14

I found out that wearing a swimsuit in public places is not as difficult as I imagined. Mainly because my figure and appearance are completely that of a girl, right? Even if I bump into strangers, those boys would first look at my face, then my chest and legs, and they wouldn't pay special attention to any mysterious bulges. What a relief, I should be grateful for being born to look like a girl, thanks to the Divine Light.

And with my identity as the Holy Maiden, Agelia and her three friends would never suspect that the Holy Maiden could be a boy. I always feel like I've let everyone down... I'm extremely, extremely ashamed.

Because I was nervous, I ate a lot of fruits when I was soaking in the hot spring, and couldn't eat anything for dinner. After dinner, as night fell, I sat on the bed in a white nightgown, watching Agelia blow-dry her hair with her magic.

"Fir, what's the cylindrical object you're holding in your arms?" She paused and asked me.

"Oh, this? It's the hotel mascot, a bamboo monster pillow."

The bamboo monster is said to be a subspecies of tree sprite, but that's not the point. The point is, no matter where I go, as long as I hold it, it can cover my body for me. That's why I brought it with me this time, since my nightgown is a bit thin.

"The bamboo monster? It just looks like a piece of bamboo."

"Actually, it has hands." I picked up the pillow and waved its sprout-like little hand at her. She probably thought I was too childish.

"I'm done blow-drying my hair."

She tossed her black long hair and asked me, "Are you sleeping inside or outside?"

"Huh? Uh... well..."

I was at a loss for words, unable to answer properly. She approached me and easily took the pillow out of my arms.

"Hey, hey, hey...? Give it back to me!"

Without the bamboo monster, I felt my front was empty, and I didn't feel safe at all! But I didn't dare to make too much of a fuss in order to snatch it back and avoid revealing any flaws. Why did I only have a thin layer of fabric on me?

"You still want to sleep with it? Why not just hug me instead."

Hug her...? Sister actually said such words?!

I was speechless. No matter what I said, she would counter with "What difference does it make if we're all girls?" But I couldn't bring myself to say the truth that I'm actually a boy. A sense of guilt surged up within me. Looking back, wearing a swimsuit and soaking in the hot spring during the day was nothing compared to sleeping with her in the same bed at night without her finding out until the next morning.

She sat on the bed, and I quickly scooted back to make room for her. Unconsciously, I chose to sleep inside.

Since I couldn't escape anyway, I might as well face it openly. "Let's turn off the lights," I said to her.

Just as the saying goes, "We're all girls." If I showed too much nervousness, it would only raise suspicions, right?

Sister glanced at the switch, and the crystal chandelier automatically turned off. The atmosphere became dim, with only a small bedside lamp emitting a faint yellow light. But it wasn't enough to conceal my blushing and coy expression.

"Fir, why have you been so easily flushed recently?" She leaned in closer and asked.

"N-Nothing, it's just that you using magic to turn off the lights remotely is within the category of manipulation magic, right?"

Could I really tell her that I feel embarrassed because I know I'm a boy? I could only change the subject.

"You got it right, that's the most basic ability of manipulation magic."

In that case, Sister could easily use telekinesis to lift my nightgown or drop it on the bed... I couldn't even begin to imagine that scenario.

I remained silent and pulled the blanket over me. It was reassuring to have the blanket covering me, but the problem was... there was only one blanket...

Inside the blanket... Her leg accidentally brushed against mine, and the subtle touch of our skin made me instinctively clamp my legs together.

Please!

Please don't touch under my skirt!

I silently prayed to the Divine Light, just in case Sister accidentally touched the bottom of my skirt; that would be disastrous.

"Fir, this is our first time sleeping together, isn't it?" With her body turned toward me, she smiled and looked at me.

"Uh... Yeah... um..." I stuttered, not knowing what expression I had in her eyes. I noticed a faint blush on her face, and we were so close that I could smell the hint of alcohol in her breath.

"Sister, why does Faschino always try to toast me during dinner?""This is how the adult world works. If you have a drink with her, she'll boast about it for a year."

"But you ended up drinking instead."

"It's okay, I'm happy today anyway."

"Because... the prophecy of the dimensional traveler who can defeat that person has appeared, right?"

"That's one aspect, and also because you were willing to come here with me to enjoy the hot springs."

"..."

I blushed and couldn't answer. Am I really that important to Sister Agelia?

And yet, I deceived her.

Then, a pair of warm hands touched my face.

"Do you know why I wanted to take you out? I have reservations about Queen Triste's decision from beginning to end. Last time, when I saw you serving the traveler, pouring tea and water for him, I felt uncomfortable and couldn't accept it."

"I didn't think it was a big deal." I smiled.

She paused for a moment. "But you're the Holy Maiden. It's beneath you to be a maid, and as your sister, I can't stand it."

So that's it...

"But the traveler is actually a good person. As the Holy Maiden, I should do what I can to help defeat that person, shouldn't I?"

"But it's dangerous for you to stay by the traveler's side! You might have to face that person at any moment, and I don't want you in danger."

"It's okay, sister."

I held her hand.

Just as her hand rested on my face, I placed mine on the back of her hand, pressing them tightly together.

In the next moment, she embraced me.

Held me.

Tightly in her arms.

"Then I'll just have to protect you."

- She said firmly in my ear.

"Even if it means facing that person, I won't let you get hurt, even if I have to turn to dust. Because you are my treasure."

Treasure...?

I blushed with her embrace. I felt shy and insecure, squeezing my legs tightly together to make sure my skirt was secure...!

Why... does it feel different lying on the bed being held like this than usual? And with her words as a catalyst, my heart raced, bringing back the overwhelming feeling of shyness that makes it hard to breathe, making my whole body tingle.

This can't go on...! I quickly changed to a more comfortable position - lying on my stomach.

"Fir, what's wrong with you?" She saw my position and became worried, asking me quickly.

"It's nothing...! My body just... feels a little uncomfortable." I blushed and buried my face in the pillow.

"This position, is your stomach hurting? Shall I bring you a cup of hot water--"

I didn't move, and I used my fingers to hold onto the edge of her clothes, stopping her.

"It's okay, let me lie like this for a while...!"

Drinking hot water won't help. What I need now is to cool down.