One way or another, it seemed the fatigue had truly caught up with Anima; she was dead to the world on my lap. While she slept, I spent the time reading quietly, careful not to stir her.
Her weight was negligible, but staying in the same position for hours still took its toll. Still, as long as it meant she was getting the rest she needed, I didn't mind one bit.
Three hours passed. When I sensed her starting to stir, I closed my book and stowed it in my Magic Box.
Anima shifted slightly, her eyes fluttering open. She stole a look at me, a soft, hazy smile spreading across her face.
"Master..."
"Good morning, Anima."
"Hehe... It really is Master..."
"Hm? Whoa..."
Still half-lost in sleep, she reached out with dazed eyes and pulled me into a hug from where she lay. She clung to my waist, burying her face in my stomach and nuzzling against me with a blissful expression.
She was like a puppy seeking affection—absolutely adorable. A warm feeling bloomed in my chest, but I knew this wouldn't last. She was only acting this way because she was half-asleep; clarity was bound to return sooner or later.
"Master... Master... Mas—"
Her voice faltered as the fog finally lifted. She looked up at me and went pale—so fast I could practically hear a sound effect. Her internal panic was written all over her face.
She undoubtedly felt she’d been unforgivably disrespectful, but I wasn't bothered in the slightest. If anything, her show of affection was a treat.
However, I knew how serious she was, so I offered my most reassuring smile to show her everything was fine.
"Good morning, Anima."
"G-Good morning, Master... Ah, um... I... Please forgive my insolence..."
"I don't mind at all. It was actually quite cute. I wouldn't mind if you acted that way more often."
"Auu... N-No, that would be far too rude! Attendant's Propriety dictates that... Or rather, that hurdle is simply too high for me! A-At any rate, please excuse my behavior!"
Her frantic stammering was so charming I couldn't help but grin. While a serious girl like her wouldn't find it easy to act spoiled, she seemed a little shaken by the suggestion. Maybe, in time, she’d reach a point where she could truly let herself be pampered.
There was no reason to rush. I would just wait for her to grow comfortable with our new life as lovers.
"...Um, Master? How long was I asleep?"
"About three hours."
"T-Three hours?! I-I am so sorry! I only meant to close my eyes for a moment... To think I kept Master pinned down for so long..."
"Don't worry about it. More importantly, did you get some rest?"
"...Y-Yes. I slept so deeply, I can't believe it's already been three hours. I feel completely revitalized!"
"Good. I'm glad."
She wasn't lying. I could feel her renewed energy, and despite her guilt over "inconveniencing" me, she was clearly in peak condition. Strangely enough, she actually seemed in better shape now than she normally did when fully rested.
"Hungry? Should we get something to eat?"
"Yes! I'll get started on a meal at once—"
"Actually, the point of this trip is to let you relax. Why don't you wait here while I handle the cooking?"
"P-Please, anything but that! My guilt would crush me if I sat idle while Master did the cooking! Please, at the very least... let me help!"
"Hehe. Fine then, shall we make it together?"
"Oh! Yes!"
I realized that, given her personality, making her wait would only stress her out. She beamed at the suggestion and nodded eagerly. For a moment, I could almost see the illusion of a tail-wagging puppy behind her.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaah! The flirting... it's too much... The worst part is that Kaito is actually assertive with Anima. Because he's the one being on the side that leads, they're just flirting straightforwardly, and it's a critical hit to my stomach!"