Chapter 112
I Want You to Heal Your Fatigue in the Hot Springs (Bonus) — Leo’s Perspective
“Ahhh, as expected, our hot springs are the best.”
With a splash, Yoti immersed himself in the water and let out a blissful sigh. The water overflowed with a satisfying rush.
After safely purifying the miasma and returning to the Count’s estate, we immediately decided to warm our bodies in the hot springs.
Of course, Sibel was probably soaking in the hot springs somewhere as well, relieving her fatigue.
“Still, I was really surprised that you and Sibel fell into the lake. You’re not kids anymore, you know!”
“Hahaha… yeah, just a little.”
I hadn’t told Armin that the lake had been covered in miasma and that we went to purify it. He was still young, and the Count didn’t want to unnecessarily worry him.
Seeing Sibel and me come back soaking wet, Armin’s eyes went wide in surprise—but he still followed me into the hot springs.
For some reason, even Yoti came along, though he wasn’t wet.
Well, I could understand the feeling—since we were back in our hometown, wanting to soak in the local hot springs was natural. Especially since these springs felt so incredibly good.
“…”
“Hm? What’s up, Armin?”
Armin was staring at me intently while I was lost in thought.
“…Leo, you really have amazing muscles.”
“Really?”
“Can I become like you someday?”
“Yeah. If you eat well, sleep well, and train hard, you can get like this too.”
“Really!!”
Hearing my words, Armin’s eyes sparkled. He was only eleven years old. His body was still developing, so there was no need to rush.
“All right! I’ll eat a lot, sleep a lot, and do tons of muscle training!!”
Armin, brimming with determination, had a very promising future. He would surely become a fine knight like Yoti.
“—I’ve reported the details to the Count.”
“Ah, Milko, Rick. Thank you.”
Shortly after, Milko and Rick arrived.
“…!!”
Armin’s eyes widened in exaggerated surprise when he saw them.
“…Milko and Rick are even more amazing.”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“Rick, please, let me be your apprentice!!”
“Huh? Why?”
Yoti watched with an amused smile as Armin eagerly asked Rick to take him as an apprentice. Milko, as usual, remained indifferent, though he must have heard it.
“Armin has always admired knights, especially those with strong, muscular bodies.”
“Is that so…”
Watching Armin look at the two of them with sparkling eyes, I couldn’t help but smile slightly—he looked just like Sibel.
Sibel… she was probably enjoying the hot springs now too.
She got wet falling into the lake, but I hoped she wouldn’t catch a cold. I was also a little worried that she had been in the miasma-filled lake, even for a short time. But thanks to her purifying the lake right away, neither of us felt any unusual effects for now.
Since she said it was her first time in a hot spring, I wanted her to fully enjoy it while she was here.
She always expressed her joy so sincerely. I really loved that about Sibel.
So part of me wanted to see her reaction a little… but that was impossible, of course.
“Ah, Your Highness. Did you just imagine Sibel in the bath?”
“…!?”
“Bingo. No, you can’t—remember, we’re here on duty.”
“That’s not it…!! I’m not thinking anything weird!!”
“You admit it—you imagined Sibel bathing, didn’t you?”
“I said it’s not like that…!!”
I got a little heated with Yoti, who was teasing me as usual, but in any case, I was glad we had successfully purified the miasma.
Of course, we still needed to investigate the cause of the miasma and stay a few more days to monitor the situation.
But I also wanted Yoti to enjoy his return to his hometown, even if just a little.
