Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 226

 "… Do I have to take everything off?"

I understand it in my head, but stripping naked outside of a bath still feels quite uncomfortable.

"Yes. We've confirmed that all beneficial items have been removed, but since you have your familiars..."

It seems there's no room for negotiation.

"Akame, Shirojita, it's because of you two."

I spoke to the two creatures coiled around my left arm, but they ignored me.

"Ha..."

Reluctantly, I took off everything and handed it over, then another servant came around behind me.

"Excuse me."

Saying this, they gathered my hair at the top of my head and started wrapping it tightly.

Are they making a bun?

They're probably ensuring that my hair doesn't cast a shadow on my back.

Such thoroughness... They are well-trained, as expected of the Queen's attendants.

"Please follow me."

The martial arts tournament was over, and there was about a week left until Seriana's wedding.

Recently, the number of casual visitors had decreased, replaced by her friends visiting the detached palace. They must have come to the royal capital to attend the wedding.

While enjoying the blessings of Mira, they chatted happily.

Given the youth of the company, my task of idly sitting with them on my lap for an hour was an easy one... until a major request came in.

It was an official request from the Queen.

Calling me directly would require troublesome procedures, so as a formality, Elisha, who saw me accompanying Seriana at a tea party she was invited to, mentioned the blessings of Mira she received before. The Queen showed interest, and that’s how it led to this.

Nevertheless, I was thrown into the servant's waiting room opposite the Queen's chambers, with no chance to object to this situation.

◇

"Thank you for coming. It's our first meeting, isn't it?"

The last meeting in the private room doesn’t count, it seems.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sera."

I bowed slightly, putting my hands on my hips while standing. The people around seemed a bit flustered, but I didn't mind.

"Oh? I was thinking of relaxing you if you were nervous... but you seem fine?"

Elisha made a squeezing gesture while laughing.

"Stop it... How am I supposed to maintain any decorum in this outfit?"

Apart from the three of us, there were three female knights from the guard, eight maids, and attendants in neat uniforms. And there I was, stark naked.

... What if this awakens something in me?

"I'm sorry. The chief steward insisted on this due to your familiars."

For some reason, the Queen apologized as she undressed. A chemise? Slip? Camisole? I wasn't sure, but she was in one of those.

"Why is the Queen undressing as well...?"

After undressing, she removed the various ornaments she was wearing. Quite a lot of them...

"Does it hurt?"

"What... Ah!"

It's for me!

"That's... I'm sorry."

She might seem stern, but she might not be so intimidating after all.

"Don't worry about it. Seria, what do you usually do?"

"I usually hold them like a pillow while sleeping. They have a weak effect even without doing anything... It's not very practical due to the time it takes."

"That's why you're called a girl with childish hobbies."

Elisha's exasperated voice. That rumor has spread in the palace too.

"Recently, others have been placing them on their laps while seated. You also did that on the ship, Elisha."

Listening to Seriana's explanation, the Queen seemed to be contemplating. Considering her status, it was probably only for today, so she was likely looking for an efficient method.

"Sera, what about you?"

"…Lying down with them on top of me is the most efficient. I can use my hands too."

If there's enough space and time, this is the best method for covering a large area.

She pondered for a moment, then raised her head as if deciding.

"... I see. Then let's do that. Should I lie on the bed?"

"Yes. Please lie on your back."

The Queen's bed... Is it better than Elisha's?