Chapter 113
This Is a Massage
The day after we purified the miasma, we submerged magic stones imbued with the Saint’s blessing into the lake.
In addition, we handed magic stones with the Saint’s blessing to the Myukke Count family and the mercenary group as well. After observing the situation for a few days, we were scheduled to return to the royal capital.
The lake remained beautifully clear even the next day, which was a relief—but what had caused the miasma to appear in the first place?
Since Mirko-san and several members of the mercenary group decided to stay behind to investigate the area around the lake, Leo-san and I returned to the count’s residence first.
“Shiberu-chan, you really did a great job.”
“Thank you very much, Leo-san.”
“We’ll be staying in Myukke territory for a few days, so for now, just make sure you get plenty of rest.”
“Yes.”
After falling into the lake, I had unconsciously released my power and purified the miasma covering the entire lake in an instant.
Even if it was my first time purifying miasma, failing to control my power was something I needed to reflect on.
Leo-san told me, ‘That was truly incredible,’ but still…
Using up all of my magical power is dangerous.
Rick-san shared his magic with me, and fortunately the monsters that appeared didn’t seem very strong—but if that hadn’t been the case, things could have gone terribly wrong.
On top of that, Leo-san jumped into the lake to save me.
Letting the Crown Prince jump into a lake… As a Saint and as a fiancée, that’s completely unacceptable.
I need to be more reliable.
For everyone’s sake, mastering magic control is going to be a major challenge for me from now on!
“I’m really sorry for always placing such a burden on you.”
“No, I’m a Saint! I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.”
Leo-san said that apologetically, but thanks to how considerate he always is, it truly doesn’t feel like a burden at all.
“Oh, Shiberu-chan. How about a massage?”
“A massage?”
“Yeah. I thought it might help relieve some of your fatigue, so I learned from the massage therapist in this house.”
“Oh my…”
Being massaged by Leo-san… What incredible luxury.
“But Leo-san, you’re the Crown Prince. You don’t need to concern yourself with something like that, you know?”
“No, that’s exactly why. I want to support Shiberu-chan, who’s working so hard for this country.”
“Leo-san…”
Leo-san is always supporting me.
But… if he insists that much…
“Then, just a little, please.”
“Ah, of course!”
When I accepted honestly, Leo-san replied with a smile.
He looked happy—maybe he’d been eager to show off what he’d learned.
“Alright, lie down.”
“Yes.”
When I lay face-down on the large sofa, Leo-san reached out from the side and placed his hands on my back.
“Does it hurt?”
“No, I’m happy.”
“…Huh?”
“I mean—no, it doesn’t hurt!”
“Haha, that’s good to hear.”
The Crown Prince, former Knight Commander, and my wonderful fiancé personally giving me a massage…
What an extravagant moment.
This must be a reward for all my hard work, right?
Thinking that, my inner thoughts slipped out.
“You’re quite slender, Shiberu-chan.”
“Is that so? It’s just that Leo-san is very robust.”
“You think so?”
Leo-san’s large hands gently kneaded my back and waist.
Ah… bliss.
I have to be careful not to start drooling…
“Thank you very much… Next, I’ll do it for you!”
“You’re already done? And besides, if you do it, won’t your fatigue—”
“On the contrary, it’ll be healing!!”
“Huh?”
“Ah—! Leo-san, you’re tired too, right!? Please don’t hold back!!”
“…I see. If you say that much, I’ll accept, just a little.”
“Yes! With pleasure!!”
I had actually wanted to give him a massage from the start.
But knowing Leo-san had been thinking the same thing makes me really happy.
“Then please lie down.”
“Alright.”
When I stepped off the sofa, Leo-san lay down face-first in my place.
Even lying down, Leo-san’s body is huge.
Is it really okay for me to touch this national-treasure-level body…?
…It’s fine. This is a massage.
It’s not for me—it’s for Leo-san…!!
Okay? Shiberu. This is not a reward.
You need to take this seriously…!!
“Excuse me.”
“Mm.”
I told myself that repeatedly, took a deep breath to calm down, and gratefully reached out to Leo-san’s back.
…Ah, what powerful muscles…!!
“How is it?”
“…Yeah, it feels good.”
“I’m glad.”
“……”
Just like Leo-san had done for me, I pressed my thumbs along the muscles of his back.
But his back was so large that my hands felt inadequate.
Even though I was touching him through his clothes, I could still feel how solid his muscles were.
His back muscles are wonderful too.
I’ve felt the strength of his chest muscles when he’s hugged me before, but…
I want to touch more carefully… maybe rub along his back muscles too…
“…Shiberu-chan, that tickles a bit.”
“Ah—! I’m so sorry!!”
“No, it’s fine.”
Without realizing it, I had started stroking his muscles instead of massaging.
This isn’t a massage at all…!
“I’ll do it properly!! How about here?”
“…Yeah, thank you. But that’s enough.”
“Eh? But we’ve barely—”
Even though I’d only just started, Leo-san said that and sat up.
That’s disappointing. I hadn’t touched enough yet—
No, I mean… with so little, his fatigue couldn’t possibly be gone…
“I’ll accept the thought.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t very good at it…”
“No… I’m glad I gave you a massage first.”
“?”
“If I hadn’t, I would’ve gotten revenge.”
“Revenge…?”
What could that possibly mean?
As I sat back down beside him, Leo-san murmured with a gentle smile.
He was smiling, but maybe I really do need proper training to do it well.
“Next time, I’ll study properly and do my best, so please give me another chance!!”
“…That would be troublesome.”
“?”
At his quiet mutter, I tilted my head, but Leo-san wouldn’t meet my eyes.
He must be worried that I’d overdo it again.
Leo-san is truly kind.
“It’s fine! I’ll study within reasonable limits!!”
“…No, that’s not what I’m worried about.”
“?”
“Well, never mind. By the way… doesn’t this room feel a bit cold?”
“Now that you mention it…”
“You too, Shiberu-chan? Alright, I’ll make some warm drinks.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
Come to think of it, I’d been feeling a bit chilly for a while.
I hope I’m not coming down with a cold…
Thinking that, I spent the rest of the day relaxing together with Leo-san.
