Episode 69: Before You Know It, You’re There

After returning to the hotel, we decided to have a meal first.

When we visited the restaurant attached to the lodgings, there were many people gathered there, perhaps because it was dinner time.

Whether one should say “surprisingly” or “as expected,” all of them were clearly wealthy class, nobles in appearance.

It seems it wasn’t a lie that it was frequented by the upper class.

Well, just the building alone had a gorgeous and precious exterior, so I suppose that makes sense.

The format was a buffet style befitting a luxury hotel.

Every dish was no less impressive than those of the chefs our proud Count’s household boasts.

While I was wondering which to attack first, Eleanore showed no such hesitation and displayed refined movements.

She’s in the position of a noble lady and is invited to dining occasions, so she’s probably quite accustomed to such settings.

I often participated as Eleanore’s attendant too, but usually as a chaperone, so I couldn’t move around freely.

Therefore, at those times, she would often bring food to me of her own volition.

And this time too, Eleanore happily brought food for me.

It’s not like this is a formal matter right now, so I felt sorry as if I were working her hard, but I couldn’t reject the offer of her beaming so happily.

…Though I was a bit concerned that her choices were strangely esoteric, like oysters, nuts, and liver.

Well, in any case, we finished our meal enjoyably.

“Phew…”

And currently, I was taking a shower.

The warm running water gently washed away the dirt.

Though magic can remove both fatigue and dirt, taking a shower is still the best.

Because when I bathe in water like this, it feels like my head gradually becomes more organized.

(…)

I reflected on today’s events.

Come to think of it, it might have been a while since I spent an entire day with Eleanore.

Since we started attending the academy, we were separated during classes, and although we joined the student council together, it wasn’t like we could always be together.

I think it was a good change of pace for both of us.

…However, tomorrow is the day of training that we’re obligated to participate in.

We are here as a training camp for the knight academy, after all.

We won’t be able to stay together the whole time.

…What should I have Eleanore do during that time?

I’m reluctant to let a noble lady walk around alone.

But she’s way stronger than your average warrior… the academy’s top student, a final boss candidate, isn’t just for show.

I should consult with her about that later.

Eleanore is probably relaxing in the living room right now.

After I get out, she’ll take a shower next, so I’ll talk to her before we sleep.

Having organized my thoughts for the moment, I stopped the shower.

However, the sound of water hitting the floor still didn’t stop.

That’s strange, I thought, as I casually looked to the side.

There—to my surprise—was Eleanore gracefully taking a shower.

I froze like I’d turned to stone.

Perhaps noticing my gaze, Eleanore turned her face toward me and smiled sweetly.

Face to face, for several seconds, or maybe more.

“Uwaaaaaaaaaah!?!?”

I let out a scream resembling a strange cry and jumped back.

“Oh my, you really didn’t notice.”

“Wha, wha… wh-what are you doing!!”

Eleanore, wrapped in just a bath towel, said that with a chuckle.

There were so many things I wanted to say that I was at a loss for words, but in the end they all condensed into that one statement.

No, really, what is she doing?

“But Arcs, you were relaxing for quite a long time. I was worried you might have gotten dizzy…”

“W-was I really that long? I’m sorry about that—no wait, even so, why did you just start taking a shower!? If it was just to check, you definitely didn’t need to undress!?”

I almost got swept along, but that doesn’t make sense at all.

Where in the world is there someone who, after peeking in out of worry, decides to take a shower together?

“…?”

“Don’t give me that ‘huh?’ look!!”

At her tilting her head quizzically, I roared in frustration.

“In any case, please take your time with the rest!”

“But you haven’t soaked in the bath yet either, have you, Arcs?”

“No, I’m fine, I’ve had enough, so please, Eleanore-sama, enjoy it alone—”

While moving my tongue quickly, I headed hastily toward the bathroom door.

…However, at that moment, my movement stopped completely as if frozen in place.

My head shook with a jolt from the vibration.

Looking at my body in confusion, I found myself entangled in something like black ropes.

…It’s Eleanore’s unique magic, Celestia.

“No. You. Can’t. You must properly heal your body.”

When I turned toward her with movements like a tin soldier, my shoulder was wrapped in warmth with a pat, and right in front of me was her in a bath towel in a rather dangerous state…

I quickly turned my face toward the ceiling.

“Then shall we at least get in for just one minute? It’s fine, I’m here with you.”

Perhaps feeling it couldn’t be helped, Eleanore said that as if it were a compromise, but it’s not fine at all.

However, I couldn’t see a future where this restraint would be released even if I resisted further.

Since it’s impossible for me to shake off her binding, I had no choice but to obediently comply.

And after this, I got really dizzy from the heat.