As a leader, Crusch really did understand what her people needed; she simply announced a celebration on the spot.
No one objected.
Even Wilhelm agreed—his great vengeance was finally fulfilled, the wish in his chest cooled and at peace.
The celebration was simple: no wine, no dancing, just so at thrown over the fire. But it was enough. No one complained.
Shichen was the busiest person there. Everyone used the chance to co thank him, strike up a conversation, try to get close. He didn't put on any cold airs—he answered one by one, chatting and laughing.
Emilia and Rem flanked him—one tilting her head with a constant smile as she watched him, the other thoughtfully feeding him bites.
By the ti the celebration wound down, dusk had fallen. They packed up and went straight back to the royal capital.
The streets had emptied earlier, but the noise of the returning party drew people out one after another to see what had happened.
They'd never imagined the expedition would return so soon.
Had they failed?
Had they fled?
But when they saw the party not only intact, but joking and laughing, they realized what it ant.
"Crusch-sama! Does this an—?" soone couldn't help shouting.
Crusch didn't intend to hide anything. "Yes—we've slain the White Whale! Felled by Emilia's knight—Shichen."
She made no move to steal credit.
Her pride wouldn't allow it, and she was proud of Shichen besides.
Most importantly, she needed to put Shichen before the public—make sure everyone knew his na.
"Wooo!"
"Fantastic! The White Whale's finally been brought down!"
"Amazing!"
The crowd boiled over—cheering, laughing aloud.
No one bothered just then about who had done it. All that mattered to the people was that the White Whale was dead.
Later, when they looked back—and as the story was retold—Shichen's na would spread.
And there would be many willing to spread it.
That night the capital was raucous—the news of the Whale's death rippled across the city. Everyone celebrated.
Shichen and company stayed the night at House Karsten. Even from the mansion, they could easily hear the city's excitent.
"Shichen, how's this pressure?"
Splash… splash…
"Mmm… just right." Eyes closed, Shichen leaned back against Rem as she massaged his shoulders from behind, the corner of his mouth lifted, content plain to see.
They were both in the bath.
Rem wasn't wearing a towel.
So what Shichen enjoyed wasn't only the massage.
It wasn't the first ti, but it was the first ti in the bath. With the water, the sensation was different—softer, slicker.
"Hehe~ glad to hear it." Rem happily continued kneading his shoulders.
They had the bath to themselves, light steam hanging in the air, no one to interrupt.
Just in case, Shichen had also sealed the entrance.
Not that he feared Emilia would stumble in—he was guarding against Ferris barging through. That one never seed to care what sex he was; what if he ruined the mont?
"Think it's fine we're not heading back?" Shichen asked lazily.
"It's fine."
"You're not worried about your sister?"
"Ram can handle herself. Besides, she wants ti alone with Roswaal-sama."
"That's true…"
"What a pity—Ram's already smitten with Roswaal-sama. Otherwise you could have scooped her up too," Rem said, regretful.
"Ahem—what are you talking about?"
"Just stating facts. You're so exceptional. She'd be happy with you—and we sisters could be together all the ti."
"Best sister, huh…"
"Right~"
"In that case, let spoil you properly."
Shichen opened his eyes and turned to Rem, staring straight at her.
"Here?" Rem asked, bright with expectation.
"…You don't like it?"
"No—here is perfect!" Rem answered, thrilled.
"Why?"
"It's Crusch-sama's turf. Exactly the right place to leave sothing behind," Rem said.
"Are you serious? The pool gets cleaned—"
"That's fine too. Either way, even if Crusch-sama throws herself at you one day, she'll only be second."
"…"
Wrong as the logic was, Shichen still indulged her for a long while.
When the song ended, Rem was too spent to move, sleepy-eyed. Shichen dried her off, dressed her in a bathrobe, and carried her out.
"Crusch?" He hadn't expected to find her at the door.
"Shichen…" Crusch's eyes flicked to the dozing Rem in his arms; her cheeks were slightly flushed.
That wasn't from the heat of a bath.
"When did you get here?" Shichen asked calmly.
He had set up soundproofing; he didn't believe she'd heard anything—and even if she had, he wouldn't have minded.
"A little while…" Crusch answered, hesitant.
"I see. Heading in to bathe?"
"Mhm. Just finished with work…" She nodded.
She didn't have much to do that day—but tomorrow would be different.
The higher-ups would co to ask about slaying the White Whale. Others would want to know if she had done it. Still others would co seeking marriage—despite her having publicly declared she already had soone in mind.
Slaying the Whale would make her fa unprecedented. So things were simply worth it.
"Then go on. It's late," Shichen said, stepping aside.
"Mmm…" Crusch slipped into the bath.
It was late; she'd been waiting out here for quite a while.
She might be slow with feelings, but she wasn't ignorant. With Shichen and Rem in there that long—alone—there was no way nothing had happened.
She found herself glancing around that familiar bath, even sniffing at the air, as if so trace might remain.
Naturally—nothing.
The water was fresh, too.
Then… where in here had they done it? And in what positions?
The questions were all she could think about as she soaked.
…
The next morning, callers arrived early—and in droves—for Crusch.
Shichen, anwhile, took Emilia and the others back to Roswaal's mansion.
He trusted Crusch wouldn't swallow the credit—in fact, that she'd trumpet both him and Emilia. He knew her well enough for that.
And so it proved. The very next day, Shichen received word—along with the official distribution of credit for the Whale's defeat.
Unsurprisingly, he was credited the most; Emilia ca next, followed by Wilhelm and the rest.
So didn't want to believe it, but Crusch's stance was rock-solid.
Which ant more people in the capital now supported Emilia.
Then the callers began—people coming to Roswaal's manor to pay respects to Emilia, and to et Shichen.
Roswaal's place had never been so lively; every day a stream of visitors.
It went on for over a week.
"I'm exhausted…" Shichen groaned, sprawled on Emilia's bed.
"I'm even more tired," Emilia said with a smile.
"I've got it worse, okay? I hate this sort of thing," Shichen shot back.
"Do you? But they ca for you," Emilia teased.
"Boring. I'd rather be with you."
"Mmm…" Emilia grew flustered.
She knew all too well he didn't just an sitting together—there were those "developnt checks," too. So bad.
"Emilia, c're." Sensing her shy spell, Shichen beckoned.
"W-what for?" she edged closer carefully.
When she reached him, he yanked her down into his arms, laying her on top of him.
"Mm… Shichen." She shot him a mock glare.
He grinned and lifted his head to kiss her.
"Emilia, you're so cute."
"You… what are you trying to do? It's the middle of the day."
"It's not like we haven't before." His hands began to wander.
"Mm…" Emilia stiffened, words failing, her cheeks flushing hotter, eyes misting as her breathing turned shallow.
Lying on top was awkward, so Shichen held her, rolled, and swapped positions—him above, looking down at her.
"Shichen…" Emilia breathed.
"Mm." His fingers drifted and pressed.
"I… I have a question…"
"What is it?"
"How do you… make a baby?"
~~~
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