Night.
After two climbs and descents, you'll find yourself in a tent set on a flat field in the woods.
Laurier was dipping his body in the boat.
It was a bathtub made up of Daisy's alchemy, with Axel's hot spring in it.
Why was such a simple hot spring created?
"Laurier. I'm so exhausted from crossing the mountain today... you probably used your legs to cling to me, didn't you?"In order to relieve fatigue, it would be good to enter the hot spring. "
Because I received a recommendation from Axel.
I almost carried it, so I'm minimally tired, but I'll leave it to the favor.
Laurier, who accepted the recommendation, felt that just enjoying it without doing anything was different, so he decided to help by checking the temperature of the water.
I can't move my legs much, so it's a check before I go in.
Axel was now operating a magic stove to boil the hot spring at the bottom of the bathtub.
Since the horizontal curtain is stretched, you won't see it from here or from the other side, but I can see it in the shadows.
While looking at it, Laurier scoops the cloudy water at hand.
... it's nice to take a bath at a destination like this...
When you think about it,
Is your leg okay?
I heard such a voice from outside the horizontal curtain.
"Of course. Did it seem that hard?"
When I heard it back, the accelerator across the curtain was doing a cheek-drawing technique.
"No, because I heard from Palom that this hot spring can relieve some of the pain even if it doesn't heal."
Giggling, something moved in my heart.
For me, it was information that I didn't disclose because it would be a worry and a burden.
"... that girl, did you even talk about that?"
Of course. Well, I wanted to know my condition for the journey.
Without a doubt, Axel says.
But then, Laurier's head ran.
... why did Axel bring the hot spring in the first place?
Why didn't you think about boiling ordinary water and taking a bath?
Just because it feels good, is that an option to choose from?
Do you want to bring it because the capacity of the transport bag is too large?
I know that I meet Axel and stand up for myself, but I'm not the kind of person who runs with hobbies and pleasure.
That's why I was caught in the corner of my head.
I felt that the mystery had been solved a little.
"Maybe, but..." Axel brought the hot spring for me...? "
……
Axel doesn't answer.
But that silence was like a sign of affirmation.
"...... I'm not ready to die, so I could have brought you something more useful."even though it's okay to leave her alone..... "
When Laurier said that, Axel opened his mouth again.
"--It doesn't hurt just because you don't die, does it?"If it hurts, it'll be painful. "
"Well... that's right."
"Then I think it would be very useful to bring this hot spring."There may be other things that are important to you.Rather, Laurier, if I can get rid of your pain, it's the most important class. "
In the words of Axel,
"You're so gentle..."
Laurier leaned down unexpectedly.
”If you're too kind... I'm going to cry a little bit, I...”
Until now, as a spirit princess, something that I was distracted by has been released.
I had that feeling in my chest.
It wasn't that I shouldn't show my weaknesses.I was afraid to show my weakness and make someone worried.
Therefore, since I chose the position of a politician because of the Spirit Princess, I changed my mind a lot.
Perhaps it's because your body is weak, but it's fading into tears.
"Isn't it nice?" It also radiates emotions.Nobody saw it. "
Axel said something warm to me.
"Now, when the setting is finished,"
I saw a rising shadow.
"For a while, go into the hot spring, weep and sweat together, and take your time."
"... yes, thank you, Axel"
†
When Laurier finished shedding her tears, she took a breath.
"Oooh, princess, can I come in too?"
Daisy's voice came from outside the curtain.
The beast form when climbing the mountain had already been lifted, and now I can see the shadow as a human body.
Perhaps you asked for permission to take the place, but thinking that she was the one who originally built this bathtub, it was a matter of law.
"I don't mind." Because it's made quite widely.I think we can fit both of us in. "
Well then, I'm going to bother you...
So Daisy came into the curtain and took off the clothes she was wearing.
"Ok....."
After the hanging bath, I put my body into the bathing boat.
"Hah, that's good water."
I said it with a dazzled expression.
……
Time flows slowly in the warm water.
That's why I wonder. Suddenly, Laurier called out to Daisy,
"... hey, can I have a minute?"
Huh? What is it?
"Axel... is that person always kind?"
It was a casual word, but Daisy tilted her head.
"Best friend? Why all of a sudden?"
"Just now, I was a little worried."I was glad to hear your kind words. "
Saying that, Daisy put her hand on her chin,
"Hmm... well, that's kind of sweet."...... even if you turn on the switch that runs out of sight toward a purpose, it's going to be incredible, but...... I think it's still kind. "
I said that with a soft expression.
"That's right..."
Listening to Daisy's words, Laurier let them go.
"I'd like you to listen to it as a little light talk."... honestly, I didn't think there was such a person. "
Is that so?
Same goes for magic power, but in terms of ability, the spirits are higher than humans.That's why people can't really see that they're worried about spirits. "
Especially people who come to see themselves, the Spirit Princess, have been doing so for a long time.That's not a bad thing, so it wasn't something I cared about.
"I feel like I've been hit by something unexpected."
Somehow, I can see through your chest.
"Ah... but that's what my best friend is."I'm a phantom creature, too, and I'm far away from people... but I'm a man who doesn't make a distinction. "
"... is that so?"
"Yeah. I'm like this, too."There was a time when both humans and demons were quite hostile.You'll always treat me the same.Honestly, you're going to love it. "
Daisy tells me to remember something.
She, too, must have had something like what happened to her this time.
Looking at the expression, Laurier held down his loose expression with his hand, whether it was from warmth or peace of mind.
"Somehow, this trip is the first time I've had a taste of it."It feels kind of warm, it feels like that. "
"Is that so?" Well, if it makes you feel better, I guess you should take care of it. "
"Yeah, really.... I think so too."