Words
“Lux-sama… fufu, even though we see each other almost every day, meeting in the bath like this without clothes feels so refreshing.”
“Y-yes, it does!”
Since Florence-san had wrapped a towel securely around her body, I didn’t have to worry about where to look. But even with the towel, I could see how well-toned her figure was.
As I was thinking that, Florence-san came closer, stood before me, and said,
“Just by looking at your body, I can tell how diligently you train every day… As your future wife, I must also strive harder.”
“N-no! Florence-san, you’re amazing at both your studies and swordsmanship, while I still have a long way to go!!”
When I said that, Florence-san’s expression clouded slightly as she replied,
“Leaving studies aside, when it comes to swordsmanship, I still have much to learn… In the tournament’s exhibition match, my sword was defeated by the First Princess.”
Hearing those words, I stepped closer to Florence-san and said,
“Wha…! That’s not…”
Just as I was about to strongly deny it, Florence-san continued,
“That is what I thought right after losing to the First Princess in the exhibition match… but I no longer feel that way.”
Saying this, Florence-san stepped closer, met my eyes, and with a gentle smile said,
“…Because Lux-sama told me you liked my sword… Those words gave me great strength.”
“Ah…!”
Those words of mine… But they came from the bottom of my heart, and they are still true even now. So…
“I can say it as many times as it takes! I love your sword, Florence-san!”
“Ah! Lux-sama…!”
When I told her that, Florence-san embraced me.
“F-Florence-san!?”
Even though she was wrapped in a towel, being held so closely without clothes underneath…
“Because these words come from Lux-sama, who spends every day with me, trains with me, and never speaks falsehoods, I am truly happy.”
“I-I’m glad you’re happy, but… y-your body, it’s pressing right against me…!”
Embarrassed by the sensation, I told her that, and Florence-san gave a small laugh as she replied,
“Fufu, such a thing doesn’t bother me… Because I love Lux-sama, and I wish to become your wife in the future.”
“E-even if it doesn’t bother you, it bothers me!”
“I see… In that case, for the sake of our future, you must get a little more used to this.”
“E-ehhh!?”
With that, Florence-san smiled and hugged me even tighter, pressing her body more closely against mine.
It was incredibly embarrassing, but I couldn’t bring myself to push her away. And of course, there was no way I could get used to it. For a while I remained in her embrace, until eventually Florence-san let go and said,
“Forgive me. Your words made me so happy, and being here in the bath with you made my feelings overflow.”
“I-it’s fine!”
“Thank you… Then, shall we enjoy the bath together?”
“Y-yes!”
After that, I still felt a little nervous, but since Florence-san kept herself wrapped in her towel the whole time, I was able to bathe with her without being too tense. We happily talked about recent events and what lay ahead.
And then time passed, until at last the night before the Third Royal Exchange Gathering arrived.