A Sister's Confession in the Royal Baths
The sound of splashing water echoed as a wave of hot liquid enveloped my entire body. The imperial palace bathtub was larger and more luxurious than anything I'd seen in my entire life. Even the billionaire's tub I'd glimpsed on YouTube in my previous life looked like a child's toy in comparison. It was so massive you could almost believe it was a small indoor swimming pool rather than a bathroom. Soft magical lights glowed across the smooth marble floor, and the surface of the water released a dreamy mist of the imperial family's exclusive aromatic oils.
Whoa... The palace really is on another level...
As I surrendered my body to the warm water that reached up to my shoulders, the muscles knotted from two weeks of grueling travel began to melt away in blissful relaxation. The exhaustion I'd accumulated from crossing steep mountain ranges, being jostled by knights and crowds—it all evaporated like steam in the hot bath.
“Money really is the best. Nothing beats having money...”
I was savoring this surreal peace with my eyes closed when the heavy bathroom door clicked open with careful precision. Turning my head, I saw Psyche standing there, her body barely covered by an oversized towel. Her face was flushed a much deeper shade than usual—whether from the steam or something else, I couldn't tell.
“Sister... May I join you?”
At Psyche's hesitant question, I smiled and made room beside me.
“Of course. I've been getting a bit lonely in this huge space all by myself. Come on in—the water's really nice and warm.”
Psyche approached with cautious steps and slipped her body into the water. She naturally positioned herself behind me, wrapping her arms around me in a gentle embrace. The moment her warm body heat and soft skin pressed against my back, a strange tension raced up my spine.
This feels... a little embarrassing.
We used to bathe together without a second thought when we were little, but today the sensation of our touching skin felt completely different.
“Sister, do you remember? When we were young, you always washed me and held me. Whenever soap got in my eyes and I cried, you'd comfort me and go through so much trouble.”
The ticklish sound of Psyche's voice near my ear brought back old memories, and I let out a small laugh.
“That's right. Back then, you'd get scared just from seeing soap bubbles and burrow into my arms. You were such a little snot-nosed kid who couldn't even wash your own hair without me. And now you've grown up enough to hold your big sister.”
Psyche smiled mischievously as she recalled the past.
“Hehe, that's true. But it's been so long since we've bathed together like this, just the two of us. It feels like there's no one else in the world but us.”
Psyche's chin rested gently on my shoulder. Every time her silver hair, wet from the water, brushed against the nape of my neck, my heartbeat quickened just a little more.
In the comfortable silence, a question I'd been curious about for a while suddenly came to mind, and I spoke up carefully.
“By the way, Psyche, why did you always avoid bathing with me? Whenever I suggested it, you'd make up all sorts of excuses and run away. I was actually a little hurt, wondering if you'd hit puberty and started feeling uncomfortable around your sister.”
“That’s...”
At my question, I felt the arms wrapped around me tighten. After a long moment of silence, she suddenly leaned forward over my shoulder, cupped my cheek, and pressed her lips against mine.
With a soft smack, a plush, heated sensation touched me briefly before pulling away. It was only an instant, but the warmth was enough to blank my mind completely.
“...That’s the reason.”
Psyche whispered, her wet lashes trembling as she looked at me, who had frozen in shock. Droplets of water slid down her cheek and clung to her red lips before falling away.
“Because I don’t just love you as my one and only sister. I was scared that if you found out how I really felt, you’d think I was disgusting and push me away. That’s why I avoided it.”
After dropping that bombshell, Psyche released me without hesitation and stepped out of the bath.
“You should stay in a little longer, Sister. I’ll head out first and prepare the bedding.”
Only after the heavy thud of the door closing did I finally exhale the breath I’d been holding. My face burned so intensely I could barely stand it. I frantically splashed cold water on my face again and again, then buried my face completely underwater. A large bubble rose to the surface with a gurgling sound.
Just now... that meant she likes me, right? Not as a sister... but as a woman?
When did this start? From the time she began avoiding baths? Or even before that? Wait, does Psyche even like women? I mean, I like women too, but... this is different, isn’t it...
The completely unexpected revelation left me unable to think straight.
It took everything I had to pull myself together and step out of the bath. Psyche was already sitting at the edge of the bed wearing a bathrobe. In her hands were a silver comb and a fluffy towel.
“Sister, come here. I’ll dry your hair for you. You’ll catch a cold if you leave it wet.”
Her voice was as gentle as always, but I couldn’t hide my awkwardness. I walked over to the chair in front of the mirror with stiff, robotic steps.
Is Psyche... really acting like nothing happened?
Psyche's fingers gently wove through my wet hair. As she carefully wiped away the moisture with the towel and combed through each strand with great care, I stared blankly at our reflections in the mirror.
It's really... the complete opposite of how things used to be. In my memories, Psyche was always like a baby who needed my constant care.
Back then, I would sit little Psyche on my lap and clumsily braid her hair. She would rub her head against my chest like a happy puppy whenever my hands touched her, giggling brightly. But now, Psyche was the one drying my hair with far more skilled and delicate hands than mine ever were.
Every time her fingers lightly brushed the back of my neck, the memory of that kiss in the bathtub flashed through my mind, making my face flush red again. Afraid she might notice my blush in the mirror, I desperately lowered my head.
But Psyche said nothing. She simply continued combing my hair with the utmost care, as if handling the world’s most precious treasure. That quiet time felt even more stimulating to me.
When my hair was nearly dry, Psyche moved to the bed first and lifted the covers.
“Sister, I’ll turn off the lights. Come lie down next to me. The imperial beds are so wide—it’s nice, isn’t it?”
I lingered awkwardly by the head of the bed. The bed was enormous, as expected of the palace, but after that confession, I couldn’t muster the courage to lie down beside her.
Seeing my hesitation, Psyche smiled softly and patted the sheet.
“Come on, Roen. You’ve been tense all day meeting with His Majesty the Emperor—you must be exhausted. Things are only going to get busier starting tomorrow.”
In the end, I gave in and crawled into the spot beside her. As I lay on my back staring at the ceiling, Psyche's faint body scent and floral fragrance washed over me from the side.
Then Psyche, who had turned toward me, gently took my hand in hers.
“Sister, please don’t worry too much or feel burdened about what I did earlier. I didn’t say it because I wanted an answer right away.”
Her amethyst eyes sparkled like stars in the darkness.
“Later... after I’ve fulfilled my duties as the saintess, after the Demon King’s threat has disappeared and we’ve truly become free... I’ll ask you again then. You can answer me at that time. I can wait for years if I have to.”
The sincerity in Psyche's voice eased some of the tension that had been gripping my heart. I felt both grateful and sorry for how deeply she was considering my feelings.
“...Alright, Psyche. I promise. When that time comes, I won’t run away—I’ll give you a proper answer.”
She would probably never hear that answer in her lifetime. Because once the Demon King was defeated, I would return to Earth. I felt sorry for Psyche, but we were family after all, and this could never happen.
Unaware of my true thoughts, Psyche seemed satisfied. She lightly kissed the back of my hand and rested her head on my arm, closing her eyes.
But that night, I lay awake for a very long time, listening to her steady breathing beside me.
“Sister, I’ll do my best even without you, so you can’t forget about me either... okay?”
At Psyche's adorable request, I almost reached out to stroke her hair but stopped myself and lowered my hand.
“Of course. I’ll think about you every day. Now get in.”
Even as she climbed into the carriage, Psyche kept looking back at me, forcing her reluctant feet to move.
“Please live happily, Sister. And... if His Majesty bothers you, you have to tell me right away. Then we’ll just flip everything over and run away together.”
The Emperor, who had been listening nearby, burst into laughter and declared firmly.
“Do not worry, Saintess. I will make her as happy as the sacrifices you are making.”
“...I’ll trust you. You mustn’t make my sister cry.”
With those final words, the wheels of the carriage carrying Psyche began to roll. I couldn’t tear my eyes away until it became a tiny dot and disappeared completely from view.
“Roen, do not be too heartbroken. The saintess will surely do well.”