第１３４２堀：遊んでいますか？ (Part2)
But setting that aside, Hovis has styled her hair in a side-tail, much like Lady Jessica.
"This is a nice look, too, isn't it?"
"Hovis has that natural wave to her hair, similar to Ratz, so it gives off a completely different impression despite the same style."
"Indeed. Hovis has a wonderful figure, so she makes anything look good."
*Wait, does that mean we’re no good because our figures aren't as nice?*
As we bristled at Lady Kirika’s comment, Yuki-sama suddenly spoke up.
"Right. Now that we're refreshed, let's go have some fun."
"Understood."
" " "Eh?" " "
We were taken aback by Yuki-sama’s declaration. I mean, we had just finished our baths! And after eating our fill of yakiniku, he wanted to go play? We had the family bath reserved until tomorrow morning—were we checking out already? As these thoughts swirled in my mind...
"I mean, we’re already at the baths, so we might as well make the most of it. That’s the whole point of a super sento, isn't it?"
" " "Ah..." " "
We nodded in understanding. We were, after all, inside a super sento. That meant the entire facility was at our disposal. Some people even make a habit of working up a sweat just so they can jump back into the baths again. There’s a certain indulgence in that cycle, after all.
And so, we promptly stepped out of the family bath and began to explore the complex. Inside, there were reading nooks, dining areas, and, our ultimate destination, the amusement corner.
"Alright, let's start with the classic: table tennis. Come to think of it, have you all ever played ping-pong before?"
"No. I haven't. I’ve seen it from a distance, but that’s all."
"Ahaha~. I’ve always been so focused on my studies~."
"Yes. I never had the leisure time for such things."
"I’ve heard stories from my subordinates, but I’ve never actually played it myself."
After we had all answered, Yuki-sama exchanged a look with Lady Kirika.
"It seems I was right to insist on these holidays."
"It appears so. Even I had underestimated the situation."
" " "?" " "
Confused by their exchange, we tilted our heads, prompting them to turn toward us.
"When was the last time you actually played?"
"Played? Well, we chat when we return to the dorms, but..."
"It feels like a waste of time, so we mostly study~. Oh, but we do go shopping sometimes, or grab ramen~. Lately, we’ve been watching TV or reading magazines, I suppose?"
"Yes. I collect plushies from Nina-san’s shop. And I practice driving."
We thought we were conveying that we were enjoying ourselves quite enough, but Yuki-sama and Lady Kirika’s expressions remained grim. We had been working hard every day, striving to improve ourselves so as not to grow complacent in our current positions. We genuinely believed that spending too much time playing would be a mistake...
"I get the feeling your definition of 'playing' is different from mine. But you do go out for meals, right?"
"Yes. Sometimes we treat ourselves to cake."
"Though~, it’s always much tastier when Yuki-sama takes us out~."
"Ahaha, I suppose we have to rest our bodies at the dorms on our days off. I’m sorry."
As Yayui apologized, we all bowed our heads in unison. It felt like the natural thing to do, but it only seemed to make Yuki-sama and Lady Kirika’s expressions even sterner. And then...
"...Play, play, *play*?"
Prol-san, in particular, seemed to have been so diligently devoted to her duties that she couldn't recall a single instance of playing. I suppose working without breaks is just the norm for us, but then...
"Right. Regardless, we’re going to play until we drop. It’s unacceptable that my own subordinates aren't even contributing to the economy."
"Indeed. It is inexcusable to be ignorant of the very environment you are sworn to protect."
With that, Yuki-sama and Lady Kirika took our hands and led us toward the ping-pong tables.
If you find yourself struggling to answer when asked if you’ve been having fun, be careful—you might be in a dangerous place. If the words "enjoyment" or "play" don't come to your lips naturally, it usually means you’ve been pushed to the very edge.