“So, what’s the matter, fox? Why are you fidgeting about?”
“Why am I fidgeting, you say? Well, you! And for your information, my name is Mayudama-san!”
“However, Mayudama-san, if you keep fidgeting like that, we can’t even have a conversation. You were the one who said you would explain the situation.”
“But, but that’s because…”
With those words, Mayudama-san hid her face with her large tail. Indeed, this is adorable; the sight of her peeping out a bit from the gap is also rather charming.
Coupled with what could be deemed a magnificent gift from the gods above—this completely natural, spontaneously arisen open-air hot spring—it most certainly has a unique appeal.
Yet, this hot spring isn’t man-dug, but it’s quite a find.
As for the spring quality, it’s exactly as I smelled with my nose—a sulfur spring. The concentration is somewhat dilute, but the temperature is just right.
The subtle scent of the forest that wafts in must be from the deep underground source, which has traveled a considerable distance and taken a significant amount of time to rise to the surface.
Considering it has accumulated the nutrients of the forest and brought them up here, it would be reductive to describe it merely as a simple sulfur spring—it must possess a distinct character and efficacy.
Moreover, the hot spring that bursts forth from slightly above flows into a naturally eroded large rock slab, creating a natural rock bath. Uncommon for a natural spring, it has proper width and moderate depth.
Indeed, this is a rarely encountered, hidden treasure of a hot spring. It’s unlikely that human hands could easily create something this good…
…Wait, with such a remarkable spring before us, what is that fox doing?
“Just stop being shy and speak.”
“Maybe I will! First of all, why are you completely naked?!”
Such foolish words from a fox.
Even after encountering such a splendid hot spring, I thought you were quite a foolish fox for cowering on the opposite shore without even taking a dip. But to think you would make such an incredibly stupid remark, well.
“It must be because it’s a hot spring, obviously.”
There can be no other answer.
In a hot spring, one is naked; such is the natural order of the world.
“No, well, I mean, yes, but since I am also a female, I thought there should be some modesty, you know?”
“Oh? You expect me to feel modesty towards you, Miss Cocoon-Ball?”
“That’s not it. I’ve realized in these few short minutes that expecting modesty from you is futile. No, I’m talking about you considering my modesty.”
Hearing those words from Miss Cocoon-Ball, I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
This little girl, no, this little fox. She doesn’t understand what a hot spring is at all.
“Hufufufufufu!”
“What’s with you all of a sudden! Have you gone mad?”
Miss Cocoon-Ball is visibly flustered by my sudden laughter, but I am neither wrong nor crazy.
On the contrary.
“It’s you who have gone mad, Miss Cocoon-Ball.”
“What are you saying?!”
It can’t be helped.
To the foolish little fox who doesn’t get it at all, I have to drill into her the very basics of the way of the hot springs. With that, I stood up, parting the steam.
“VIMYAAAAAA!!”
“What, what’s wrong?”
“Don’t stand up, you idiot!”
Ah, I see, she requires proper education.
Ignoring the panicked Miss Cocoon-Ball, I confidently strode towards her.
“No, no, no, don’t come here, stay away.”
Stride. Stride.
“Don’t come any closer, I’ve said it! Or, what, is it something else? You’re thinking of doing something perverted, aren’t you?”
Stride. Stride.
“Suzu-suzu.”
“Say something, you idiot. I’m telling you to stop, you hear me?”
Suzu-suzu.
“I can’t bear this, I’m sorry, please forgive me, I’ll do anything you say, just please don’t make me do anything lewd.”
*Sigh* What a mischievous little fox this one is.
Lewd things, lewd things, as if I’ve ever engaged in such acts in a sacred place like a hot spring!
I’ve never done such things anywhere else either.
…Well, that’s beside the point. I suppose it’s about time I explain things properly.
At this rate, it’ll look like I’m bullying her, which is not cool at all.
I moved to the opposite bank and sank into the hot spring water with a splash, then swiftly approached close to Mayudama-san’s face.
“You just said you’d do anything I ask, right?”
With a frightened squeak, Mayudama-san leaped back.
“Y-Yeah, I did say that! But anything lewd is out of the question, I said no lewd things!!”
She’s mentioned it far too many times. How has my character been input as such a lewd figure in her mind? It’s extremely unpleasant.
“There’s no way I would do such lewd things, you fool.”
“Won’t do it?”
“Of course not.”
Upon hearing my words, Mayudama-san visibly relaxed. She must have truly believed I would make her do something lewd.
How utterly displeasing.
“If that’s the case, then it’s fine. What the heck, after all, the god Inari told me to obey and serve my master, so that’s OK,” she acknowledged.
“Is that so, that’s good then… So…”
Saying so, I pointed firmly at Mayudama-san and gave her an order.
“Strip off your clothes and become completely naked.”
At that command, Mayudama-san’s face was one of utter shock, her ears sticking straight up, and all the hairs on her tail bristling.
“Just as I thought, ahhhh, you really do have lewd things on your mind, ahhh, humans are scary, can’t trust humans at all.”
“Oh, already, what a troublesome fox.”
“Mayudama-san is cute.”
