Chapter 65
Chapter 65
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 65
Chapter Title: In the Bathhouse
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"Lie down properly."
"Ah, nooo... T-Teacher! You gave permission..."
"When did I?!"
"Eek..."
As I shouted, Evelyn gasped and straightened her posture.
I could see her cotton-candy-soft, fluffy hair scattering across the floor in clumps.
It's been three seconds since it hit the ground, so I guess I can't eat it now.
While I was lost in such an absurd thought, my eyes caught the 'object' lying next to her.
I didn't know what it was, but I did know what it was.
There was a bit of a twist to that contradictory statement.
My mind, which had wandered off elsewhere for a moment, had snapped back to reality when 'this' was pulled out.
The cloth that had been blindfolding me was soaked through and had slipped down, letting me see it.
Along with Evelyn's embarrassed face as she pulled it out.
So... I knew what it was.
It had come out of me, after all, so it must be what Evelyn had mentioned.
But I had no idea what it actually was.
Staring at it brought the phrase "life is real combat" to mind.
I might have been taking this game world too lightly.
...Too much unknown stuff keeps popping up.
Like the thing slumped next to Evelyn right now.
It was rock-hard, as if demanding to know when it had been stirring inside me. Looking at it, which resembled some massive hunk of beef intestine, made my body shudder as memories of what had just happened flooded back.
"Hoo..."
The more I thought about it, the more uncomfortable I felt, but I stepped closer to examine it more closely.
The slick, damp thing gave off a strangely alluring scent.
Its interior was still drenched with viscous fluids.
And it was covered in deep wrinkles.
...I never imagined I'd get to see what the inside of me really looks like.
I was speechless at the sheer ridiculousness, but I could guess what Evelyn's plan was.
Whether it would work... well, no point in me speculating.
It's not like they're mass-producing it in a factory press. What would I know?
She did it, so it must be possible, right...?
"You can make it this time, right?"
When I asked, Evelyn panted heavily, her voice laced with pain.
"O-Of course!"
She was breathing raggedly, as if it had taken everything out of her. The floor was soaked with sweat from her body.
...This should be warning enough for now. I helped her to her feet.
She seemed to know she'd messed up and didn't say another word.
"When do you think it'll be done?"
"Th-The most important part is finished, so soon."
Good...
"Go."
"Y-Yes!"
I was exhausted.
Arguing over what was already done sounded like too much hassle.
I decided to just take the good with the good.
The sooner Evelyn finished it, the less tired I'd be.
At my words, she staggered to her feet, picked up the sticky 'thing,' and hurried out of the infirmary.
Tomorrow was the weekend.
I'd made an excuse to Philia about having work, staying in the infirmary, so no one would come looking for me right away.
"Haa..."
-Why the long face? Didn't like what happened earlier? If so, I can─
"It's fine. Not that."
-You're prickly, Contractor.
...Strictly speaking, I wasn't alone.
Hearing that sullen tone, like she was sulking, put me in a weird mood. Close to irritation, maybe.
She never said a word during the whole thing, but now that it's over, she pipes up?
...I wouldn't have had the presence of mind to talk anyway, but still.
Even if I'd asked for help, she'd have hesitated over the price, and I probably wouldn't have asked in the first place.
It wasn't a life-or-death situation, after all.
Come to think of it, isn't this spirit busy? She seems to always be around.
"Aren't you busy, El? You seem to always be here."
-Isn't caring for my Contractor part of a spirit's duty?
"...I'd appreciate it if you respected my personal time."
-I'll try.
I'm not holding my breath.
Maybe I should be grateful she doesn't demand payment for this.
Anyway.
To shake off the heavy mood, I left the infirmary.
Since it was later than usual, I could take my time enjoying it.
...Not that it was anything weird.
A bath. A bath.
I arrived at the bathhouse and peeked inside. It was empty.
...Coming at this hour just for some privacy felt oddly thrilling.
I'd never experienced being the center of so much attention from women.
The iron walls around my heart kept me from getting close, but... the stimulation was intense.
Still, I couldn't give up on a bath.
It was something I'd enjoyed immensely even before coming here, so it was only natural.
...Though work and gaming meant I rarely went myself.
Bitter.
Wouldn't it be better to just live here?
They pay me, and the facilities are clean.
The only complaint is no computer, but I only used it for yuri games anyway...
As my thoughts started drifting that way, I quickly stripped and stowed my clothes in the locker.
I even tossed in my shoes just in case, then stepped inside and sank into the warm water.
As the warmth enveloped my body, I felt my tensed muscles loosen.
"Huu... Feels good."
Then.
A commotion started from outside.
Perking my ears, I heard a lively voice.
"Huh? Didn't you say you saw the teacher go in?"
"Should we check inside?"
Sounded like other students had come looking.
Watching them, I couldn't help thinking I understood why fan culture caused so many issues back in the day.
...Honestly, I wouldn't mind mingling naked with them.
But even so, a little... privacy, you know?
Calming my pounding heart, I dove underwater.
Submerging in the warm water felt surprisingly nice.
Like returning to my mother's womb?
Not that I'd tried, but that's the vibe.
I held my breath to keep bubbles from rising. The footsteps peeking inside soon turned away in disappointment.
Once the chatter faded into the distance, I finally exhaled and surfaced.
"Puha..."
Water dripped from my hair, trickling down my wet breasts.
Watching it, part of me wondered if I really had to go this far, while another thought giving up would be easier.
...No one had promised I could go back anyway, so the feeling lingered even more.
More importantly.
Why are they so obsessed with me?
Sure, I'll admit what I did back then was pretty cool.
But... is it worth this much?
I couldn't help tilting my head at the thought.
...Quick-to-fall-in-love types. Fast love, unpacked.
Probably that.
If I let it flow, it'll settle eventually. Nothing to do but wait.
As I paddled around with that in mind, I sensed someone entering again.
It felt very close, so I hurriedly dove back under.
But this time, whoever it was was persistent—the footsteps drew nearer unmistakably.
Splash.
Soon, I heard someone entering right where I was.
Close.
Someone's body was right in front of me.
A familiar tail came into view. Toned abs that looked familiar too.
...Spotting the groomed fur, I snapped to attention and peeked my head out.
A familiar face stared back at me with an odd expression.
I gave an awkward smile and muttered,
"You're here late..."
"It just ended up that way."
It was Michelle.
Feeling embarrassed after getting an eyeful, I averted my gaze and leaned against the wall.
Michelle watched me intently, then asked in a voice full of curiosity,
"I've thought this before, but... Do you dislike seeing other women's bodies, Miss Iris?"
"...Pardon?"
"If I'm mistaken, I apologize."
"Ah, um..."
It was a tough question to answer.
Because I was a guy inside this body in here with her.
That was pretty much it, really.
If I'd been a woman from the start, I'd probably be lounging with the students right now, huh?
...Yeah, probably.
As I hesitated without responding, she seemed to misunderstand and stood up.
"If that's the case... I should go. Sorry."
"N-No, it's not that!"
"...Is it not?"
I blurted it out before I knew it.
Even though there was no other reason.
But sending her away just felt wrong.
...It'd lead to ridiculous misunderstandings piling up into suspicion.
So I decided to act boldly.
I looked at her submerged body and wet face and said,
It helped that I'd seen her a few times already.
...My face heating up could be blamed on the hot water, thankfully.
"It's not that at all. Really."
"I see."
Michelle gazed at me steadily as she said it.
Her gaze felt a bit too intense, making me embarrassed.
To deflect the awkwardness, I asked a question.
"By the way, did you know I was here?"
"...No, not before coming in. But once I did, I knew. Your scent lingered in the changing room, Miss Iris."
"Ah..."
That nose is seriously sharp.
As I alternated glances between her nose and ears in admiration, she hesitated like she had something to say.
The moment her mouth opened.
"The bath feels pretty nice, huh?"
"It does. I followed you in, after all."
Murmurs reached my ears, and I instinctively dove under with a splash.
Right in front of my submerged eyes.
Something huge cast a shadow.