Once the heavenly massage concluded, we moved to the room containing the bedrock bath. This was my first time experiencing one. Despite the dim lighting, the interior design felt sophisticated and luxurious, and it looked as though several people could use the facility simultaneously.
"I’ve never done this before, but it isn't as hot as a sauna, is it?"
"That’s right... Bedrock baths usually hover around forty-five degrees Celsius, making them quite a bit cooler than a sauna... It’s the perfect temperature to slowly... warm your body to the very core..."
"I see. And what’s this pleasant scent?"
"Since our goal today is to recover from your fatigue... I’ve lit some incense with an aroma designed for its relaxation effect..."
The space was incredibly stylish. The elegant, soothing fragrance put me at ease, and I found myself looking forward to the experience. As I approached one of the bedrock plates, Illness-san laid out a large towel and began her explanation.
"It isn't a strict rule... but generally, one starts by lying face-down... Doing so warms the internal organs and heightens the detox effect..."
"I see... Like this?"
"Yes... Though... your shoulders are still a little tense..."
Saying this with a gentle smile, Illness-san placed her hands on my shoulders and began to lightly knead them.
"Please, let the tension go... just relax..."
"Ah, okay."
Her gentle voice and the soothing touch of her hands made the tension drain from my shoulders naturally. Soon, the mellow warmth radiating from the bedrock plate began to feel wonderful.
It felt as though the heat was seeping into my very being. The gentle, full-body warmth was incredibly pleasant—a completely different sensation from a sauna.
"After lying prone for five... to ten minutes... you should turn onto your back and spend about fifteen minutes... working up a slow sweat. That is the most effective way..."
"This really does feel amazing. The sweat feels light and clean—it isn't uncomfortable at all. I feel like I could stay here forever."
"However... staying too long will actually have the opposite effect... Once you’ve spent fifteen minutes on your back... we should take a break in the rest room next door to rehydrate..."
"Got it. I am sweating a lot, so drinking water is important."
"Exactly... And then... after the break, you repeat the cycle... doing the bedrock bath about three times in total is ideal..."
Thanks to her clear explanation, I felt I understood how to properly enjoy the bath. But... even so, lying here by myself felt a bit awkward.
"Um, Illness-san. If you’d like, why don't you join me? There are plenty of plates available."
"Oh...? Are you inviting me...? Well then... since you’ve been so kind... I’ll take you up on that offer and join you... if I may..."
When I extended the invitation, Illness-san gave a delighted smile. She laid a towel on the bedrock plate next to mine and lay down in a prone position.
Seeing Illness-san lying down like this was a rare sight, and I found myself staring. Noticing my gaze, she looked back at me and smiled softly.
That all-encompassing smile was so very like her... I wasn't sure if it was just the effect of the bath, but I felt my body grow even warmer than before.
Serious-senpai: "The atmosphere is suffocating. I feel like they’re flirting even when they’re just having a normal conversation."