As I left Ridge who was still sleeping since last night in my room, she was back to her original form. It seemed that she had not slept for a long while. Moreover she slept even more, finding me close to her all day.
Well, she had been through a lot. It can't be helped if she slept a bit longer.
"Master's attitude has changed towards Spirit Ridge…" Mai said from the side.
"Of course, she is…. One of my partners after all, even if a spirit.. I would treat her as my other half."
"Th-that… is quite a bold statement." Mai said, looking surprised… There was nothing to be surprised about. That's the way I do things.
After that, I got in the bath, of course with Mai and her crew Sarah, Seri, Lia and Elia helping me wash off the dust and sweat which had gathered on me since I had run a lot this time.
"Master, I have to say it has become harder to help you bathe." Said Lia which made the others nod too.
"Why is that?" I asked Lia.
"Master what do you think you would feel if you scrubbed and washed a beautiful girl in the bath?" Lia asked me a question. The answer would be I would feel really stimulated.
"Yeah I will feel stimulated by it of course." hearing me All of them nodded and looked at me again.
"Now you understand?" Lia asked me… I had to think for a few moments and then answer her with a red face.
"Sorry, I should take a bath alone from now on. that should make your problems disappear." I said feeling as if that was the right thing to do. I had grown up, with my sexual features as a man, it had to stimulate them too and Systy had said time and time again that my face was handsome enough for people to look back again…. I kind of like it when I get to hear those comments… although… not once are they believable….
"Master what would you feel after the hot and beautiful girl you could touch all you want would suddenly disappear?'" Elia was the one this time who asked it.
"Yeah I will really be disappointed… I may even think back on the days…. wait … I see, then I guess you should continue…! If it's alright with you guys…" it meant that I had to take the point. as much as eye candy they were for me. I was like that to them too…. I guess even girls like to look at hot guys.
Hearing me they nodded again and proceeded, albeit with more passion… guess this was the first time I told them to wash me…. Still, I think this is also a part of my life now. Just accept it already… I am used to getting this treatment from my maids...
After the stimulating bath, I went to have dinner. As I sat at the table, I saw many maids waiting all around the room. The day was nearly over so I guess they had free time which they were spending here watching me eat? Haaaaah...
"You guys should eat too… It will be better than me eating alone.." I invited them, which made them go ""yeeeeaaaahhhh!" as if they got the first date they wanted for life… these maids are too pure minded. Was it sinful of me to let them have such feelings for me?
I might have to ask God when I meet him again….
[You can do them before that too.]
"Damn… Amanori.. You got a lot more vulgar than you were when I was young."
[There are things I could only say once you were an adult after all.] Amanori seemed to have seen many many people have relationship, but to think she could be so assertive for me.
"Mai is everyone back from the capital?" as I stopped our telepathic messages, I asked Mai.
"No master, Lady Leila is only back for now. She is at the guild. I believe she will not come home today, as a war might happen. She has a lot of paperwork to submit for the adventurers guilds around the nation. Lady Alice and Systy are still at the capital, they haven't mentioned when they would come. And Master Merlin and Lady Melinda are also at the capital; they are coming tomorrow sometime after lunch."
"I see, then keep the news of our visitors to ourselves for now… let me meet and talk to them first…" I said as I thought about what I should talk to them after the king woke up…
"In the meantime call for Leila. I want to meet her first thing in the morning." As I finished the Meal, I waved to everyone good night while the maids bowed in kind.
The maids happily had dinner with me, so their bow was especially graceful. I can't say how many ask me to feed them… but as such humble maids…. I had to fold and give them this much at least…. and honestly feeding the maids felt very soothing as if it was healing me. I can't help it when I see them smile like that.
I went straight to my room for now and lied on the bed after a long day.... As I started to doze off I felt someone soft wrapping herself around me… it was Ridge… I had left her in my pocket all day but it looked like it was comfy in there for her since she didn't even wake up once…for spirits this long of a slumber was normal really. I even heard Ridge say that once she felt like it and had slept a whole decade... even now she was sleeping… still… I hope she won't actually sleep for a whole decade…
As I felt at peace feeling her soft body on me…. I drifted off feeling such a blissful moment. Ridge was perfect to help me rejuvenate after a long day like this.
No stray thoughts entered my mind as I slept in her warm embrace…. To think I just came back home with a princess and a king in tow… I might actually be more heroic than I thought...
...…...
As I woke up in the morning I saw two different beauties on either side.
Thank you god! Such healing moments really get me going…
[Hmm.. just making some girls fawning over you makes you this happy?]
Ha ha what can I say, if you have some people around you that's enough for me I guess…
Earth was certainly technologically advanced and living conditions were far better than this world and the security was better than this world too but still, I never was able to obtain any good people around me… for some reason, even though humans there had to think way less about dying, the distance between hearts was always there and finding love like this… I think I wouldn't even dream about it..
No wonder, this feeling where the distance between hearts were close to nowhere captivated me to no end! Life is hard and as such, you find true companions who help you through it, I can't help but say… I like this world better… even if it was dangerous.
"You guys have to wake up or I might not want to move from here you know?" I said to wake them up.
"No…. I just came back..." it was Leila, she was in sleep mode, I think she came back from her work this morning… and welcomed herself on the bed….
Her legs were wrapped around mine and she was snuggling down my chest…. While her head was placed on my now straightened arm… she was using my hands as a pillow…. After patting her with my free hand she made herself even more comfortable while getting even closer to me, I couldn't help but feel as though she had turned into a small girl.
Ridge on the other side looked like her sleep would end in a while… she was stretching in her sleep…. As she got up and sat on the bed….
Seeing me beside her, she promptly got close and snuggled up to me just like Leila… this isn't a competition to snuggle you know?
Geez, these older girls sure acted like kids…. I couldn't help but be happy at their doings…
"Hmm.. you smell good.." Ridge said as she raised her head to look at me.. She still looked like she was sleepy.
"I should be the one saying that… you smell just as good…" I said to Ridge. She mildly blushed but then used my free hand like a pillow and laid down again…
[You look happy?]
Really? I don't really know what my face looks like right now.
[You are practically grinning like a fool...]
Well sorry about that!
I got really embarrassed but what could I do?
"Master? Are you awake?" It was Mai's voice. She was knocking on the door.
"Yes, come in." Mai came in and stood in front of the bed. I thought she would at least say something about seeing me with 2 older girls first thing in the morning but crashing my thoughts she acted like a maid who was used to her masters' antics…. Used to seeing such sights…
"Master The king of Stein has regained his consciousness…"
"Well that was rather fast? I really thought he was a goner! But I guess he just needed some rest." I said as I heard Mai's report.
"Yes master, the Princess also said the same thing, her father was supposed to be in a dying state. That was the reason he had shut himself off from the world." I wonder how Mai got that info out of em..
"What about gramps and granny?"
"No, they have yet to send us any details about when they will arrive." That meant that the news about Stein's real situation was probably unknown to anyone in Treastein.
"Well then, I should speak to the king first. I still haven't heard his side of the story yet…" As I said that, I tried to move only to get pinned down further by the girls…
"I see, should I let our guests know that the master is still busy with his morning chores?" Mai said that with as much innocence as a small child would, but this certainly won't fool me.
I was sure she would tell something erotic to the Royal family and make situation more difficult for me…
"No! No. I am getting up okay j-just wait outside a bit!" I said hurriedly to Mai before she took off with her Ideal plan.
"Understood, I will wait outside as you have your way with defenseless sleeping beauties." Mai said such ridiculous things and trotted outside with an unreal speed… she couldn't get by one morning not teasing me… so I gave up on her and thought of it as an elder sister's antics.
"Ridge, you can sleep more if you want but Leila you gotta wake up.." I tried to say so.
"Iyaaah! Rekka wants to do it first thing in the morning!" Leila said that with an excited voice, she was still sleeping and must be having one hell of a dream to say such stuff…
Am I more lucky in her dreams?
"Hm..msmnnnnn….." Ridge got up at last. And I finally could move a little...
"Well thanks for letting me go although I was in bliss."
"Mhmm… I slept really well…" Ridge said as she broke herself out of sleep mode.. She was wearing night pajamas made with various ribbons and other cute designs. Even though she looked grown up, the pajamas really suited her.. As she gave me a kiss on the cheeks while still feeling shy, she got out of the bed..
"I'll freshen up and meet you later, okay?"
"Okay." I said and Ridge left the room with much spirit. Looking at her flying away like that though felt more like looking at a ghost rather than a spirit… I wonder what Ridge would feel if I said that to her.
"Hey… I know you're Tired… but I really need you today. Get a bit more sleep and meet me okay?" I caressed Leila's hair and gave a forehead kiss… she smiled softly.
As I got out of her hold, I tucked her in and let her have some much needed rest.
I got out of the room and saw Mai was grinning and looking at me like I had just finished some morning workouts.
"I really believe that whatever you were thinking did not happen."
"Master is right. My thoughts are too shallow to see what the master could do." After ignoring my overzealous maid, I got refreshed and went towards the room where the guests were waiting.
"Hmm? Ripple why are you outside?" I saw Ripple standing outside the room where the king and princess were.
"Hmm? Ooh Sir Rekka, I wanted to give them a bit of private time and also it would be rude of me to intrude on them… My lady got to spend time with his highness after a long time…" I guess even if she was like an idiot, she could also guess the atmosphere…
"Well It was my bad, I should have arranged a room for you too… Mai."
"Understood master."
"It's really okay.. You have been taking care of us really well. The food here tastes so delicious. I might even say it could easily Rival the Royal chefs cooking." Ripple said feeling grateful.
"Really? That's great. I am happy that even the Royal knights think of it so highly." I know I am a sucker for praises but Ripple praising my food was more than a lot to get into my good side.
"Anyway Sir Rekka, His highness would like to talk to you." getting back on topic.
"Okay, and why are you talking to me like I am a noble?" I mean she was addressing me as Sir.
"What? Are you not? Seeing this big mansion with luxurious decoration that could probably make many nobles jealous too with uncountable Maids… I don't think Sir Rekka could really be a commoner Really."
"Well, when you state the facts.. It really does feel like a noble household."
"Master, I have said so before… with the things you have… nobles wouldn't even challenge you for the matter." Mai said since I had turned to her to confirm it..
Did that mean what Leila said about having a country's worth of money was true!?
[Yeah that could really be true.]
As I looked at reality, I got back to my thoughts of meeting the king right now.
"Alright. Ripple do you want to come too?"
"No, I believe the King wants to talk to you alone…" okay then, I guess he's going to talk seriously…
I nodded to Ripple and Mai then knocked on the door. A few moments later the Princess opened the door. Her face was bright like the sun; it looked like she had regained her confidence after seeing her father recover.
"Ooh! Sir Rekka! we were just waiting for you, come on in please." The princess welcomed me with much enthusiasm. I couldn't think how to react. I mean didn't she just lose her country and flee from there?
I guess she is too young to think about that stuff.
"Good morning Princess Leilana, excuse me then." I said as I entered. I saw the king was sitting on the bed. He was much healthier since I first saw him. Also his face was softer than I thought. I really thought that he would be a grumpy old king who wouldn't listen to Reason.
"You are sir Rekka?" He said with a further kind tone. There was no arrogance in it or rather he looked grateful.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, your Highness. I am Rekka." I introduced myself with proper etiquette. I think I got that drilled in me in my 2nd life. Still as I realized I had skipped on a lot of those yesterday. Well can't be helped.
"My, you really are different from other adventurers… I must apologize since I thought my daughter had been taken by your kindness…"
"That's just silly, your highness. No matter, but how do you feel?" I brushed off the flirt talk. I didn't want to give them the wrong impression of me doing all this to obtain his daughter… and as a king he also noticed that and proceeded to other topics.
"I feel much better! It's like I have been reborn!" He said with a bright and excited expression. The princess seemed to chuckle at that…
"Well that's good. I am glad nothing terrible happened to you.. When your country is in a dire state… I found out that you were in a serious condition of being cursed, it was something that would steal your vitality over time, I think you understand where I am getting at?"
"Yes it is very unfortunate but it seems I was unable to do my job as a king….. and even protect my place from the people wanting harm the royal family." he looked very dejected. He probably learned of the things that had happened from Ripple and Leilana.
As I got to see that he still loved his kingdom and wanted to get it back not for him but for the nation that he grew up in. He probably knew just what type of a guy that Hitherto really was and wanted to prevent it…
"Your highness… where do you think you are right now?" I asked.
"Hmm?.... Well the place sure looks different and the people I saw here also had a different air to them, so I suppose we are in another country…" Very assertive of him, he had already gauged the situation.
But it looked like he was trying to avoid the subject for further talk… I got his sign. It was probably because his daughter was here…. Just when I thought about how to deal with this situation… a knock came on the door. the King didn't react much, so I understood that he had found some trust in me…
"Rekka you there?" As Leila came in she took to the view and gasped….. I hadn't told her about this matter yet so it was natural… I mean the king of an enemy kingdom was here…
The king also looked at Leila as if he had seen her before….
"Leila, it's his Highness King of Stein and the Princess of Stein." I tried to introduce them and saw that Leila had already turned into her business mode. it was amazing how she turned her surprised look into that of a serious on in mere moments.
"King Cloud von Stein, I am very surprised to see you here and Princess Leilana von Stein you too but it seems something big has happened…" She said with seriousness..
"Who might you be?" Leilana asked Leila. she had become a bit wary seeing Leila all of a sudden.
"Yes, forgive my Rudeness, I am Leila Asadeli…"
"Asadeli!" the king exclaimed like he was given current shock.
"Yes, your highness, we are in Treastein. I live here and you are currently at my residence." As I said, the king seemed to be surprised but Leilana was even more surprised.
"Princess Leilana, is something the matter? Fear not, I may live in this country but I assure you. I will act neutral in this case and as I had offered before, I will provide you and the king to get to a safe place.." It looked like the king did indeed believe me. Only the princess looked fidgety and she was a bit blushing too…. I don't think I was flirting or anything?
[Yeah, you are controlling yourself quite well. That girl is young, it might only be because of her age...]
Amanori agreed with me and then the princess said very meekly…..
"Sir Rekka you can just call me Lana….." she said with a slight blush.
"Alright then Princess Lana…"
"Just Lana's fine.." Well I do like to treat people casually so when I saw This princess acting the same way, I felt relieved that there could be such a princess… who was meek, kind, cute, had a good heart and no sense of arrogance...
I mean princesses like this only come in fairy tales don't they? So I went along with her.
"Alright Lana… is that okay?" As I said, she looked like a flower in full bloom… well nothing was wrong with it… but it made me feel a bit guilty… I wonder why...
"Hmm?" Leila seemed to perk up seeing the princess like this.. She was standing behind her so I could feel a slight chill!
Hell, I didn't do anything! I swear!
[Heh heh heh, or there might actually be something here..]