20—Late-night Talk

Fortunately, we encountered no issues on our way back, and eventually separated once we reached a wide street. She promised to bring me the money for her part of the deal that month tomorrow at noon, so we agreed to meet in front of the guild at that time.

When I reached the mansion, I smiled as I looked at the still-asleep Aina, and removed the note I had left for her just in case. I went down to get some dinner for when she woke up, and spend half an hour gazing at her peaceful sleeping face, trying and only partly succeeding in stilling my thoughts.

When she eventually awoke, she was very confused, and she told me that everything she felt, saw and heard was amplified, and it gave her a headache.

I guided her and tried to get her to limit her senses like I had done, and after a while, we succeeded. Her situation was now similar to mine, where all her senses were enhanced compared to before but not enough to overload her brain. She told me it felt amazing and, as someone who had gone through the same ordeal, I could second that.

We peacefully had dinner, both of us marvelling at the enhanced taste and smells, before getting out of our clothes, leaving only our underwear on, and laying in bed together. I used the opportunity to bring up our plans for the next day.

"Hey, Aina, tomorrow I'll introduce you to a new member for our party. Do you feel ready?"

She was quite surprised when I said that, her eyes widening as if she were a child.

"Really? I'm a bit scared, but if it was someone chosen by you, I'm sure they will be nice!" She replied, her trust in me bringing a warmth to my cheeks.

She threw me a cute smile, and it literally pierced my heart.

"Of course, she's a nice person, you'll like her," I told her, trying to act mysterious.

"Is it that purple-haired mage girl?" She asked innocently, yet somehow directly hitting the mark.

"Eh? How did you know?" I asked, wondering if she had planted a magical spycam on me, or something.

Her face was blank, betraying no emotion, as she replied, "Hmmm... Womanly instincts? I don't know, her face just popped into my mind suddenly."

"Damn, that's some good instincts you got there!" I said in a joking tone, while inwardly fearing for my future.

Feeling like I should enact retribution for some reason, I decided to tease her, quickly moving my hands to tickle her armpits.

She was unexpectedly sensitive, squirming and giggling uncontrollably under my ministrations.

When she finally managed to reel in her laughter, she said something outrageous out of the blue.

"So, are you planning to make her your lover, master?"

Her face showed no hints of mirth, just curiosity.

"Wh-what!? Of course not!" I replied, scandalized she would even suggest such a thing.

"Really? I mean, she's almost as unsightly as me, so that would be the normal answer, but you told me that your sense of beauty is completely different, so shouldn't she look beautiful to you? I thought that was the reason you invited her to the party..."

"Of course not! I mean, she is beautiful, but I invited her because if I didn't, she would get into trouble..."

"...If she's beautiful, why do you not want to make her your lover?"

I could not believe what she'd just said.

"Are you joking with me? Obviously, it's because I already have you! You're my lover, Aina! I don't want to cheat on you!"

She tilted her head, looking genuinely puzzled.

"But master, someone as great as you needs to have at least five lovers! Actually, since you like the women that society sees as ugly, you have to form a harem of at least ten girls!"

Once more, I could nary believe her words.

"But... I thought you would want me all for yourself, Aina... Wouldn't you be jealous?"

"What? Jealous? Of course not! As long as master continues to love me as much as the rest, I will be happy. In fact, I feel a bit uneasy being your only lover, I'm scared that you'll get bored of me quickly..."

Looking at her sad expression, I had the sudden urge to hug her, so I did. Her warm, slim body felt supreme when on mine, with my enhanced senses. I wrapped her slim torso around my arms and embraced her, as I whispered,

"Aina, I want you to know one thing. No matter what, I'll never get tired of you, and I'll always love you and cherish you. I promise. And, even if I get more lovers, you will always have a special place in my heart. After all, you were my first."

With her head against my chest, I couldn't see her expression, but judging by her reddened ears, she was happy with what I had just said.

We stayed like that for a while, basking in each other's warmth.