LIGHTNOVELWORLD Episode 43
Chapter 43
“I’m starting to feel a bit dizzy. I should get out of the bath soon.”
“Understood.”
While I was soaking in the bathtub, replenishing my mental strength, Vivian had remained in an upright and motionless posture next to the tub all this time the whole time.
Along with a slight feeling of apology and the lingering resentment from being washed, conflicting emotions battled within me. But when it comes down to it, I did benefit, so the former feeling was prevailing.
As I stood up and stepped out of the bath, Vivian walked behind me with a solemn gait.
The intense treatment had passed, and though the embarrassment of being seen naked lingered, it had somewhat eased.
“Hey, isn’t this tough on you every time, Vivian?”
“Thank you for your concern. However, such worries are unnecessary. Once you become accustomed to Rios-sama, I too will eventually be able to bathe.”
“I see…huh?”
There was something in Vivian’s words that caught my attention.
From the way Vivian phrased it, could it mean that I’d be sharing the bath with her?
(No, wait. Hold on a second. It would be a problem to go that far. I doubt Al would approve of that. Well, just to be safe, I’ll ask.)
“Hey, does that mean the assumption is that I’ll be entering with you?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Is there a problem?”
Vivian tilts her head, but it’s what I wanted to do. I don’t quite understand what’s being said.
To soak in the bathtub, you’d need to at least change into lighter clothing.
Once those clothes are wet, they pretty much end up looking the same whether you’re wearing them or not.
If someone were nearby in that state, it would be harmful to the eyes.
“I thought days like today would continue forever.”
Even though it’s tough on the mind to deal with situations like this, it’s a problem that can be resolved with a little getting used to. So, I was kinda relieved that the training for dealing with the honeytrap was easier than I thought.
However it turns out, I was mistaken.
“No, I was planning to assess how accustomed Rios-sama has become to the situation and then gradually taking things up a notch.”
I already knew it, but Vivian’s confirmation shatters the hopes with evidence.
Maybe I should just embrace the advantages and go all ‘Mwahaha!’ in a somewhat sleazy direction, but every time I consider that, I see my mother’s face and give up on the idea.
…Also, I can’t shake off the feeling that Alshade will murder me if I take that kind of approach.
“Your husband is around, right? Is Vivian okay with that?”
“…I’m prepared for it. And I think diligently carrying out the tasks entrusted to me by Alashde-sama will also help rebuild trust.”
“…I see.”
Something doesn’t add up… I had initially positioned Vivian as an ally and a countermeasure for Alshade , but strangely, it’s as if the tables have turned, and I find myself in a tight spot.
“…The remaining option is probably negotiating directly with Alshade and persuading her.”
As I pondered how to persuade Alshade, I opened the door leading to the changing room—
“Hey there, Rio! I’ve been waiting. Mind if we talk for a bit?”
—I closed it.
“Phew, got that wrong… yeah.”
I opened it again—
“—You’re just going to close the door as soon as you see me? That’s pretty—”
—I closed it.
It seems it wasn’t a mistake.
Beyond the changing room, stood Alshade, with a beaming smile, but her eyes devoid of mirth, emitted an uncanny pressure I’d felt before, poised and waiting.
“…What are you doing?”
“Ah.”
Perhaps annoyed by my constant door opening and closing, Vivan took matters into her own hands and opened the door.
“Vivian, thanks for your hard work. Could you step aside? I need to talk to Rio.”
“Sigh… Lady Alshade, Rios-sama is currently not wearing any clothes. I apologize for being impudent, but your actions just now are somewhat improper.”
Vivian seemed surprised by Alshade’s presence in the changing room and subtly shook her shoulders. However, undeterred by Alshade’s imposing aura, she even voiced her admonishment with a hint of anger.
“…Yeah, you’re right. I got a little carried away thinking about Rio. So, just let me know when he’s dressed.”
“Understood.”
Slightly taken aback by Vivian’s admonishment, Alshade’s expression shifted. Perhaps realizing there was some truth to it, she eased her pressure a bit and left the changing room.
Vivian watched her go with a bow of her head, then raised her head to look at me.
“…Seems like Lady Alshade is quite fond of you.”
“Well, if you want to call being liked for being dependent on someone, then sure.”
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t pleased by it, but to be honest, I felt a sense of guilt, as if I had taken advantage of Alshade’s emotional vulnerability.
“I’ve heard that Rios-sama risked his life to protect Lady Alshade on that day. She has an unexpectedly maidenly side, so no matter what, I believe she’s fallen in love with you.”
“…Thank you.”
Seems like she’s trying to encourage me.
And somehow, I can feel that there’s truth in Vivian’s words. Despite the fact that she had reluctantly betrayed her, she was the one who understood Alshadethe most up close. Her words carry weight.
I felt a small weight lifted off my chest.
“Well then, I will assist you with drying up. but since Lady Alshade is waiting, let’s finish changing quickly.”
“What a contrast!”
Once again, I was subjected to a trial.
◆
“Excuse me.”
“Yeah, wait outside for a bit.”
“… “
Vivian disregarded my pleading gaze and disappeared behind the door.
After changing, Alshade was summoned by Vivian to the changing room. The first thing she did was instruct Bibia to leave the room.
I expressed my silent protest, but all I could do was watch the situation unfold under Alshade’s stern gaze, leading to the present moment.
“Hey, Rio.”
“W-What?”
Alshade’s voice made my shoulders twitch.
Due to her intense aura, even though I couldn’t recall doing anything wrong, I felt like I must have done something bad, given her unsettling atmosphere.
“…Why didn’t you choose me?”
“Hyaa…!”
The pressure emanating from Alshade seemed to intensify.
Despite having just gotten out of the bath, I couldn’t stop the cold sweat as I remembered the words that probably caused this situation.
⟦”…Between Alshade-sama and myself, which would you prefer? Opting for Alshade-sama would likely entail participating in a shared bath…”⟧
“(Could it be!?)”
I couldn’t ask how she knew. Asking such a foolish question would undoubtedly set Alshade off.
Given her demeanor, time was running out.
Moistening my dry throat with saliva, I mustered the courage to speak.
“…It’s because Al is more important than Vivian. Besides, it’s embarrassing to be seen naked, and there’s no way I could let you wash my body in the first place.”
“….”
The time waiting for Alshade’s response felt agonizingly long, and it was as if a hole was forming in my stomach.
“There’s no lie. Besides, I’ve come to terms with it.”
“…I-Is that so? Y-You’re really fine with it?”
The oppressive atmosphere dispersed, and Alshade’s smile stretched to her eyes.
Though relief made me feel like collapsing from my knees, it would be pretty embarrassing, so I maintained a composed facade.
Well, Alshade might have seen through it anyway.
As I contemplated this, Alshade drew closer, her face coming up to my ear, and she whispered.
“…But it’s a shame. Had you opted for me, a special treat would have been in store.”
“!”
As I instinctively covered my ear, Alshade retreated, leaving behind only a sweet fragrance before leaving the changing room.
“(Ugh, that sneak attack was so unfair!)”
My face and ear grew hot, and my heart raced, refusing to calm down.
Vivan, who had returned after the switch with Alshade, didn’t say anything upon seeing my likely reddened face and fast-beating heart, and I was grateful for that.
This final blow pushed my mental exhaustion to its peak. After brushing my teeth, I headed straight back to the room and fell asleep like a log.
—
If you like this novel, Please leave ratings and review in NovelUpdates.>>HERE
If you’d like to make a one-time donation to support our translations or subscribe to read up to 5 chapters or more (depending on the novel) ahead, you can do so via Ko-fi: