Volume 3 Chapter 4 – Thanksgiving Festival 4 – Beginning

“Phew…”

Today’s bath includes Kyouko’s favorite bath additive she brought. The milky-white water even smells milky, with a fragrance that’s perfectly mild, not too strong.

A milk bath, huh…

I once tried it in another world.

It was in a region that seemed like a cross between a savannah and a desert. It was the dry season, and I was frustrated from not being able to bathe for days.

Desperate for a bath, I caught a female of a local species that resembled a cross between a goat and a cow, milked it, and made a 100% milk bath.

Well, it wasn’t a good idea.

Milk is best for drinking, after all.

But back to this bath. It’s definitely a triumph of science, as usual.

Today, Yuma and Kyouko are staying over, but I was the one trusted with the first bath. It seems wrong, doesn’t it? Considering we all worked and sweated.

Especially since my chest was smeared with ice cream. I needed this bath to soothe my tired body from the festival.

I was just starting to think it might be time to leave, feeling a bit reluctant, when the festival began again.

Apparently, it wasn’t over yet.

“Excuse us—”

“Excuse us.”

“Ha, I’m coming in!”

The trio in swimsuits charged into our small family bath.

Honestly, after my experiences in other worlds, I’ve lost all sense of shame about undressing in front of others—as long as it’s professional. I can handle multiple people.

But, in front of ordinary people or party members like the shrine maidens, I definitely can’t strip. It’s just too different a role. And this body is still that of a young 15-year-old.

So, here’s the situation.

“Come on, Kyosuke-kun, right this way.”

“Please, don’t be shy, take a seat.”

“Ah, I’m going to wash you!”

Isn’t this a bit too bold?

I’m stark naked here. Even if they call it swimwear, it’s just fabric… I didn’t expect it to come with mental resistance.

Being the only naked one is really embarrassing…

Alright. Sage Mode (self-reassurance) activated!

“It’s an honor. All three of you are washing me?”

“That’s right! We won’t miss a spot!”

Miwa answered eagerly, attacking just a day after the previous event. What a hero. Seeing the skepticism on my face, Yuma asked.

“Ah, would Kyosuke-kun prefer one at a time?”

“No, you’ve all been in swimsuits this whole time, right? I’ve wanted to keep looking because you’re all so charming, but it’s not good for girls to get chilled. Plus, I’m worried about you catching a cold. Maybe at least one of you could get in the bath and switch out with me? Is that okay?”

“!” 

“!” 

“!”

There. A combination of praise, concern, consideration, and a request—though it worked better as a hero with a hero boost over there. Indeed, quite the hero-like, isn’t it?

It doesn’t seem to work now, though. Or maybe not. But well, I genuinely meant it. The ice cream was cold.

“I’ll get in.”

“Miwa-san?”

“Miwa?”

For some reason, it was a critical hit with my stepsister. Why?

“Then, let’s have Miwa-san switch with Kyosuke-san. Since we’re here, let’s face each other in groups of three.”

Yuma and Kyouko flanked my sides, and Miwa was in front of me in the bathtub. It unintentionally turned into a dinner style setup.

I hastily grabbed a small towel and hurried out of the bathtub to sit on a chair. My slipping out would definitely be awkward.

“So, please go ahead.”

“Yes!” “We’ll start washing from both sides.”

Huh? Something feels…deja vu?

…Ah, oh no!

This setup in the bathroom, with this number of people, reminded me of the brothel in Iseria. Moreover, Yuma and Kyouko weren’t using towels. Just their hands. Why? Use a towel!

I immediately closed my eyes.

The brothel in the port city of Iseria, a key maritime location, was unique for being mermaid-only. I was supposed to pass through and cross by boat, but I just missed the ferry.

Since there was a whole night until the next boat, I decided to visit it. Moreover, I was leaving the next day. So, I indulged in the “double delight” of both human and mermaid forms, the twice-enjoyable rolling course.

But somehow, it ended up being three girls and six turns.

Because I was a hero, the owner assigned the top three—Ilia, Ornelia, and Astaeris, all beautiful princesses.

The room was more than half a bath, and since the mermaid tribe can also turn into human forms, it started on a mat. They were adept in water magic, creating viscous water, and bathed me. Yeah, that was it.

After having fun, they turned into mermaids, laid down in the big bathtub with bubbles they created, and took turns using water magic lotion to bring me to the brink.

However, it was puzzling that it was half outside. By another world’s standards, it was quite strange, but I chalked it up to racial differences.

What was that about?

In other words, what I mean to say is, remembering that night, along with my sensitive 15-year-old skin, the squishy touches from both sides, and the gentle scent of milk, made the fabric at my groin start to rise.

It has nothing to do with milk.

I tried to hide it, but both arms were restrained.

I had to reinforce the mental locks in my mind!

My self-brain training and my sensitive 15-year-old self, which would win?… But they’re both me. No, sensitivity must not win! But I can’t lie!

“Ah…”

Whose voice leaked that out? The moment I heard that voice, sensitivity won. Fortunately, Yuma and Kyouko had dived back to wash my back, so it wasn’t noticed yet. Therefore,

“Ahaha.”

Miwa, right in front of me, had placed her chest on the edge of the bathtub, leaning over as if to show off, looking down at my rising towel.

“Miwa-san, what, are, you, doing…?”

Next was Kyouko. She must have seen Miwa leaning forward.

“Uwa—, Uwa—”

Finally, Yuma. She kept moving her hands rapidly in small circles on my back while muttering in a soft voice.

All their eyes were in a state of arousal.

Miwa gently, as if not to crush the wings of a swallowtail butterfly, encompassed my sensitivity with both hands, with an expression overflowing with tenderness.

Like an innocent young girl.

Both of my sides had stopped washing my back, moving instead to the front. Specifically, my chest.

All three, their gazes downward, were fixated on my sensitivity.

Only I looked up to the heavens.