I was sleeping in my room at my parents' house when the sliding door opened and my beloved dogs came in. They were old dogs that I had taken in and cared for, and there were actually two of them.
I called him Pero because he liked to lick my cheeks and would sit on either side of me to lick mine. At first, he would nudge me with his snout or stick out his tongue shyly, but little by little he opened up more and started licking me all over. I was happy that they were affectionate, so I petted them too.
Then another Pero came out from the other side of the sliding door. I thought, "Oh no, the third one is going to lick me in the front," but then it bared its fangs and started threatening me with a fierce "Ahrrr." The other dogs that were there first ran frantically to a corner of the room. When I looked closely at its back, I saw that it didn't have any balls, so I assumed it was a female.
After chasing the others away, it licked my cheek and then returned behind the sliding door, where it was so dark I couldn't see anything.
Ah, it was just a dream. I was happy to see the dog after so long, that's all. Haha, there's no ending, it was just a dream.
...By the way, why are Irene and Ursuna drenched in sweat?
We were talking about that dream while changing the sheets on the bed.
When I woke up in the morning, the bed was soaked. We had all slept together, so I guess we had sweated a lot. I guess I needed a bath, because I smelled terrible, like fish.
Plus, my fingers were dry and flaky. It felt weird to be sweaty, so I licked them to see what they tasted like, and for some reason, Irene and Ursuna blushed bright red and looked down. I rarely see Ursuna's embarrassed face, let alone Irene's, so I felt like I had received a real gift that morning. In this world, there are many breasts and butts, but embarrassment is rare, so I am happy.
Irene and Ursuna looked a little sleep deprived, with dark circles under their eyes. Maybe they didn't sleep well because they were lying next to someone as stiff as me. On the other hand, their skin was incredibly glowing, so maybe the quality of their sleep was good. The bed at the noble's house was soft and fluffy, and I slept soundly too. I'm in good shape!
The maids brought us breakfast. Since I hadn't been invited, the count probably didn't want to see me. However, I was grateful that the three of us could eat together.
When I handed over the changed sheets after breakfast, the one who looked like a femboy chuckled.
"You had fun last night."
"What are you talking about?"
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After breakfast, I got bored, so I decided to take a walk around the mansion.
No, the truth is, there's nothing to do. I can't read, so I can't read books. I wonder how people killed time back then...
That's right, I thought it might be nice to go for a run, so I came to the garden.
As expected of an earl's residence, it was a magnificent sight. I thought there wouldn't be many flowers since it was autumn, but there were a variety of pink, orange, and white flowers blooming everywhere. I don't know what the flowers in this world are called, but they are all varieties that are not found in my world. Unfortunately, I don't have the delicate aesthetic sense to be moved by flowers, but even I was captivated. The gardener has done an excellent job.
In a corner of this colorful garden, there was another visitor.
He was a gentle man in his 40s wearing an elegant suit, and I am sure he was introduced as the Count's husband during yesterday's treatment.
"Good morning."
"Oh, Santo. Good morning. Thank you for yesterday."
I imagine he must come from a very distinguished family to be welcomed as the husband of a count, but the husband bowed repeatedly to me with a very shy look on his face.
The countess looked like a true heroine, but her husband was very humble. Perhaps he doesn't have much self-confidence. Even if he considers me a saint, I'm just a commoner, so I think he could be more generous to me.
Well... I heard that my wife misbehaved last night. I'm very sorry.
"It's okay. It was just an attempted crime."
Rather, it was Deabolica who did something, so we should be the ones apologizing. I thought they would find Deabolica dead in the morning, but he was having breakfast in a good mood. It seems that the Count really let him get away with it.
...I wonder if he's really okay. Considering how he pretends to be a strategist, his behavior last night seemed a little unusual to me, or rather, a little careless. I hope he's not so enthusiastic about the treasure, which is far beyond his means, that he loses sight of himself. Or maybe he needs the money urgently? But whatever the circumstances, I can't ignore someone who tries to extort money or valuables from me through blackmail. Especially if they're using me as a target.
"I'm very sorry for my partner's rudeness... No matter what he asks you about last night, you can refuse."
However, at my words, my husband shook his head and looked down dejectedly.
"No, I'm willing to give you whatever you want. It's my fault. That my wife will try to rape you despite the concubines she dominates... It's my fault for being so useless. If only I had done my job properly...
"If you don't mind, I'd like to hear your story. They say that insecurity stems from the mind and perception, and if I can cheer you up by telling someone about your concerns, you'll be less likely to blame yourself.
I usually act like I don't care what others think of me, but I'm going to try something a little unusual... Since the Count didn't confirm the answers to my questions yesterday, I feel unsatisfied.
"If the saint says so..."
Then the husband began to tell me the story of his life.
His name is Midler, and he comes from a different family of counts. He is about seven years older than the countess.
He was not in good health and did not marry until he was about 20, but the previous count asked him to become his son-in-law.
The relationship between her and Count Rose was good, and the year after Midler joined the family, they had a daughter. Count Rose was very happy and grateful to Midler.
However, this firstborn child died shortly after birth. It was not an accident or illness, but a natural death. Many children of noble families are born with weak constitutions, and only a few reach adulthood. It is said that children with particularly high magical powers are especially prone to dying prematurely. High magical powers are also something to consider...
The following year, she gave birth to a second and third child, but they also died within a few years. Apparently, this was due to illness. This world was plagued by deadly diseases such as smallpox, plague, and measles. However, there was no established treatment for these diseases, so the infant mortality rate was high even among the nobility. This seemed to be something the count had to endure mentally.
Even so, until she was 20, she and her husband worked hard every night to have a successor of their bloodline. However, no matter how hard they tried, their children died young. They had one son who survived, but as he was a boy, he was not generally considered a legitimate heir.
It was the wife who suggested taking a concubine. Naturally, she was in poor health and suspected that there might be a problem with her offspring. During their married life, while the count had a strong sexual appetite, Midler was rather indifferent, and it seems that she had never been able to fully satisfy him.
So they took concubines from families of slightly lower status than their husbands, such as viscounts or barons. However, this also failed, and although children with great magical powers were born, they all died young. On the other hand, children with little magical power were not recognized as legitimate successors in aristocratic society.
The count grew increasingly impatient as he grew older. Although he could succeed if he tried again and again, there was a limit to the age at which he could give birth. He had to give birth to a girl at all costs.
He had no choice but to increase the number of concubines and lower his standards. If an excess of magical power was harmful to the baby, he no longer desired higher levels. She hired servants, gardeners, cooks... she even tried commoners, as long as they possessed a good level of magical power. When she took them as concubines, the countess promised to take care of them for the rest of their lives, and the count continued to protect them with devotion.
However, even after all that, the count was unable to give birth to a healthy girl.
"My wife is not to blame. It is our fault for being so incompetent."
Well... I don't know. From what I've heard, it seems that the problem lies with the count's constitution.
For starters, he is capable of having children, and he has a child growing up, so I guess he's just unlucky.
However, as an outsider, I can't say such irresponsible things.
"If only I could satisfy my sexually addicted wife until she was satisfied..."
With that, Midler shrugged.
"Well, will anything change if I can satisfy Earl Rose?"
That's what the doctor who was here until recently said. He said that the reason strong children aren't born is because the woman isn't satisfied. A strong child can't be born unless the male and female spirits mix in a balanced way. Earl Rose's female spirit is too strong, and our male spirit is too weak, so we're not a good match.
That guy is a charlatan who said that syphilis can be cured by pouring ice water on yourself, so don't believe him. Even if it's just pre-ejaculate, as long as there are sperm and eggs, you can get pregnant whenever you want.
Mr. Midler stared at my stomach.
"Santo, you don't understand my feelings. You have defined abs and an impressive figure. If I had a child with you, we would have a strong child..."
Then he looked at his flabby belly and seemed genuinely sad.
"No... I'm sorry. That's not right. Envying others will only make your own flaws stand out more..."
"Midler..."
"Excuse me, could you leave now? Seeing you only makes me feel sorry for myself."
Mr. Midler turned his back on me, and his shoulders shook slightly.
...I see.
There is a saying that goes, "one last gesture before leaving." And I will not be at peace until I apologize for what Deabolica did.
Of course, there's nothing I can do about the Count's infertility. I don't think it can be cured with [Disease Resistance]. But there must be something I can do.
The point is, we just need to help the old man develop his physical strength and boost his self-esteem, right?
"All right, then I, the so-called 'blessed saint,' will help you!"
"Eh...?"
Mr. Midler wiped his eyes and turned away with a lost look on his face.
"You mean... you'll give me a child?"
"No, that's not it. Let me at least solve some of your worries! First of all, put on something comfortable to move around in! If anyone is free, please gather around!"
"Y-yes..."
A few hours later, a group of lightly dressed men gathered in the garden.
It would have been better to wear slightly more absorbent clothing, but I suppose that's not possible these days.
The men lined up next to each other had plump bellies. It seems that the nobles of this world don't move around much, and instead devote their time to tasks such as sewing and arts.
"Excuse me, Saint... I'm sitting here as you instructed, but what exactly do you plan to do?"
I'm no saint! From now on, you'll have to call me big brother!
"...B-B-?" Big Brother
"And you are soul mates united by muscles!"
"Eh...?"
Listen carefully! From now on, during my entire stay, I will burn all your fat every day! In a week, you will have a voluptuous, muscular, and toned body that you can be proud of! Get ready!
"Um... um... eh?"
Let's start with some gentle stretching! Copy my movements and let's get started!
"Why this guy...?"
And so began a hellish week!
Well, it's not that bad. It's just a matter of exercising while dancing.
Okay, stretching is over! From now on, I'll do it at the beginning and end of every serious workout, so don't forget! Let's get started! First, thigh lifts! Okay, bang bang bang!
I slowly lifted my thighs alternately, running my hands over them and clapping gently to the rhythm.
"Hello... hello..."
Mr. Midler and his friends timidly imitated my movements. At first, they seemed unfazed, but soon their foreheads began to sweat.
Great! What precise movements! Look, those muscles you don't normally use are happy! Let's make your muscles even happier!
I took the opportunity to lavish praise on the men. In reality, their movements were slow and awkward, but I didn't let that show. I just praised them, praised them, and praised them.
Even though I knew it was just empty words. The men started to smile, and I felt that they were actively participating rather than being forced to do something. Great, I guess the endorphins in their brains are starting to kick in.
In the end, I waited until they got used to the movements...
You're all very good, you have more common sense than I thought! Very good! Let's move up a level! I'm going to speed up the movements, so keep up! Okay, clap, clap, clap, clap!
"What...?"
The men were panicking and doing their best to follow my movements.
"Great, that move is amazing! It's so precise! I can't believe it's your first time! You've done this before, right?"
Once they've finished one exercise, move on to the next one. The key is to try new things one after another before they get bored. The secret to a good exercise routine is to find a fun rhythm, praise them enthusiastically, keep trying new things, and never scold them.
Okay, now, turn your finger and take side steps! Two steps to the right, two steps to the left, two steps to the right, two steps to the left! It'll get faster little by little, so follow me! Turn after turn, turn after turn! Everyone, try shouting together, turn after turn, turn after turn!
"Turn and turn, turn and turn!"
Well, I'm almost out of breath.
To a stranger, it might look like some kind of suspicious religious ritual, but right now I don't care.
"Round and round, round and round!"
"Ahhh... I can't take it anymore..."
Oops, Mr. Midler is about to give up.
At times like this, it's the magic word.
Today is the first day, and some of you may not be used to it! Don't push yourselves too hard and get some rest, but only those who can keep up should try! But look around you, everyone looks tired, but they're doing their best! You're not the only ones struggling, so why not try a little harder?
Midler looked to her side; her soulmates were also gritting their teeth. They stared at him and gave him a smile. What man wouldn't be inspired by that?
"...Well, not yet!"
Great, what guts! Women need courage, men need charm and guts! Don't forget to smile, and let's have fun and do our best! If the person next to you seems to be having a hard time, raise your voice and cheer each other on!
"Yes, big brother!"
"Everyone, let's work hard together!"
"I'm going to have muscles like my big brother!"
"Yes, twists and turns! Twists and turns!"
"Twist and turn! Twist and turn!"
Good job, everyone! Now it's time for squats! Make sure to bend your knees well and start slowly! Okay, one! One!
"One! One!"
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"...What are they doing...?"
The women who guarded the gardens bowed their heads as they watched from a distance the sudden start of the strange ritual. The noble spouses and concubines, who used to lock themselves in their rooms, absorbed in embroidery and painting, now moved their bodies to a peculiar rhythm.
"Well...? It's something a saint would do, so it must have some meaning..."
Are they trying to train their bodies? What's the point of training someone who doesn't even fight? It seems useless.
"Well, that's beside the point... it's quite pleasant."
"I see... that's good..."
Women stretching their fingers and laughing.
Unable to bear seeing her colleagues in such a state, the highest-ranking woman made a gesture of cutting off their heads.
"Hey, it'll be a big problem if the Count finds out."
"Ah, yes. I'll try not to look as much as possible."
"But you think the Captain of the Guard is pretending, right...?"
"Right..."