A Night at the Inn: A Single Bed
After checking into the inn, Uta and Stella found themselves assigned to a single room. Surprisingly, the room only had one bed.
The spacious room was furnished with a wooden table and wardrobe, all designed to match the cozy atmosphere. Despite the ample space, the lack of a second bed was puzzling.
"Huh? Did I make a mistake?"
Standing by the plush bed, Uta crossed his arms and tilted his head.
He distinctly remembered telling the innkeeper "for two people" and had paid the full amount for both. Yet, here they were, with only one bed in the room.
"Was it my mistake? Or did the innkeeper mess up?"
"N-no… I think this is just… the kind of room they assumed we needed," Stella muttered hesitantly.
The bed, though singular, was large enough to comfortably fit two people. It seemed the innkeeper had jumped to conclusions about the nature of their relationship.
"Oh, I see. So that's how it is. Guess we're supposed to share the bed?"
"Um… if it's uncomfortable for you, I'll sleep on the floor. I'm used to it, so it's not a problem…"
"Huh? You should just use the bed. I'll sleep there too," Uta said nonchalantly.
"T-together…?"
Stella's cheeks flushed a deep red as she averted her gaze.
"…?"
Uta tilted his head in confusion, completely unaware of the implications.
"This room even has a bathroom," Stella said, her tone attempting to shift the subject. "If you'd like, you can use it first."
"Oh, definitely! I've been looking forward to a bath," Uta replied eagerly.
Leaving Stella in the bedroom, Uta entered the bathroom.
"Wow, there's actually a proper bath here. Do they have running water and gas?"
While the world they were in lacked electricity and modern utilities, magic-powered resources like mana stones filled the gap. In Alden, a hub of magical innovation, even basic amenities were powered by this advanced technology.
Uta quickly began stripping off his clothes, stepping into the bath, and activating the shower-like magical contraption.
"Ahh… that's refreshing," he sighed contentedly as warm water cascaded over him.
As he washed away the grime from travel, he noticed the bathroom was stocked with soaps and shampoos. Sitting on a small stool, he lathered his body, marveling at the convenience.
"Who invented this? It's genius," he muttered to himself.
"It's said to have been developed by the Sage through alchemy," a voice suddenly responded.
"Huh?"
Startled, Uta looked up at the mirror and saw a reflection—Stella was standing behind him.
"Stella?"
"…Excuse me," Stella said, her voice steady but her face glowing red.
She stood completely naked, not even a towel covering her petite yet curvaceous frame. Her white hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her red eyes avoided Uta's gaze.
"Oh, I see," Uta said after a brief moment of confusion.
It seemed Stella had grown impatient waiting for her turn. Long journeys without proper bathing could wear down anyone, and Uta, having already felt the strain, understood the sentiment.
"Sorry about that. I didn't realize you wanted to go first. I'm not great at picking up on these things," he said with an apologetic smile.
"Um… if it's alright, may I wash your back?" Stella offered.
"Huh? Sure, go ahead."
"T-then… excuse me."
Taking a sponge from Uta, Stella began to gently scrub his back. Her touch was soft, almost hesitant, as though handling something fragile.
"You can scrub harder if you want," Uta said.
"…Alright," Stella replied, applying more pressure.
She washed his back, then moved to his arms, lifting them as needed to reach every corner.
"…?"
Despite her careful attention, Uta couldn't help but wonder why Stella was doing this.
"I… I'll clean here as well…"
"Whoa!"
Without warning, Stella reached around to wash Uta's more sensitive areas. Her body pressed lightly against his back, her soft curves brushing against him.
A mix of sensations overwhelmed Uta—softness against his skin and the intimate nature of her actions made him feel like they were doing something they shouldn't.
"This feels… kind of weird, doesn't it?"
"…I wouldn't know," Stella replied, her voice tinged with a pout as she continued scrubbing.
For Uta, the moment was nothing short of surreal. For Stella, it was a confusing mix of embarrassment and determination. Both remained unaware of the awkward tension that lingered in the steamy bathroom as the bath continued.