After I finished washing up, it was finally time to head into the bath... though I still hadn't quite decided where to start. There were so many options that all of them looked enticing. After a moment of deliberation... alright, I've got it! I'd start with a simple Jacuzzi.
I figured a solid plan would be to soak in the Jacuzzi or the Ultrasonic Bath first, maybe hit the Waterfall Bath if the mood struck, relax in the Aroma Bath, and finish off by lingering in the Sleeping Bath for a good, long soak.
"Illness-san, I was thinking of starting with the Jacuzzi... um, would you like to join me?"
"Yes... In that case, I shall accompany you..."
I felt a flicker of doubt. Aside from helping me wash, what kind of support would she actually provide in the bath? Perhaps she didn't intend to assist with every single pool, but just the ones that required a bit more effort. I had to admit, it took some nerve to step into things like the Electric Bath on your own...
Then again, she might just be planning to prepare drinks. Regardless, I got the feeling she would just wait by the side of the tub if I didn't say anything, so I decided to invite her in.
It felt like a rather bold request on my part, but the bath was spacious enough for multiple people to use comfortably, so there shouldn't be any issues.
We moved to the first Jacuzzi and sank into the water. The sensation of the bubbling spray was incredibly relaxing. You rarely got the chance to use a Jacuzzi outside of a Super Sento, so it felt like a real luxury.
Of course, some people were wealthy enough to have them in their own homes...
"This feels amazing. I can feel the exhaustion just melting away."
"Yes... It truly is quite interesting, isn't it?"
"So, I take it Jacuzzis don't really exist in this world?"
"There might be one somewhere... however, adding functions like these inevitably drives up the price of a Magic Tool significantly. It is likely a luxury reserved for the truly wealthy."
Many Magic Tools with a single formula were relatively affordable, but those with multiple formulas were notoriously expensive.
Just like she said, paying a premium just for a Jacuzzi function was a tall order for anyone who wasn't well-off.
Thinking of Kaori-san, I realized most people probably stuck to the absolute minimum necessary because of how expensive Magic Tools could be.
"Now then, I cannot simply remain at ease like this. Please, allow me to provide some assistance."
"...Um, out of curiosity, what kind of support is there besides helping me wash?"
"I shall perform a light Lymphatic Massage here. Doing so while bathing increases the effectiveness of your recovery."
"Oh, that makes sense!"
"However, if I overdo it, there is a risk that you might experience lightheadedness when you step out. I shall limit myself to a gentle stroking massage."
I see, a massage while bathing. That definitely sounded like it would be effective. Illness-san was truly skilled at massages, so I was sure it would really take the edge off my tiredness.
The risk of lightheadedness from overdoing it was likely because the blood flow would become too stimulated, leading to a reaction from the temperature difference. Well, I was sure it would be fine if I left the pacing to Illness-san.
"In that case, I'll leave it to you."
"Yes, certainly. If you'll excuse me then..."
".........!?"
Wait, what was happening? What was that soft sensation pressing against my back? Wait, wait, calm down. Let's process this.
I had asked Illness-san for a massage. That much was fine. But immediately after nodding, she had moved behind me and wrapped her arms around my back so her hands reached the front of my neck—essentially hugging me from behind.
I was wearing a swimsuit. That meant my back was bare skin. I didn't need to use my imagination to figure out what that warmth and the sensation of thin fabric pressing against me was... No, wait! Seriously, what is this situation?!
"We shall begin with the Clavicle Massage..."
"...Ah, right. The clavicles. Yes, those are very important."
What was I thinking? Illness-san was just being thorough with the massage; she didn't have any ulterior motives. Given her height and build, reaching around from behind was simply the most efficient way to reach my collarbones.
But Illness-san... men are simple creatures. If a beautiful, kind older woman hugs you from behind while wearing a swimsuit—formality or not—you can't help but wonder if she actually likes you. I suppose it's just the unfortunate nature of being a man.
Serious-senpai: "No, she is interested! She's incredibly interested!! W-Well, I guess from Kaito's perspective, it would end up looking like that... personally, all this sweetness is giving me a headache..."
???: "Oh, looks like Senpai's back to normal."
Machina: "So she revived from inside the white chocolate once it melted? She's got all her limbs and she's even dressed... In that case, I wonder where the white chocolate I'm using for this fondue is coming from? ...Munch, munch."