Chapter 2: A Four-Day Weekend.

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The outdoor bath is surrounded by wooden blinds on three sides.

Before me stretches unobstructed nature as far as the eye can see. The ceiling of countless stars and an almost blindingly bright moon seems so distant that one might be sucked right into its depths.

"Ahhhhh..."

A meaningless sound escapes from deep within my body along with my fatigue.

The natural hot spring flows freely, its water somewhat hotter than usual, but perhaps that intensity is part of its charm.

"I could definitely enjoy some wine while watching the moon or snow here... And since this is home, there's no need to worry about getting back afterward."

Is this what paradise feels like?

This isn't some cheat-fueled harem life or a royal existence exploiting knowledge cheats for domestic purposes. Instead, I'll die without ever making much of a name for myself or leaving any mark on history. But at least there's a plump and lovely Sister by my side, friendly townspeople, and an easygoing life within the church walls.

"This is amazing—no, sublime..."

"D-did you say something...?" came the sound of an opening door and the beloved voice of a woman behind me.

Suppressing the urge to turn around immediately, I calmly replied, careful not to reveal my true desire: "Oh, just marveling at how truly delightful hot springs can be."

The view before me rivals nature itself—or rather, surpasses it magnificently, searing its image onto my retinas.

Maria timidly emerged, hiding her body with a towel wrapped around her. Should she not conceal herself? Absolutely not. Quite the opposite, in fact.

If she wasn't deliberately trying to tease me, then her ability to make it seem like I might catch glimpses of skin despite covering herself with a towel was nothing short of natural talent.

I've seen Maria naked many times before, but perhaps due to the open air or some other factor, today her body seemed to shine even more beautifully than usual.

The towel guarded the vital areas, but half her enormous ass remained exposed; her breasts, freed from their undergarments, bounced freely and enticingly.

"Oh, please don't stare..."

"My apologies. You're just so beautiful, I couldn't help myself."

"Eep..."

Though it's nighttime, the sky is filled with stars. With ample light illuminating everything clearly, watching Maria blush is immensely entertaining. Entertaining, yes...

"If you stand there too long, you'll get cold."

"Y-yes..." Though flustered, she still seemed somewhat embarrassed.

Maria squatted at the edge of the hot spring and dipped her hands in the water.

"Ack! It's hot."

"It's better to warm up gradually instead of plunging right in; it's healthier for your body that way."

She had even prepared a wooden bucket for me.

With a graceful motion, Maria removed the towel covering her body and reached for the pail. Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to watch her undress, but if I did, all my gentlemanliness would be lost, wouldn't it?

Suppressing tears of blood, I forced myself to look away from this heavenly scene. Was it proof of how irredeemably male I am that nature, which moved me so deeply just moments ago, now seems utterly bland by comparison?

Plip.

Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a pair of smooth, white legs stretching gracefully before slipping into the water.

Without moving her face, Maria subtly shifted her position to make it easier for me to enter. The devil whispered to sneak a peek while the angel urged me to boldly gaze upon her as any man should. Maybe angels really are no good after all.

"Mm... Ahh... Nngh."

As Maria sank down into the water, her sensual moans stirred my manhood.

The sounds she made were similar to those I heard every night when she inevitably let out a gasp upon entering the hot bath, which only added fuel to the fire.

"Ahhhhh!"

"The water's lovely tonight."

"...Yes."

That was about as far as our conversation went.

Without realizing it, we had drawn closer together until our skin touched softly. Our body heat mingled, and beads of sweat began trickling down our cheeks, falling from our chins into the pool below.

The moon overhead had shifted slightly by now, and it was Maria who broke the silence first.

"I am...so fortunate."

I wasn't manipulating her feelings with magic.

So no, I didn't have such thick skin that I could pretend there was nothing wrong with this situation. But precisely because of that, I'd resolved to cherish her all the more.

No matter what others might say behind our backs, if Maria and I can be happy together, I'll stand by my methods with pride.

"Having lost my parents, destined to die myself, this happiness feels overwhelming."

"Are you scared?"

"There is some fear, yes. But..."

As I felt her gaze on me, I turned to see Maria blushing as she gazed into my eyes.

"I find myself wanting even more... It makes me so selfish."

"That's wonderful. Let's indulge ourselves."

"Oh, Lord Ain!"

Our tender kiss closed the gap between us entirely.

The water was quite transparent, so it was clear from the start that she could see I was aroused.

"My moon's cycle hasn't come yet," she whispered at such close proximity.

All I could do was hold her gently but firmly.

"We've become even happier now..."

Maria returned my embrace with surprising strength.

Feeling her vigor, sensing her presence within my arms,

"Thank you..."

"But those are my lines."

We giggled softly together.