第１３４１堀：裸の付き合い (Part1)
Chapter 1341: Naked Bonds
Side: Yayui
"Wh-why...?"
"Th-that's right!"
Proph and I were stammering, our voices trembling as we watched Hovis casually shed her clothes.
"A-a mixed bath... with Master Yuki?"
"Are we r-really going in together!?"
The situation was surreal. At Hovis's sudden suggestion, we had found ourselves at the family bath within the Super Sento.
A family bath wasn't like the public tubs where crowds gathered; it was a private sanctuary intended for families to bathe in unison. It certainly wasn't the kind of place where we should be stripping down alongside Master Yuki!
"I-it is for your own sake," Orelia stammered, her face flushed a deep crimson despite her attempt at composure. It was clear that she, too, found this arrangement mortifying.
"The Mistresses told us to look after him in every capacity, both public and private, didn't they? Right, Master Yuki?" Hovis chirped.
"They did say that," Yuki replied. "Though I didn't expect 'mixed bathing' to be part of the itinerary. I thought we’d just split up by gender and meet up afterward like normal people."
"No can do! The Mistresses warned us that there have been plenty of times you've used the bath as a chance to make a break for it. Isn't that right, Orelia?"
"...Yes. It is as Hovis says," Orelia added, her voice small. "While it is shameful to display this meager body of mine, failing to prevent your escape would be a dereliction of my duty as a guard and a subordinate."
*Mmm...*
She had a point. Today, we were standing in for the Mistresses as Master Yuki’s personal guard. Normally, at least two of his wives would be present, allowing us to maintain a respectful distance, but in their absence, the responsibility fell squarely on our shoulders. We had to give it our all.
"There's no need to go that far just because you're subordinates," Yuki sighed.
"""Yes, there is!"""
Proph, the others, and I answered in perfect, immediate unison. Protecting Master Yuki wasn't just about the safety of Weed; it was about the safety of the entire world. Lady Luna’s explanation had made it clear: Master Yuki was more than just the head of a nation. He was a pillar of existence itself. To leave such a person unguarded was unthinkable.
"Hah... everyone says the same thing. But a system where everything ends if I die is fundamentally flawed, don't you think? Isn't it more important to build a foundation that can function without me?"
"We understand your logic, Master Yuki, but that does not mean we can allow you to be put in harm's way," Proph countered firmly.
"Exactly! Besides, you can't just ignore how much the Mistresses care about you," Hovis added.
"Y-yes! I feel the same way!" I chimed in.
It wasn't just about the fate of the world. It was about the wives and the children who cherished him. Everyone knew the sheer depth of the grief that would swallow them if he were gone. That was how much they loved him.
"Indeed. I am in complete agreement," Proph said, her words flowing with uncharacteristic passion. "While I understand that relying on a single individual is a structural weakness, that is no excuse to treat your own life as expendable. And you must not disregard the feelings of those who adore you."
"I just want to be alone sometimes, you know?" Yuki muttered.
"Then please, simply say the word. We will coordinate with all relevant departments and make the necessary preparations."
"I'm guessing 'without making it a big deal' isn't an option?"
"""No."""
Leaving Master Yuki alone was a form of madness. I agreed with Proph—the only way it could ever be permitted was with maximum security and exhaustive preparation.
"You two don't hesitate for a second when it comes to this, do you, Proph? Yayui?"
""Of course not!""
This was a matter of principle. I knew this wasn't a moment for me to be flustered or indecisive.
"Well, standing around talking is just going to give us all a cold. Let's just get in."
With a resigned shrug, Yuki wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped into the family bath area without further complaint.
"""..."""
We shared a brief, wide-eyed look, but realizing there was no point in lingering in our shame, we quickly followed him.
Beyond the door lay...
"...Isn't this a bit too large?"
"Wait, is this really a family bath?"
There wasn't just one tub; there were four. No, counting the waterfall bath, there were five.
"That's right! It's designed for massive families or the wealthy. The price tag matches the scale, of course," Hovis explained.
"When Master Yuki and his family use a bath, this is the only size that can accommodate them," Orelia noted.
Even so, it felt like it would be a tight fit for his entire household.
"Usually, this area is for the kids. The rest of us split up among the other tubs," Yuki said as he sat down at a shower station to begin washing.
I see. The children liked to run around, so they needed a dedicated space. We needed to get cleaned up too.
We took our seats beside him, beginning to lather our hair and skin. However, my eyes kept drifting toward him. I saw a physique honed by discipline—not in a way that felt lewd, but in the way a finely crafted blade commands respect.
"Master Yuki, where do you even find the time to train?" Hovis asked curiously. "You're usually buried in paperwork, aren't you?"
"Hmm? Oh, I do strength training and running every morning and night. A portly ruler might be a sign of prosperity, but in my line of work, I'd hate for my movements to get sluggish."
"A very healthy outlook, I believe," Proph remarked.
*Wow...* I was genuinely impressed. To think he kept up such a regimen even after a full day of work. By the time I finished my shifts, I was usually too exhausted to even think about exercise.
By the time our conversation reached that point, we had finished washing and slipped into the steaming water.
"Phew..."
"Mm, the temperature is perfect."
"Yes... it feels wonderful..."
"Indeed. This moment is truly incomparable."
"Yeah. It feels like the fatigue is just melting away," Yuki agreed.
As we all basked in the blissful heat, Yuki suddenly posed a question.
"By the way, when do you, Orelia, and Proph train?"
"Well, we take turns stepping away from our posts. During those times, we participate in training sessions with the maids or the intelligence department, under the instruction of Lady Kirue or Lady Kirika."
"I do the same," Proph added. "Though I often request direct instruction from Lady Kirika or Lady Kirue. Come to think of it, I've never run into Orelia or the others during those sessions."
"Oh? Now that you mention it, that's true. I wonder why?"
I tilted my head in confusion, but it was Proph who answered her own observation.
"Ah, I see. Since I am part of the Information Department, I cannot be seen too openly. They must have been staggering our schedules on purpose."
"I see. Does that mean there are others like that...?"
"There are," Yuki confirmed. "Only Seraria and I have a full grasp of the numbers. Every department has its own shadow division, after all."
"Why is that?" Hovis asked, looking puzzled. "I understand keeping it from us, but surely the other Mistresses should be informed?"
Hovis had a point. It seemed only natural that those in positions of absolute trust should know about the existence of these shadow units.