Chapter 95

After the daytime banquet ended, I soon felt sleepy.

Having used quite a bit of magic, I took a nap,

"…Ended up waking up in the middle of the night, huh?"

Looking outside the window, the full moon floated high in the sky.

It was well into the night,

"I’m not really that sleepy to go back to sleep…"

After all, I had slept for about ten hours, so it was only natural.

I drank some water because I was thirsty, but that only made me more awake.

However, there was still some time before morning.

…What should I do now?

I could use the Vajra or the golem to transport apples to town,

"Well, it’s not like I need to rush into it, right?"

If I were going to make money at the store first thing tomorrow, that would be different, but that store is just a hobby.

As long as I have enough apples to do when I feel like it, I can take them tomorrow, the day after, or when I go to the festival.

Besides, it’s a quiet night. I don’t want to do anything too strenuous. So,

"Maybe I’ll take a bath."

It’s a good opportunity. It wouldn’t be bad to relax and enjoy it.

Thinking that, I made my way to the hot spring and decided to get in.

"Phew…"

Soaking my feet in the lukewarm hot spring, my slightly drowsy head cleared up.

Then, leaning against the edge of the bath and gazing at the very calm night sky,

"Master. You’re here, I see."

Sakura walked over from the changing room.

"Sakura. I was wondering where you were since you weren’t in the room, and here you are."

"Ah, no. After finishing the rounds of the house, I was going to go back to the room to see your sleeping face, but I sensed you were here. —So, can I join you in the hot spring?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"Thank you."

Saying that, Sakura quietly took off her clothes and came to the bath.

She rinsed herself and sat down quietly next to me.

"Hmm… Bathing with Master is so relaxing."

"I’m glad. It was worth making it so spacious."

With this much space, even ten people wouldn’t feel cramped.

"Yes. Being able to take a bath after the rounds at this time of night is truly a blessing."

By the way, she mentioned doing rounds just now.

We’ve been here for several months, but I didn’t know what Sakura did at night.

"No, no, I’m not doing much. Just walking around the house, checking on Master’s face, sensing Master’s health, and making breakfast."

"That’s more than enough. …Thank you."

Sakura smiled slightly.

Since she does so much for me, I want to do something in return.

…Right.

I had something prepared.

Remembering that, I headed to the changing room.

"Master?"

"Let’s have a drink to show my appreciation, Sakura."

I took a bottle of sake and a set of sake cups from the shelf in the changing room and returned to the bath.

"Is that…?"

"The best sake I got from Dianaea."

She said it doesn’t cause a bad hangover.

It’s perfect for this time of night.

"Didn’t you drink it at lunch yesterday?"

"I was saving it to drink with Sakura later. And now seems like a good time, so let me treat you."

Saying that, I poured sake into Sakura’s cup and handed it to her.

"Thank you. Then, I’ll join you."

She filled my cup with sake, and we drank quietly together.

It had a sweet and refreshing taste.

I felt warm from the inside and out.

"Is it good, Sakura?"

"Yes, but I feel bad for you to do so much for me."

"No, no, don’t worry about it. I’m the one who’s always getting so much from you. …Besides, I’ve been busy lately and haven’t had much time to relax with you."

It’s nice to have moments like this sometimes.

Thinking that, Sakura leaned closer to me.

"Sakura?"

"Spending this quiet time with Master makes me very happy."

"Really?"

It’s nice when people come over and it’s lively, but

"…I like spending quiet time like this with just the two of us."

"Me too."

And so, Sakura and I enjoyed the hot spring and the moonlit sake together.