Nazarick had a grand bath reserved exclusively for Rei Ao.
This was no ordinary bathhouse, but a place that could only be described as a temple of bathing arts.
The enormous domed ceiling was painted with a gorgeous starry sky mural, as if the real night sky had been moved underground. At the very center of the dome was set a massive magic crystal, glowing with a soft, warm light, like a miniature sun illuminating the entire space.
The lighting had been meticulously arranged: gentle rather than harsh, creating a relaxed, lazy atmosphere.
The bath itself was built from the finest white jade stone, its edges carved with exquisite and intricate patterns. It had both a fantastical style from another world and the elegant flavor of some ancient civilization remembered by the Supreme Beings.
The water in the pool had originally been slime, but Albedo had specially changed it to hot water for him. The temperature was kept at the most comfortable level. Faint magical particles were mixed into the water, helping to ease fatigue, nourish the skin, and even slightly enhance one's magic power.
Rare magical flower petals floated on the surface, releasing a light, refined fragrance. Steam drifted and curled through the air, making the whole place feel like an otherworldly paradise.
Several Roman-style pillars ringed the bath, supporting the dome, their shafts wrapped in golden vine reliefs. In the corners were lounge chairs padded with velvet cushions for resting, and low tables bearing all kinds of rare fruits, delicate pastries, and bubbling drinks.
The air was thick with warm mist, scented with flowers and an expensive incense that made one feel utterly at ease.
Rei Ao was already soaking in the middle of the vast pool. The warm, comfortable water rose over his firm chest. Eyes closed, his head resting against the smooth pool wall, he savored a brief moment of relaxation.
He wore nothing at all.
Here, he was the absolute master; there was no need for any restraint.
Renner, meanwhile, was quietly kneeling at the pool's edge. Her body was wrapped in nothing but a thin white towel that outlined her petite, delicate curves. Head bowed and eyes lowered, she held a jade tray in both hands, upon which sat a wine flask and cup, ready to serve him at any moment.
Her gaze was still filled with fervent worship for Rei Ao. In this private setting, that devotion took on an even more intimate, obedient air.
Tap, tap.
Soft footsteps sounded from the entrance to the bath.
Rei Ao slowly opened his eyes and looked over.
The first person to come into view was Albedo.
She had clearly prepared herself with great care. The silver hair she normally wore up now fell loose like a waterfall down to her waist, the tips still slightly damp, adding a softer, more alluring charm.
She, too, was wrapped in a single pure white towel. But that towel seemed barely able to contain her overabundant curves. Fullness that seemed ready to spill over, depths that teased the imagination. The hem of the towel only just covered her lines, leaving a pair of long, straight, perfectly white legs exposed.
Her cheeks were tinged with a captivating flush, and in her eyes there was both shyness and a blazing mix of love and longing. Barefoot, she stepped across the smooth, warm floor, walking toward the edge of the pool. Every step swayed gracefully, radiating a dangerous kind of allure.
Behind Albedo came several more figures.
Shalltear, wrapped in a towel as well.
The vampire true ancestor had, for the moment, set aside her usual madness and bloodlust. Her face showed a complicated blend of curiosity, competitiveness, and a faint hint of anticipation. Her long silver hair clung damply to her cheeks, and her crimson eyes shone especially bright in the drifting steam. Though her figure wasn't as exaggerated as Albedo's, it was still slender and shapely, carrying both a young woman's freshness and a vampire's unique charm.
Following them were several members of Nazarick's Pleiades battle maid squad.
Yuri Alpha, the head maid of the Pleiades, still carried her calm, competent air. But wrapped in just a towel, even she couldn't help showing a trace of hard-to-spot embarrassment. Her fair skin looked very healthy under the lights. Even more striking, though, was the clearly visible seam at her neck—after all, she belonged to the Dullahan race.
Lupusregina Beta wore her trademark grin that looked bright and hearty yet always hid a hint of mischief. Her gaze moved boldly back and forth between Rei Ao and the others. As a werewolf, she was outwardly cheerful but vicious and daring by nature—though her loyalty to Nazarick and Rei Ao was absolute.
Narberal Gamma seemed a bit stiff. Her cool, distant personality clearly didn't mesh well with this kind of situation, but her loyalty to the Supreme Being forced her to remain here.
The eyepatch-wearing, expressionless girl CZ also stood quietly a little farther back. Her head was lowered, making it impossible to read her expression.
Aside from those away on other missions or with special reasons not to attend (for example, Entoma, whose insectoid form was perhaps not suited to this sort of occasion), nearly all of the core members of the battle maids were present.
Albedo walked up to the poolside and bowed deeply to Rei Ao.
"Rei Ao-sama, as you instructed, the place has been prepared."
"This subordinate, along with Shalltear and Yuri and the others, would like to attend upon you together, to ensure that you can experience the utmost relaxation and pleasure."
Her voice carried a thread of barely contained excitement. As soon as she finished speaking, her cheeks flushed even more, as though they might start dripping blood.
She had carefully planned all of this. She wanted to turn this into an unforgettable, all-encompassing enjoyment for Rei Ao-sama.
At the same time, she had a small selfish wish: to establish, in front of all potential "rivals," that she was the one closest to him.
Shalltear gave a little snort. She said nothing, but her eyes clearly broadcast, "There's no way I'm letting you monopolize Rei Ao-sama."
The battle maids bowed together. "We are willing to offer everything for Rei Ao-sama."
Rei Ao took in the scene before him, almost like something from a living painting.
In the mist-filled air, several women of entirely different types—but all of them stunning—stood gracefully before him, waiting to serve.
Albedo's voluptuous allure.
Shalltear's delicate yet eerie beauty.
Yuri's cool elegance, Lupusregina's wildness, Narberal's awkward reserve, CZ's quiet mystery… and at his feet, Renner's fervent, submissive devotion…
A sight like this was enough to make any man's blood race.
At the very least, Rei Ao did not claim to have transcended basic desires; he had to admit that the visual and psychological impact at this moment was tremendous.