Chapter 57: Sonia's Feelings
(Enjoyed the bath, huh...)
Sonia, by the window after her bath, looked out at the night view, recalling the time everyone had taken a bath together earlier.
In the Demon Empire, the custom of bathing didn't exist, so it was a very refreshing experience. At first, I was worried about getting undressed, but it couldn't be helped that I couldn't skip it now, and I'm glad I went through with it.
What troubled me was how everyone was so beautiful, to the point of rivaling Princess Alize. I had some confidence in myself too, but... being seen by the Lord in that group was quite challenging to comprehend. But, as expected of the Lord, during the bath, he looked at everyone equally and took his time. I was happy that the Lord looked at me too.
Nevertheless, baths are quite mysterious. When you bathe together, it feels like the distance between people shrinks all of a sudden. If the Demon Empire had a bath culture, could we have gotten along better? Someday, I'll suggest it to Princess Alize.
Come to think of it, the Lord is quite mysterious. I've heard he's a hero from another world. He possesses various mysterious powers, and despite being in this world for less than a week, he's loved by so many women. Well... I'm one of them too, though.
But when I met the Lord, I immediately felt like I could trust him. I'm sure others feel the same. Because with just a few words of introduction from the Lord, he easily accepts us as companions. It's something that can only be done if you truly trust the Lord, even though he's a person from the enemy country currently invading and ravaging this continent, and a member of the demon tribe.
By the way, I've caused some trouble for the Lord. Because I received the Lord's robe, he ended up having to give gifts to everyone... I'm sorry, Lord, but I don't regret it. This item that lets me feel the Lord's scent is exquisite. It gives me a comforting sensation as if I'm being gently wrapped up by the Lord. I apologize to Lady Chloe, but I have no intention of giving it up. Just to clarify, I'm not into scents in general; it's a Lord fetish.
What should I do when I return to the Demon Empire someday? No... what do I want to do? My affection and loyalty to Princess Alize remain unchanged, but I also want to be with the Lord. But I only have one body. Even though I have so many lives to spare... I've got it! Why not have Princess Alize and the Lord be together! That way, I can be with both of them. What a splendid idea, even if I say so myself. Hehehe. I should be able to sleep really well tonight.
――――Demon Empire――――
"Huh! What's... this sudden chill?"
"What's wrong? Your Highness Alize."
"No, it's nothing. I just felt like something was being decided without my knowledge."
"...That's quite specific."
＊＊＊
"Hmm, I slept well."
It was a pleasant morning awakening. Last night, due to the mixed bathing, I couldn't sleep and ended up using a magical sleeping bag. Actually, this sleeping bag also has an alarm function that can be set to wake you up naturally at a specified time. Of course, it doesn't make any sound, so it's a remarkable invention that doesn't disturb others. Impressive, Mikoto-san.
On both sides of me, Celestina and Sakura are sleeping soundly, snuggled up. Oh, since interactions with them often involve armor, this soft sensation is both refreshing and captivating enough to melt my brain. Ugh, I'm starting to not want to wake up like this. I search for reasons not to get up, but there's not much time left until the appointment. Why didn't I set the alarm a little earlier? Ah, I truly wish I had a skill that could take me back to the past.
Calmly looking around, everyone is sleeping inside their sleeping bags. The women chatted and stayed up late last night, so no one seems to be waking up. Well, I'll let them sleep. After all, the maids will likely come to wake us up anyway.
Even though Chloe is supposed to be my personal maid, she's peacefully sleeping. It's not worth commenting on her setting. Protecting the cute sleeping face of my sister-like maid is also my duty as the Master Brother.
Today, in the morning, Freya and Julio will show me around the town, and in the afternoon, I'm planning a shopping date with Sylphy and Sarah.
Celestina and Sakura are busy with knight duties, and Sonia and Eva are planning to go out to town under Claudia's guidance. I intend to have Mizuha check on the condition of the underground lake.
After a light breakfast, I leave the mansion with Freya and Julio.
"Kakeru-san! Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
Freya seems happy to be going out together. She approaches me with a smile on her face.
"Well... I guess I'd like to go to the temple."
"The temple? Oh, by the way, the hero from another world is chosen by the goddess Ilize-sama. Could it be that you also know about the goddess, Kakeru-san?"
Julio's eyes sparkle as he asks.
"Well, I've never met her directly, but I know some things (she's on the Grim Reaper Communication's contact list, and she seems to be Mikoto-san's close friend)."
"Amazing!! You know about the goddess! Of course, the goddess must be watching over us. After all, she sent you to our world, Kakeru-san."
I'm sorry, Freya. I'm not really related... but I'm sure Ilize-sama is probably watching over us. Probably.
The temple is in the second district. I know the location from the map, but it's my first time actually going there.
The second district is the noble district, housing the temple, the knight order headquarters, training grounds, and Alfred-sama's Primera Castle. It's the heart of the city, with many shops catering to temple personnel and knights, as well as products for people who come to pray at the temple.
As we walk along the street, members of the knight order often call out to us. Come to think of it, I've gotten to know quite a few people in the knight order. They're usually surprised when I respond to them by name. They probably wouldn't normally expect someone to remember their names.
The temple is indeed a temple of white marble, reminiscent of the Parthenon. But... there's a water basin, and a donation box. The method of worship is two bows, two claps, and one bow, basically no different from a shrine. It's reassuring, but the sense of incongruity is still there.
Inside the temple, there's a huge statue of the goddess, and everyone is fervently praying in her direction.
Freya, Julio, and I also put silver coins in the donation box and offer our prayers to the goddess.
Come to think of it, the things I wish for have increased all at once. Things about Chloe and the people of the city, there are so many things to pray for, that I don't have time to think about myself. But that means that important things have increased for me.