Lumière had come to like bathing.

In her previous life, she was subjected to lukewarm sponge baths a few times a week, but in her new life, she had a giant marble bath and was attended to by three beautiful maids.

Lumière was never shy about nudity. She had to be physically taken care of during bad patches. Dignity abandoned her the first time she needed a sponge bath because her colostomy bag popped during a seizure. Strangers came and went in her life, all of them dispassionately taking care of her near-skeletal body.

Her new body wasn't wasted away. It was soft and squishy. She had breasts (which she found funny to see jiggle because the physics didn't consistently work on them and she had no idea why) and even a butt. Her skin was smooth without any stress wrinkles or scars from IV ports.

She had a really nice body. She liked it a lot. She finally felt like she fit a beauty standard that was previously unobtainable.

That confidence in her body, coupled with her indifference to being seen nude, meant that she was wholly unbothered when the maids offered to help with her bathing.

In fact, Lumière enthusiastically agreed to it. She never had hair or wings before, she didn't really know how to take care of either. The maids said they could, and so nightly baths became a part of her routine.

After dinner, Lumière and three maids would head to her bathroom.

It was a huge room. The white marble bath was big enough to fit a couple of dragons, complete with a quiet waterfall along the far back wall. Underneath the waterfall was seating arrangements, and all along the edges of the bathroom was a smooth marble bench. It was absurdly immaculate. Not surprising since Ankoro Mocchi Mochi designed it and she loved luxury.

Lumière would strip and waddle her way into the bath until the water covered her hips and wings. The room was kept steamy enough that outside the water she wouldn't be cold.

The maids would join her, each stripping down. They were always lovely to look at. Although the maids that served her were on rotation, every homunculus maid in Nazarick seemed to know exactly what to do to preen her wings and help her bath.

They would use soft sponges to wipe her body down, and pretty combs to brush out her hair. With their fingers, they would delicately pluck any loose feathers from her wings, and then they would gently rinse her down.

When it was done, Lumière would sit on one of the benches as they continued to pamper her. One would massage her scalp, another would work on her calves, and the third would rub her hands.

It was bliss.

At the end of the bath, they would dry her off and help her change into a nightgown.

By the time she finished her bath, Lumière would be so warm and fuzzy-feeling, she'd always feel sleepy.

That was where Jack would come in. As soon as Lumière stepped out of the bathroom, he was there to help her to bed. He would lovingly tuck her—and Cheshire since the fairy slept with her—into bed and he would sing her a lullaby until she slept.

Recently, since Lumière had kissed him, he would kiss her goodnight.

That was how Lumière had spent all of her nights since waking up in her new body.

That night was a little different.

The maids had only finished rinsing her of the floral-smelling suds when Cheshire teleported above her. "My dearest lady, Shalltear wants to speak to you."

"Right now?" Lumière's eyes widened. "If she's okay with that, then sure."

Cheshire disappeared without a sound. Scarcely a minute later, Shalltear stepped into the bathroom. The true vampire walked delicately into the steamy room, eyes wandering until she saw Lumière. Shalltear inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh scents of the angel bathing.

Lumière beamed upon seeing Shalltear. She waddled forward in the bath, not noticing how the maids hurriedly bent into the water to cover their bodies. "Hello Shalltear. What's going on?"

Shalltear curtsied daintily. "I will be meeting Sebas in order to fulfill the task set to me. Since I may not be able to return to Nazarick for some time, I came to bid farewell to you before I left."

Lumière recalled Momonga's plan. "Oh!"

Unlike Jack, who returned to Nazarick each night, Shalltear could not. While both could teleport, Jack was far better suited to espionage and moving discretely and Shalltear was... not. There was also the fact that Momonga was using Shalltear as a type of bait. Shalltear was one of the hardier Guardians and because of her race, she would be immune to mind-altering effects which made her ideal to lead the mission outside of Jack or Demiurge.

Lumière cocked her head, frowning. "I would give you a hug goodbye, but I'd hate to bother you by getting your clothes we—"

"I do not mind," Shalltear rushed to say in a squeal, her ruby eyes sparkling.

Lumière was surprised. "Oh? Then—would you, um, like a hug goodbye?"

"I would be honored," Shalltear insisted. Lumière did not notice the shiver of delight from the vampire. Lumière beamed at the thought of getting to hug someone, and so she climbed out of her bath. She opened her arms and wings, Shalltear dashed to her so quickly it was almost a blur of motion.

Lumière was taller than Shalltear, so the vampire had her head buried in Lumière's bosom. Lumière could feel a slight tremble in Shalltear.

"I—I hope I'm not making you uncomfortable," Lumière hesitantly said, feeling a little nervous that Shalltear was shaking in her arms. She had only consistently hugged Jack and Cheshire, so she worried if maybe she was hugging wrong? Would Jack and Cheshire even tell her if she was doing it wrong?

"No! Nononono. This is wonderful, truly, I am—I am so happy," said Shalltear, lifting her head up. There was a slight flush to her face, and her eyes sparkled with something Lumière was not familiar with.

(Desire. Arousal. Lust.)

Lumière smiled. "Oh good." The angel ran her fingers through Shalltear's hair. "You take excellent care of yourself."

Shalltear's smile was inhumanly twisted. "Thank you, my lady. You are a divine vision of beauty."

Lumière's cheeks burned. She cleared her throat, glancing away to try and hide her blush. "Th-Thank you."

"Huh? My lady, what is that basket?" Shalltear had noticed a basket filled with some of Lumière's discarded feathers. After her wings were preened, the maids gathered the feathers and placed them in the basket. Lumière did not know what they did with the feathers afterward.

"Old feathers," she said. Lumière stepped away from Shalltear and bent over to pluck one. "See? They come off when I get preened."

Shalltear stared longingly at the feather. "Oh."

"Do you want one?"

"I am not worthy of such a gift—"

Lumière waved her hand dismissively. Lumière plucked a healthy feather from her wings. "I can't give you something discarded. If you want a feather, let me at least give you a good one." She held the feather up to her lips and whispered, "[Enchantment of Moonlight]"

A soft, pale silver aura enveloped the feather. Little bubbles of light wafted from it, exuding tranquility and comfort. [Enchantment of Moonlight] was a permanent cosmetic enchantment. It held no use in-game, but it was one of the prettiest enchantments to use over weapons or items.

Lumière held out the feather to Shalltear, who carefully accepted it. Shalltear held the feather tenderly and lovingly, as if Lumière had gifted her the single greatest thing in existence.

Shalltear's voice cracked as she said, "I will treasure this always. To think our lady would imbue some of her own essence into this... ah... honored. I'm truly honored."

"Um," was all Lumière could say in response to that. "You're... welcome?"

⁽ˇ́˙̫ˇ̀˵⁾

While Lumière was partaking in her evening bath, Jack was enjoying tea time with Demiurge.

Neither of them needed to eat, nor did they particularly enjoy tea. However, Lady Lumière and Lord Momonga insisted that the Guardians took breaks.

For... some... reason?

Jack and Demiurge did not see much merit to it, but they would never question the wisdom of the Supreme Beings. Lumière had gone the extra step and suggested to Jack that he did tea time breaks—similar to what she did with Mare and Aura.

That was how Jack found himself in the Blazing Temple. The Blazing Temple was on the 7th floor. The floor was mostly made up of crimson lava that flowed like a bubbling, deadly river. It was designed by Lord Ulbert Alain Odle with assistance in the creation from Lord Nishikienari, Lord Peroroncino, and Lord Momonga.

The Blazing Temple, Demiurge's residence, was zealously guarded by level 80s and filled with dangerous traps. The homunculus maids were forbidden from entering inside because of how potentially lethal it was to anyone below 80.

Jack liked the temple. It was well-organized, private, and had everything a Guardian should need. He was a smidgen envious that Demiurge even had his own private torture chamber. Jack had to use the main one in the bowels of Nazarick because the Hidden Tower did not have one.

He used the term had to loosely because Demiurge was delighted to share the chambers with Jack in exchange for some of the toys he brought back from his hunts. It was significantly better to share with Demiurge than Neuronist. Jack detested the way the brain eater salivated at him whenever he stopped by for his work.

Because no maids could visit Demiurge's temple, whenever they had to do a "break" Jack brought the food with him.

The two would take a seat at one of Demiurge's tables and discuss their plans thus far.

Jack sipped on some bitter tea. "Which would repulse the Slane Theocracy more? An army based on demons or one based on the undead?"

Demiurge promptly responded with "Demons. The general population pity the undead." Demiurge smiled. "Ah, I see. How many would you like?"

"Three for now," softly answered Jack. "I plan to use the nearby monsters first."

Demiurge chuckled. "Attrition, huh? I will have them prepared and sent to you tomorrow morning."

Yes. Jack aimed for a war of attrition. After careful examination of the country, he was entirely certain he alone could overwhelm them in days.

That would not be devastating enough. He craved to inflict maximum despair.

(And time to persuade his angel, but he knew better than to say that out loud.)

He needed the assault to be prolonged enough to drain them in every faction. It had to be challenging enough to warrant their focus and concern, yet not overwhelmingly difficult they broke before he crippled them.

He'd use the surrounding monsters. He would send in the three demons to enslave the cretins, then force them to go to war with the Holy Kingdom.

If his calculations were correct—and he was certain they were—he could drag out the first phase of the war for a month. Once the monster population was wiped out, he should have destroyed around a quarter of the kingdom.

The humans would be upset over what they had lost, but would ultimately feel victorious.

On the eve of their celebration, he'd—

Jack smiled kindly at Demiurge. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. We are here to help each other, no?"

⁽ˇ́˙̫ˇ̀˵⁾

Shalltear, with great reluctance, left the bathroom shortly after. She had a schedule to keep, even if she definitely wanted to linger in that room. It was such a shame that Lumière did not invite Shalltear to join her. The undead would have taken superb care of the angel.

Still...

The vampire was quite pleased with how open their angel was with her body. It was a magnificent thing, and Shalltear appreciated the view.

If only—

She noticed him right away. Two steps out, and he was entering the room. Shalltear pressed the feather to her lips, a smug smile on her face. "Hello, Jack."

"... Why were you leaving that room?" Jack quietly asked.

"It's a wonderful evening, don't you think?"

"... Why are you wet?"

"Oh-ho-ho-ho. Curious? I think it's pretty obvious," Shalltear cooed. "I said goodbye to our angel and she... well..." Shalltear beamed. "You haven't gone in there with her, have you?"

Jack's hands clenched tightly into fists. He fought to keep the cold, jealous fury out of his voice as he said, "Your point?"

"She's very soft, don't you think?" Shalltear chortled, rubbing the feather against her cheek.

"I know that."

"But I think," Shalltear said gleefully, "I might know her a bit better than you now. Bye-bye~"

Jack's hunt that night left over a dozen crime scenes so gruesome it was marked as one of the worst nights in Slane Theocracy's history.

⁽ˇ́˙̫ˇ̀˵⁾

Lumière and Momonga slowly flew around the 6th level of Nazarick. Lumière wanted to practice flying with her wings, and Momonga wanted to chat with her, so he joined.

The sensation of wind tickling her feathers was new and delightful. Her body seemed to instinctively understand how to adjust in the air. She didn't enjoy having her hair constantly in her face, however, and quickly tied it off with a white bow.

Momonga listened to Lumière as she recounted her past few days since they last spoke.

"—anyway so I hugged her goodbye."

Momonga felt a twinge of discomfort as he realized something odd about her story. "Wait, wait, wait. This was in the bath?"

Lumière nodded. "Yes."

"Did you have clothes on?"

"No?"

"Ehhhhh?" Momonga did not have a stomach, yet he felt nauseous. "But she's... you know..." Momonga waved his hand. "Peroroncino's creation."

Lumière's blue eyes stared quizzically at him. "Yes?"

Momonga thought back to how Shalltear nearly jumped on him, cooing how marvelous he looked. Momonga was a skeleton—undead through and through—yet the vampire was besotted. He was instantly reminded of the numerous settings Peroroncino had created for her. It wasn't a stretch to say his old friend had stuffed her full of his fetishes. It unsettled Momonga to be the target of her desires—especially as a skeleton! What was he supposed to do? He had no organs!—and the thought of Lumière also being a target bothered him.

He wasn't sure how to... approach that topic. Momonga tentatively asked, "Wasn't she—she didn't—she didn't do anything?"

Lumière thought back. "No. She hugged me and called me pretty."

"But she's... you know."

Lumière stared at Momonga.

If Momonga was human he would have definitely started to fidget in embarrassment. His discomfort was not significant enough that his undead passive would force him to calm down, but it still prickled at him.

Lumière was not part of Shalltear's creation—outside of helping farm some of her ingredients—and was more than likely unaware of how depraved Peroroncino had written her. Because Lumière was Bukubukuchagama's friend, Bukubukuchagama was zealous in making sure her little brother didn't overwhelm Lumière with his mature fascinations.

Momonga knew his friend wasn't completely innocent—it was an adult guild, and there had been plenty of videos shared—but Peroroncino's tastes were... extreme.

Lumière's lack of reaction gave the impression that Shalltear had not displayed those... desires... and so Momonga was reluctant to bring them up. Momonga sighed. "As long as she didn't do anything... I guess never mind."

"Why would she do anything?" Lumière retorted.

Momonga hemmed and hawed. Oh well, better safe than sorry. I'll just come out and say it.

"She didn't come on to you, right?"

"Of course not," Lumière said. "I didn't program her to love me like I did with Jack. Why would she want to do anything with me?"

Momonga stopped flying, causing Lumière to stop as well. She turned to peer at him, confused by his sudden halt.

It took Momonga several seconds to process what Lumière had said, then realize why she thought that way. He slowly said, "Lue... you're... not... ugly, you know...?"

"Yes?" Lumière blinked vapidly. "But I—"

Oh.

Well over a decade spent in a husk of a body, Lumière had never met anyone who found her sexually attractive. Care-takers would remain politely stoic, and media covering her family—

The comments weren't nice. Even the pitying ones were... sharp. She was their charity case. Their look at how hard these parents work to provide for this poor thing. Her body was something to be looked at with disgust and shame, not... attraction.

She liked how she looked now—why wouldn't she, she literally designed it herself?—but she hadn't realized how that would adjust the outlook of those around her.

Would it be possible for others not specifically programmed to love her... to be attracted to her?

What a weird concept.

Momonga could accurately guess Lumière's thought process. He had followed a lot of the media coverage around her—almost all the guild members did. He knew it was an adjustment for both of them in their new bodies. Not only functionality, but they both had to learn how others would perceive them.

Lumière covered her face with her hands, flushed from her realization that others might like her body as much as she did. Not only like it... but want to... do stuff with it.

Momonga patted her shoulder. "Peroroncino stuffed Shalltear with a lot of—err—cravings, so don't—err—invite her again unless you want to—err—you know?"

"Y-Yes... D-Do you think the maids are okay?"

"Yes? Probably? Er... I'll check all their descriptions when I get back."

"Thank you."

⁽ˇ́˙̫ˇ̀˵⁾

Tip-toe, tip-toe.

Next chapter starts off kind of graphic, so friendly reminder to please be aware of the warnings for this story...

Answer: Trickster / mischievous type. Probably a kitsune butler/maid with shape-shifting abilities and enough intelligence / wit to make up for my chaotic dumbass decisions. I have a love for deviously clever characters. Shape-shifting because... reasons. :)

Question: As a Supreme Being you get to design one of the floors of Nazarick (maybe to fit your NPC?). What does your floor look like?

Reviews are love!