Volume 3 Chapter 91: Peaceful Moments III

“Noil-san… could you wipe my body again?”

“I already did that a while ago, didn’t I?”

In a room that closely resembled White Road, Magis-chan, lying on the bed, looked at me with a longing expression as she said those words.

The room, covered in tatami mats, was strikingly similar to my own. This space, where the members of Sextet usually spent their time—perhaps best described as a mental world—seemed to be heavily influenced by my imagination.

In reality, my room didn’t even have tatami mats yet. However, since I had already envisioned it that way in my mind, the room in this world was furnished with tatami.

Well, for now, this room seemed to have become Magis-chan’s.

I wasn’t entirely sure what sort of arrangement had been made, but essentially, Magis-chan was the one using it.

“But… I think I’ve sweated a little again…”

“You haven’t, though.”

Magis-chan pleaded with teary eyes. She wasn’t wearing her usual thick robe but instead had on a simple shirt and pants—clearly mine. They were probably left lying around in this room.

As for why she was making such a request of me, it seemed that, due to the backlash from Sextet, she and the others couldn’t move much right now.

The rest of the group was also bedridden in separate rooms.

I wasn’t sure if the passage of time in this mental world matched that of reality, but I assumed that my physical self in the real world was still asleep due to the aftermath of White Road.

It had already been a few days since I came to this space where everyone was. Spending such an extended time with them was a first for me.

During that time, I had taken it upon myself to care for everyone who couldn’t move, out of gratitude. I was determined to do anything for them, no matter the request. Over these past few days, I had done everything I could for them. Thanks to those efforts, everyone had started to recover a little. While their bodies still felt heavy, they could now move around to some extent.

“Look carefully! See?!”

“Please don’t take your clothes off.”

Magis-chan, lying on the bed, tossed aside the blanket and rolled up her shirt. I quickly averted my eyes from her now-exposed upper body.

Her slightly regained mobility had only made things more complicated.

“Please… look at me… properly!”

“Alright, alright. Just don’t sit up, okay? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

To avoid looking directly at her as she struggled to remove her shirt, I moved behind her and placed my hands on her shoulders.

Her shoulders were slender, delicate, and her skin smooth to the touch.

I had no idea how many times I had been asked to wipe her body over the past few days. I wasn’t even sure if there had been a point to doing it so many times.

Well, in normal circumstances, no one would harbor impure thoughts while taking care of someone who was ill.

While they weren’t exactly “sick,” their condition was close enough to elicit the same sentiment. Or rather, it had been like that—

“Ah… nn…”

When they start to recover, it becomes harder to maintain such composure.

So, could she please stop making such enticing sounds just because I touched her shoulder?

Letting out a sigh, I grabbed the shirt she had taken off and helped her put it back on.

Normally, she might have resisted, but since she still couldn’t move properly, Magis-chan quietly slipped her arms back into the sleeves.

While combing through her slightly disheveled strawberry-blonde hair with my fingers, I spoke to her.

“Alright, I’m going to check on the others now. Make sure to rest, okay?”

“Please… don’t leave…”

“Well, I can’t just stay with you the entire time, Magis-chan.”

“Those people… don’t matter, do they…?”

“They’re important comrades, aren’t they?”

What’s with this girl?

No mother would raise their child to say such things.

Well, I knew she didn’t mean it seriously.

The bonds within Sextet ran deep—I knew that better than anyone.

I smiled wryly and gently laid Magis-chan back onto the bed, covering her with the blanket.

Her teary eyes gazed intently at me.

“Noil-san, I love you.”

“Yeah, I love you too.”

She said it so suddenly that I reflexively responded.

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

Magis-chan stared at me with her mouth agape.

Thinking carefully about what I had just said and what she had meant, I became flustered.

“Ah, no, I mean, that was…”

I meant as a comrade, as a person—you know?

Not in that way, okay? Please don’t misunderstand.

But if I said that, wouldn’t it make me the worst? Yeah, definitely the worst.

Still, I had to clarify.

It’s fine. I’ve always been a bit of a scumbag anyway.

It’s fine. I’m prepared to take a few punches.

It’s fine. I’ll punch myself later too.

So please, don’t misunderstand!

“…Magis-chan?”

I waved my hand in front of her face as I stared at her, bracing myself for whatever was to come.

She remained frozen, her mouth slightly agape, as if in shock.

“…Sorry. Truly, I’m sorry.”

After checking to make sure she was still breathing, I apologized to Magis-chan before slinking out of the room in shame, like the pitiful creature of chaos that I am.

◆

“You really messed up this time.”

“Yeah… I did.”

When Carriage-san said that to me, I could only nod weakly in response.

We were in one of the rooms of White Road—or, rather, a building that closely resembled it. This particular room wasn’t assigned to anyone and contained only the basic furnishings: a bed, a desk, and some storage. Aside from the tatami rooms, the rest of the space felt like a very ordinary building. I mean, I didn’t really know what the others’ rooms looked like in reality. The only exception was the Manager’s room, which was covered in creepy paintings—yes, I still remember that.

Normally, White Road didn’t have enough rooms to accommodate six people, but here, there were just enough, including the tatami room, for everyone in Sextet to have their own space.

Carriage-san, sitting upright on the bed, had removed his usual bandana, letting his fiery red hair fall loose. His finely shaped features were marked with an obvious look of exasperation. His amethyst-colored eyes stared at me, seated on the floor with perfect posture, as if he were pitying me.

“Well… I’m sure she’ll figure out soon enough that you didn’t mean it that way… but man, you were a little too careless, weren’t you? You’re gonna have to take responsibility if it comes to that. You know what that means, right? You’ll be my brother-in-law!”

“I don’t mind being your brother-in-law, but…”

“Then call me ‘Aniki’!”

“Guuuuuuh, it’s so embarrassing!”

“Groooaaaan, I feel it too!”

Both of us writhed in discomfort.

The sheer awkwardness was unbearable.

“Hah… hah… Anyway, just be more careful about what you say, alright? Before you do something you can’t take back. Especially you…”

“Hah… wait, what?”

Carriage-san trailed off, staring intently at my face as if lost in thought. He let out a sigh and slowly shook his head.

“…Man, you’ve got it rough, huh?”

“Huh?”

“Well, if anything happens, feel free to talk to me.”

“Uh, yeah, okay.”

With those parting words, Carriage-san shot me another pitying look.

◆

The next place I went to was Healer-san’s room.

However, the moment I opened the door, I immediately slammed it shut and retreated in a panic.

“Oh my, what’s the matter, Noil-chan?”

Because Healer-san was completely naked.

I had knocked properly and waited for her to respond before entering, but for some reason, she was sitting up on her bed entirely unclothed.

Despite being seen in the nude, Healer-san didn’t seem the least bit concerned. She casually called out to me from inside the room, while I, on the other hand, desperately tried to calm my loudly pounding heart.

“P-please put on some clothes!”

“Why?”

Why?

Why is she asking why?

Isn’t it obvious?

“You’re used to seeing me like this, aren’t you?”

Okay, sure, maybe I am.

I’ve known Healer-san since we were kids—back when I didn’t even know what “gender” meant and was still a snot-nosed brat.

Now that I think about it, she had often taken off her clothes or pulled me into her robes even back then. That was weird now that I really thought about it.

Actually, it was weird even without thinking hard about it.

Back then, as a snot-nosed little kid, I didn’t think much of it. But now, I don’t have snot running down my face anymore.

And on top of that, Healer-san hasn’t aged a day since then.

Her figure, which is… let’s say, generously endowed and undeniably sexy, is a bit too much for me to handle right now. I’m no longer just little Noil-kun; I’m Noil-san, a grown man.

“Look, I’m technically an adult now, so…”

“I know. You’ve grown into such a fine young man.”

Fine?

Fine in what way?

What exactly has she been observing?!

“You’ve really grown… in so many ways.”

Why does that sound so inappropriate?!

This world is a strange place.

“But you know, no matter how much you grow, you’ll always be my dear little Noil-chan. Even if you become a great and admirable man.”

Her voice was gentle, full of affection, and carried a motherly warmth.

Hearing those words, my chest felt warm and fuzzy.

I don’t know what it’s like to have a mother, but maybe the feelings I have for her are similar to the love a child feels for their mother.

Suddenly, I felt guilty for having thought of Healer-san in a… less than innocent way. It felt wrong, disrespectful even.

Despite her occasional strange behavior, she had always been there for me, watching over me with her kindness, ever since I was a child.

I’d never felt the loneliness of not having a mother, and perhaps that was because Healer-san had always been there for me.

But still—

“Please, just put some clothes on.”

“…I suppose I have no choice.”

Even if she’s like a mother to me, I’d still prefer she wear clothes.

I mean, I wouldn’t want my actual mother to be naked either.

From behind the door, I could hear the rustling of fabric.

I had no idea why she was naked in the first place, but it seemed she was putting her clothes back on.

“You can come in now, Noil-chan.”

After waiting for a moment, I heard her voice and let out a sigh of relief.

Opening the door again—

“You’re still naked!”

“I did wear clothes for a moment.”

I slammed the door shut again in frustration.

◇

“Ahaha, that must have been tough.”

“It’s not something to laugh about…”

I sighed deeply as I fed soup to Transformer-san.

For the record, I made this soup. Apparently, in this space, I can summon ingredients just by imagining them.

I don’t know if anyone here actually needs food, but I thought it might provide some nourishment.

“Hmm…”

Transformer-san gently, yet adorably, took the spoon I offered her into her mouth.

Why… why does this feel so wrong? All I’m doing is feeding her soup, yet I can’t help but feel a strange sense of guilt.

After swallowing the soup, Transformer-san flicked her red tongue over her lips.

What’s this overwhelming urge to hug her?

At this point, I feel like I might as well give in.

“It’s delicious. Hmm? What’s wrong?”

As I battled the storm of emotions within me, Transformer-san tilted her head up to look at my face with those upturned eyes.

Stop. Just stop. That’s enough.

Is she doing this on purpose? No, this is probably just how she is. That’s exactly why she’s so charming.

She has the innocence of a small animal… or maybe I’m just exhausted.

I closed my eyes briefly, shook my head, and then turned back to face her.

“Hm?”

She—or is it he?—tilted her head adorably, watching me curiously.

I slapped my cheeks with both hands.

The sound echoed loudly, and Transformer-san’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What’s wrong all of a sudden? Are you okay?”

“Just trying to, uh… clear my mind of impure thoughts.”

“Are you sure you’re okay? Is there anything I can do to help?”

Her soothing words only made things worse.

If I could definitively confirm she was a woman, I’d already be done for.

Actually, the fact that I’m even thinking like this means I’m already done for.

“…I’ll, uh, go take care of the dishes.”

“Oh, alright. Thank you, Noil. The soup was really delicious.”

She smiled at me with a carefree expression, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I quickly stood up.

For a brief moment, I questioned what gender even meant and whether it mattered.

I’m doomed.

Forcing a cool smile to maintain my composure, I made a hasty retreat from Transformer-san’s room.

◆

When my emotions were in turmoil, there was only one person I could rely on: Guardian-san.

As I massaged his shoulders while he sat up on the bed, I felt his strong, sturdy frame bring a sense of calm to my mind.

It feels strange to admit it, but his presence really does put me at ease.

Guardian-san, who had removed his usual armor, was receiving my massage with a serene expression.

“Thanks, Noil.”

“It’s nothing, really.”

Seriously, leave it to me.

You’re like my emotional support pillar.

I’d do anything for someone I rely on so much.

That said—

“You’ve got amazing muscles.”

“Hm? You think so?”

Your arms are easily more than double the size of mine.

What a reliable physique.

Gulf-san’s muscles were impressive too, but Guardian-san’s seem even more formidable.

This must be what a true man looks like. I wish I could be like that. Not that it’s possible.

“Yeah, I really admire you.”

“Heh, well, when the time comes, I have to protect everyone. I try to keep myself in shape for that.”

God, he’s so cool.

If I were a girl, I’d definitely fall for him.

That quiet, silver-like smile of his would have stolen my heart.

Guardian-san has such a handsome face too.

“What about you, Noil? Want to give it a shot?”

“Uh, I think I’ll pass.”

There’s no way I can do it.

Workouts are such a hassle.

“I see…”

“Oh, but maybe just a little!”

When Guardian-san looked down sadly, I quickly corrected myself.

◆

“Noil… hold me tight.”

“Alright, alright.”

It’s said that people become emotionally fragile when they’re sick or unwell, and nowhere was that more evident than with Hunter-chan.

She weakly extended her arms toward me, her usual façade stripped away—or rather, she was acting like a child who had regressed to an infantile state.

I don’t have any untoward thoughts toward children, so I hugged her without hesitation.

“Pat my head.”

“Alright, head pats coming up.”

As I gently stroked her head, she happily nuzzled her face against my chest.

“Ehehe, I love you.”

“Yes, yes.”

This isn’t exactly an unexpected side of her. I’m not surprised. After all, while she usually acts tough and cool, I’ve known for a long time that she’s actually quite childish. Everyone knows it, really.

Seeing her like this when she’s weak is completely understandable.

“What about you, Noil?”

“Hm?”

“Do you love me?”

“Yeah, I l—”

I hesitated, remembering the earlier incident with Magis-chan.

Carriage-san’s advice came to mind, reminding me to avoid careless statements.

“Noil…”

“I love you so much!”

But as soon as I saw Hunter-chan about to burst into tears, I panicked and smiled as I said those words.

Well, there shouldn’t be a problem telling a child I love them, right?

Having her cry would definitely be worse.