S-Rank Adventurer Betrayed by His Fiancée in the Hero’s Party Sets Off on a Journey to Heal His Broken Heart ~The Strongest Betrayed Adventurer Ends Up Forming a Harem Party~ - Chapter 42: The Skin-Colored Trap

Chapter 42: The Skin-Colored Trap

The girls’ nonstop chatter finally ended just as the sky started turning orange.

Yep—women’s conversations are always long.

I knew that going in… but I didn’t expect Raynare to be just as bad.

Still, the lively afternoon had been fun.

But a new problem had popped up.

We… didn’t have a place to stay tonight.

I had completely forgotten about it, and by the time I realized, it was already too late.

“You mean you haven’t booked a place? During the festival, if you don’t lock one in by noon, nearly every inn in town gets filled up.”

“Wait, seriously?”

Apparently, during this time of year, Estena turns into a city that never sleeps, filled with people who missed out on lodging and end up bar hopping all night.

Yeah… we were totally screwed.

“What now? I mean, we’re in a resort town—sleeping outdoors would be pretty stupid… Should we just crash at the guild or something?”

“Then how about it, Abel? Wanna stay out drinking all night? Just once in a while wouldn’t hurt, right?”

“You’re just looking for an excuse to jump him while you’re drunk. Raynare’s boldness rubbed off on you, didn’t it?”

“Going out and having fun is nice and all, but… aren’t you a little tired? We’ve been walking forever, and I’m all dusty and sweaty. Can’t we at least find somewhere to wash up?”

As we all stood there tossing around ideas, unsure what to do—

A helping hand suddenly reached out to save us.

“If that’s the case, why don’t you come to the hotel I’m staying at? There should still be rooms available.”

“Your hotel? If there are still rooms open, isn’t that either a super shady place or crazy expensive?”

“The expensive kind. But you’re an A-Rank adventurer now—money shouldn’t be a problem, right? I guarantee the service. Plus, there’s a big bath.”

“I’m in.”

“Abel!?”

Baths were important.

Ever since I visited a certain hot spring town during those three years on the road, I’d grown to love baths.

So of course I reacted immediately.

Back then, taking a bath was one of the few moments of true rest in a harsh journey.

Of course I’d fall in love with it…!

The others looked surprised by how fast I answered, but Elmie and the rest didn’t seem too against the idea either.

Tempted by the promise of a good soak, we decided to take Raynare up on her offer.

・　・　・　・　・

“Whoa…!”

“What is this place…?”

After tagging along behind Raynare, we finally arrived—

And Elmie, Maria… no, all of us were left speechless.

The hotel she brought us to was on a completely different level.

It was a luxury ocean-view resort where every single room looked out over the sea.

From the windows, you could see the waves shimmering under the setting sun—an absolutely breathtaking view.

The building itself was five stories tall, built in layered tiers.

Most buildings around here were just two stories at most, so this one looked like something out of a different world.

“A five-story structure…? That kind of advanced construction is usually reserved for noble manors or royal castles!”

And on top of all that, there was a massive bath on the rooftop—reserved exclusively for the suite.

Even Elmie looked stunned.

The interior wasn’t any less impressive than the outside.

Everything was decorated and furnished like a noble’s mansion.

Yet despite how fancy it was, it still felt comfortable—not overwhelming even for someone like me, who’d grown up as a commoner.

“This suite! The living room and bedroom are huge, and there are three guest rooms, a mini kitchen, a shower… even a wine cellar! It’s not ale, but I’m not complaining!”

“Hey, check this out! All the magic items in the room are the latest models! There’s even custom-made high-end brand stuff in here!”

The three of them were buzzing with excitement, exploring every corner of the suite.

Well, it was a top-class hotel suite—getting hyped was only natural.

Frey had already pulled out a bottle of wine, and Maria’s eyes were sparkling as she inspected the shower and lighting magic items.

“Hahaha! Go ahead, use whatever you like—it’s my room, after all! I also ordered a barrel of ale, so it should be delivered soon! No harm in partying all night, right?”

…Yeah.

That was the catch.

This wasn’t a room we had rented.

This was Raynare’s room—she’d been staying here for about two weeks.

“Hey, Raynare. This is your room, right? Didn’t you say there were other rooms available for us to stay in?”

“There are rooms available. In my suite. The guest rooms, of course.”

Raynare had brought us to this hotel, but when we arrived, there weren’t actually any rooms left to book.

While I stood there confused, she went right up to the staff and told them we’d be staying in her room.

“Hehe~ Should I sneak into your bed tonight? Or… are you planning to sneak into mine?”

“Damn…!”

There was no escape…!

Sure, she’d saved us from being stranded without a place to stay—

But somehow, it still felt like I’d walked right into a trap.

Raynare puffed out her chest with that smug look on her face, and for some reason, it just pissed me off.

Damn it…!

You were the one who got stopped by the hotel staff because they recognized your face and couldn’t match it to your current gender!

We cleared things up by showing our Guild Cards, but Raynare had to argue with them for a bit.

“That was a mess back there…”

“Well, I haven’t changed my gender in decades, so I didn’t have any identification that works for both forms.”

“A Guild Card from the Adventurers’ Guild would probably work. They’re linked to your magic power, and that’s the most reliable form of identification.”

Raynare shrugged as she muttered, and Elmie nodded while showing her own card.

Adventurer Guild Cards are basically magic tools.

Apparently, everyone’s magic power has a unique pattern—like a fingerprint—and the card can only be activated by the specific magic it was registered with.

“Hmm… So you’re adventurers. I’ve never really cared much about that world before… But you’re one too, Abel… I see.”

As I sank back into the couch, I think Raynare was saying something—

But honestly, the couch itself took priority.

What was this thing?

It was insanely soft.

I melted into it like jelly, and just as I was sinking deeper, the owner of the room suddenly spoke up.

“Ah, Abel! While there’s still time—why don’t you check out the open-air bath on the rooftop? The view during sunset is absolutely stunning! But you better hurry!”

“What’s with the sudden push? I mean, sure, I’d love to see it, but… are you sure I should go first? What about Elmie and the others?”

“It’s fine~ Sunset will still be there tomorrow. Plus, these two are still totally hyped up, and you looked like you were really looking forward to the bath.”

“I see… What about you, Raynare? You’re the one staying here.”

“I’ve already enjoyed it plenty. I just want you to see it.”

She leaned in a little closer and lowered her voice.

“Besides, there’s something I’d like to talk about with the other three. You know… since I was also a man before. It’s about, well, the bath and stuff.”

“Ah… got it. Yeah, makes sense. Alright, I’ll go ahead then—”

“Yes, yes, go now! You can reach the rooftop from the stairs over there! There’s a change of clothes already up there! Hurry, or you’ll miss the perfect view!”

Raynare gave me a firm push toward the stairs, leaving no room to argue.

Well, I mean… they were going to talk about girl stuff, so I figured I should bow out gracefully anyway.

I headed up the stairs connected directly to the rooftop from the room and made my way to the bath.

At that moment—

I didn’t notice it at all.

Raynare, turning her back to me and walking toward the girls, had a sly grin spreading across her face—

・　・　・　・　・

Splash.

As I slipped into the water, I scooped some with my hand and let it fall back with a light splash.

“Fuuuu… This is way too good…”

My voice came out all melty from how insanely comfortable it felt.

This was the private bath reserved for the suite of a top-tier hotel.

And yeah—no surprise, it was beyond amazing.

The hot, slightly cloudy water gave off a rich, calming scent that gently melted the tension out of my body.

“Is this bathwater mixed with… potions? No, maybe they call it bath elixir or something? Alchemists make these as luxury goods, right? They’re super expensive… this place really doesn’t hold back.”

Seriously, this hotel wasn’t just high-end—it was out of this world.

It felt like my entire body was melting, all the fatigue draining out with each passing second.

The ocean breeze cooled my flushed face, warmed by the hot water.

That sensation alone was just… indescribable.

“This might honestly be one of the top three baths of my life…”

As I looked up, I saw the sun sinking into the horizon, painting the sea in shades of deep orange.

The waves scattered the sunlight into a thousand sparkles, making the ocean shimmer like a field of stars.

Far off in the distance, I could even spot a massive chunk of ice floating on the water.

It all felt like a dream—a breathtaking, picture-perfect scene.

“…Feels like my whole lifestyle changed the moment the journey ended.”

Of course, I meant it in a good way.

Delicious food.

Deep, restful sleep.

Breathtaking views.

A warm, relaxing bath.

And—beautiful party members who genuinely cared about me.

Wasn’t I enjoying way too much luxury all at once?

It all felt so convenient, so perfect, that I actually started to wonder if this was all just a dream—

A fragile illusion that could disappear in an instant.

“Is it really okay… for someone like me to be this happy? All I did was fight for the woman I loved.”

Everyone kept saying it was amazing. Admirable. Beautiful.

But to me, it was just the natural thing to do.

Risking your life for someone you love—

That’s not supposed to be extraordinary.

And yet, Millia betrayed me with just one act of unfaithfulness… and now here I am—

“Ugh… damn it. I’m still not over it.”

I let out a sigh and looked up at the sky, covering my eyes with one hand.

Even now, it seemed I hadn’t truly forgotten what Millia did.

I thought I’d left my feelings for her—my childhood friend—behind.

I really believed I was no longer in love with her.

But now that I’ve finally let go of the weight I’d been carrying for so long…

I didn’t even know how to describe what I was feeling.

“Elmie, Frey, Maria… and even Raynare. That you all… could fall for someone like me…”

I couldn’t help but be surprised at myself—

Surprised that I was starting to accept Raynare as a woman.

Even though I knew she used to be Raidlake.

Maybe it was because I could tell how serious she was.

She had the same look in her eyes that I once had… back when I was in love with Millia.

And it’s not just the body—though yeah, that part definitely plays a role.

She also had this gentle, feminine sensitivity in the way she carried herself.

And now… a part of me was starting to feel genuinely happy about her feelings.

“But still… why me? I mean, I’m the kind of guy who got cheated on.”

Sure, I’ve gotten stronger since then.

But strength doesn’t automatically make you attractive.

And if we’re being honest, the whole reason I got dumped had to do with… how things went in bed.

Right before the Demon King subjugation, I had my first time.

We were both new to it, fumbling around, but I really thought we loved each other.

“At least… I think we made it halfway. That’s how I remember it, anyway.”

We got close—almost there.

But in the end… we couldn’t go all the way.

I think I made Millia cry that night.

“…Sigh.”

A long breath escaped me.

Thinking about all this made me feel like the warmth of the bath was slipping away from my body.

And I hated it.

“You’ve got a gloomy look on your face. Want me to cheer you up?”

“If you could, that’d be great— …Huh?”

I replied without thinking—

And then it hit me.

Wait… no, hold on.

There shouldn’t be anyone else here.

No one should be here.

That’s what I kept telling myself.

But deep down, an awful feeling began to creep in.

Why did Raynare insist I go to the bath first?

Why not let the girls go first?

Why not have me go last?

Why did I jump at her suggestion without a second thought—!?

“Aaabell~? Big Sis is here to wash your back~!”

“Ahh… fumu… What a body… Won’t you take a good look, and maybe touch a little…?”

There they were—twin sisters with seductive smiles and curvy bodies, barely hiding anything under their towels, which clung loosely over their large chests.

Frey and Maria, exuding mature, dangerous energy.

“I’ll make sure you feel very alive. Oh yes… you’ll be very, very alive… fufufu~”

Raynare stood confidently, one towel tossed over her shoulder and the other hand resting on her hip, proudly showing off her curvy, crimson-haired figure.

She didn’t even try to hide those massive things—or any of her shapely body, for that matter.

“A-A-Abel… I-I’m, um… joining you…”

And then there was Elmie—wrapped in a towel that looked way too tight, her entire face flushed to her neck.

She looked embarrassed, but her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she stepped forward.

All four of them—
Practically naked—stood lined up in front of me.

・　・　・　・　・

—It was a two-stage trap.

The prey, thinking the danger has passed, lets its guard down when the perfect bait is dangled in front of them.

—Abel, blinded by the confidence of the strong, completely failed to realize that he was the one being hunted.

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

[Afterword]

I’ll be taking longer breaks between updates—but don’t worry, I’ll still keep posting.

(By the way, while Abel had his eyes covered, Raynare briefly turned back into a man and talked the hotel staff into letting it slide.)