Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Journey (9)
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Words were unnecessary.
We spoke with our bodies, as lovers do.
“……”
Well, we just kissed.
This much was more or less an acceptable level…
Ahh! We’re completely touching!
The girl's proactiveness was truly immense.
As if to declare I was her man, she marked her territory all over my body.
I couldn’t hold back now.
Still, I tried to for a moment.
Did I truly deserve to love her?
I wasn't free from Jace's memories.
In other words, I couldn't dare imagine a life without Ceria.
I had many thoughts when we first met, but now it was different.
After all my efforts, I now had the strength to protect at least one person.
That was enough.
I had met the minimum standard, so all that was left was to take responsibility like a man.
“Jace…”
As if it still wasn't nearly enough.
She caressed my cheek with a yearning expression.
The girl's existence felt more precious than anything.
Of course, I didn't hesitate out of some misplaced guilt about touching her.
There was nothing more pathetic than that.
If you truly loved someone, you ought to respond to their heart.
I surrendered my body to instinct.
Following the memories of this body, I continued through a set sequence.
Another kiss, and another.
We proved the truth of our affection for each other time and time again.
In the quiet hot spring, amidst the steam.
The lovers' tender affection blossomed hotly.
After some time had passed, Ceria pulled back slightly.
“W-Wait a moment…”
A flushed red face.
It seemed she was slowly reaching her limit.
My own excitement gauge had hit max, so it wouldn't have been strange if I had crossed the line in an instant.
“We've been here too long. They might misunderstand…”
“So what if they do?”
“───??”
“It's a rare opportunity.”
I feigned a forceful approach.
It wasn't that I wanted more, but I needed to show her something.
You know how I feel, right? This is how much I love you!
Women were creatures who needed sweet whispers to be satisfied.
“Ahh! You're really something…”
Not knowing what to do, she surprised me with a kiss.
We shared our affection once more before quickly getting changed.
A little misunderstanding was fine, but…
"You guys didn't... go all the way, did you? That's a bit much!"
Being interrogated like that would be nothing but awkward.
“Hmm, now that it's over, I feel a little sad.”
“Today isn't the only day we have.”
“That's right. Then tomorrow, too…”
She smiled faintly and linked her arm with mine.
Since she was only wearing a robe, I could feel the girl's softness directly.
Ah, my heart's pounding…
Her brown hair and reddish eyes were so lovely.
We went upstairs.
There were a few other guests, but they were all engrossed in one thing.
“That looks fun.”
“……”
Yeah, I had a feeling this would happen.
When Hero candidates play table tennis, it's bound to be spectacular.
They exchanged the ping-pong ball like it was a battle.
It was a wonder the ball didn't shatter.
The princess might be superior in physical ability, but…
The beastkin's senses and reflexes were also considerable.
Our little cutie came running over with a bright smile.
“You're done? That was faster than I thought. How far did you go?”
“……”
You'd better tell me this time.
If you're vague, I won't help you again!
She put strength in her eyes, conveying that very message.
Perhaps because her pent-up feelings were resolved, Ceria nodded slightly with a proud expression.
Is this right?
Do I have to report to my pet?
Well, I suppose that's how much she loved her master.
I leaned down and whispered into the girl's fox ear.
“We did this, and that. And also…”
“Ahh! So passionate! Just hearing about it makes me blush!”
“……”
Why? You're the one who asked.
Her words and actions didn't match from the start.
The one who claimed to be embarrassed was wagging her tail excitedly.
Soon after, the princess approached cautiously.
She glanced at me as if she was also curious.
Not a chance for you!
A princess should maintain her decorum.
“I'll give you a chance.”
“Hmm? What chance?”
“Try to beat me in table tennis.”
“───??”
She tilted her head.
As if asking where on earth I got this confidence.
“Alright, fine.”
It was a match between an S-rank and an A-rank, but…
In a game like table tennis, once you're past A-rank, everyone's more or less the same.
There wasn't a huge difference in physical condition, but my experience was definitely superior.
“What is this? Why are you so good?”
The princess, denying reality.
I showed her the clear difference in our levels.
How could I lose to a rookie who hadn't even mastered the techniques?
“I'll challenge you too!”
Our little cutie.
You already heard everything, didn't you?
“If I win, you have to grant me one request.”
I wasn't sure what it was, but…
I caught a glimpse of the fox beastkin's slyness.
I had no intention of avoiding it.
Playing with my pet was also part of the master's duty.
I predicted an overwhelming score difference.
With that small body, there had to be a limit…
“Ugh, I thought I had it won!”
“……”
I was almost humiliated.
I didn't expect her to copy my techniques and use them right away.
The fearsome potential of a beastkin.
In this world, maybe humans weren't the lords of all creation?
[Hidden Quest]
[Close Match Stage 1 Cleared]
[Reward: Achievement Points +10,000]
I cleared something out of the blue.
It seemed the more serious I was about playing, the more it gave out.
“Can I have a rematch?”
“Anytime.”
This time, too, I crushed the princess.
But I ended up collapsing under our little cutie's counterattack.
“That was a great match! Now I can touch you all I want.”
“……”
Wait, touch what?
I couldn't believe it, but she was after my body.
It was obvious she was going to pounce on me while I was enjoying the hot springs.
My fiancée's chastity was being threatened, yet…
Ceria patted Aruru's head with a 'Good job!' sort of feeling.
It was a relief she wasn't angry, but this felt strange in its own way.
It didn't seem like friendship between girls; it was like they truly considered each other family.
We played table tennis, played pool.
We had fun, and by the time evening came, we returned to our room.
“We will now bring your meal.”
“Please let us know if you need anything at all!”
The raccoon beastkin moved about busily.
As VIPs, we were served a luxurious spread.
It was worth the money, but it was prepared with even more care.
If there had been a review system, I would have left a long, glowing review.
“The flavors are so clean.”
“Well, something like this is nice once in a while.”
“It's all good, but the portions are too small…”
“Food will be provided continuously until the guests are satisfied.”
The girl's face lit up at the words 'unlimited refills'.
A smile spread across my lips as well.
This made it not a waste at all. I should stay here until we leave.
I'd booked it for three nights, but depending on the situation, we could extend our stay.
After finishing our meal in a cheerful atmosphere.
As we were enjoying a game of cards, the night had deepened before we knew it.
The night view from the hot spring had a different charm.
Before sleeping, we warmed our bodies in the hot water.
That was the plan, but…
Our little cutie clung tightly to me.
“……”
Was this really okay?
Even if I treated her like a pet, she was still very much a girl.
“Of course it's okay. I got Ceria's permission.”
I didn't think that was the issue here.
Well, it would be silly to make a fuss about it now.
If we were naked, it'd be a different story. For now, we were in swimsuits.
Anyway.
Aruru's charm hadn't changed a bit.
She was just cute, so I was simply pleased…
“Hngh, my body's getting hotter and hotter!”
“……”
Like animals sharing a bond.
She didn't stop her affectionate acts, like rubbing her face against my chest.
It must be the instinct of an affectionate fox beastkin.
It was a daily occurrence, so I thought nothing of it, but the girl's body temperature was excessively high.
That burning heat felt strangely good.
As our bodies touched, it felt like our hearts had become one.
“This trip is so satisfying! Every day is fun.”
She gave a bashful smile, as if she were the happiest person in the world.
From visiting her hometown to now.
She said she was truly happy to have had such a new experience.
“Please take care of me from now on, too!”
I silently stroked the girl's head.
She accepted it meekly, as if she'd been waiting for my touch.
[Affection +1]
[Affection +1]
The affection I thought had stagnated rose consecutively.
At this rate, it seemed it would eventually break 90.
What did that matter, though?
Even as time passed, our relationship would remain the same.
Love existed in many forms.
This case could be seen as a spiritual love.
Our little cutie.
I can trust you, right? Hurry up and agree with me.
“Umm, I'm not so sure…”
It was a vague answer, but I didn't feel particularly anxious.
I had a premonition that any problem that arose would be resolved well.
My worry lay on the other side.
The two girls who had been silent until now.
From the looks of it, they seemed awkward around each other.
Hmm, can't you get along as comrades?
I wasn't expecting them to giggle and laugh together.
If only they would exchange a few words, how nice would that be.
“It's best to just leave them be for now.”
“Why?”
“That's also a kind of power struggle.”
She said they were having a war of nerves over who was more attractive.
They both had top-tier looks, so what was the point?
The world of women was this incredibly complex.
I couldn't possibly understand it with a male sensibility.
“It's okay. If things get rough, I'll step in!”
If Aruru wagged her tail between them?
The atmosphere would warm up, as if the cold war had never happened.
Our little cutie.
You're really the only one! As a reward, I'll touch your tail.
“Ahh, wait… I'm in a sensitive state right now…”
The girl, whimpering and struggling.
She exhaled faintly, as if flustered.
That appearance endlessly stimulated the darkness within me.
“Should I stop?”
“Then I'll get mad.”
Wow, look at her serious face.
Somehow, even that was charming.
Life is meant to be lived straight ahead, wasn't that what they said?
As if to say that since we had started, we had to see it through, she pleaded desperately with her eyes.
“Heeung… It feels so good…”
“……”
Eventually, utterly exhausted, she fell quietly asleep.
And so, the first day at the hot springs ended.
* * *
The next day.
Ceria and I wandered the streets, just the two of us.
It was a so-called date, and it was finally starting to feel like one.
We didn't need any plans.
Just being together was enough to make us bloom with laughter.
The central plaza of the hot spring town.
As befitting an event map, there was plenty to see.
Watching a play.
Buying and eating food from stalls; we spent our time on these small things.
It might not have seemed like much, but we needed that ordinary daily life.
“It looks like you have to knock that over to get a doll.”
“Do you want one?”
“No. I have Aruru, so I'm fine.”
True, what was the use of a doll?
Our little cutie was the best…
Anyway.
There were minigame elements here and there, so I tried a little of each.
[New Record Achieved]
[Reward: Achievement Points +10,000]
Gaining points bit by bit.
Yeah. That wasn't what was important right now.
I wanted to spend this moment with the girl more meaningfully.
What this date symbolized was incredibly significant.
It was the process of painting Ceria with my own colors, not Jace's.
Only by finishing that task could I get closer to a complete love.
I would be able to escape the thought that I was deceiving her.
It couldn't be helped since I was possessing this body, but there was still a part of me that felt a little guilty.
“Wow! They're having fireworks, too?”
“───??”
“Ahh…”
Ceria momentarily squealed like a little girl.
As the daughter of a great family, she had always maintained her dignity, but that persona just shattered.
“Ugh, please forget that…”
The girl buried her head, her face red.
As if more embarrassed now than when we were being affectionate, she didn't know what to do.
“Somehow, I'm glad to see it.”
“Pardon?”
“It reminded me of how you used to be.”
“───!!”
In my eyes, you were as cute as Aruru!
I gave her a warm smile with that sentiment.
“You're really something…”
While giving me a slight side-eye, she didn't seem to dislike it.
With her arm linked in mine, she snuggled even closer.
It felt like this pure side of the girl would be remembered for a long, long time.
It was about time for some shopping.
When you come to a tourist spot, buying souvenirs is the unwritten rule.
I didn't need to buy anything right away, so I was just browsing when some sparkling accessories caught my eye.
Rings, necklaces, hairpins, and so on.
I wasn't sure about the quality, but overall, they were well-made.
Ceria's gaze was also fixed on them.
Our future suddenly came to mind. When the time came, I'd have to prepare wedding rings.
“See any accessories you like?”
“Hmm, are you going to buy it for me?”
“Of course. Pick whatever you want.”
She seemed to ponder for a moment.
Then she picked a simple hairpin.
It was similar to the one she was wearing now.
The birthday present that must have been the link between Jace and her…
Perhaps that was the beginning of all this.
“I like this one.”
It seemed she liked the familiar shape.
I paid for it, thinking I'd have to get her a proper one later.
“Will you put it in for me?”
How could I refuse my fiancée's request?
I brushed back her soft hair and put the pin in.
“It looks good on you.”
“Thank you. I'll treasure it.”
In a way, I had removed a trace of Jace from her.
But unexpectedly, this body showed no signs of rejection.
Yes, we were now completely one.
So from now on, you will absolutely obey the brain's commands.
“It's okay to buy a few more, right?”
“For Aruru?”
“Yes. There are a few things I want to try.”
Her consideration for others…
No, it was her desire to decorate our little cutie, but what did it matter?
Ceria picked out several different hairpins.
She handed me one of them and told me to give it to the princess.
“We can't just leave her out. We're indebted to her in many ways…”
“I thought you disliked her?”
“Not at all. I just found her a little difficult to approach. I'd like to get closer if possible.”
Her heart was as beautiful as her face.
At this rate, I had no choice but to love her even more.
As the sun began to set, we returned to the inn.
Of course, before that, we shared some light affection in a secluded spot.
It would be a shame to leave this out, right?
And so, our first date ended successfully.
* * *
Day six in the hot spring town.
We enjoyed the hot springs until we were sick of them.
I grew closer to Ceria.
And at the same time, I took care of Aruru and Esterize.
I couldn't be happier.
I had tasted the essence of healing to my heart's content, but the end was now approaching.
After enjoying the midnight fireworks, we planned to leave tomorrow morning.
“Ah, it's already started!”
“The colors are so brilliant.”
“Hmm, money is disintegrating in the sky…”
The princess spouted a bit of nonsense, but…
Soon, as if that had never happened, her eyes sparkled like a girl in her prime.
The night sky was beautifully colored by fireworks of all shapes and sizes.
We watched the scene quietly, each lost in their own thoughts.
[Current Points: 482,000]
This was the result of securing about 200,000 points here.
Once I completed the A-rank achievement quest, I'd be close to 800,000.
Only 200,000 points left.
The summit was just ahead.
With just a little more effort, I'd be able to obtain Jace's exclusive skill.
The real start was from now on.
The event to get S-rank equipment from the Dwarves.
The event where academy alumni visited.
The event where the owner of the Holy Sword was decided, and so on. There was still a long way to go.
If I were alone, it would have been lonely and difficult, but…
I had these girls by my side, cheering me on.
I just needed to do my part well.
Then we would reach the ideal that everyone desired.
“I don't think I'll ever forget tonight…”
Our little cutie.
Even if you're sad, just bear with it a little.
Once we defeated the Demon King, my world might just arrive.
“Uh-huh, I'll do my best too!”
“I'll lend my strength as well.”
“We'll definitely become a wonderful party!”
A heart that warmed beyond pride.
In my current state of mind, I feared nothing.