The open-air-style lie-down bath offered a magnificent view. It felt just like an outdoor spring on an autumn night, with a sky full of stars and the vibrant colors of red maple and ginkgo trees decorating the scenery.
"This is amazing. Does the magic keep it nighttime forever?"
"No... I believe the scenery changes to match the time of day. For instance, in the afternoon, it might transform into a seaside view..."
"Heh, so not just the weather, but the entire landscape changes. That’s some impressive detail."
As we chatted, I looked over the bath and a question occurred to me. Wait, where are the pillows?
Most of the lie-down spots had wooden pillows, but as I scanned the area, I noticed one spot where the headrest was missing. In its place was a strangely shaped space. It was hollowed out, leaving a peculiar gap.
"Kaito-sama... in this particular bath, you may choose between two different pillows."
"Eh? Two?"
"Yes... depending on the circumstances, there could be more... but for now, I have two available."
"Right... okay? More depending on the circumstances?"
It was a cryptic way of putting it. I wasn't sure if more types would be added later or if she meant something else entirely. While I stood there tilting my head in confusion, Illness-san gestured toward one of the standard wooden headrests.
"First, we have the wooden pillow."
"That seems like the standard choice."
"It is a bit firm, though... so if you use it, it might be best to cushion it with a towel."
"I see... and the other one?"
"Yes. It is used right here."
Illness-san moved to the uniquely shaped spot I’d noticed earlier. She sat down in that unnatural gap where one’s head would normally go and lightly patted her thighs.
"This is the other pillow I can offer you today."
"...Wait, what?"
Ah... I see. That mysterious hollowed-out space was meant for a person to sit in. So, this bath was actually designed from the start with this specific service in mind?
Putting that realization aside and trying to process the situation...
"...Um, are you saying... you’ll give me a lap pillow, Illness-san?"
"Yes... provided you don't find the idea unpleasant, Kaito-sama."
"W-Wait a second. It’s not that I find it unpleasant, but I’m worried about you. Are you... are you really okay with this?"
I couldn't quite find the right words, but I hoped she understood my concern. I shouldn't treat this like any old lap pillow—Illness-san was currently wearing a bikini.
Her thighs were completely bare, with nothing at all between us. Lying back on them was bound to be... overwhelming. I’d had lap pillows from people in swimsuits before, but having it done by someone who wasn't my lover felt different. When Shiro-san had done it before we were together, she’d at least been wearing a pareo.
To be perfectly honest, I was still a man. The idea of a beauty like Illness-san giving me a lap pillow while in a bikini was incredibly alluring—almost impossible to resist.
But if there was even a one-in-a-million chance she was only doing this out of a sense of duty, I couldn't accept.
Of course, my Sympathy Magic didn't pick up even a hint of reluctance. Illness-san was the type to say no when she meant no, so she probably didn't mind... but still.
"Yes. If it is not a bother to you, Kaito-sama... I would prefer you to choose me."
"Ah... um..."
Her words carried a weight that made them feel like they meant something else entirely, but she seemed completely unbothered. Honestly, if you asked me if I could actually choose a block of wood over this... well, I couldn't.
Illness-san's lap pillow was incredibly tempting, but more importantly, after she’d gone that far, I couldn't possibly turn her down.
"...Alright then. I'll be in your care."
"Yes... please, right this way."
"E-Excuse me."
I was definitely acting way too nervous. Part of it was the bikini, but the sheer embarrassment of the situation was hitting me hard.
Still, I couldn't just stand there frozen forever. Steeling my resolve, I lay back onto Illness-san’s lap as I settled into the bath.
First, I felt a slight dampness against the back of my head, followed immediately by an indescribable softness and warmth. At the same time, the rest of my body was enveloped by the heat of the spring water.
This... this was dangerous. My whole body felt warm and wonderful, while the back of my head rested on something so soft and smooth it felt like paradise. It was so comfortable I worried I’d become addicted to it.
Looking up slightly, I could see Illness-san’s face and her bikini-clad form. If I wasn't careful, I was definitely going to get lightheaded.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaaah... W-Wait, this is unnatural! You're cutting it there?! And it's chapter eleven?! There's no way it just ends like this! Looking at the pacing, there should be at least one more chapter... H-Hieeeee!"