NOVEL NEXT Chapter 92.1
Stage-Sub. Alice’s Special Bed
“…ce…! …Alice…!”
“Hnn…?”
A small sound stirs near my ear.
My consciousness wavers between the dream world and reality, making it hard to understand clearly.
I fight off the drowsiness and focus all my attention on the sound.
“Alice…! Wake up…!”
The moment I realize it’s the voice of my beloved master, I spring upright, kneeling on my bed.
“My deepest apologies, Ouga-sama! To think I wouldn’t notice your summons—Ouga-sama?”
But Ouga-sama is nowhere to be seen.
I could have sworn I heard his voice… Huh!?
“Could it be… I imagined it because I love him too much…?”
“No! I’m right here!”
I strain my ears once more, turning my gaze toward the source of the voice.
It’s… near my pillow?
But there’s no way Ouga-sama could be—
“…What!?”
There he is.
Not in the form I expected, but there he is, hopping around by my pillow, desperately trying to get my attention—tiny and adorable.
“So cute!!!”
W-what an impossibly cute figure! Wait, no, that’s not it!
What on earth is going on here!?
Ouga-sama, now the size of a doll.
“Ouga-sama! Is this an enemy attack by Frone!?”
“…I don’t know. When I woke up, I was like this.”
“I see… My apologies, Ouga-sama. I have no knowledge of such phenomena either…”
“It’s fine. I’m not here to ask for a solution… Alice. Listen carefully. I’ll only say this once.”
“Yes, sir!”
I focus all my attention on Ouga-sama’s words.
I won’t miss a single syllable; I’ll etch them into my mind.
“Can I sleep next to you tonight?”
“…Huh?”
His request instantly shatters my concentration.
“L-Ouga-sama!? What did you just say…?”
“I told you, I’ll only say it once.”
“S-so, my ears weren’t imagining you saying, ‘Can I sleep next to you?'”
Ouga-sama looks away, slightly embarrassed, and nods.
Oh, the way my heart flutters at his endearing expression!
But no, I mustn’t let my emotions get the better of me.
Ouga-sama’s words always have meaning. He wouldn’t have come to my bedroom without a reason.
“…Is this for security, just in case?”
“…Exactly. I can’t say Frone is behind this, but I can’t rule it out either.”
“Understood. With all my strength, I shall protect your life, Ouga-sama.”
“…Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“This is my duty. Ouga-sama, please allow me to lift you with my hand.”
“Ah, alright.”
Ouga-sama moves his tiny limbs with all his might and sits on my outstretched palm.
His form is so precious that I want to capture it with a magical camera, but this is an emergency.
I shake my head; this is no time for frivolity.
“Ouga-sama, I must show you something unsightly. Please forgive me.”
“Hm? What are you—A-Alice!?”
I unbutton a few buttons of my pajama top with my free hand, hooking my finger onto the binding fabric beneath and tearing it apart.
“Phew…”
The release from the constricting chest wrap is a relief.
While wearing it helps me move better, Ouga-sama’s safety takes precedence.
“A-Alice! What are you doing!?”
“It’s necessary for protecting you, Ouga-sama.”
“W-what does showing your cleavage have to do with my protection!?”
“It’s so I can act immediately in case of an attack.”
Watching over Ouga-sama as he sleeps is one option, but being stared at might make him uncomfortable.
Given the situation, I must ensure his peace of mind for a restful sleep.
Having him near me, where I can quickly respond, is the best choice.
Besides, I’ve heard that a woman’s chest can soothe a man’s heart.
The larger, the more effective—hence, my makeshift “pillow” for Ouga-sama tonight.
“Come, Ouga-sama. Please, don’t hesitate to settle in.”
“Wh-what, Alice…? Y-you’re serious about this…?”
“Yes. I assure you, this is the optimal solution.”
Being wrapped in warm human skin should help him fall asleep quickly.
After a moment of hesitation, Ouga-sama groans and nods, seemingly convincing himself.
“…Fine. If you insist…”
“Thank you.”
“But! Don’t tell Mashiro or the others about this! Understand!?”
“Of course.”
If word got out, I’d be subjected to envious glares all day long.
To maintain good relations with them, I won’t make such a mistake.
“…Alright, do it… Alice.”
“If anything feels uncomfortable, please let me know.”
With delicate care, I place Ouga-sama gently in my cleavage.
“Mm…”
“I-I’m sorry…!”
“Please, Ouga-sama. Focus only on finding the best position to rest.”
“A-alright… so soft…”
Ouga-sama adjusts himself a few times, moving hands and feet as he settles into the space.
Each movement tickles, making me want to cry out, but I bite my lip and endure.
Watching over him as he shifts, I clasp my hand over my mouth, determined not to worry him.
“Th-this is good…”
“U-understood… Please rest well, Ouga-sama.”
“Yeah… Good night…”
Returning to bed, I lie flat to ensure Ouga-sama stays comfortable.
I place a hand lightly over my chest to keep him secure and pull the blanket over us.
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