The morning sun rose from the edge of the sky, and a faint shimmer drifted over the open fields. Outside the royal tent, the crisp clash of wooden blades rang out, orderly and distinct, every strike clearly audible. This was the morning training. It lasted a full three quarters of an hour, and only when the sky was bright did it finally come to an end.
Captain Ekat looked steady, with only a little sweat on him. Xolotl was bare-chested and drenched in sweat. With Nashu attending him, he happily wiped himself down with hot water, then let out a comfortable long breath.
"Whew! Haaha! Training without fail every day is the key for powerful warriors to maintain their will and physique!"
Xolotl patted his sharply defined chest muscles and said this with a laugh. Then he reached out a large hand and affectionately pinched Nashu's cheek.
"Ah? Y-Your Highness..."
"Call me Master! Nashu, my little Fox, is your body feeling better?"
"Ah! Your Highness... Master... It's better."
The roots of Nashu's ears flushed red. She lowered her head and stammered nervously. This shy, uneasy posture appearing on her, who had always carried herself with such composure, had a strangely contrasting allure.
"Hmm? You feel a little hot. Don't tell me you have a fever?"
Xolotl reached out and touched Nashu's fair, clean neck, then touched the woman's reddened ears. Nashu instantly froze in place, like a puppet, letting her master handle her as he pleased. Her master thought for a moment, then held the maid's head and pressed his own forehead against hers. As a result, the heat felt even more obvious.
"Huh? You're really burning... Forget it. Life in the military camp is always harsh. Nashu, don't attend me anymore. Go into Tree Snake City and rest properly