Sea cottages always evoked a tropical image in my mind. I seemed to recall hearing that Indonesia, with its countless islands, was home to many such resort-style getaways.
In any case, the Hydra Kingdom enjoyed a warm climate year-round, making it an ideal setting for a seaside resort within the Human Realm. With its abundance of coastal attractions—ranging from the beach we had visited previously to this very cottage—it was a true haven for tourism.
Stepping out of the teleportation magic at our destination, I found a wooden sea cottage waiting for us, looking exactly as I’d envisioned it. The water was breathtakingly clear. I’d been told this entire area was a private beach, and it certainly looked vast. It was a massive place, clearly designed with a wealthy clientele in mind.
"This whole area is a private beach, right?"
"Most likely... There is a barrier magic warding in the distance, so I expect that marks the edge of the property."
"I see."
Anima spoke with total composure, but since I lacked any real talent for detecting barrier magic, I couldn't verify it myself. To be more accurate, I could sense magic to a degree, but my range was so narrow that any barriers she was talking about were far beyond my reach. Had it been a matter of locating individuals with magic power, my Sympathy Magic would have given me a slightly wider reach, but even then, my senses were meager compared to a seasoned professional.
"Well then, Anima, let's head inside."
"Yes! Please leave everything to me, Master! I shall see to your every need!"
She clenched her fist, practically radiating motivation. She seemed to have completely forgotten why we were actually here... or rather, I hadn't explicitly told her what we were doing yet. From her perspective, just being away from her duties probably felt like enough of a break.
"For now, let's start with a nap."
"Are you planning to take a rest, Master?"
"Yeah. Not me, though—you, Anima."
"Eh? M-Me!? But I am perfectly fine..."
"I heard a rumor about a certain girl who hasn't slept in several days... ring any bells?"
"Au... Th-th-th-that's... well, yes."
When I confronted her with a smile, Anima’s eyes began to dart around guiltily. It seemed her excitement over our date had kept her spirits so high that she’d genuinely forgotten how exhausted she was.
That was so like her. Truly, typical Anima... Regardless, I was going to make sure she got some proper rest. That said, I didn't think she would actually sleep if I just sent her to the bedroom alone, so I had already come up with a plan to handle that.
As we entered the cottage, we were greeted by a spacious living room furnished with a large sofa. It was perfect for what I had in mind.
"Alright, Anima, I'm going to have you take that nap now. I'll be worried if I can't see you, so you're going to sleep here on the sofa. Is that okay?"
"Yes, sir! No problem at all. I would be just as happy on the floor..."
"Okay, I think this spot is good."
"Um... Master? Why are you sitting on the sofa? Not that there is any problem with you sitting, of course... but why all the way at the edge?"
Anima tilted her head in confusion as I perched myself at the very end of the cushion. Suppressing a wry smile, I lightly patted my lap.
"I was thinking I'd have you sleep using my lap as a pillow."
"............Huh? Ah, wait, what? D-Does that mean... instead of me giving you a lap pillow, Master... I am the one who will be sleeping on yours?"
"Exactly. Of course, I won't force you if you're against the idea..."
"N-No! It isn't that I'm against it! In fact, it would make me very happy, but... wouldn't that be a grave act of disrespect on my part?"
"Not at all. Besides, I'm the one who suggested it."
I wasn't sure how comfortable my lap actually was, but Fate-san used it often enough and always insisted it was great, so it probably wasn't too bad. I figured this was the perfect way to keep an eye on her and make sure she was actually sleeping, while also getting to do something a little romantic.
Based on her reaction, the plan was working even better than expected. I’d braced myself for her to be more stubborn about refusing, but despite her bewildered expression, she was stealing glances at my thighs. Her ears were twitching, too—a dead giveaway that she was struggling to contain her joy.
"So, come on, Anima... come here."
"Y-Yes... Then, if you'll excuse me."
When I spoke with a gentle smile, Anima nodded and blushed. She removed her hat and cloak, set them on the table, and then tentatively rested her head on my lap with a look of nervous anticipation.
"M-Master? Am I not too heavy?"
"Not at all. You're light as a feather. How about you, Anima? Do you think you can sleep like this?"
"Ah, well... I feel as though my head might burst from happiness... but... it's so peaceful... I don't think I'll have any trouble falling asleep at all... yes."
"I'm glad to hear it. Well then, let's get some rest. Goodnight, Anima."
"Goodnight... Master."
As she lay there, I began to lightly stroke her hair. Anima narrowed her eyes, looking utterly content, and eventually closed them just as I’d told her to. It seemed the fatigue had been weighing on her more than she realized; before long, the quiet sound of her breathing told me she had drifted off.
Serious-senpai: "Gwah! D-Damn it... Since Kaito is actually taking the lead and being assertive with Anima, the mood is totally different than usual..."
???: "He's always a lot bolder when it comes to girls like Alice-chan or Anima-san, isn't he?"
Serious-senpai: "I don't know if he's 'bold' with Alice, so much as Alice is just a total pushover in romance... I mean, she even says so herself..."