Chapter 054 ⤞ Bonding in the Bath—An Unexpected Turn of Events

The mansion's bathroom was spacious, easily accommodating five or six people. On this night, a full moon shone brightly, illuminating everything without the need for oil lamps.

Adam's mood lifted at the sight of the massive bathtub and washing area. He mused, "This huge bathtub alone makes buying this mansion worthwhile."

Magic Stones, used as heaters, encircled the bathtub. Their glow mingled with the moonlight, creating a mysterious ambiance.

Luxurious yet elegant—his special touch.

He had splurged on these Magic Stones as decorations, replacing the original oil lamps that seemed ill-suited to the bathtub. The effect pleased him immensely.

Eager to enjoy his creation, Adam washed quickly and immersed himself in the steaming water, the warmth dispelling the spring night's chill.

"Ahh~ Bliss, pure bliss!"

Enveloped by the hot, clean water, he felt his fatigue surge, lulling him into a lazy state. His thoughts drifted to earlier events. Aqua and Megumin had bathed together, but his mind wasn't on them. Instead, he pondered about Darkness.

Aqua had mentioned that she hadn't left her room since returning. This worried him, especially considering the potential for awkwardness within the squad.

Darkness, despite her perverse tendencies, was innocent at heart. Mishandling their relationship could create tension among them all.

Adam wrestled with how to approach the situation. Should he apologize? What should he say? He mentally listed some options:

1. "I'm sorry for seeing your body; it was my carelessness."

2. "It wasn't my intention; I was unwilling too."

3. "It's not my fault; it's the world's!"

Good grief, these are textbook scumbag lines!

After long deliberation, only cliché excuses came to mind. Inexperienced and just nineteen, Adam felt at a loss.

Then, an idea struck him.

Why apologize at all? Why not simply act as usual? Stay calm!

Don't mention the incident. Maintain the same attitude when seeing Darkness. Even in alluring situations, if he remain composed, she'll eventually return to normal.

This strategy wasn't just about avoiding embarrassment—it was an upgraded approach. Adam felt he'd stumbled upon a brilliant solution.

'Yes, that's it! I'm a genius! Right, stay calm, stay calm...'

Lost in thought, he didn't hear the faint footsteps coming from the changing room. His back to the bathtub, his usually keen hearing 'wisely' chose this moment to be conveniently deaf.

It wasn't until a graceful figure entered that he snapped to attention, turning his head to see who had suddenly appeared.

—Darkness?!!!

'Oh no! I forgot to hang a sign on the door! I'm not Japanese — how could I possibly have that habit? What do I do? That's right, stay calm, stay calm!'

Adam chanted this mantra in his mind, turning to face Darkness with a composed expression.

Yet his heart began to race wildly.

So beautiful!

Earlier, the nightgown had obscured his view, but now, without any covering, everything was fully exposed. He had expected the muscular Crusader to look bulkier due to her training, but her curves were unexpectedly pronounced.

Beautiful, long legs like jade pillars, smooth and shapely buttocks, and full, ample breasts. Waist-length golden hair cascaded down her back, moonlight spilling onto skin as white as porcelain. Coupled with her innate cold temperament, she exuded an aura of holiness.

No, as a 「Crusader」, she was inherently holy. It was just that her usual perverted demeanor often overshadowed this sense of sanctity.

A vision of radiance filled Adam's sight. His blood flow quickened, surging upwards as his body temperature rose.

Is this about to activate the Slayer Mark? Damn it!

Stay—calm—!

"Hey, Darkness." He managed to say with extreme effort, greeting her as casually as he could muster.

Voice—OK Tone—OK Expression—OK

Perfect condition!

"Eh?" Darkness heard someone calling her and only then snapped out of her daze.

When she saw Adam sitting openly in the bathtub, looking at her and greeting her, her legs went weak, and she collapsed to the ground.

"A-Adam... Wh-wh-wh... Why-why-why..."

"Why? Of course, I came to take a bath. What else would I be here for?" His calmness contrasted starkly with her flustered state.

"R-right... Of course, you come to the bathroom to bathe." Darkness finally regained her composure. This distraction seemed to calm her somewhat.

Though still visibly nervous, her expression was no longer as extremely flustered as before.

"Well, that's how it is. But Darkness, you came so late — I thought you had already finished bathing with Megumin and Aqua."

"Yes, I stayed in my room after returning. Megumin and Aqua invited me to bathe, but I declined, not feeling up to it at the time."

"So that's why you're bathing now."

"I'm sorry for intruding."

"Don't worry about it."

Adam's soothing conversation had a positive effect; Darkness was now able to speak with him calmly.

Time for the next bold move! He'd dispel this awkward atmosphere in the squad in one fell swoop!

"Darkness, would you mind washing my back?" He asked casually, his expression neutral.

"Eh...?" Darkness froze, certain she had misheard.

"I usually manage alone, but I'm quite tired. Since you're here, I'd appreciate your help."

"Eh——?!!!" This time, she realized she hadn't misheard — he was actually asking for her assistance!

Without waiting for her to refuse, Adam stepped out of the bathtub, walked to the nearby wooden stool, and turned his broad back towards her.

Darkness's mouth opened and closed silently. She clutched a small towel to her body, staring at him in disbelief.

"Y-you... I-I-I... Asking me to wash your back!" She stammered, flustered once more.,"N-no, that, well, why are you so calm? What do you mean by asking me to wash your back?!! This is too much, too fast — my brain can't keep up...!"

She panicked, covering herself and looking at Adam with a mix of fear and confusion.

"Darkness, relax." He said calmly, "We're squadmates. What's there to be shy about? We trust each other with our lives! It's perfectly normal for squadmates to wash each other's backs."

His steady demeanor seemed reassuring. But with his back turned to Darkness, who could tell what his true expression was?

"Ah, ahhh... It's strange, really strange! Even if it's normal, do male and female squadmates wash each other's backs?"

"Haven't you heard of 'being open and honest'? This is just like that."

His twisted logic, forcefully stated, made it impossible for Darkness, with her unique preferences, to refuse.

"Please!"

"...Y-yes."

Darkness took the towel and began wiping his back. Her unsteady movements betrayed her nervousness.

After a while.

"I-is that enough..." She swallowed hard, finishing her task on his impressively muscular back.

"Mm, thank you, Darkness." He said gratefully. Then, with a casual tone, he added, "Would you like me to wash your back?"

Adam was certain she'd decline. Pushing further would be counterproductive, so he planned to end things there for the night.

But to his surprise...

Darkness, her face flushed crimson, stammered, "...P-please."

!!!

What's happening? This isn't how it's supposed to go!

Shouldn't she have said, "No, no, it's fine, I can wash myself", to which I'd politely respond, "Ah, sorry then, I'll go first", and we'd part ways?

Why did she say "Please"?!

But the words were out there, and there was no backing down now!

Here goes...

Adam gently wiped her soft back with the towel, checking about pressure and comfort, adjusting based on her feedback.

Darkness's skin was exquisite — smooth as silk and fragrant as an orchid. At such close proximity, he could even detect an enticing fresh scent.

Pah, what are you thinking? How can you have such thoughts!

But... before, it was through a screen. Now, it's just through air. The two experiences are worlds apart!

Adam found himself in an internal struggle.

Brain: You're a mature, level-headed man. How can you entertain such thoughts? Body: But you're only 19 years old! I need to explode once in a while!

The situation was too much for the hot-blooded youth to handle!

In the end, Adam had no recollection of how he returned to his room or fell asleep.

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