfully able to make the trip.
This resort was so famous that even Lilia-san and Luna-san had been genuinely stunned. It was nearly impossible to secure a spot without significant status or connections; Lilia-san had mentioned that even as a Duchess, the best she could hope for would be a booking several years in the future.
I couldn't help but wonder how Tre-san had managed to grab a reservation on such short notice. She had mentioned that her talent made her a high earner, but this seemed like the kind of thing money alone couldn't solve. Though she claimed she wasn't anyone famous, she clearly had major connections. She was an acquaintance of Agni-san, so perhaps she knew many other high-ranking demons as well.
"The building looks like a simple house," I noted.
"Rumor has it they actually change the structure to match the number of guests and their physical size," Sieg-san explained.
"Ah, that makes sense. Some races are quite large, after all."
"The core concept is to provide a place where guests can relax undisturbed, so the buildings are kept small enough to be cozy for small groups. However, those lighting magic tools outside are the latest models. It may look modest, but the quality is top-tier."
We chatted in front of the villa, which was neither cramped nor particularly sprawling. It was a high-end getaway disguised with simplicity—a sanctuary designed to soothe the soul.
Stepping inside, we found the interior followed the same theme: simple yet impeccably furnished with everything we could need. It was outfitted with the latest magical appliances, ensuring a seamless stay.
"The kitchen is wonderful too," Sieg-san remarked. "What should we do about dinner?"
The villa was equipped with a food-storage magic box that didn't require user registration. Inside was an incredible variety of every imaginable ingredient. For those who didn't want to cook, a catering service was also available. One simply filled out a form in the kitchen and placed it in a dedicated delivery box to have a meal sent over. Being an ultra-luxury resort, the service was staggeringly thorough, evidenced by the thick booklet listing all the available amenities.
"Since there are so many fresh ingredients, I'll handle the cooking," Sieg-san offered.
"Oh, then why don't we make it together? I think I can help out enough to stay out of your way."
"Yes, let's do that." Sieg-san beamed at the suggestion.
"Though it's not quite time for dinner yet... Shall we take a walk first?"
"I'd love to. According to the booklet, there are several interesting spots to explore."
"Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to go, Sieg-san?"
"Um, well... the one on Page 24..." Sieg-san said, sounding a little bashful.
I flipped to the page she mentioned. It described a creature interaction area where guests could play with well-trained animals and monsters.
It was a choice that felt very much like her. She seemed a bit restless, clearly having wanted to go there from the moment she first saw it in the guide.
"That sounds great. Let's make that our first stop."
"Yes!"
"Let's see, the transfer magic tool to the interaction area is..."
"It's over there! Come on, Kaito-san, let's go!"
"Whoa—okay, I'm coming!"
As Sieg-san pulled me along by the hand, her innocent smile struck me as incredibly adorable. I felt certain that this overnight stay was going to be something special.
Serious-senpai: "Aaaaaaaah?! You liar! You said this was going to be a one-shot! You... you promised!"
???: "Well, it's just being split into two parts, so it's practically the same thing."
Serious-senpai: "Don't give me that! I know how this works! This isn't going to end in two parts! A 'Middle Part' is definitely going to sprout out of nowhere!"
???: "Well, they have to do the mixed bathing scene."
Serious-senpai: "Why?! Mixed bathing isn't some mandatory law! You don't have to do it! If you turn this into a tradition, every time he gets a new lover from now on, we're going to be stuck with another hot spring chapter!"