Chapter 424

Even though I was pushed into a corner by a shocking no-guard strategy, I succeeded in persuading Lillywood-san with a game-changing move .

Of course, I still received an enormous amount of damage, but it seems like the tough fight will still continue .

Well, putting that aside…… I don’t know if it’s my imagination or not, but why does it seem like there’s something in Lillywood-san’s hair…… or rather, in her hair-like leaves?

Lillywood-san originally had long hair, but her hair is now even longer than before…… I mean, doesn’t it seem like it’s increasingly encroaching the bathtub!? It’s increasing! It’s definitely increasing!

[……Ummm, Lillywood-san?]

“Yes?”

[It’s just that, your hair…… I mean, your leaves, they’re increasing, you know?]

“Ahh, my apologies . I was just feeling comfortable……”

……Does that mean Lillywood-san’s hair gets longer when she’s feeling good? Ahh, come to think of it, her hair withered when she was tired before…… It appears that Lillywood-san’s hair changes depending on her condition .

When I pointed this out, Lillywood-san apologized and returned her hair to its original length…… It seemed like she could also change it at will .

“Speaking of which, we’re in an onsen, right? I don’t bathe in an onsen much, but how do Humans enjoy their time here?”

[Hmmm . Let’s see . Of course, you can enjoy the scenery while washing your body, but you can also drink while soaking in the onsen . ]

“I see…… I can prepare some “fruit wine” right away, would you like some?”

[Eh? Ah, yes . I’d certainly love to have some if it’s alright with you . ]

I’d barely drank fruit wines before…… Or rather, I’ve never drank anything but beer in my original world, so I’m interested . I’m also looking for a way to change the mood, so her suggestion was a welcome one .

“Well then, please wait a moment……”

As she said this, a branch grew out of Lillywood-san’s hair and a Fruit of the World Tree that I’m oh-so-familiar with appeared .

The fruit then changed shape, as if it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, and the juice that was being squeezed out was poured into a wooden cup that had been prepared before I knew it .

After squeezing the juice from several fruits, Lillywood-san held up her hand and the wooden cup was enveloped in a faint light, which subsided after a few seconds .

“Here you go . ”

[……Thank you . ]

As if it’s a matter of course, a fruit wine was made in front of me…… Making use of Fruits of the World Tree feels a bit too luxurious, but I guess that’s what makes it look so incredibly delicious .

The scent was very strong, but it wasn’t sharp, feeling soft and natural instead .

Well then, since this is freshly-made, let’s have a…… wait, arehh? I know it’s strange for me to question this now but…… since Lillywood-san is the World Tree…… Which means that the Fruit of the World Tree is made from Lillywood-san’s body, so to speak……

Eh? Arehh? That means that the alcohol in this cup was also made from Lillywood-san’s body…… In other words, one can think of this as “something that was part of Lillywood-san’s body”…… and I’m going to put that into my mouth?

T- This is bad, the weirdest thought popped out of my mind! W- W- W- What should I do? This is bad . After what happened earlier, I’ve become completely conscious about these things .

H- However, after asking for the drink myself, I can’t just say I’m too embarrassed to drink it……

“……Kaito-san?”

[ ! ? T- Thank you for the drink!]

When she called out to me, I panicked and took a sip of the fruit wine .

As I took a sip, the mellow aroma filled my mouth and stimulated my brain with its tremendous taste . I would have liked to say that it was tasty, as to be expected from a luxurious item, but because of my weird thoughts, I felt giddy with each sip .

Thinking that just taking sips was a bad idea, I drank all the alcohol at once and called out to Lillywood-san .

As for what strategy I would use to divert my mind…… I forgot all about it, but let’s just run away from this place and reorganize my thoughts .

[L- Lillywood-san…… I- I’ll go wash my body now!]

As I was saying this, that’s when I noticed something . That it was a stupid thing to say…… I was going to run away, but I stupidly cut off my own path of retreat .

After I said this, just as I had expected……

“Ahh, then I will wash your back . ”

……She didn’t let me escape . Hey, isn’t the Six Kings’ blocking ability too great? Is it that? Is that also the same logic as to why you can’t escape from a boss fight?

[N- No, there’s no need for Lillywood-san to bother……]

“No, please let me help you . Kaito-san has always helped me so much after all . ”

[……Y- Yes……]

Seeing her 100% pure smile, my thoughts of refusing disappeared .

To be honest, I don’t remember taking care of Lillywood-san at all, even though she was the one who had always been taking care of me…… but I couldn’t say anything when people showed such pure good will for me .

W- Well, calm down…… It should be fine now . Lillywood-san agreed to hide her body, and with her serious nature, there is no need for me to worry about her breaking her promise .

Then, I’ll just have my back washed like normal . Of course, I will feel nervous while that is happening, but there won’t be a problem…… or so I thought .

However, as if to mock me as I stepped out of the onsen with such thoughts in mind, I heard Lillywood-san’s voice from behind me .

“Hmm… . . K- Kaito-san . ”

[Y- Yes?]

Making sure that I wouldn’t look back when Lillywood-san called, I replied……

“It’s just, the towel is too small and won’t wrap around my chest……”

[……………… . ]

I see . It seems that the towel, which wasn’t that big, though it wasn’t as small as a face towel, wasn’t enough to cover Lillywood-san’s body .

“……Would it be alright if I just grow my hair out to hide them instead?”

[……Yes . ]

Dear Mom, Dad———— Whether it’s alright or not, the me of this time doesn’t know . But one thing is for sure . This whole back washing situation———— It doesn’t seem like it will go the way I want it to .