Fireworks crackled outside, pop-pop-pop, bursts of light briefly illuminating the dim interior.
Ignis did not turn on the lights—he could see perfectly well in the dark anyway. Jane Doe was asleep on the large bed nearby, her breathing steady and deep.
Victoria Housekeeping truly was capable of miracles. Not only had they found a king-size bed large enough for him, they had also managed to move him in within a single day.
More importantly, the bed matched the room's decor perfectly. It didn't look improvised or out of place at all.
The Salamander stood up and adjusted the air conditioner to a slightly warmer temperature. Jane Doe had grown sleepy after dinner and fallen asleep directly on the bed without even changing clothes. Ignis wasn't sure how resilient New Eridu's superhuman constitutions were, but it felt safer to raise the temperature a little—catching a cold would be troublesome.
He stood by the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, the lively group was setting off fireworks. Billy was having the time of his life, holding two large sparklers spewing sparks, shouting Starlight Knight catchphrases while striking matching poses. The old veteran laughed heartily, even lifting his one arm to record a video.
Boss Nicole was pressing a hand to her forehead—she was probably getting a headache. She had always treated Victoria Housekeeping as both friends and rivals, and now her top subordinate was clowning around like this. It was, admittedly, a little embarrassing.
Koleda, who usually seemed fearless, was instead cautiously playing with sparklers together with Corin. Honestly, only at times like this did Koleda look her actual age. Then again, Koleda was already a corporate legal representative—she should be an adult by now.
Ben emerged from the sea. This Bear Thiren was surprisingly good at swimming. Despite his bulky appearance, he moved fluidly through the water. Once soaked, though, his fluffy fur clung to his body, revealing that he was actually quite lean—at least compared to other Bear Thiren from Belobog Heavy Industries.
Rina watched everyone with her usual gentle smile, while her two Bangboo assistants took on the job of lighting the fireworks. Drusilla and Anastasia bickered noisily, with Belle tagging along as well, discussing which box to light after finishing the current one.
The two Bangboo strongly insisted on following the placement order—they had put real effort into preparing this fireworks display. Meanwhile, Belle, the mischievous Proxy, quietly took out a lighter and ignited one from further down the sequence.
Von Lycaon noticed the Salamander. The elegant gentleman had a bucket of water placed at his feet, clearly ready for firefighting at any moment. But didn't his mechanical legs have freezing functions? Was the bucket really necessary?
With a drawn-out whistling sound, the firework lit by the Proxy shot skyward. After a brilliant purple-red explosion, it scattered into a rain of golden light.
Ignis didn't have many memories of fireworks. Back on Earth, fireworks were only seen during the Spring Festival.
And even then—seen, not bought. A single box of fireworks was expensive, and coming from a poor family, he usually just watched others set them off. Later, fireworks were banned altogether. After he started working, infrastructure projects took him to remote areas far from population centers.
His relationship with his family wasn't great. He often volunteered to stay on-site, claiming it was to earn more money.
Which meant he saw even fewer fireworks.
"I didn't expect you to be so absorbed in this." Jane's voice came from behind him. She had woken from her nap.
"Is that strange?" Ignis didn't turn around. He heard her get out of bed and walk toward him.
"Think about the weapons you use—your autocannon. When Dragon's Breath rounds fire, don't they look like fireworks shot straight out?" She stretched lazily, joints cracking softly. "I'm exhausted. Even after sleeping a bit, I'm still tired. You bull."
Her reproach came with a light slap against Ignis's waist, followed by her pressing her body against his.
"That's a very different thing, my lady." The Salamander rested a hand on her shoulder. "Dragon's Breath shells are for destroying enemies. Fireworks are for celebrating joy."
"Does destroying enemies never make you happy?"
"Not always. Just like you—does dismantling criminal organizations always make you happy?" He gently rubbed Jane Doe's shoulder. She had showered before sleeping and was now wearing a dress.
To be honest, this was a rare look for her. Jane Doe's wardrobe was diverse, but a white, distinctly youthful dress like this—tasteful yet modest—was unusual.
"Fair enough. We think alike there." She sighed. "Aren't we on vacation? Why bring up work again? Please, it's hard enough for me to get time off."
"That's true. You're a criminal psychology consultant for New Eridu Public Security and an expert undercover agent. Holding two jobs doesn't leave much room for vacations."
"Technically, it's three jobs now." She twisted her slim waist, moved to face Ignis, then jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Public Security, a port trading company, and the smuggling ring I infiltrated. Do you know how much brainpower it takes just to fabricate a vacation to meet you?"
"So—no more work-related topics."
She deliberately let her weight drop. The Salamander had no choice but to kneel on one knee. Jane Doe took the opportunity to wrap her arms around his large head and press it into her chest.
His nose filled with her scent—body wash mixed with a hint of perfume, intoxicating. Ignis took several deep breaths, then focused on the soft, elastic sensation against his face. Burning heat was great, but this—this was an entirely different kind of indulgence.
"Still, even though we came to the beach, we didn't really do anything beach-related." Her voice dropped. "We just wore swimsuits and got… busy. The next few days, we should take it easy. Otherwise, coming to the seaside would be meaningless."
"Do you have anything you want to do? Fishing? Swimming? Jet skis?" Ignis raised his eyes to look at her, but she wore the same blank expression. "See? You don't have anything particular in mind either."
"Hm. We've become boring adults." She exaggeratedly pouted, then firmly pressed his head back into her chest.
"By the way, where did everyone else go? The ones not setting off fireworks—don't tell me there's a courage test event?" Jane Doe asked.
"Wise brought a pile of movie tapes. They're doing some kind of 'must-watch summer movies' marathon." Ignis replied. "The only one really interested is Anby. Nekomata's been sticking to her lately. Ellen probably went somewhere to hide and sleep."
"So that means the two of us don't really have anything fun to do." She released him. "On vacation, but nothing special we want to do. Does that mean all that's left is sleeping properly?"
She yawned, and the Salamander caught it too.
"That bed is ridiculously oversized. I don't even know where that fluffy butler found it." She jumped onto the bed. "It's really comfortable."
"If you want to rest, I'll stay with you." Ignis closed the window and drew the curtains.
The room was well soundproofed. The fireworks outside were reduced to barely audible echoes.
As soon as the giant lay down beside her, she rolled over and straddled his waist.
"Didn't you say we shouldn't only think about that?" The Salamander sighed. "Is this an invitation?"
"I never said we're doing anything." She leaned down, arms once again looped around his neck. "Doing nothing at all—just staying close—is pleasant too."
She nudged his chin with the top of her head. Ignis couldn't see her expression, but he gently hugged her back.
"If it's with you, it really is pleasant."
Ignis said quietly.
His large hand brushed over the back of her head and down her spine. Compared to him, she was incredibly small. And yet, in their interactions, more often than not, it was the giant being led around by the nose.
Just as she liked to call him—Ignis was a bull in her hands, utterly defenseless.
Still, that wasn't bad. She had acknowledged their intimacy, had not rejected him. She was willing to embrace him, kiss him, go all the way. Memories of the afternoon's closeness resurfaced, his two hearts pounding violently as his body reacted.
"You jerk!" Jane Doe suddenly sat up. "Do you really like this that much?"
"First, let me clarify." Ignis firmly held her waist. "It's not that I like this. I like doing this with you. I have no reaction to anyone else."
"Wow. Is this some kind of bizarre confession?" Jane Doe laughed at his dead-serious delivery.
What Ignis said was the absolute truth. Space Marine hormone secretion was regulated—he only reacted when he genuinely desired someone. Otherwise, there was nothing at all.
"Damn it, you," she grabbed Salamander's clothes and leaned her upper body down. "Can't you let me rest for a moment? I can't sustain my energy like this."
"You can refuse if you want," Ignis said, trying to calm himself.
"Then can I at least get a little reward?" Jane Doe's hand swung back, tugging lightly.
"Hmm…" Salamander felt her fingers tighten briefly and release. "What exactly do you mean by that?"
"Well, what else?" She leaned closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I know I need someone to coax it a bit. So, I guess I'll just have to sacrifice myself." Jane Doe's hand slid up slowly, still clutching the fabric, letting Salamander feel the elasticity of her agitation. "Mm…" Ignis kept his voice steady, making sure nothing strange slipped out.
"Well? Want to see me wear it?" Her words were like sunlight glinting off a spider's web, luring a butterfly into the trap.
"I do." Fall if I must. This reaction was approved.
"Hm? Which one? Say it yourself." Her technique, her hips, her words—Ignis felt his reason nearly collapse.
"Is it that V-cut high-slit swimsuit?" She leaned down again, whispering into his ear.
The warm assault sent waves of pleasure through his body, electric currents racing up his spine. It took him a while to steady himself.
"Yes."
"So honest." Jane Doe laughed softly.
"Alright then. I'll go change. Wait for me." She slipped off him without hesitation, leaving Ignis somewhat unsatisfied.
Jane Doe pulled her suitcase from the cabinet and quickly found the piece that was basically just two strips of fabric.
"Wait for me." She smiled and turned toward the bathroom.
"Changing here wouldn't be bad either." Ignis remarked.
She darted into the bathroom and locked the door.
Shy? Then what was all that earlier?
Ignis sighed. He felt like a lust-addled fool. When he was with Jane Doe, his ability to think vanished entirely—every thought was taken from him.
He looked at his massive frame. For her, this was… difficult. Psychic powers can alter body size, right? Maybe next time I'm linked with the Emperor, I could ask—
The moment the thought surfaced, the Salamander wanted to slap himself. If he actually asked that, the Emperor would probably reward him with a full-course psychic smackdown.
He could hear Jane Doe changing—fabric sliding, clothes being removed, her humming softly. She sounded in a good mood.
Nothing else mattered tonight. The only important thing was holding her and enjoying the time together.
He grew excited—like he was about to do something that would shake the galaxy.
Then the phone rang.
Ignis picked it up with a scowl. Interrupting at a moment like this deserved divine punishment. Once he learned to wield psychic lightning, he swore he'd zap the caller.
Just you wait, Markus "Lightning" Red. I'll shock that middle nickname right out of you.
Despite his curses, when he answered, his tone was as controlled as possible.
"Speak. If this isn't important, I'll twist your head off."
"That much fire?" Markus sounded startled. This giant was usually easygoing—what got into him?
"Get to the point. Why are you calling? I'm busy. Very busy."
"The 'Fantasy' you asked me to keep tabs on—there's news." Markus's words instantly cooled Ignis down. "Someone's spreading word to nearly every dealer and gang that's ever sold it. Fresh stock. Auction sale."
"You know the location?" Ignis's voice turned icy. All the heat Jane Doe had stirred vanished.
"I'll send it to you." Markus said. "But if you go, it'll be difficult. You're too distinctive. I suggest using a proxy to blend in."
"Understood."
Ignis hung up and took a deep breath.
"Something happened?" Jane Doe had come out of the bathroom.
"Fantasy has resurfaced. There's an auction." Ignis sighed.
"I see." The Rat Thiren woman's smile faded as she picked up her phone.
"Here's some good news." She sat close to Ignis. "The smuggling group I infiltrated wants to buy some too. They'll send me to check it out."
"I just got the message." She lay back on the bed. "Looks like the vacation's over."
"I only just changed clothes."
===BREAK===
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