My private room is right next to everyone else's. Since I just built this inn, I lead the three little ones inside.
"Alright, what should we do about the futons? One for each of you?"
"...Can't we all sleep together? Being alone is lonely," Labyris says.
"We've always slept as a trio until now," Filia adds.
Labyris and Filia seem fine with the arrangement, but Aslin is fidgeting restlessly.
"What's wrong, Aslin? Something bothering you?"
"U-Um... where should I... do my business? Is it... in the courtyard?"
...Ah, right. In medieval Europe, even castles used chamber pots and tossed the contents out the window to a designated area. Even in Japan, proper sewage systems only appeared around the Edo period... Was Edo during the Tokugawa Shogunate?
Well, whatever. Point is, at this world's cultural level, in rural areas, people probably just use rivers or designated outdoor spots.
"I-I'm about to go...!!"
"Wait! The toilet is right there!"
I quickly scoop Aslin up and dash into the bathroom.
"Aslin, sit on top of this. Do you know what a chamber pot is?"
"Yes!"
She immediately turns her back to me and tries to sit down. No, that's not how—! Actually, there's no point in explaining; she doesn't even know what a Western toilet is, let alone how to use one.
"Wait, gah! Aslin, sorry!"
"Hyaah! You can't, Yuki-san!"
I lift her up and turn her around to face me. Aslin is already at the breaking point. I spin her around mid-air—safe!
"Don't look! You mustn't stare so much!"
Aslin presses her hands against my face to block my vision. Wait, so doing it with her back turned was fine? Is it just embarrassing to do it face-to-face?
...Man, I really am just a full-time guardian now, aren't I?
"Auuu..."
After finishing, Aslin hides behind Labyris, red-faced with shame.
"...Yuki, no jumping straight into 'special' play. You should hold her normally first."
"?"
"HEY!! Labyris, where did you learn stuff like that!? Filia, don't listen to her!! Anyway, you saw how the toilet works, right? Remember it! I'm going to go teach the ladies next door how to use theirs. Keep Aslin calm for me."
I dash out of the room.
If I stay there, I feel like I'll turn into some kind of pervert.
* * *
"Hey—sorry, I forgot to explain the bathroom situation."
When I entered the women's room, Ratz dashed over to me.
"Onii-san, perfect timing! I was seconds away from a disaster!"
Ratz hops toward me with her legs pressed together. It looks remarkably natural—is that a Rabbit-kin trait?
"Eeei!! What is it!? Do you want to see me wet myself!! I'll do it right here!!"
"No, no, wait, wait!! Come here!!
Even Ratz has lost the composure to use her usual "~" tone.
"Alright, sit here like you're in a chair!"
"I don't even have time to retort!! Like this!!"
"Use it like that!!"
"Got it, Onii-san!!"
The moment she's set, I slam the door shut. I won't repeat the mistake I made with Aslin. I am a man who learns.
Immediately after the door closes, I hear the sound of water falling... Well, she was holding it in, so hearing it was an occupational hazard.
"Phew... absolute heaven."
"When you're done, see that white paper? Wipe with that, throw it inside, then pull that silver lever. It'll flush away."
"Wait!! Wipe with paper!? What kind of luxury is this!?"
"I know it's weird, but get used to it. That's the standard here."
"And... flush? This thing? Ohhh! It's all going away!"
A moment later, Ratz emerges from the bathroom with a look of pure bliss.
"What is this 'all-inclusive' toilet? Is that what it was called?"
"Close enough. Make sure to teach the others."
"Sure thing~ But man... maybe I should have let you carry me to the toilet too?"
...Already did that once today.
* * *
"Eris, how are you doing with the futons? Any problems?"
"Um... is this correct?"
She looks unsure as she gestures to the bedding.
"Yeah, that's right. The firm one goes on the bottom, and the soft one goes on top."
"...Between the toilet and this. I feel like I'm in some strange dream."
"Give up and get used to it."
"...I will do my best."
"We have a lot to discuss tomorrow. For now, just rest."
"..."
Eris looks like someone who won't be getting any mental rest tonight, but it can't be helped. This is "normal" for me, and I intend to make it the standard for them too.
"Oh, and if you get thirsty, twist the tap over here like in the bath. Put the water in this kettle, press this button, and it'll turn into hot water. Cups are here. If you put these tea bags in, you get tea."
"...My common sense really doesn't apply in this place anymore, does it?"
She rubs her forehead in disbelief.
Good luck. I'm leaving the explanations to everyone up to you.
Alright, time to sleep. I'm definitely not dumping this on her because it's a pain. I'm just... worried about the three in my room. Yes, that's it! Duty as a guardian!
* * *
"...You're late. Filia is already asleep."
"Um, do we sleep on this grass-like floor (tatami)?"
"Nyu...zzz."
Filia is already drifting off. Coming back early was the right call.
"Sorry. Let's all sleep together today. I'll lay out the futons."
I quickly set up bedding for the group. One adult and three kids—this should be plenty.
"I'll sleep in the middle, so you two pick a side. Where should Filia go?"
"Um, she has a habit of holding hands while sleeping, so she should probably be next to me," Aslin says.
"Right, so next to Aslin. Let's not overthink this. Labyris on my right, Aslin on my left, and Filia next to her."
I gently lift Filia and tuck her in. Aslin lies down while holding Filia's hand. I settle into the center.
"Hm? Labyris, not sleeping?"
"...Nothing. I just never thought a day would come where I could sleep like this. I was always alone."
"I see. Well, you'll have to get used to it. Here."
"Kya!?"
I scoop her up and toss her onto the futon.
"Turning off the lights now."
"...I wish you'd be a bit more gentle."
"...It's so fluffy."
"...Yeah. It feels like a lie that just yesterday we were huddling together under tattered rags."
"Hey, you two, lift your heads for a sec."
"What is it?"
"...?"
The moment they lift their heads, I slide my arms under them.
"There. I'm a restless sleeper. If I flail my arms, I might hit you, so do me a favor and pin them down with your heads."
"Okay..."
"...I'll take your word for it."
Alright, I've hit my limit too. Aslin and Filia are already breathing softly. They must be exhausted. Traveling all the way to a dungeon as slaves with those small bodies... it makes sense. As I think about this, my consciousness starts to fade.
"...Hey, Yuki. You awake?"
"...Yeah?"
Labyris, resting her head on my right arm, is staring at me. I can only manage a mumbled response.
