I Got Reincarnated as the Villain and Saved the World, but After the Ending I Was Betrayed and Exiled. I Just Wanted a Peaceful Life in the Frontier, but for Some Reason My Former Companions Started Chasing Me with Yandere Eyes… - 76

Chapter 76: Off to the Hot Springs

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“Well, I don’t particularly mind…”

With Cain’s words, I, Tia, Ceres, and Cain ended up heading to the villa together, but…

“The atmosphere inside the carriage is terrifying—”

“Ahaha, isn’t that your fault? Why is a prince like me acting as the coachman, I wonder?”

When I raised my voice as if asking for help, Cain, who was handling the horses, answered in his usual frivolous tone. Yes… This guy had bolted to the coachman’s seat the moment he realized he could ride horses, abandoning the carriage interior first thing.

“Phantom-sama, what troubles you? We don’t get to go on a trip together very often, so let’s all enjoy it.”

“That’s right, Master! We hardly ever get the chance to visit a royal villa!!”

Inside the carriage I had been dragged into, the conversation went on as usual. Even though I had, in a sense, rejected Ceres, her attitude hadn’t changed at all. Not only that, she seemed to have grown even closer to Tia. That was exactly why it was frightening. Well… Maybe it was pointless to dwell on it…?

“Yeah, you’re right… Still, I never thought I’d get to enjoy a hot spring even in this world…”

“Master, have you ever been in a hot spring before? I thought only high nobles were allowed…”

“Indeed… The land in those regions is extremely expensive, and the nobles monopolize them.”

“Well, I had a bit of a chance once.”

I laughed to smooth things over at their astonished looks. In this world, hot springs were the domain of grand nobles’ villas. It was only natural for them to look puzzled, since even local lords like us couldn’t hope to afford them. My memories of hot springs were only from my previous life. Ideally, I’d want to enjoy some coffee milk after soaking, but that would be impossible here.

“Still, I’m looking forward to the hot springs… They say they’re not only good for your health but also make your skin smooth. If you had someone special in mind, they might just become even more captivated by you.”

“Effects like that… Ehehe…”

I was sure I didn’t imagine it when Tia shot me a heated glance at Ceres’s words. Certainly, I’d always admired the idea of flirting with a girl after a hot spring back in my past life, but… The bewitching smile Ceres turned on me only filled me with a very bad premonition.

“Ahaha, but the baths are separated by gender, and I’m sharing a room with Cain, so it’s a shame I won’t get to admire the beauty of your skin.”

“Muu… I see…”

“Ufufu, that’s true.”

I felt guilty seeing Tia so downcast, but there was no way I was going to do anything indecent while staying at an inn with my party members. Yes, I was a wholesome adventurer. But still… Ceres’s smile was seriously terrifying…

“So this is Cain’s villa…”

“It’s so beautiful…And extravagant.”

“I can see why you’d want to brag about this… Even the nouveau riche of the Church don’t own villas like this.”

It was only natural for us to voice our amazement. Before us stood a luxurious building. Made of white marble, it gleamed as if it floated in the sky. The roof shone golden, and the sprawling gardens were ablaze with colorful flowers.

“Of course it is. It was built with the people’s blood taxes! But here, you’ll be able to relax in comfort.”

Cain spread his arms wide in boastful pride, his frivolous smile in place, and even tossed us a wink.

“And that’s the pride of the villa, the hot spring. Since you’re here, you should go take a look. As host, I’ve got things to take care of, but I’ll drop by later.”

Where Cain pointed, deep in the lush gardens behind the villa, a small hot spring steamed invitingly. Its mist swirled like magic, drifting into the sky as if to embrace us warmly.

“Ahh, that really is a hot spring… I never thought I’d get to experience this here…”

“So this is a hot spring… It has a strange smell, Master.”

“Still, it doesn’t feel unpleasant. It lifts the spirit somehow… Maybe that’s part of its power…”

Together with Tia and Ceres, I walked closer. A pleasant fragrance wafted in the air, tickling my nose as we approached. The surrounding thickets gave the place the tranquility of a hidden retreat.

“This is a royal hot spring. It’s private, so no one will disturb you, and you won’t get scolded for cutting loose a little! Why not hop in right away?”

Cain called out loudly to us as we marveled at the place. Well, I wasn’t stupid enough to do anything outrageous, but simply enjoying the hot spring might not be a bad idea. When I glanced over to ask “What do you think?” with my eyes, I saw Ceres and Tia exchanging nods.

“Master, since this is a rare chance, shall we try out the hot spring right away?”

“Yes… I’m curious to see what effects it has myself.”

“True, after being in the carriage for so long I’m tired too. Guess I’ll take you up on that offer.”

The servants were carrying in all the luggage and chores for us, and Cain was bound to join us soon. Enjoying the hot spring a little early surely wouldn’t bring down divine punishment.

“Then, how about we all meet in the guest rooms once we’re out?”

“Yes, understood. No peeking, okay?”

“If Phantom-sama truly insisted, I wouldn’t mind…”

“I’m not going to do anything like that, don’t worry.”

Tia teased me with a playful smile, while Ceres gave me a sultry grin. For a moment I imagined the two of them soaking in the bath, then shook my head. 

No. I’m devoted to Tia now. …Though I have to admit, the idea of mixed bathing is really tempting. 

With such thoughts, I stripped off and entered the bath.

“Whoa, hot… But it feels so good.”

At first the heat startled me, and I reflexively pulled back, but soon the warmth spread through my body, melting away fatigue bit by bit. I stood quietly in the water for a while, waiting for my body to adjust to the temperature.

“It sounds like something an old man would say, but this must be what they mean by ‘paradise’…”

I slowly lowered myself into the bath, and as the warmth enveloped me further, I felt both my body and soul melt away in a strange bliss. Just as I was surrendering to the feeling, I heard the sounds of clothes being taken off from the direction of the changing room.

“Ah, Cain… I’m already in he—”

But then I noticed something was wrong. Through the steam, I saw not one but two silhouettes. And both of them had very large chests.

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