The room designated as my break area was impressively spacious—a testament to the luxury of this cruise ship—and featured a large, inviting sofa. I had shared tea here with Shiro-san earlier, but now that my official break had started, all I wanted to do was sink into the cushions and relax.
"Is the sofa all right with you, Fia-sensei?" I asked.
"It is," she replied.
"In that case, let me pull some drinks out of my Magic Box..."
"Hold it right there, Miyama-kun."
"Eh?"
Just as I sat down and reached for my Magic Box to grab some black tea, Fia-sensei stopped me.
"This is supposed to be your time off. You shouldn't be trying to play host to me. You're diligent, kind, and an all-around wonderful person... but you’re a bit hopeless when it comes to actually resting. Please, leave everything to me for now."
"I see. I suppose I can hardly argue when a doctor gives me an order. I’ll take you up on that offer and leave myself in your hands, Fia-sensei."
"Good. Are you thirsty at all?"
"No, I’ve been drinking quite a bit out at the party, so I'm fine."
Her observation that I was bad at resting hit home. Kuro had scolded me in the past for the exact same thing. I suppose it’s true that masters and servants eventually start to resemble one another; much like Anima, I simply struggled with the concept of doing nothing.
It was likely a temperament thing. Even when I was supposed to be relaxing, I found myself thinking about all the things I needed to get done. Perhaps leaving myself to Fia-sensei's whims was the only way I would actually get any real rest.
"Understood. I’m not particularly thirsty either, so we can skip the drinks. Instead, why don't I give your shoulders and back a little massage? Most people focus on how tired their legs are, but standing with perfect posture for long periods causes the back muscles to stiffen. If we don't address it now, it’ll turn into real pain later."
"Now that you mention it, my shoulder blades do feel a bit tight."
"Exactly. Tension accumulates there very easily. It’s important to loosen the muscles before they actually start to hurt. I can do it while you’re sitting, but the sofa is large enough—would you mind lying face down? I’ll apply Status Preservation Magic to your clothes so you don’t have to worry about wrinkles, but it would be easier if you took off your jacket."
"Got it."
Following her instructions, I shed my jacket and hung it on the garment rack before lying prone on the sofa. It was quite a large piece of furniture, giving me plenty of room to stretch out.
"All right, I'll start with your neck and shoulders, then move down your back. Tell me if it’s too much."
"Will do. Thanks."
Her hands touched the back of my neck, beginning a gentle massage that seemed to radiate relaxation through my entire body. Her touch wasn't overly forceful; she kneaded the muscles with just enough pressure to be incredibly soothing. It felt fantastic.
Fia-sensei’s skill was undoubtedly the main factor, but I could clearly feel the tension around my neck melting away.
"How is it, Miyama-kun? Is the pressure all right?"
"Yes... actually, it feels amazing. You’ve rubbed my shoulders for me before, but you’re really gifted at this, Fia-sensei. Do you get much practice as a doctor?"
"Not at all. I have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and know exactly which spots to target, but I rarely have an occasion to give massages in my professional capacity. Most patients who come to see a doctor are suffering from severe muscle strain or damaged tendons. In those cases, a massage can actually cause further injury, so I usually prescribe poultices. If it's truly bad, I simply use healing magic."
That made sense. Healing magic was certainly the most efficient way to treat an injury. While massages were wonderful for relaxation, medicine or magic were far more appropriate for actual medical care.
She was likely doing this specifically because the goal today was my relaxation and recovery, not an official medical procedure.
As I lay there, lost in thought, Fia-sensei suddenly leaned down. Her lips brushed against my ear, and she whispered in a sweet, sultry voice that made my heart melt.
"...That is why this massage... is a special service reserved only for my beloved Miyama-kun. Hehe, just kidding."
The words, accompanied by her warm breath against my skin, sent a jolt through me. I could feel my face growing hot. Whether it was the improved circulation from the massage or pure embarrassment, I couldn't be sure—but I certainly didn't mind the feeling.
Serious-senpai: "Guh, gwaaaaah... They really inserted that kind of development, dammit!?"