episode_0034

We have never enjoyed hot springs together even once.

Not only did we not soak in the bath, but we couldn’t even leisurely stroll around the nearby area.

When you mention the Duke of David, it’s about hot springs. When you mention hot springs, it’s about the Duke of David. It was an onsen that had become a pride of the territory to the extent that such words circulated, but it was an ironic situation that the lord, myself, and my wife, Luna, had never enjoyed it.

However, perhaps it was because of that. The fact that Luna and I could enjoy the hot springs for the first time came across as quite awkward.

Of course, even if we enjoyed it, it would only be dipping our feet lightly. Perhaps some might say that enjoying the hot springs to that extent is not really enjoying them. I fully agree with that. After all, enjoying the hot springs means soaking your body deeply and relieving fatigue.

However, I didn’t intend to enjoy the hot springs themselves. It wasn’t important what we were doing. Even if it was not feet but hands, or rinsing instead of soaking. Luna was the one doing these actions together. Therefore, every moment was supposed to be new and special.

However, suddenly I had this thought. “Barefoot…?”

Wearing everyday clothes and enjoying the hot springs was, at least from my research, unheard of. Even considering a lot, they usually used a bathrobe, often covering their bodies with just one towel. And in all cases, their feet remained bare.

I didn’t particularly have such a preference, but I couldn’t help but be concerned.

“Luna, what do you think?”

I handed over the choice to her. As I started to pay attention to her feet, urging her became awkward. If Luna refused, it would be regrettable, but I would have to accept it and leave.

However, my worries ended there.

Luna accepted without any hesitation. She even seemed a little excited.

At her pure reaction, I felt strangely uncomfortable.

There was clearly no intention for that.

It was truly strange.

“Then I will guide you right away.”

Count Arus showed a pleased smile and took the lead.

One might say his expression was fatherly.

Since I’ve been watching myself since I was a newborn, I might have felt emotions similar to my father’s.

“Well then, I hope you have a good time.”

“Yes, I hope the viscount will also be safe.”

After giving his farewells, Viscount Arus turned and left.

Now only Luna and I were left.

As if we had made a promise, we gazed at the small wooden structure in front of us.

It looked like a large rectangular wooden tub. Inside, the water maintained a suitable level, while the outside had a shape that naturally allowed one to sit with their feet dipped in.

Watching the steam rising, I had a sensation of being drawn in involuntarily.

My mind relaxed and my thoughts drifted away.

However, I couldn’t afford to remain like this forever.

Even though I left the decision to Luna, I had no intention of wasting the hard-earned opportunity.

“Well then, shall we go in?”

Luna nodded slowly.

Soon, we began to take off our shoes and socks.

I knew I shouldn’t, but my gaze kept drifting towards her.

Taking off shoes and socks was something I could proficiently do without much focus.

If I had been given a complex calculation instead, I wouldn’t have had to worry about losing Luna’s attention.

Anyway, it wasn’t my fault. It’s the fault of the surroundings.

Snap.

Luna neatly arranged the shoes she had taken off. Her feet wrapped in white socks gave off a strangely cute feeling.

It wasn’t the first time. After all, I had been intimate with Luna before.

Still, I felt excited. It felt strange to take off the outerwear of shoes.

Swoosh.

The edge of the skirt rises along the leg. The boundary between the sock and the leg, just beyond that.

I turned my head, swallowing hard at the sight of the white, smooth skin revealed.

No matter what, this was not proper etiquette toward Luna. It seemed too late now.

Furthermore, I felt guilty for cowardly sneaking a peek.

How could I protect her if I couldn’t even overcome such a petty desire?

If you don’t change your thinking, I might become the most dangerous person to her.

After coming to my senses, this moment suddenly felt truly amazing.

Living as a playboy, I’ve seen women’s bodies to the point of disgust.

Even just going to entertainment bars, there are plenty of women dressed in vulgar clothes.

They stuck to me, poured me drinks, and fed me food, so it would be right for me not to feel any excitement, let alone familiarity.

But I was excited.

Not because of men’s instincts or my peculiar tastes.

It’s because of Luna. Just seeing her barefoot made my heart race.

Maybe it’s because she sticks to modest attire that even a small exposure seemed even more significant.

Or maybe it’s because of love.

“No, I’m sure.”

Feeling ticklish inside, I quickly took off my shoes and socks and looked at Luna.

The lecherous desire had long disappeared, leaving only fresh emotions in its place.

Unconsciously, Luna, now barefoot after taking off her socks, was tidying her long skirt.

It seemed like she was ready.

“Shall we go in?”

Nod.

She grasped the edge of her skirt and slowly stepped into the foot bath. Her smooth and cute feet emerged from the rippling water, creating ripples on the surface.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

Nod nod nod.

Luna’s head moved up and down continuously. Her slightly parted lips felt like they were expressing admiration.

How good must it be for Luna to show such a reaction? As it was my first time at a hot spring, I couldn’t imagine how she felt.

Anyway, if Luna likes it, then it’s good.

Thinking so, I put my feet into the foot bath, and I could immediately understand her reaction.

Paradise. That word suited perfectly. Just by soaking our feet, it felt like my whole body was melting away.

As the physical tension dissipated, my mind also relaxed.

If I close my eyes, I feel like I could take a pleasant nap.

“It’s really great.”

“Yes, I look forward to the day when the hot spring is completed.”

“Then, please look forward to that time too…”

It was a common invitation. It was a customary expression asking if we would not do it together next time.

Of course, it was sincere. How nice it would be to enjoy the hot springs with Luna.

However, depending on the interpretation, it could be misunderstood as suggesting soaking in the tub together.

Although it was an unexpected situation, I was aware that our relationship wasn’t deep enough for us to engage in such intimate activities.

“Th-that’s not what I meant by saying we should go into the same tub or anything like that. I just wanted to say it would be nice to enjoy it together.”

“Yes, I understand. Confucius wouldn’t have meant that.”

“I’m glad you understand…”

I brushed away my surprised heart. It seemed unnecessary to lose sleep over injustice.

Luna’s ears were slightly red, but I decided not to pay much attention to it.

After all, she was usually cold-blooded. Maybe dipping her feet in the hot spring water would help with her blood circulation.

Afterward, we leisurely enjoyed foot baths and engaged in constructive conversation.

Expanding these foot bath facilities would allow those uncomfortable with hot springs to experience them.

Adding tea leaves for fragrance would make it even more popular.

After conveying these conclusions to Count Arus, the sky had darkened without us realizing it.

It was time to start heading back.

If it weren’t regrettable, it might be a lie, but I didn’t want to force things. Time was not only for us now.

Clunk-.

The carriage started moving, and the surrounding scenery changed rapidly.

Was today’s outing a bit tough for you?

Luna was unusually dozing off, even on a moving carriage. She must have been quite tired.

I cautiously moved to sit beside her.

Her body leaned towards me as the carriage swayed from side to side.

I naturally offered my shoulder. In the first place, that’s why I had moved to the seat next to her.

The faint sound of her breathing was cute.

I suddenly thought her eyelashes were long.

There were times when my gaze was drawn to her cherry-like red lips.

Perhaps due to the hot spring visit, her cheeks felt unexpectedly warm.

As the carriage finally arrived at the duke’s residence, Luna slowly opened her eyes. Her drowsy, blinking pupils looked at me.

“Luna, we’ve arrived.”

Luna nodded as if nothing was wrong, then rose from the carriage.

Thinking she was fine, she later seemed to realize the situation and repeatedly bowed to apologize to me.

“You might be tired. There’s no need to apologize.”

[But….]

“If it bothers you that much, I’ll let you borrow it next time.”

[Borrow?]

“My shoulder. I’ll let you borrow it when I’m really tired.”

Luna tilted her head as if she couldn’t understand.

Realizing my thoughtless remark too late, I wanted to hide in a mouse hole.

It was a conversation where neither of us got what we wanted.

After finishing the day’s schedule, we gathered for dinner.

Father spoke.

“There’s a social gathering soon. What will you do?”

A social gathering.

Finally, the long-awaited event was approaching.

It was an opportunity to obtain information about the family stirring up internal strife.