「Ah～… that was nice hot water ～……」
After the bath.
Charlotte murmured contentedly as Claudia gently dried her hair.
「Honestly… you could at least dry your own hair.」
「Fufufu! It’s one of the privileges of nobility!」
I don’t think that’s quite right but….While Claudia’s duties as a maid included such tasks, she seemed to enjoy it, her expression blissful as she worked. Perhaps she considered it a perk or something.
As everyone finished their baths, it was my turn.
The bathroom, now eerily quiet, had transformed from the lively scene earlier.
Of course, I was the only one left.
It felt a bit lonely, but I couldn’t exactly invite everyone with a cheerful ‘Let’s bathe together!’. Maybe next time, I’ll go in with the Woodsmen.
With those thoughts, I quickly finished my bath and returned to find dinner preparations underway.
However…
「Areh?」
Kiara and Charlotte were nowhere in sight.
Claudia was chatting with Martina about cooking.
Simone diligently set the table, while Hanon sipped fruit juice from a special cup.
My gaze wandered outside, and there they were—Kiara and Charlotte standing by the lakeside.
They seemed to be talking there too…..but my curiosity got the better of me. I stepped outside, intending to call the two of them.
The sky was already darkening, and silence enveloped the dungeon.
The faint glow of luminescent stones embedded in the rock illuminated the pair.
…….the atmosphere they gave made me unable to approach them.
It’s so heavy that they didn’t even notice me approaching.
Tentatively, I closed the gap between us, and soon their conversation reached my ears.
「Are you not returning to the school dormitory?」
「Well… I had that intention, but… I find this place quite comfortable.」
「It does seem that way.」
Their dialogue was like a well-rehearsed script—unremarkable, yet intriguing. However, it appeared that Charlotte had just discovered Kiara’s recent move to the treehouse, her expression revealing mild surprise.
「After spending the day here, I’ve become convinced. This place is indeed very pleasant to live in.」
「What? Are you also tempted to live here?」
「Yes.」
「Eh?」
Kiara seemed to be joking, but Charlotte responded earnestly. At that moment, they both noticed my presence.
「Ara, perfect timing. The landlord has arrived.」
Charlotte said, approaching me.
「So, I was wondering if I could stay here with you too….may I?」
「E-ehto…」
She pressed me with an upward glance.
When I involuntarily turn my gaze to Kiara, she quietly nods. Though unspoken, it felt like she was saying, ‘It’s fine’.
So,
「No problem. Welcome aboard.」
I accepted Charlotte.
And thus, a new companion joined our treehouse.
Leave a Reply