Eva and I worked together to set up a powerful barrier across the entire town.
I’m proud of myself for being able to create such a splendid barrier. With that barrier, ghosts should be significantly restricted in their movements.
I hope this will at least slow down the legendary Ghost, Bagi.
Upon returning to [Grand Bahamut], I relaxed.
It’s already quite dark. And rain is endlessly pouring outside.
I set aside the novel I was reading and stood up.
After turning on the lights, I began preparing for the night.
Anya and the others who went on the quest would be coming home wet.
Let’s prepare some large towels. Maybe I should also boil some water. They’ll probably feel relieved after drinking warm tea.
“…Maybe I’ll be the one to prepare the bath for once.” (Wilhelm)
It’s only when Mew-chan is gone that I realize how grateful I am that he always takes care of the bath. Despite being a magical beast, Mew-chan is truly hard working.
I washed the bath, replaced the water with fresh water, and lit the firewood.
“Come to think of it, what if Anya and the others return later?” (Wilhelm)
The firewood would be wasted.
“Well, I guess I’ll just prepare the bath first and think about it later.” (Wilhelm)
I leisurely warmed the water over a low flame. Adjusting the heat is a breeze for someone as skilled as me.
I brewed tea for myself and savored it while listening to the sound of the rain.
“It doesn’t taste as good as when Anya makes it…” (Wilhelm)
Even the aroma is completely different.
This is what tea brewed by a shut-in tastes like. Ah, I’m hungry. I hope everyone comes back soon.
That’s when I felt the presence of several people outside the back door. It seems like everyone’s returned.
They entered the house energetically.
“Wil-sama, we’re back!” (Anya)
“Hah, even my underwear is soaked… I hate the rain!” (Sofia)
“Sodane. My fur keeps getting in my eyes, and I can’t see anything mew.” (Mew-chan)
It suddenly became lively.
As expected of people who aren’t shut-ins. They’re full of energy.
“Welcome back. Seems like it’s pouring out there.” (Wilhelm)
Anya, Sofia-san, Mew-chan, all have water dripping from their hair, clothes, and fur.
Mew-chan looks slim and resembles a different creature altogether. It’s kind of amusing to look at.
Naturally, my eyes shifted to the ladies.
Her long hair clinging to her cheeks looks sexy. Plus, her wet clothes accentuate her body lines distinctly. The occasional transparency adds to the appeal.
“Amazing.” (Wilhelm)
I blurted out my impression unintentionally, leaving Anya looking perplexed.
“What do you mean?” (Anya)
I handed her a towel. She gratefully accepted it.
“I was just beginning to understand the phrase ‘dripping with sex appeal’ quite well.” (Wilhelm)
“Uwah. Wil-kun, you’re totally thinking dirty thoughts, aren’t you? You’re so naughty!” (Sofia)
Sofia-san placed both hands on her chest.
Her chest is too big to be completely hidden. Truly impressive size.
“That’s not true. Here you go, Sofia-san, the towel. If I were thinking something dirty, I wouldn’t be acting like such a gentleman now, would I?” (Wilhelm)
I was met with a skeptical gaze.
“So, how are you going to explain that pervy gaze roaming all over my body? Onee-san wants to know.” (Sofia)
“I’m just finding it amusing to watch the water droplets dripping down from your hair.” (Wilhelm)
“Amusing? Why?” (Sofia)
“Well, Sofia-san’s body has many curves, so the droplets have quite a journey navigating ups and downs.” (Wilhelm)
I’d like to try that too. Being one of those droplets.
“So, in other words, you’re carefully examining my body from top to bottom? Mouu, Wil-kun, you’re so naughty at every opportunity.” (Sofia)
“No, no, I’m not looking at all. I’m the most gentlemanly guy in town.” (Wilhelm)
“Your trustworthiness is already beyond repair.” (Sofia)
Anya seems shocked as she looks at her own body.
She deliberately squeezed her hair to let a droplet fall onto her chest. Unfortunately, the droplet just slid down straight to the ground.
Anya tried again with another droplet. But once again, it slid straight down to the ground.
Oh… watching this made me feel sad too. I ended up looking glum alongside Anya.
“I guess I still have a long way to go as a woman…” (Anya)
I gently patted Anya’s head.
*Woosh!* *Pitter-patter*
That sound came from Mew-chan. It seemed like he was shaking off the water clinging to his fur.
“Hey, Mew-chan, don’t shake there! You’re getting everything wet!” (Sofia)
“S-Sodane. It was on instinct…” (Mew-chan)
“Anyways, I have already heated up the bath. Anya, Sofia-san, feel free to take a bath before you catch a cold.” (Wilhelm)
Huh? Mew-chan, Sofia-san, and Anya all seem to be looking at me as if they’ve heard something unbelievable.
Everyone’s just staring at me with their mouths open in surprise.
“Wil-kun did…?” (Sofia)
“Y-You heated up the bath for us?” (Anya)
“S-Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
“Yeah, but… was that weird…?” (Wilhelm)
The two girls and the animal all nodded simultaneously. Shocking.
“What’s wrong, Wil-kun? It’s the first time I’ve seen you help with household chores.” (Sofia)
“Sodane! Maybe tomorrow’s going to rain mew. Oh, maybe the rain falling right now is because of you mew!” (Mew-chan)
“No, the rain has nothing to do with it!” (Wilhelm)
Even I have to admit that it’s rare for me to do this.
“Wil-sama, even though you had worked with Eva-chan on the barrier today, you still took care of the housework. I’m really impressed. As expected of Wil-sama. I can’t help but admire you.” (Anya)
Anya gave me a sparkling look of admiration.
Being admired by a cute girl genuinely makes me happy. I’m glad I whimsically decided to warm up the bath.
“All right, Anya-chan, let’s make good use of Wil-kun’s kindness and take a bath together!” (Sofia)
“Yes. But the area is small so Mew-chan can’t join us.” (Anya)
The bath here isn’t very spacious, so there’s no way three of them would fit together in the tub.
“In that case, I’ll warm up Mew-chan myself.” (Wilhelm)
As a capable person, it’s a piece of cake for me to warm up just one Mew-chan.
He’s giving me a seriously displeased look.
“Mew-chan, you’re so lucky! Having Wil-sama warm up the bath for you must be envy-worthy!” (Anya)
“Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
Right, Anya can’t hear his true thoughts.
Because Mew-chan’s feelings couldn’t be conveyed properly, he looks bewildered. It’s amusing how dejected a magical beast can look. They have a lot of human-like qualities.
Sofia-san tightly squeezed her skirt before heading towards the bath. Anya imitated her and then followed Sofia-san with quick steps.
Only Sofia-san came back.
“Hey, Wil-kun, no peeking, okay?” (Sofia)
“I understand. I’ll just pretend that I am” (Wilhelm)
“Mooou, you’re so mean!” (Sofia)
Sofia-san actually headed towards the bath this time.
It was just Mew-chan and me left. Our eyes met. Mew-chan let out a gloomy sigh.
“I wanted to take a bath while getting squeezed between ojou and Sofia…” (Mew-chan)
“Yeah, I feel you.” (Wilhelm)
I felt the same way.
“Being taken care of by a neet… What a life…” (Mew-chan)
“Are you dissatisfied?” (Wilhelm)
“I can just wipe myself with a towel mew.” (Mew-chan)
Well, I feel like you can’t reach your own back given your body structure.
“I said I’d warm you up, didn’t I? I don’t use such simple methods like towels.” (Wilhelm)
Mew-chan tilted his body, looking puzzled.
Warm air started blowing from my palm.
This is my original magic. I can generate warm air perfect for drying hair and body. I pride myself on being able to create such highly practical magic, fitting for someone as capable as me.
Although, it’s too mundane of a spell that I haven’t even presented it at conferences or in papers.
“Ah~ feels so good mew~ Quite handy, for a neet to know such a useful magic mew~” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan seems satisfied, basking in the warmth of my magic.
“Hey, neet.” (Mew-chan)
“What is it?” (Wilhelm)
“Do you secretly want to peek?” (Mew-chan)
“Don’t talk nonsense.” (Wilhelm)
“Just imagine mew. Right now, in the bath, ojou and Sofia, are delicately washing each other’s bodies, their skin touching. Doesn’t that sound delightful mew? Kekekehehe. Don’t you think it’s nice mew?” (Mew-chan)
I entertain the thought.
Sofia-san gently washing Anya’s body.
She compliments Anya-chan, saying her breasts have grown quite nicely. Anya seems a bit shy but not entirely displeased.
However, her expression changes. She murmurs about wanting to be as big as Sofia-san, while her hands wander over Sofia-san’s large bosom.
Sofia looks embarrassed and squirms—
“Wait, why are you making me have such dumb fantasies?” (Wilhelm)
“Sodane! It took you too long to come up with a retort mew! You’re way too honest about your desires mew!” (Mew-chan)
“That can’t be true. I’m a gentleman, so I don’t indulge in such inappropriate fantasies. Anyways, turn around.” (Wilhelm)
Mew-chan obediently turns around.
Looking at Mew-chan from behind, he’s covered in white fur all over. Trying to warm up all of that seems like it would be quite a task.
“Ah~ Feels good mew~” (Sofia)
Well, as long as he’s enjoying it, it’s fine.
I meticulously warm up even the armpits and the underside of his long ears.
Once that’s done, Mew-chan drinks some tea to warm up from the inside before starting to prepare dinner. He’s truly a hardworking magical beast.
With some free time on my hands, I opened the novel I was reading.
In the story, a lamp is mentioned, which reminds me that I hadn’t lit the lamp yet.
I open the back door and light the lamp.
Thanks to the barrier, ghosts shouldn’t come out, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
As I returned, I heard Anya’s voice coming from the direction of the bath.
“Wil-sama, Mew-chan, we forgot to bring a change of clothes.” (Anya)
“My hands are wet, neet, go do it.” (Mew-chan)
“I don’t even know where Anya’s clothes are.” (Wilhelm)
They’re probably in the dresser in her room upstairs.
As I climbed the stairs, I suddenly realized something. I went back down and asked about Sofia-san’s clothes. Since she didn’t live here, she requested some of Anya’s mom’s clothes instead.
Apparently, there are still clothes left in the closet of Anya’s mom’s room where I’m staying.
I didn’t know that. I haven’t used the closet.
First, I entered Anya’s room and found a cute white dresser.
Since I know what Anya usually wears, I chose any of those familiar clothes I could find.
As for her underwear… hmm… It’s a tough choice, but I picked the ones at the top. Pure white suits Anya well.
Next is Sofia-san’s clothes. When I opened the closet in my room, there were lots of women’s clothes. I chose a yellow shirt with a white long skirt. Material-wise, this seems like it won’t be too cold or too hot.
I went downstairs to the bathroom.
Anya was hiding behind the door, showing only her shoulders and above. It made me a little nervous to think she might be naked on the other side.
“Thank you, Wil-sama.” (Anya)
“No, thank you.” (Wilhelm)
“What for?” (Anya)
“Just because.” (Wilhelm)
Even though it’s only shoulders and above, seeing someone naked after they’ve come out of the bath is stimulating.
I handed over the clothes I brought. Without much consideration, the first thing on top happened to be Anya’s pure white panties. Anya blushed.
“Is it that you prefer these panties, Wil-sama?” (Anya)
She asked with a very embarrassed tone.
“Yeah, that’s right.” (Wilhelm)
I answered honestly with a straight face. Anya seemed even more embarrassed.
It seemed like Sofia-san had overheard the conversation from inside.
“I think I’d like Anya-chan to wear white panties too. They suit her.” (Sofia)
Anya became even more embarrassed.
“Hey, Wil-kun, where are my panties?” (Sofia)
“Eh, you needed them?” (Wilhelm)
“Of course” (Sofia)
“…Really?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes. I’ll feel chilly without them.” (Sofia)
“Wait, do you always wear them?” (Wilhelm)
“I’ve never lived a day without wearing panties, you know?” (Sofia)
“My image of you is getting shattered into pieces.” (Wilhelm)
“What image did you have of me until now?” (Sofia)
“Well, setting that aside, Sofia-san, are you going to wear Anya’s mom’s panties?” (Wilhelm)
“Hmm, yeah. I guess I can’t wear someone else’s panties. Oh well. I’ll just wear my clothes as they are for today.” (Sofia)
The two of them came out of the bathroom fully dressed.
I couldn’t help but look at Sofia-san.
“I knew you’d look at me.” (Sofia)
“… … …” (Wilhelm)
“Why are you silent? Don’t tell me it’s see-through?” (Sofia)
“No, I just thought it suits you really well. You look beautiful. That outfit suits you.” (Wilhelm)
“I thought you were looking at me with lecherous eyes. Somehow I feel betrayed and disappointed.” (Sofia)
Well, it was refreshing.
Sofia-san, who usually wore clothes that reveal a lot of skin, turned into a very neat and beautiful older sister. I wonder if this is what they call ‘gap moe’.
Anya hugged Sofia-san tightly.
“What’s wrong, Anya-chan?” (Sofia)
“I just thought you looked like Mom.” (Anya)
“Oh, right, it’s your mom’s clothes. But you know, Anya-chan, Angelina-san was much prettier than me. So the atmosphere might be different—” (Sofia)
“Mom~!” (Anya)
Anya leaned in on Sofia-san and said affectionately.
“Uh, um, how should I respond…” (Sofia)
“Mom, Mom, Mom!” (Anya)
Anya hugged Sofia-san even tighter.
“Well, it’s fine. As long as Anya-chan is happy.” (Sofia)
“I can smell Mom’s scent. I want to stay like this forever.” (Anya)
“So cute.” (Sofia)
Sofia-san mentioned that she would like to have a daughter like Anya in the future. I’d like that too.
◇
When I got out of the bathroom, there was a sweet and delicious smell of sugar drifting around. Perhaps someone’s cooking something with sugar.
“Wil-kun, hey, did you fall asleep already? You always wake up late and yet are still able to sleep so easily.” (Sofia)
“I’m here, Sofia-san. I haven’t slept yet.” (Wilhelm)
“Oh, there you are. Hey, want to taste this? Do you think it’s good enough to serve at the shop?” (Sofia)
A white plate was filled with round brown candies. They were homemade, I was told. The scent of sugar resembled that of these candies.
“That’s amazing. How did you make the candies?” (Wilhelm)
“Huh? Candies are easy to make with just sugar and water, you know?” (Sofia)
I didn’t know that.
Apparently, she’s going to sell these at the Rainy Holiday in a few days.
Come to think of it, we’re going to have a showdown with Clara at the stall segment. If I remember correctly, we’re supposed to set up a candy stall.
Anya’s already eating one. She’s rolling the candy around in her mouth, looking pleased.
I also popped one into my mouth. It reminded me of the sweet taste I loved as a child.
It’s melting on my tongue. I could eat these all day.
“It’s delicious. Kids will definitely love it.” (Anya)
Anya reached out and took a candy. She popped it into her mouth with a smile. It must be a flavor she liked.
Anya blushed as Sofia-san and I looked at her with a warm smile.
“But selling only one flavor might be difficult. It’d be better to have other flavors too.” (Anya)
“I’ll try that tomorrow then. Anya-chan, let’s go shopping together.” (Sofia)
“Okay~ Wil-sama, do you think we can beat Clara-chan’s sweet shop?” (Anya)
“With this flavor, as long as we sell it cheerfully and brightly, we’ll definitely win.” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, I’ll do my best!” (Anya)
Anya tasted the candy again. If it’s something she enjoys, it will surely become popular.
I looked out the window.
Now, it’s just a matter of whether we can successfully hold the event.
The Rainy Holiday is a day for children. I hope it won’t turn into something that makes them cry…
The barrier is working properly. The question is whether it can properly contain Bagi.
“Uwah, what’s going on? Something moved in the trash can!” (Sofia)
Sofia seems surprised. The trash can?
“Kya! W-Why is it moving? It’s really creepy. S-Sofia-san, please take a look!” (Anya)
“Huh? Me? Wil-kun? Won’t you take a look?” (Sofia)
Oh, right. Something’s squirming. But, it doesn’t seem dangerous.
As I bend down, Mew-chan comes over too. With his fluffy hands, Mew-chan grabs whatever’s moving in the trash can.
“…Is this hair mew?” (Mew-chan)
“Hair? Oh, that’s Eva’s hair. I forgot that she cut it earlier.” (Wilhelm)
“Oh, it’s just Eva-chan’s hair.” (Sofia)
“What a surprise. Mouu.” (Anya)
“Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
Everyone lost interest in an instant.
Huh? Why does no one seem concerned about why the cut hair is moving? It’s really bothering me.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
This is like, the first time I see non-childhood friend female characters not minding that MC went through their drawers. I mean, I understand that he was asked to, but they didn’t make such a big deal out of it, which is rare.
Even the great MC can’t figure out what’s happening with Eva’s hair. She’s probably banned from every barber shop which is why she has to cut her own hair. The fact that she could cut it so quickly is a talent in itself.
Footnote:
- None