I am not totally oblivious to what's happening. I happen to be a bit of a nerd and have read all sorts of novels. This is one recurring theme in the eastern media- the main character being summoned as a hero in another world, tasked to defeat the demon king.
That immediately entered my head when the king first uttered the word "hero" and, at first, I was not liking it. Me, a hero tasked to defeat the demon king? I didn't want to be transmigrated to another world just to be given an unwanted quest and work my ass off.
Unexpectedly, though, the king's words have been very pleasant. From his words, intonation, and everyone's gazes, the "Hero" may be more important than just a simple summoned soldier to add to their manpower.
I have to clarify this.
"Your Highness, I hear that you are referring to me as a hero. What does this exactly mean?"
The king laughed, "Let's not talk here. You must be shocked and confused so let my retainers help you relax and we'll talk over a feast. Today is a special day in the Kingdom of mine and my predecessors. In the hundreds of years we are warring against the other races, humans are the first to summon an otherworlder! What a glorious day!"
Other races… so it's not the typical story of just defeating the demon king or something?
"Everyone, prepare for the feast. Minister Lou, I'll leave that to you."
Another old man with long robes at the foot of the staircase leading to the throne kneeled and replied.
"As you wish, Your Majesty!"
"The summoning has been successful, let this day be of celebration! Take the Hero to cool down and ready him for the feast. Please, Hero, follow the servants as they can give you refreshments. Worry not, all of your questions will be answered later as we prepare a fitting occasion."
The king clapped, and a unison of women in maid outfits came to Aust.
"Oh, Great Hero. I am honored to serve you. Please, let us," one leading maid came forward to lead Aust.
The more I hear about it, the more I like the situation. These beautiful women are serving me? Wehehehhehe. A weird laugh echoed in my head as I think of all the fantasies I would like to let these women fulfill.
They first brought me to take a bath.
"Great Hero, if you would be comfortable about it, may we accompany you to a bath? We assume, as an otherworlder, you may find it difficult to navigate the bathroom. If only you would be so inclined."
The leading maid kneeled along with the other maids as if they were asking so much from me. Is there any reason to decline? No, actually, there are.
On one hand, I am super duper happy to be served and bathed by these beautiful maids! On the other hand, my little brother may get too excited by the idea, and I may show some shameful display of indecency.
From how they treat me, the title of Hero is highly respected. I don't want to risk ruining that image and at the same time, I have to know more about this world first. I just have an inkling that the setting is like that of that of the middles ages with castles and such, but we can never be too sure.
Surely, there's a thing called magic here. Right, right? How can they summon me if not? That is why I have to play safe, as this is a whole world of unknown. What if getting aroused at maids is seen as disrespectful and low? Wouldn't I ruin my image on the first day?
Thus, regretfully—
"I have to decline. All of this is new to me, but I can handle myself."
"Great Hero…" the leading maid shrank with disappointment, reluctant to let me go.
"Don't worry. The king wants me to be presentable, so I will do just as that."
The leading maid nodded with agreement, but there was still a tinge of reluctance in her eyes as she shyly looked up at me. Looks like I have to compromise. After all, while I want to play safe, I also have to conform. I can't resist much.
"Then, if it's alright, may one of you take care of me?"
The leading maid was immediately bolted with energy.
"Yes, Great Hero. I am forever grateful for your adjustments to this lowly me. Please, let me serve you to the best of my ability!"
Forever? Why does it seem like the title of "Hero" is revered like that of a god?
Well, you will not find me complaining. The greater the better!
"What's your name?"
"Yes, apologies for the lack of introduction. This lowly one is the head of the royal maids, Maria."
"Then, Maria, please guide me to take a bath."
"My pleasure!"
Maria is a middle-aged blonde beauty with a great body. She walked with grace, having the elegance and demeanor of a princess. At the same time, she has the strict and trained movements like that of a soldier. She efficiently took off my clothes. She even had her eyes closed upon removing my underwear, what professionalism.
I didn't stop her nor did I guide her how to remove my clothes. I expected her to clumsily look for ways how to unbutton my shirt and unzip my pants but it looks like she has developed skills to adapt quickly.
I wonder what she's thinking right now? Damn, such a beauty undressing me, I want to pounce on her right here right now!
— Calm down! Calm down, little one!
Let's learn more about this world first. Let's not let lust get in the way, okay? Once we are safe and secure, then we'll find a chance to pounce on her, got it?
My little brother sadly backed down and didn't come up for the time being.
Fortunately, I'm not some virgin who is troubled by this situation. Don't get me wrong, I am a virgin, I am just not troubled by the situation.
However, danger came when Maria began to undress herself.
Oh fuck!
I immediately turned around, and it seemed that she noticed.
"Ah-! I apologize, Great Hero. It must've been a shock to see a stranger undress in front of you! This is our custom when serving the royal family, such as the royal princess, but I have not thought of-"
"Don't be so uptight. It's fine." I interrupted Maria's explanation with a light tone. I have to show her that I'm not bothered by it to lighten up the mood, "I'll speak up when I am bothered by something."
"... yes!"
For a middle-aged woman, Maria sure is cute. She is experienced but can be clumsy at times, solely focusing on how to serve.
Fortunately, and unfortunately, Maria wrapped a towel around her and myself. It looks like I'm safe. So far I wasn't culture shocked.
"Please, Great Hero, follow me." Maria then led me into the bathroom, which was more spacious than I initially expected.
It's like an indoor hot spring with comfortable steam filling the room. It can be compared to a tourist attraction. There are trees planted and stone statues everywhere, filling the bathroom with an artistic and natural feeling.
There, at the center, was a statue of a lion head, hot water pouring from its mouth. I had the desire to run up to the pool and jump.
While I was admiring the scenery, I caught a glance to the side- a mirror. So, there are mirrors here in this world. I thought they wouldn't have one since they are in a middle ages setting. At least, not as clear as this one.
I looked up to it and saw my reflection. I needed a moment to process the information I'm taking. It's because I may be looking at a mirror but why am I seeing such a handsome young lad?
I almost let out a scream.
Kyaaaa—!
From the outside perspective, I just winched. I hope Maria didn't see that.
"Great Hero, please step into the bath and relax. I believe it is in a perfect temperature to soothe one's body."
"... yes."
I will look into this later. My face has changed, no doubt about it. I am no longer that ugly motherfucker I used to be.
Can I be honest? I was not actually that ugly. I just like to self-depreciate because I want to blame everything other than myself. In that way, I don't have the motive to change and stress myself. I'm not super duper celebrity-level handsome, but I have a good face.
So… I am having mixed feelings about the change in my appearance. At the same time, what a handsome lad I am! Hahahaha!
I stepped into the bath and followed Maria's guide. She cleaned me thoroughly and gently~ It beyond wonderful.
I also learned that they don't have soap and shampoo… hmm, that's one downside of a fantasy setting. But after Maria scrubbed me, she spoke, "Great Hero, I am about to use a magic spell that will cleanse your skin and hair."
… a magic spell?