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We just barely made it in time for the final orders at the dining hall. After satisfying our hunger, we decided to head together to the large public bath, which happened to be open that day.

Lately, I’d been pushing myself pretty hard, and since I’d been off doing my own thing apart from everyone else, it somehow felt like it had been a long time since we were all together like this.

“Ehehe, big baths feel so nice~”

Alfe, having finished washing herself, was happily playing with the water in the bath. She had cast Create Water without an incantation, filling the surface of the tub with floating water lilies—proof that her training was coming along very well.

“This atmosphere is really something~ I love it,” Numelin said, delighted by the flowers Alfe had created.
“If only this were a medicinal bath, we could get rid of some of the fatigue,” Vannabelle added, stretching her arms as she rubbed sleep from her eyes.
“Nyaha~ That’s something to look forward to after the Zersteller, right?”
“Totally~ Ms. Matilda even said there might be rewards after it’s over~”

As expected of the Zersteller—it seemed that the teachers would also be there, either as judges or spectators. Most likely, just like in the class-versus-class mock battle, Ms. Matilda would be assigned to the medical team. Judging by how intense Estea’s performance was in the exhibition match, there were probably going to be quite a few injuries this time too.

“Rewards are great and all, but what I need is relief now… Like, ugh, I’m sore all over.”
“Ah, that’s right. If you’re feeling worn out, I’ve got some Arna, the traditional all-purpose ointment of the demi-human tribes. Want some?”

At Farah’s sudden offer, I perked up. I’d never heard of this Arna ointment before, so my curiosity was piqued.

“Oh, that stuff… Yeah, it works, but I’m good. Nume’s got something that’s enough for me.”

Vannabelle declined gently, and nearby, Hom was starting to fidget restlessly, clearly uneasy.

While her recovery from fatigue and injuries was far faster than that of a normal human, Hom had been pushing herself a lot lately. Maybe she really did want to try the Arna ointment.

“If it’s all right… could Hom use some of it, Farah?”
“Of course. I brought it just in case someone might need it—I’ll share it around after the bath.”

When I spoke up from the side, Farah gladly agreed to let us use the Arna.

After returning to our room, I unwrapped the bundle of Arna all-purpose ointment that Farah had given me—and found a surprising note included with it.

“…Ah. So that’s what it was…”

Upon seeing it, I had a better sense of why Vannabelle, who seemed to be familiar with the ointment’s properties, had turned it down so vaguely.

Apparently, this ointment was designed to take advantage of the beastkin races’ instinct to lick their wounds—such as feline and beastkin tribes. To apply it properly, you were meant to place it on your tongue and lick it onto the affected area, mixing it with saliva as you spread it.

“Is something the matter, Master?”
“No, I was just thinking… it really does have a unique application method, fitting for something rooted in demi-human tradition.”

I could understand now why Vannabelle had been hesitant. Well, I was Hom’s master—and family—so I had no issue with it. But I wondered if Hom might be uncomfortable with the idea.

“This ointment… apparently you’re supposed to lick it on, using your tongue. That’s how it works.”
“…With your tongue…?”

Hom repeated the method in a puzzled tone. Judging from her reaction, she didn’t seem to dislike the idea, but something about it was clearly on her mind.

“Is something bothering you?”
“Yes. Since you recover through the goddess’ aether, is it really okay for you to use this, Master?”

Ah… she was worried about me.

The tongue was similar to a mucous membrane, and the rate of absorption for substances applied that way was likely high. Still, the surface area wasn’t large, so the total amount absorbed would probably be minimal. If it weren’t, this method of application would never have become widespread.

“Well, it’s an herbal blend, so at most it probably just helps you feel a bit better. I’m not sure how much of its effect will be neutralized by my aether, though.”

In any case, it would likely have only a faint, sample-sized effect on me. At the very least, I was certain it wouldn’t have any harmful effects—so I decided to give the Arna a try before Hom got too sleepy.

“Hom, can you lift your shirt and show me your back?”
“Yes, Master.”

Hom nodded, lifted her shirt, and lay down on her stomach on the bed. When I opened the lid of the jar containing the Arna, a sweet, curious fragrance wafted up from the milky-white ointment.

“Alright then, let’s start applying it to your back.”
“Yes… I’m in your care.”

I scooped up some Arna with my finger and placed it on my tongue, then ran my tongue along Hom’s smooth, pale back. Whether from nervousness or the sensation tickling her, her body flinched sharply.

The ointment, with its smooth consistency, mixed with my saliva and melted gently into her skin. I added a little more and made sure to work it thoroughly into her back—especially around the shoulder blades, which seemed particularly tense. Hom shifted restlessly, a frustrated expression crossing her face.

“…Nnh… ah…”
“You alright, Hom?”

Hearing her faint, strained little moans, I paused and asked her. She looked back at me with flushed cheeks and moist eyes, nodding.

“I-It feels… good…”
“I’m glad to hear that.”

Hom squirmed softly beneath me, but it seemed the ointment was working quite effectively.

“Ah… ahh… nn… ku… ngh…”

As I felt the tension drain from her body, the sounds she let out gradually took on a sweeter, more needy tone. Her voice—somewhere between a whimper and a plea—was so tender, it made me want to soothe her even more.

“Shall I do your shoulders and neck too? It’ll probably help clear your head.”
“Yes…”

Her voice, thick with drowsy warmth, matched the dazed look in her eyes. It was clear that this ointment worked wonders—though I could see how the application method meant you’d have to be very selective about who applied it. Just as I was about to move to her neck—

“Leafa…? Hom…?”

A stunned voice called out from the room’s entrance.

“Alfe?”
“Lady Alfe!”

Our voices overlapped almost perfectly. Alfe stared at us, then slowly shook her head and began backing away timidly.

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