--Daimyo Quarters · Bedroom.
Morning light streamed through the Japanese paper windows, lighting the room, though "bright" was an overstatement. At most, it was dimly illuminated.
It was still early morning, yet the bedding on the master bedroom's tatami had already begun to stir.
...Outside the window, a bird chirped a few times, then flew off in alarm.
Judging by her looks alone, Kozuki Hiyori was certainly extraordinary.
Granted, in Sephiroth's memories of his previous life, Hiyori's character design had never struck him as particularly attractive.
But she did, after all, carry the official designation of "the third-most beautiful woman in the main story." Seeing her in person, she truly was stunning.
Among everyone Sephiroth had actually met so far, only Hancock, born with all three great beauty-enhancing arts united in one body, was clearly more beautiful than Hiyori.
Shirahoshi, who shared first place, had yet to fully mature. For now, she was simply unbelievably adorable and could not be included in the comparison.
As for Uta, their styles were entirely different, but there was virtually no gap between her and Hiyori.
Uta was the youthful idol type, a once-in-ten-thousand-years Japanese beauty.
Hiyori, twenty-two this year, already had the appeal of a top-selling Japanese adult actress capable of dominating an entire era.
Some time later--
"L-Lord... Papiyas..."
Somewhat exhausted, Hiyori had originally intended to be "dutiful" and help Sephiroth dress and wash.
But exceptional technique could not entirely compensate for the difference in stamina.
She still wanted to do more, but after yesterday's water battle and nighttime battle, they had gone another round this morning.
...Unfortunately, her spirit was willing, but her flesh was weak.
"There's no need to be so formal. Just keep resting."
This intimate encounter was also Sephiroth's first opportunity to observe Hiyori up close.
He had