“Chlorel?”
In the middle of the night, a streak of golden shadow tiptoed into the top-floor room of the inn.
Teaming up for adventures was certainly fun, but Su Yao had already been missing for almost two whole days.
She didn’t even dare to imagine the consequences of staying out all night.
There was nothing to be done about it—after sending off Arthur’s party, who had taken down the Evil Dragon, she’d spent yet another night burning the midnight oil in the Third Level of the Dungeon before finally making her way back.
It was clearly her own room and her own bed, yet she felt as guilty as a thief, creeping toward the bed on tiptoe, cautious with every step.
With the help of her powerful perception skills and a certain Succubus Mark, she confirmed that the “Ferocious Beast” lying on the bed was breathing steadily and appeared to be fast asleep.
No response to her gentle call—now was the perfect chance to sneak into bed!
Ah～
She might not have a body that ever felt tired, but lying on the bed was just so much more comfortable than standing!
Not to mention, this mattress had been specially commissioned with extra springs and extra softness!
The sensation was like lying on a cloud—she couldn’t help stretching languidly, saying good night in her heart before closing her eyes.
As for what to say to Chlorel tomorrow morning when she woke up, well, she’d let tomorrow’s her deal with it.
Thinking this, it wasn’t long before she felt something pressing against her chest…
When she opened her eyes again, Chlorel was leaning over her on the bed, propped up by one arm, the other resting across Su Yao.
Those gentle green eyes were narrowed into slits, brimming with laughter as she gazed down at her.
“Chlorel? You’re still up this late? Lack of sleep is the enemy of every woman…”
“My silly little loli at home went missing. I was a bit worried about her, so I couldn’t sleep.”
She wasn’t a child, what was there to worry about?
“Um, I just had a few things to handle, so I came back a little late…”
It was her first time staying out all night, and she felt a little guilty. But she hadn’t really done anything wrong, so surely Chlorel would…
Actually, not a chance. This girl always found some excuse to drag her into those outrageously embarrassing games.
With just this weak explanation, the odds of Chlorel letting her off were pretty much zero.
Looks like it was time to move to Plan B.
She was planning to fetch her secret weapon from the storeroom: a new treat she’d invented after acquiring some high-purity Ice Condensation Stone—Shaved Ice!
Wait, eating sweets in the middle of the night probably wasn’t the best idea. Maybe she should switch to Beer instead; after all, alcohol did help with sleep…
However, while she hesitated, Her Royal Highness had already “Princess Carried” her straight out of bed.
“Chl…Chlorel, what are you doing?”
“Eh? Taking you for a bath, of course. You can’t just sleep like that, can you?”
Hearing this, Su Yao finally relaxed.
The pervy Royal Princess at least knew moderation—this really wasn’t the time for her favorite antics.
……
In the bathroom, Chlorel fiddled with a few switches and soon filled the tub with hot water.
Autumn in the Town was setting in; the meeting of steaming hot water and the chill in the bathroom conjured up clouds of mist.
She didn’t really need a bath…but Su Yao would never admit that. Soaking in a warm tub was a rare luxury, a comfort she could seldom enjoy in this world…
“Click.”
The sound of the door opening reached her ears.
A draft of cold air blew into the warm bathroom, making her damp skin extra sensitive. Su Yao unconsciously shrank deeper into the bathtub.
Bare feet splashed on the tiles with a “pat-pat” sound. Looking up, she saw Chlorel wrapped in a towel, walking over to the bath.
Even though they’d shared a “lovers’ bath” more than once, seeing Chlorel half-naked like this still made Su Yao’s heart pound.
Of course, it might just be a side effect of her magical energy circulating faster, but there was no doubt about it—a beautiful girl’s bare skin was always exciting.
“Want to come in? It’s very warm.”
“I’ll wait a bit. Let me wash your hair first.”
Wash her hair? Was the sun rising in the west?
Chlorel not only hadn’t “punished” her for staying out all night, but was being this considerate?
“Th-thanks…”
This unexpected gentleness made even her thanks come out stammered.
Normally, if Chlorel planned any “mischief,” the Magic Restriction Collar would have been around her neck the moment she lay down on the bed.
So, it seemed Her Royal Highness wouldn’t give her a hard time tonight. What a relief!
“It’s nothing. I should be the one thanking you.”
Su Yao: “???”
Was the world ending? Even the densest person could tell that Chlorel was acting oddly.
“What’s wrong, Chlorel? Why so sentimental all of a sudden?”
“It’s nothing. I just remembered when we first met… It feels like I haven’t lived up to my promises at all.”
Uh, it’s only been a few months, right? Isn’t nostalgia for old age? Chlorel was clearly still so young.
“How can you say that? My Dungeon only became what it is today thanks to that sum of Gold Coins you gave me back then. It’s because of you that I met Sofia and Latina. And the Town’s development—it’s all thanks to your efforts.”
Honestly, without Chlorel, she might still just be a “ball” to this day…
“But you’ve done so much more for me. You saved Sofia, helped Latina, wiped out many invaders, obtained critical intel, convinced Eveleel… Compared to all that, I…”
Su Yao understood now. Chlorel’s old habits had resurfaced—probably because she hadn’t come home last night, making her anxious and uneasy.
When was the last time she’d been like this? Wasn’t it when they stayed at the Moravia Tavern together…?
Right. She’d do the same thing now!
“Mmph…”
She’d lost count of how many times she’d kissed those soft lips since their first meeting, but this was probably the first time she’d initiated it herself tonight.
As expected, the most effective method was to block her mouth directly. That would keep Chlorel from overthinking things.
“Mmm? Mmm…”
Wait, that’s enough! Don’t go sticking your tongue in now!
……
A long moment passed before their lips parted.
The towel around Chlorel had slipped off, pink blush spreading from her fragrant shoulders all the way to her cheeks.
Her silky golden hair fell over certain key areas as she curled up and sat facing Su Yao.
“I thought you might have started to hate me lately, like with those new ‘furnishings’ in the Game Room. You seemed really opposed to them.”
Of course she was! Who in their right mind would like that sort of thing? Did Chlorel really think she was some kind of masochist loli?
“How could I possibly hate you over something so minor? You’re overthinking it…”
But to soothe her anxious lover, she didn’t say that directly… It wasn’t because her tastes had changed to match those of Her Royal Highness’s ideal partner. Absolutely not!
“That’s good.”
With renewed confidence, the golden-haired beauty stood up from the bath…
“Covering your eyes like that is even worse than not covering them.”
Didn’t get it, huh? In this situation, blocking your view of everything else actually helps you see the “main point.” She wasn’t blushing… Thanks for the show.
“Let’s get out together, the water’s starting to cool off.”
True, after a nice bath, a good night’s sleep was in order.
However…
“Chlorel? Where are my clothes?”
“It’s too much trouble to undress you later. By the way, why were there 2,500 fewer Gold Coins when I checked my accounts today? Do you know how many times I went over the numbers?”
Huh?
Beads of sweat dripped down her forehead. Was it too late to cover up her secret spending now?
“I…How would I know? Maybe you just counted wrong? That’s why it’s important to get enough sleep! Wait, I brought you something good to drink, just listen, let me explain…”
Looked like someone wouldn’t be escaping disaster tonight after all…