第１３４２堀：遊んでいますか？ (Part1)
Chapter 1342: Are You Having Fun?
Side: Orelia
"Phew..."
After sharing the hot spring with Yuki-sama, we had finished soaking and were now taking a breather. We hadn't left the family bath area yet. This facility was equipped with a lounge, making it possible to stay overnight right here. In other words, we could use the baths as many times as we liked. It felt incredibly luxurious, but then I realized that Yuki-sama’s inn was much the same. It confirmed my belief that Yuki-sama had prepared this place not just for us, but specifically for Yayui and Prof.
"Orelia~. What’s wrong?"
As I was lost in thought, Hovis approached, wearing a yukata. I could see that her skin was glowing and smooth thanks to the soak.
"It’s just... I realized that Yuki-sama prepared this place for those two."
"Eh~. It’s for us too, right~? I mean, we got to eat delicious meat, and we even got to see Yuki-sama’s bare skin~."
Hovis grinned as she said this. Well, we were originally purchased as Yuki-sama’s exclusive slaves. The fact that he had come to trust us this much—I couldn't help but feel happy about it. Considering Seraria-sama’s words, it meant that we were free to pursue a physical relationship with him, which would secure my position.
...I felt sick to my stomach at my own thoughts. I was here to repay the man who had recognized my potential. To use his affection as a means to secure my status would be a betrayal of the Yuki-sama who believed in my talents. Not that I would mind receiving his favor, independent of such calculations.
"Just because we’re here doesn't mean we can slack off on our duties, you know?"
"I know, I know~. You’re so strict even at a time like this~. But don't you think Prof and Yayui have improved quite a bit?"
Following her gaze, I looked toward Yayui and Prof. Yuki-sama and Kirika-sama were there with them, and for some reason, they were drying the girls' hair.
"What are they doing?"
"Drying their hair~. Can't you tell by looking?"
"No, I mean the reason why."
"They said it’s to get closer to one another~. I mean, you wouldn't let just anyone dry your hair unless you were pretty close, right~?"
"That is true. Even I would hesitate to let someone else do it."
Hair is delicate. Everyone has their own method of care, from the shampoo they use to the way they brush it. You wouldn't entrust that to a mere acquaintance, or even a friend, easily. If you aren't careful, you could damage it with too much hot air. I looked at my own long hair and gave a wry smile, thinking of the maintenance involved. I was proud of my length, but keeping it in good condition was a chore. I felt like a failure for thinking that, even if it was to build a bond, the maintenance after Yuki-sama touched it would be a hassle.
However, the ones involved seemed to be smiling more than I expected...
"They’re using the hair dryer in a strange way. Won't their hair end up sticking out in weird directions?"
"It looks like they’re doing it on purpose~. Calling it a 'new hairstyle' or something. Prof doesn't even have hair that long, but she’s wearing twin-tails~."
It was true; Prof’s hair only reached her shoulders, much like Milly-sama’s, so twin-tails looked a bit lacking. If I had to describe it, it looked like a hairstyle often worn by small children. Since she wasn't very tall, it might be rude to say it actually suited her quite well.
"And Yayui has a strand of hair sticking straight up on her head. Is that really okay?"
"Yuki-sama said that’s her trademark~."
"What does that even mean?"
"Apparently, it’s something called an 'ahoge' that often appears in manga~. They say it moves according to her emotions~."
"She’s not a dog."
"You can't really say that to manga logic~."
As we were talking, Yayui and Prof came over, sporting their new hairstyles.
"How is it?"
"…I’d prefer to offer no comment regarding myself."
Yayui looked delighted, while Prof seemed self-conscious about how childish she looked, her face flushed in a way I hadn't seen when she was with Yuki-sama.
"They’re both cute~. Right, Orelia?"
"Yes. Though, is that a compliment? It’s a rather eccentric hairstyle, isn't it?"
Prof was particularly embarrassed, and I couldn't help but wonder. Then, Yuki-sama and Kirika-sama approached us.
"If it suits them, that’s all that matters. These things are meant to be enjoyed."
"Yes. That is true."
Yuki-sama had his bangs pulled back and tied at the top of his forehead, and Kirika-sama had her beautiful short hair gathered at the back and secured with a hairpin. Perhaps it was, as they said, just for fun. As I thought this, for some reason, not only Yuki-sama and Kirika-sama, but Yayui and Prof as well, began to close in on us. Hovis and I took a step back.
"Um, why are you approaching us?"
"Yeah~. I feel some pressure~."
"Ahaha, you didn't think we’d stop with just us, did you?"
"Indeed. Joys and sorrows are meant to be shared."
"Well, that’s that. Consider this a direct order from your superiors."
"Yes. Since we’ve been playing with our hair, you two should join in as well. Go, Yayui, Prof."
"Yes!"
And so, the two vanguards of Yuki-sama and Kirika-sama captured us, and we were forced to have our hair styled...
"Orelia, twin-tails actually look good on you. Though, rather than high up, a lower position suits you better."
"I agree. If you tie them too high, it looks a bit childish, or rather, overly active. Given Orelia’s personality, it suits her better to gather them toward the back of the head, just above the ears, and only tie a portion of the hair rather than all of it."
I ended up with a sort of pseudo-twin-tail look. Does this even count as tying my hair? The hair down my back remained loose. Still, I suppose it didn't look bad... though, Yuki-sama was surprisingly adept at handling hair. Was this from his experience with his wives?