"Come on in."
Tsubaki patted the water beside her, sending ripples across its surface.
"The water's just the right temperature. Soak for a bit, and I guarantee it'll melt every bone in your body!"
"Mm..."
Tsukuyo Inaba's delicate face flushed slightly.
After all, although everyone around her was a girl.
For someone as introverted as her, it was still somewhat embarrassing.
She clutched her bath towel tightly and approached the edge with tiny steps, cautiously dipping her toes in to test the water.
Then.
"Splash..."
With a soft splash.
Her petite body slowly sank into the water, leaving only half her head exposed and her long silver hair floating on the surface.
"Phew..."
At that instant.
The warm bathwater felt like countless gentle little hands, instantly smoothing away every trace of fatigue deep within her body.
Tsukuyo narrowed her eyes in comfort, and her tense shoulders finally relaxed.
"Tsukuyo."
Just then.
Kikakujō Mary, who had been quietly soaking nearby, came closer and asked curiously:
"What took you so long to come in?"
"Did Lord Haimo have something else for you?"
At those words.
The bath, where everyone had been fooling around, grew considerably quieter.
Several pairs of eyes turned toward her in unison.
Even Sasamori Aya pricked up her ears.
After all.
Everyone else had come in together, yet Tsukuyo alone had been kept outside.
That treatment.
Really did draw a little attention.
"Mm..."
With everyone staring at her like that, Tsukuyo Inaba's cheeks grew even redder, like ripe tomatoes.
She tucked her chin underwater, leaving only her red eyes exposed, and said in a muffled voice:
"Lord Haimo... just talked to me about something."
"Oh-?"
Tsubaki leaned closer to Tsukuyo Inaba with a mischievous grin.
"Just talked?"
"Nothing else?"
"Like..."
"Giving our adorable little Tsukuyo some special treatment?"
"Or