The open-air bath offered a panoramic view of majestic Mount Fuji, and with the entire inn reserved specifically for them, the experience was the height of luxury. In fact, since no one could set foot in this private dimension unless Lilia invited them, the breathtaking scenery belonged exclusively to the three women on this retreat.
"What a magnificent sight."
"It really is. Honestly, Lili, considering you were gifted an inn with a view like this, you really do receive quite a lot of perks, don't you?"
"…Just knowing that the person who would casually hand over an inn with such a view is… well, him… makes my stomach ache, though."
Lilia gave a wry smile at Lunamaria's remark. It was true that Lilia received more than her fair share of benefits thanks to Kaito, and she was certainly grateful for them. However, it was only natural for her to wish he would show a bit more restraint—mainly for the sake of her own digestion.
"The size isn't much different from the bath back at Lili's mansion, but the sense of scale and the openness provided by nature are wonderful. As an elf, I find this atmosphere incredibly soothing," Sieglinde added.
"Considering this view, Kaito-san must really be fond of hot springs."
"Yes, I’d like to ask him about that. I think it would be lovely if we could all come here together someday… though, as the owner, that’s ultimately up to Lili."
"Fufu, I was actually just thinking it would be nice to come here with Kaito-san as well… so when the time comes, let’s definitely make it a group trip."
While Lilia's primary goal in inviting her best friends today was to recover from their recent exhaustion, it was also serving as a scouting mission for a future visit with Kaito.
Their previous trip to the Demon Realm had been immensely enjoyable, and Lilia often found herself wanting to go back. She hoped to invite Kaito here in the not-too-distant future.
Lunamaria watched with a heartwarming expression as the two spoke happily of their lover, but midway through, her face shifted into a mischievous, teasing grin.
"…Good grief. My two best friends are so head over heels for the same gentleman that they’re gushing about him even in a place like this. I’m starting to feel a bit left out."
"…But Luna, you like Kaito-san quite a bit too, don't you?"
"Wha—!? Wh- Sieg!? Where did that come from all of a sudden…?"
It was meant to be her usual ribbing, but Sieglinde had delivered an unexpected counterattack. Of course, Sieglinde hadn't intended it as a jab; she was simply continuing the conversation as a matter of fact. Regardless, Lunamaria’s eyes began to dart around restlessly.
Lilia, perhaps noticing the same things Sieglinde had, nodded in agreement.
"True. Luna is quite proactive about talking to Kaito-san, and it’s rare for her to use that teasing tone with anyone outside our circle. I’ve always thought you were quite fond of him, Luna."
"…Ugh, urgh…"
With Lilia joining in, Lunamaria was effectively cornered. It might have been different with anyone else, but it was impossible to deceive her best friends. Trying to argue would only make her look more suspicious.
Lunamaria groaned for a few moments, her face flushing, before she finally let out a defeated sigh.
"…Haa. Fine. To begin with, Miyama-sama mended the relationship between my two idiot best friends when I was at my wit's end worrying about them. Then, even if it wasn't his primary intention, he managed to improve my mother’s health after she’d suffered from anemia for years. And despite how much I pester him, he’s still kind to me, even if he is a bit sharp sometimes… So, obviously… I’d end up falling for him… Just, please, don’t say another word about it!"
"Fufu, I understand. I wouldn't dream of being so tactless."
"Still… it sounds like it would be fun if the four of us, Kaito included, could take a trip together someday."
Lilia and Sieglinde both wore gentle expressions as Lunamaria admitted her feelings with a beet-red face, refraining from any further teasing.
Upon hearing Sieglinde’s suggestion of a future trip for the four of them, Lunamaria looked momentarily surprised before a soft smile escaped her lips.
"…You’re right… that does… sound like it would be fun."
Serious-senpai: "A harem hot spring trip? Don't go plotting such a terrifying Serious Annihilation Plan… It’s making me tremble…"
???: "You speak as if 'seriousness' is a factor in this story. Have you lost touch with reality?"
Serious-senpai: "Is it so wrong to dream?"
???: "Oh, it looks like we're moving on to a story about Anima next time."
Serious-senpai: "Stop forcing the truth on me!"