A week has passed since we set sail.

　Zazaan.

　The big ship was kicking up waves as it made its way through the sea.

'It's rocking,'
Uh-huh.

　I replied in a small voice to Iltimina's muttering.

　We were in the bath now.

　That's right, a bath.

　Alone with Illtimina, we were in the bath that had been prepared for us in our cabin.

　We've come to the bath to wash our sticky bodies, which are often exposed to the sea breeze on sea trips, and as I had announced before, Illtimina has taken the bath with us.

(Ugh, how embarrassing...)

　Incidentally, Mr. Kilt, Soltis and Poe went on deck with the three of them.

　He was worried about the bespectacled girl who was stuck in her room all the time, so he took her out to sunbathe.

　Poe went with them.

　So, it's just the two of us in the bath.

　Zazaan.

　When the boat rocks with the waves, the hot water in the tub also rocks.

　Quite a bit of hot water goes down the drain.

　I wondered if it wasn't a waste to use fresh water in a bath like this on a boat trip where you can't refill your water supply.　What a feeling, I thought, but it was a feeling from a previous life.

(There's magic in this world, right?)

　Fresh water can be created by magic.

　In addition, there is a large stockpile of "water magic stones" that are converted from several liters of water into a small stone.

(That's why you can bathe in luxury like this.)

　Jabba, jabba.

　A tub of hot water is poured over my shampooed and lathered hair.

'Yes, we're done, Merle.
Yeah, thanks.

　Illtimina, who washed my hair, smiled, "You're welcome," she said.

　Then, after I finished washing myself, I soaked in the hot tub.

(Ahhhh, that felt good.)

　The warmth of the hot water is soothing to me.

　Next to her, Illtimina-san's naked white body, with her chest held in a towel, was slowly sinking into the hot water.

''Hmph........

　The water was hot, and a s*xy breath spilled out.

　...........

(I'm a gentleman, a gentleman, a gentleman.)

　Chant three times and push the bother away.

　Buccleuch.

　Ms. Illtimina noticed me soaking in the hot water up to my mouth, my face turning bright red and letting the bubbles float, and she smiled, giggling and smiling lustily.

　Flushed cheeks.

　Her glossy dark green hair was tied up, revealing the white nape of her neck.

　Wet buns of hair clung to her white skin.

　Chapot.

　White arms held down the large breasts as they emerged.

　However, that emphasized the cleavage even more, and I had no choice but to remove my gaze in a hurry.

(Ugh ... go for it, me.)

　You promised me one more year.

　When you're like that.

Merle. Please, could you relax more?

　That's what they called me.

(That being said...)

　I was annoyed, but Illtimina repeated the words.

'It's okay to be more at ease.
..........
Look, just relax.

　squeak

(Uh-huh?)

　Suddenly, he rubbed my shoulder.

　I was startled by the sudden touch.

　But it felt kind of nice.

　I don't remember the sister who could do everything being so good at massaging me.

　Oh, I'm going to lose strength.

"Phew.

　I wonder if you can tell by the feeling, Illtimina-san smiled happily.

　.............

　She did so for a while.

　Chapo, Chapo.

　Eventually, he rubbed my shoulder, and in my ear.

The truth is, Marl can always relax that much, can't he?

　I heard a whispered voice say.

(Hmm?)

　He looked back faintly.

　Illtimina-san looked a little sad.
　.........eh?

　She kept her crimson eyes down.

The adults around you all treat you as a godd*mn dog. But don't let that fool you.

　I said.

(...don't be fooled?)

　He looked at me, confused.

Your name is "Merle.
..........
I'm nothing more, just Merle. That's who you are.

　White fingers leave my shoulder.

　Then his hand touches my cheek.

'The boy they call Godgu is just an ordinary boy. Many people forget that fact, and try to make you carry the burden, but please don't let it consume you.
..........
You can relax and live more comfortably, you know?

　The beautiful woman in front of me smiled at me.

　I can't take my eyes off her.

　Her lips spun.

"I will protect you from those who do not approve of that way of life.
..........
I won't let you down.

　The crimson eyes had a strong, innocent glow to them.

　............

(Illtimina-san........)

　My chest was hot.

　There were no words for it.

　Only her deep love for me sank into my heart.

　Ms. Illtimina gave me a gentle smile and

You are my Merle.
..........
So, at least when it's just me and you, you can forget about everything and just be Marl as he is.

　sizzling sound

　I am held in a hug.

'...........

　How many times have I been saved and protected by this person?

　I felt like something I didn't know I was carrying had been dislodged from my mind.

''........hmmm.''

　A single drop of tears spilled out.

　It rippled and melted into the hot water.

'Good, good, it's all right.'

　Illtimina's fingers stroked my hair.

　I closed my eyelids.

　That comforting feeling, I thought, let's honestly drown now........

　I'm a nobody now, "just Marl," and I just want to be close to the person I love and soak up the peace of mind.