A married couple walked the immaculately adorned hallways of Nazarick, happily continuing the relaxed conversation started earlier.

"... but mother parried really quickly, and then went for a thrust before I could even find my bearings again! So it was yet another exchange that ended in her favour."

"Hm, hm."

Satoru once again simply nodded and made noises of understanding in response.

"Well... I think that's about it for my morning, actually..."

"I'm glad it was a pleasant one."

Neia sighed.

"Of course, but... ah, nevermind."

"Love? What is it?"

"I know it's a selfish thought, but I really wish I could wake up with you by my side every single day."

Her husband looked away, now silently staring ahead as they moved.

"Yes... it is quite unfortunate."

The silence then returned, but lasted only a brief moment, until they turned a corner and were met with Sebas and Tuare, waiting for them near the entrance to Nazarick's spa. The pair bowed, and Neia felt her wings flap unconsciously several times as she moved closer.

"... Raise your heads."

"Lord Ainz. Everything is ready. You'll have all the necessary privacy."

"Thank you, Sebas."

Satoru then paused, and slightly turned his head to look at Neia, giving his wife an opportunity to greet her friend.

"Hello, Tuare! I'm happy to see you again!"

"Greetings, Lady Baraja! I feel very much the same, and I hope you and Lord Ainz will enjoy your bath together!"

Neia pouted internally at being addressed like that, even after explaining many times that it was not at all needed, or even preferable. The reunion also left her with a tinge of guilt. Neia always felt that the letters she sent to her friends were never frequent or lengthy enough, surely understating her deep care for those close to her.

Deciding that she must send some letters to everyone when she gets back home, Neia simply smiled for now.

"Thank you, Tuare. You're a great friend."

Her comment immediately had the very visible effect of making the girl flustered.

"U-uhm! Th-thank you, Lady Baraja! You too, are an amazing friend! Uhm, the best friend one could ask for!"

Neia sighed quietly at her over-the-top reciprocation of praise, certainly a result of her status as Satoru's wife. It probably didn't help that he was standing right there. As kind and understanding as Satoru was, Neia understood her husband could be very intimidating, especially to those who haven't gotten the chance to know him properly on a more personal level... Or to those whose lives he had such absolute control over.

In the end, Neia simply smiled in a somewhat fake manner. Seeing the silence, Satoru prompted the conversation's end by addressing his wife.

"So, I suppose it's time we head in?"

"Yes, darling."

...

The pair of servants escorted them to the entrance of the changing area, where they ceased following. Neia and Satoru both stopped when they reached the point where the entrance split into two changing rooms separated by gender.

Looking into each other's eyes, it seemed both had the same thought.

"Ah, I suppose we won't get to undress together... that's a bit regrettable, darling."

"It certainly is. Oh well. I suppose I'll meet you inside the Roman bath?"

"Oh..."

"What's wrong, my beloved?"

"I... hoped I'd be able to walk with you."

"Oh? Is that something you'd want? Sorry, that won't be possible."

"Well..."

The idea was very appealing to her. There was something romantic about walking together, hand in hand towards the place they'll bathe. The underlying sexual build-up of it was also something she enjoyed. And maybe there was also something about showing off that she's so close to him, and that they're each other's partners? Either way, she got a taste of all these things during their stay in Baharuth, and now knew she liked that sort of thing.

"... it's not like it's a major disappointment or anything, but I would have found it pleasant. Why is that not doable this time, if I may ask?"

\\\

"It's just that... Well, I will teleport ahead, bypassing the gazes of everyone else, because I want to avoid having the female denizens of Nazarick seeing me in so little. I simply wish to remain cautious when it comes to such things. I'm sure you could imagine a potential sort of little scandal…"

"Ah, of course."

Satoru internally sighed in relief. While what he said was not a lie, there was another different, very significant reason for doing things this way. He did not want anyone else that wasn't trusted to know that they were going to bathe together. It would be an obvious clue that there was something actually between them, and he could not allow that little nugget of information to make its way to the ears of a certain few within Nazarick.

"... But how about a kiss, at least?"

"Yes please!"

...

Neia was walking towards the Roman bath with hurried steps, trying to keep her eyes focused on the spotless, tiled floor. A small group of maids she'd encountered on the way made some of her old fears and insecurities resurface. She could not stop herself from comparing their immense beauty to her own features, considered rather unappealing by her own judgement.

With a few deep breaths and the clenching of her fists, Neia dismissed those thoughts. Satoru already considered her beautiful. That's all that mattered. In fact, on many occasions, he even said he saw her as the most beautiful woman in the world. Yes, it was rude to even think like she just did earlier, because it put into doubt the word of her beloved. Such a thing was very rude, and if done by anyone else, she'd scold them for teetering on the edge of heresy.

... All those times others were put off by her eyes, all those times she was bullied for them as a child, all those times the paladins called her "criminal-eyes" behind her back when she was just a squire... it did not matter. Neia's only concern should now be what her husband says, same as any good, obedient wife. And he called her beautiful. He said he loved those eyes. He said that to him, she was the most beautiful of all. That's all that mattered… all that mattered… And remembering that is all she needed to dispel that old hatred for her own appearance.

By the time Neia saw the entrance to the Roman bath, she realised tears were starting to form in the corners of her eyes. It seems she got emotional, and during such a simple thing as walking through a spa... Well, bouts of strong emotion rarely had the courtesy to come at convenient times, let alone announced...

Reaching the entrance, Neia was welcomed by someone fully covered in fancy clothes. They did not speak, instead simply bowing deeply and gesturing that she should proceed inside. This was most likely a summon of Satoru's, or at least that's what she concluded.

Now slowly nearing the bath proper, Neia's heartbeat was increasing in intensity and frequency. After turning a corner, she finally saw her husband. Satoru was leaning against one of the walls with a gentle smile, wearing nothing but a towel covering the area from his lower abdomen down to his knees. Even though Neia had seen him like this (and of course in even less) several times before, the bit of emotional turmoil from earlier made the sight feel particularly heavenly this time. She hungrily dragged her gaze across all she could see of his body.

"Hello again, gorgeous."

Satoru's voice forcibly dragged Neia back out of that little daze. She took a few seconds to calm her breathing and stop her wings before responding.

"Ah, hi, darling. Sorry, I just couldn't help but stop to admire your body."

His expression subtly changed momentarily, into a kind of internal confusion. This was the reaction of someone still not at all used to receiving compliments. Neia always did her best to express her adoration for Satoru's skeletal form, and although he reacted similarly at first, he seemed to get more accepting of that passion over time. Now though, it seemed he had to get used to his human body being complimented, starting the process all over again.

"Uhm, thank you, love."

Neia started walking closer, hoping to push past that cute nervousness. Reaching her destination, she put her hands on Satoru's chest and leaned in for a kiss.

It was a decently long one, and clearly full of passion from both sides. Their tongues connected and played with each other hungrily.

Once satisfied, both pulled away, with eye contact now being the new medium to exchange affection.

"I suppose it's time we remove these, hm?"

"I'd love to."

With that, both of them removed their towels, putting them up on a hanger. The pair looked each other over with a combination of desire, and happiness in knowing the person they found so inexhaustibly alluring was their partner.

After descending into the water while holding hands, they both submerged themselves into it up to their shoulders. Neia made a quiet noise of delight.

"Mm... the water feels great, doesn't it, darling?"

"It sure does."

"I'm just glad to be nice and clean now."

"... Hmm. I suppose I haven't really been exactly dirty with this body yet. It materialises clean, after all."

"Ahh, to always be nice and clean... sounds great."

Neia put the index finger of her free hand to her chin, pondering that idea. After a bit of time, she slowly released Satoru's hand.

"One moment, darling."

She submerged herself fully into the water, with eyes firmly forced closed to prevent any water from getting in. Upon ascending, she adjusted her hair and smiled at Satoru while snuggling up against him, happy her face and scalp were no longer dirtied by dried sweat.

"I was thinking, dear... do you have any experience gardening?"

"Gardening? No, none at all."

"I was just thinking about starting it as a hobby. Maybe we could have our own little garden."

"That... Well, that could be quite nice. But like I said, I have no experience with something like that, so I don't know if I'll enjoy it."

"Me neither. I suppose we'll have to find out together."

"Hmm... that does remind me..."

Satoru then reached into nothingness, and pulled out some sort of ornate box. He opened it, and grabbed a beautiful, purple flower from inside as he spoke.

"I don't think I gift you enough flowers... Well, I probably don't give you enough gifts in general."

He put the box away, meanwhile Neia got nervous.

"Darling... there's no need for more gifts. You already spoil me so much."

"Nonsense. How could I ever spoil my dear wife enough? You deserve all I can provide, and more… so much more..."

Neia was about to protest, but Satoru seemed to sense this and continued.

"Now, hold still, honey."

Before she could consider what exactly he was trying to do, he had already placed the flower in her hair, chuckling to himself warmly.

"There... you look lovely... and adorable. Well, you always do."

Neia blushed, and her wings flapped several times, while he reached into nothingness yet again, pulling out a mirror and offering it to her.

"Here."

Grabbing it timidly and angling it so that she could see herself, Neia agreed she did look quite cute. Her eyes did not bother her nearly as much as they used to, thanks to Satoru's compliments. Satisfied, she handed the mirror back with a smile. After putting it away and looking into her eyes intently for a moment, Satoru spoke with a musing tone.

"Hmm... flowers represent pure beauty, don't they?... In that case, I just want to say again that I'm so happy to have you, my stunning little flower."

Neia's blush had returned.

"Th-thank you, darling! I feel the same, of course! You make me so happy! A-and you're stunning too!"

During mutual compliments and proclamations of love such as these, she was always somewhat overwhelmed by a wave of love and thankfulness that she had such a perfect husband, both feelings in combination now making her wings flap wildly, splashing water everywhere.

Satoru smiled, though there was just a hint of unease.

"I hope me calling you my flower was romantic, and not... weird..."

"Ah, not at all! It's very romantic! The intent behind it is just wonderful, darling!"

He sighed in relief, and then smiled happily.

... ...

A certain bafolk paladin was striding hastily through the hallways of Her Holiness' mansion, holding behind his back a certain gift.

Upon turning the corner, he found the person he was looking for. Linda, the female paladin who he'd felt himself getting closer with. Her helmet was currently off, instead resting in her left arm, something that was allowed for the paladins indoors only because of the high security of the mansion's outside. She immediately waved and smiled when she saw him, and so he returned the friendly gesture with his free hand. He then continued walking over to her, this time at a slower pace. His heart was beating fast, and he was trying his best to take slow, deep breaths to calm it down.

Linda greeted him again, this time verbally, as he got close.

"Hello Adren! Is your break still not over?"

"Not just yet. I uhm... well, I used most of it to go out and get you something."

"Uhm, get me something?"

She seemed quite surprised, and her expression was a bit complicated. Thinking it was pointless to stop and analyse her human expression and what exactly it implied, Adren pulled the gift out from behind his back and continued speaking.

"I got you this bouquet of flowers. I uhm... heard it was a human custom to express appreciation towards femal- I mean women. You've been very friendly and accepting of me, so I feel something to return that kindness is appropriate."

Her eyes were open wide, and it seemed her cheeks were a bit more red than usual.

"A-Adren... that has… uhm, romantic connotations..."

'W-wait, a mating ritual?!' His heartbeat was now running wild.

"I am so sorry, I did not know! I should have looked into it more... Damn it, I hope I didn't cause any offence!"

"W-well..."

She looked away with yet another strange expression, her cheeks now even more red.

"... I'll accept your gift..."

... ... ...

Neia was breathing in and out the cold air of the icy cave though a thick, warm scarf covering her face all the way up to the nose. Her concentration was focused straight ahead of her.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Release.

The arrow pierced through the air at great speeds, hitting the target right in the centre at a distance of 30 metres, splitting a previous arrow. There were also many others which landed not quite where intended, those being Satoru's.

"... Great shot, my love."

Neia turned back to her husband with a smile, though it could not be seen.

"Thank you, darling!"

She took the opportunity to look him over one more time, as his new winter outfit was yet another in which he looked utterly dashing.

"So, do you think you're done?"

"Yes. I want to once again thank you."

Neia handed him both the half-empty quiver and bow, both of which he stored away into nothingness.

"Don't worry at all. I'm glad I can be involved in your hobbies."

"So am I! It truly makes me happy... though that does make me think, would you involve me in any of your hobbies?"

"Hobbies, huh?... I suppose I sort of lack those..."

"Huh?"

"Uhm, w-well... traditional ones, at least. I did always enjoy collecting unique and interesting treasures, for example..."

"Ah, yes. I suppose that's not very traditional at all."

"Yes... Well, since that's what I brought up, would you like me to involve you in it? I could prepare a selection of some of my favourites."

"Oh, that sounds lovely!"

"Hm. I'm glad. So, do you still want to go ice skating?"

"Yes please. Though I must say, having some fun in the cabin already is also quite tempting..."

Neia moved closer to Satoru, now leaning against his chest. She then spoke in a hushed tone.

"But I suppose that can wait... I wonder, will you want to fuck my throat again today, my lovely Satoru?"

He made a quiet noise of satisfaction as she pulled away. Though neither was in the mood for it too often, they both agreed that her occasionally taking a bit more of an assertive or even dominating role was a very welcome mix-up.

"Of course... your mouth is always a joy to use, Neia."

... ...

In the small private room of Neia Baraja's head maid, muffled wet sounds could be heard repeating again and again in rapid succession.

"... Neia... Neia..."

Emma was touching herself, and muttering under her breath the name of the woman she so desperately loved.

"Mm... sweet Neia..."

She imagined how they would kiss and touch each other. How her hands would feel on her body, and how wonderful it would be to finally caress her in all the ways she'd wanted for so long.

How her private parts would taste. How her moans would become music to her ears.

But such thoughts were to only be kept to herself. It was the height of insolence to lust after the happily married wife of a God. The God who was the saviour of their nation, and everyone Emma cared for.

She will take these feelings with her to the grave, as much as it pained her.

Such was the heartache of unrequited love.

… … …

Hello!

I am at a bit of a crossroads right now. Depending on how I decide to handle a certain few things you'll see very soon, this fanfiction could either end within the next ~4 chapters, or go on for a decent bit longer. I'll discuss it more when we get to it. Feedback will probably play a role in that decision as well. But that's getting ahead of myself.

For now, I just hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Don't forget to share your thoughts with me in the reviews! :3