Chapter 116: Love Hotel
The hot spring resort's surroundings were far beyond ordinary beauty. Beyond the main path, the smaller roads wound gracefully through the landscape, paved with slick, glistening blue-gray stones that carried the scent of rain. The air was cool, tinged with the faint fragrance of moss and flowers. Each bend of the road revealed glimpses of koi ponds, red maple leaves, and wooden lanterns softly glowing in the mist.
Everywhere they looked, the buildings retained the refined charm of traditional Japanese design—sliding doors of rice paper, bamboo fences, and roofs tiled with weathered black clay. The air itself seemed slower here, as though time had paused to take a breath.
Guests dressed in colorful yukata strolled leisurely through the courtyards, geta sandals clacking softly against the stones. A young couple held hands, whispering quietly. A father carried his sleepy daughter on his back, her tiny sandals dangling. The rhythm of the footsteps echoed between the walls, fading into the sigh of distant cicadas.
Eventually, through the thin curtain of bamboo leaves, a secluded courtyard appeared, its gate carved with delicate motifs of cranes and waves.
"Kouya-san, this is the place," Hirata Sachiko said, walking briskly ahead. She took out a key, her fingers slender and professional, and opened the gate with a practiced motion.
As a designated "VIP guest," Kouya was granted the highest level of hospitality. The staff had been strictly instructed—no disturbances, no exceptions.
The courtyard opened up into a small paradise of elegance. A winding stone path led through a flower garden, still glistening from a light drizzle. Dewdrops clung to petals like pearls, and the air smelled fresh and vibrant. The sound of trickling water came from a bamboo fountain nearby, rhythmic and calming.
Inside, the corridors were narrow and refined, polished wood reflecting soft sunlight that streamed through paper windows. Hanging baskets of ivy and chrysanthemums lined the walkway, their colors gentle and serene.
Even the smallest details—the tatami mats, the bonsai in the corner, the faint aroma of incense—blended in perfect harmony.
"So beautiful," Vigne whispered, her eyes wide in awe. "It's like we stepped into a different world."
Raphiel smiled teasingly. "And we have our dear Kouya-kun to thank for that."
Rikka raised her fist proudly. "Our hero is amazing!"
Satania crossed her arms, chin up. "Hmph! Of course. As my underling, he's expected to impress me."
Gabriel didn't even look up from her console. "Still losing… stupid game. Maybe I really should pay to win…"
"As long as everyone's comfortable," Hirata said softly, bowing again. Her movements were smooth, every motion carrying years of training.
She spared another glance toward Kanna, watching the small dragon girl tug curiously at her sleeves. Turning back to Kouya, she added, "For the next two days, this courtyard will belong entirely to you. No staff will enter without direct permission."
"Appreciate it," Kouya replied. He knew her deference stemmed from more than business courtesy but didn't bother clarifying.
Hirata handed him the key with both hands and bowed once more. "If you require anything—meals, arrangements, or personal service—please call me directly."
"Understood."
When Hirata left, Satania leaned close, curiosity sparkling in her red eyes. "Hey, why was that lady treating you like some kind of noble?"
"I helped her once," Kouya said simply.
"Hmm… still suspicious," Satania muttered, pouting.
You idiot, can't you take a hint? Just let it go!
"Let's look around!" Vigne suggested cheerfully.
The group wandered inside. The air carried a pleasant warmth, the faint hum of cicadas outside mixing with the quiet creak of the floorboards. Kouya trailed behind them, sipping a bottle of chilled tea.
Suddenly, the silence shattered with a chorus of shocked voices.
"Pervert!"
"Shameless!"
"What the hell is this?!"
Kouya blinked and stepped forward.
The master bedroom was vast—easily sixty square meters—with a bed so large it could host a festival. But the real shock came from everything around it: a ridiculous flood of pink rose petals covering the sheets, mirrors surrounding the bed from floor to ceiling, a glass-walled bathroom, and—was that—a vending machine selling adult toys?
Kouya froze. His mind blanked.
Raphiel clasped her hands together and smiled devilishly. "Ara, ara… so this is a Love Hotel setup? Kouya-kun, you have… interesting tastes."
Hey! Don't make it sound like I planned this!
Gabriel wrinkled her nose. "Hentai."
Not helping! The room wasn't even my choice!
Rikka blushed, her ahoge twitching. "Hero… pervert hero…"
Stop learning bad habits, you fool!
Satania puffed her chest dramatically. "Hah! To think my subordinate would dare prepare such a sinful lair without informing his superior first!"
Who's the subordinate here, exactly?!
"This will corrupt Kanna-chan's innocence!" Vigne scolded, face red as she turned to Kouya. "Let's check another room before she sees too much!"
They moved to the next bedroom, thankfully much smaller and normal in design—clean futons, wooden chests, and plain walls. Everyone sighed in relief.
"Let's see the hot spring," Vigne said quickly.
The backyard opened into a vast open-air bath. Steam rose in silky veils above the water, drifting into the forest beyond. The smooth stones around the pool glistened in the sunlight, and faint ripples danced on the surface.
"It's beautiful," Vigne murmured.
Raphiel rested a finger on her lips, pretending to think. "This reminds me of a movie I watched last night—a snake spirit and a scholar sharing a hot spring…"
Shut up! That's not the same thing!
"And then while they were swimming, they… did unspeakable things. The snake looked like she enjoyed every second."
What kind of twisted movie was that?!
Everyone knew snakes mated for twelve hours straight. No way that could be fun for a human! Humanity's average is ten minutes! And let's not even talk about those poor species that barely last ten seconds…
The saddest story in history:
Girl: "Did we even start yet?"
Boy: "…It's already over."
"…"
"Enough, Raphiel," Vigne said, cheeks burning. "Anyway, it's lunchtime. We'll eat first, then come back for the bath."
Kanna raised her hand eagerly. "Food!"
Vigne flipped through the resort guide, found the nearest restaurant, and led the group out.
The restaurant's wide windows let in streams of warm light. The buffet tables gleamed with rows of dishes—grilled fish, rice bowls, sashimi, tempura, and desserts lined neatly like an edible rainbow.
They bought a group ticket and took a seat by the window. Steam rose from the plates, filling the air with savory aromas.
"Kanna-chan, you can eat anything you want," Vigne said gently.
Kanna pressed her cheeks with both hands, her blue eyes shining like stars. "Oooh—!"