I finished my bath and wiped myself down thoroughly in the dressing room. Fitting for a house with such a massive bath, the dressing room was quite spacious. It was easily the size of a public bathhouse’s, featuring multiple vanities and even a bench where one could catch their breath after soaking.
If I kept a refrigerator here, I could even enjoy the classic post-bath milk. Well, I didn’t particularly feel that strongly about drinking milk after a bath, so I hadn’t bothered to set one up...
Since Illness-san was with me, I quickly pulled on my clothes and began drying my hair. Glancing her way, I saw that she had dried her bathing garment with magic and thrown a thin bathrobe over it.
What was this feeling? Though she was covered up far more than before, the glimpses of skin peeking through the gaps in her bathrobe felt strangely suggestive.
"That was a lovely soak, wasn't it?"
"It was. I feel very refreshed."
"Kaito-sama, will you be returning to your room right away?"
"Ah, no. I was in there for a while, so I thought I’d cool off for a bit before heading back..."
I could have relaxed in my room, but there was something nice about lounging on the dressing room bench after a bath. There was even a magic tool that generated a breeze, allowing me to catch my breath while my body temperature settled.
We didn't have a fridge, but if I wanted a drink, I could just pull one from my magic box. It really was as relaxing as the lounge of a high-end bathhouse.
"I see. In that case, may I make a suggestion?"
"Eh? A suggestion?"
"Yes."
With that, Illness-san sat down at the edge of the long bench and smiled, lightly patting her lap.
"If you wouldn't mind, Kaito-sama... would you like to rest here?"
"Huh? Um... I’m sorry if I’m misinterpreting this, but... you don't mean sitting next to you? You mean... a lap pillow? From you, Illness-san?"
"If Kaito-sama doesn't find it unpleasant, of course."
Wait, what? How did the situation turn into this? She was offering me a lap pillow? Why was the conversation flowing in this direction...
"O-Of course I don't find it unpleasant, but... are you sure it's okay?"
"Yes."
However, in contrast to my internal chaos, Illness-san remained perfectly composed. She smiled gently, seemingly not bothered by the prospect at all.
Seriously, what was going on? Illness-san seemed much more proactive today than usual. She was always someone who kindly pampered me, but tonight she was going above and beyond.
Of course, it wasn't as if I disliked the idea.
"E-Eh... well then... I'll take you up on that?"
What on earth was I saying? I had practically accepted her favor on autopilot. I was definitely making too many slips of the tongue tonight.
Illness-san maintained her gentle smile and gave a soft nod.
"Then, please..."
"Ah, right. E-Excuse me!"
Once things had reached this point, it was hard to back out, so I decided to simply accept her kindness. However... Illness-san's bathrobe was parted slightly, and... if I lay down like this, my head would be resting directly against her bare legs. Was she really okay with that?
I stole a glance at her to check, but she was just smiling, looking entirely unconcerned.
Feeling a mix of hesitation and trepidation, I timidly rested my head on her thighs. The sensation of her incredibly soft, smooth skin and the lingering warmth from her bath transmitted directly into me, making my heart hammer against my ribs.
In response to my tension, Illness-san produced a folding fan from somewhere. She began to fan me, sending a cool breeze across my face, while resting her other hand on my head to stroke my hair.
"I would be happy... if this helps you relax, even just a little."
"T-Thank you very much."
This was dangerous. I felt like I was going to be spoiled rotten—like I was going to get addicted to this. It was an extraordinary level of comfort.
First of all, the sensation of the lap pillow itself was heavenly. Then there was the perfect breeze hitting my flushed skin, the gentle touch of her hand on my head, and the sight of Illness-san looking down at me with that serene expression.
It felt like she was embracing everything about me with an overwhelming sense of maternal peace. My earlier confusion evaporated, replaced by a wave of intense drowsiness brought on by the sheer bliss of the moment.
"If you like, why don't you sleep for a bit? I will wake you... in about fifteen minutes."
"...Then, I'll take your word for it..."
"Yes."
I gave in to her irresistible proposal and closed my eyes. As I felt myself sinking into her warmth, my consciousness began to drift away.
Then, just as I was about to fall completely under... for a fleeting second, I thought I felt something. Something soft and slightly moist lightly brushed against my forehead. But before I could process what it was, my mind sank into a deep, peaceful slumber.
Serious-senpai: "Alright, that’s it!! That has to be the end, right?! It’s the perfect stopping point!! Please, let it be over!!!!"
???: "Next time: Night Market 11."
Serious-senpai: "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!?"