Chapter 88

Even though it was late at night, Leda informed Millet, who was still working at the guild, about what Hildegarde had witnessed. Millet seemed to have guessed that it was likely a bandit attack during Leda's explanation. She gathered the adventurers and set out to search for the victims.

Unfortunately, there was nothing Leda could do. Since joining the town's well-coordinated adventurers might have held them back, she was instructed to wait at the inn. Leda's role would only begin if any injured were found, of course, it would be preferable if that didn't happen.

Promising to treat anyone at any time, Leda and the others returned to the inn. There, they informed Riggs, who was preparing for the next day, about the bandits and the possibility that patients might be brought in. He accepted it without a single complaint.

Leda and the others returned to their room and decided to rest their bodies until they were needed. As usual, the family got into a large bed together.

"Hmm. It's a bit cramped for four people."

"...Yeah, why is Hilde in the same bed with us?"

As Leda wondered, Hildegarde was already in the bed, wearing only Leda's shirt over her undergarments, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Of course, there was one girl who didn't like this. Luna.

"Hey, don't get into our family bed, okay?"

But Hildegarde wasn't backing down.

"Don't be so cold, Luna. I am Leda's wife, which means I'm your mom, right? Aren't we family?"

"Heh, heh, heh, you still say that? Want to do it? Shall we?"

Luna, with a predatory gleam in her eyes, sat up in bed, but—

"Alright, that's enough. Let's go to sleep. Look."

Leda grabbed her hand and pulled her back into bed.

"You're so forceful, Dad. But that's part of your charm."

Luna snuggled into Leda's arms, burying her face and inhaling his scent, her voice sultry.

"We might have an emergency, so let's sleep while we can. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Indeed. Let's do that."

Mina, who didn't respond, was already asleep. She, who fell asleep easily, was snuggling into Leda's arms, breathing softly.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, everyone."

"Have a good night."

Luna and the others surprisingly followed instructions. However, Luna was buried in his arms, clinging to him. Hildegarde, on the other hand, had climbed on top of Leda.

(This is so uncomfortable.)

He tried to lodge a complaint, but everyone was already snoring.

(They fell asleep too quickly!)

Either they were tired, or they were making sure Leda couldn't do anything. Either way, Leda had to sleep while being hugged by three girls.

(Yes, I can't sleep. There's a sweet smell, a sweet smell that's unique to girls...)

He usually slept with Mina and Luna, and they often snuggled up to him. But today, Hildegarde was also there. She was completely leaning on Leda, and not only the smell but also her body heat was transmitted to him.

It's hard to describe the sensation Leda was feeling, but it was definitely not good. There was nothing to be ashamed of, but when Leda tried to get out of bed, the girls were holding him so tightly that he couldn't move.

"Phew. Can I sleep?"

"What's wrong? Can't you sleep?"

"Ah, Hilde... You were awake?"

Leda was surprised when the supposedly sleeping Hildegarde spoke to him. She chuckled softly.

"I wanted to talk to you a bit. I was pretending to sleep so as not to alert these girls."

"Then, can you let go for a moment?"

"I refuse."

"..."

Leda's shoulders slumped as his request was rejected.

"I don't think you're going to say it's heavy, right?"

"No, it's not heavy. It's just that this position is a bit... So, please move."

"I refuse. I've finally been reunited with Leda, and I'm enjoying your body heat and scent."

Leda suddenly became worried. While the body heat was one thing, it was embarrassing to have his scent sniffed.

(If she says I smell like old age, I'll be really hurt... But I should be fine, right?)

"Hmm, Leda smells good. I want to keep smelling it."

"Th-that's an honor."

"This is nice, but I want to talk to you a bit. Is that okay?"

"I really wanted to sleep, but since it's been a while, sure, let's talk a bit."

"Indeed!"

Leda nodded, remembering that they hadn't had a chance to talk properly since their reunion, and Hildegarde smiled happily.