The next day, Kaito opened the door to the isolation room right on time.
Unexpectedly, Gold City was not as lively today as she was yesterday.
Instead, she was already sitting properly in the only chair in the room.
Her legs were crossed.
Her left leg, which had caused her so much pain yesterday, now swayed naturally.
Her golden ponytail rested on her shoulder and her arms were crossed over her chest.
She wore an impatient expression that seemed to say: "This young lady has been waiting for you for a long time."
"Oh, this posture, anyone who didn't know better would think a queen was waiting for her servant," Kaito thought.
Seeing Kaito enter, Gold City lifted her chin.
She spoke in a condescending and authoritative tone:
"What time is it? Hurry up and start!"
Kaito blinked, and before he could respond, she added another sentence.
As if emphasizing something or perhaps trying to convince herself.
"And listen to me!"
"The only reason I'm letting you in is because your technique... is barely useful."
"You are just my exclusive treatment tool, nothing more."
"Don't get any ideas!"
"Yes, yes, everything you say is correct."
Kaito nodded frantically in his heart.
But on his face, he showed a fake and professional smile.
Gracefully, he pulled up a small stool and sat in front of her.
"Very well, Miss Gold City, then today we will begin with a deep relaxation of the ankle."
"Being a tsundere feels good for a moment, but chasing your husband later will be a funeral pyre."
"Little girl, let's see how long you can last with that bluntness."
Once again, he held that slender ankle.
He activated the Primary Massage Technique.
With yesterday's experience, today's treatment was even more effective.
His fingers seemed to play a soothing melody.
Every slide, every pressure, gradually relaxed Gold City's body, which moments before had been tense.
But this time, Kaito's attention was not solely on her legs.
With the help of the system, he was able to "see" more.
Target muscle groups: upper trapezius, levator scapulae...
Status: extreme tension, with chronic tightness and stiffness.
Cause analysis: prolonged mental anxiety.
Indeed.
Kaito subtly completed the leg massage.
Then his hand, very naturally, followed the muscle lines of her calf upward.
It finally rested on her shoulder and neck.
"Miss Gold City."
He said in a low voice.
"The muscles here are even stiffer than I imagined."
"Could it be because of... the pressure of competition?"
"!"
Gold City's body suddenly jerked, like a cat that had its tail stepped on.
She almost instinctively wanted to retort.
"What nonsense! How could this young lady feel pressure?"
But Kaito's fingers, as if they had GPS, pressed precisely on the most painful spot of her shoulder and neck.
"Hmmf..."
A groan of pure comfort almost broke through the barrier of her teeth.
She suppressed it with all her willpower.
However, that simple touch made all her prepared responses drown in her throat.
It was... too much...
How did this man... how did he know where it hurt the most...?
Under the double assault of the Primary Massage Technique and the Primary Masculine Aroma, even Gold City's proud iron will began to crumble.
That warm body scent, like the softest lullaby, calmed her anxious nerves.
Those hands moving over her shoulders and neck dismantled the accumulated fatigue bit by bit.
Unconsciously, she leaned back in the chair.
Her tense body relaxed completely.
Her golden eyelashes fluttered slightly and her breathing became steady and deep.
She actually... just fell asleep like that.
Kaito stopped his movements and looked at the serene, sleeping face in front of him.
Gold City, asleep, stripped away all her thorns and defenses.
Her long eyelashes cast a discreet shadow under her eyes.
Her slightly pursed lips revealed a hint of childish innocence.
There was no trace of a fierce horse.
She was clearly just a girl who needed pampering.
"Tsk, the tsundere charm is practically cheating..."
Kaito admired her for a few seconds.
Then he stepped back in silence, preparing to sneak out.
But just as he stood up, Gold City suddenly woke up!
She opened her eyes and a flash of confusion sparkled in her golden pupils.
It was immediately replaced by shock and embarrassment!
She... actually... had fallen asleep in front of this man?
"Ah, ah, ah, ah—!"
She let out a cry of shame and indignation.
Her face was as red as a ripe apple.
"Leave when you are finished!"
"Who told you to stay here?"
She was like an angry cat, with all her fur standing on end.
She waved her hands frantically, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Kaito, sensing her mood, raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.
He quickly left the room.
"Bang!"
The door closed firmly.
Silence returned to the isolation room.
Gold City touched her shoulders, which were now completely relaxed.
They even felt a little warm.
Her mind was racing.
Shame, anger, and a touch of... lingering pleasure that she herself was unwilling to admit.
And... a barely perceptible anticipation for his return tomorrow.
"Damn it! Damn it!"
"Tomorrow... tomorrow I have to put him in his place!"
"Let him know how formidable this young lady is!"
She made a secret decision.
But the slight curve of her lips gave away her true feelings.