The sword princess' tale

Volume 5 Chapter 2 - It's A Mixed Bath Event Now?

"Fuh... Indeed, it is pleasant for once to indulge one self in luxury like this."

"......"

"Although I'm surprised that something like this could be built, the idea itself is not bad."

"......"

"Even more, the spring has the effect of regulating the flow of internal mana. It probably is related to the leyline running in the same course with the underground water vein."

"............"

"...come to think of it - Why are you distancing yourself, Charlotte?"

Fuweh!? I let out an embarrassing sound. I turned only to catch Fei's strong gaze and it caused my heartbeat accelerating. Not to mention my mind truly whited out as if a bell rang right next to my ear.

Damn it...! Am I cursed to like someone like this!? And he didn't even pay attention to my scream and simply entered the hot spring like no other! At least react like a proper boy would!!

No, wait. If he's acting like ordinary boy then it would be too embarrassing! Is this a Romcom!?

But... because of my response, Fei narrowed his gaze and - he slid toward me!

"......!" I exasperated and backed away!

"......" Fei snorted and he approached me again! This time, he's even faster!!

In no time at all, there was a game of tags between us in the wide hot spring. The water rippled and waves rocked against the smooth river rocks acting as leakage prevention devices!

"St-stay awaaaayyy!!" I cried out with tomato red face and tears at the corner of my eyes.

"Then stop running away!" Fei rebuked.

Th-this guy can't read the mood at all! Don't you know that you're already 18 years old!? You should know that 8 years old is the limit for opposite sexes to bath together!! Also, if others saw this, it's like seeing a man attempting assault on underaged girl!!

Rather...

"Why are you here!?" I shouted.

"The principal recommended me this place if I wanted to relax!" Fei replied.

"Why do you have to relax here?!!"

"Because of the damn hot spring has healing effect! Also, stop running about like that!! It's-"

Before he finished, my feet slipped and I lost my balance.

"Kyah?!"

I saw the glittering starry sky and when I realized how painful it could be if I fall like this, I shut my eyes to brace for the impact.

...

.......are?

"I told you it's slippery around here. Milady is such a handful princess..." Fei's quiet sigh could be heard.

Uuh...? I opened my eyes slowly and I shuddered in surprise. My wrist was gripped tightly and I was being held by an arm circling around my back.

As I craned my head up, I saw a pair of obsidian grey eyes gazing at me and I could feel the faint breath let out by the person who saved me.

By then, a fluttery white cloth fell beside me, touching the spring's surface before sinking.

My mind stopped working, the world felt as if it had stopped rotating and it was as if time had stretched endlessly. I stared blankly at the youth who could already be considered as a mature adult and...