Chapter 154 Interesting Little Creature

Hermit found himself in a state of serene tranquility as he settled onto the wooden bowl, his gaze fixated on Suzuka who sat gracefully across the hot spring, several meters away. The sight of her immersed in the warm, inviting waters brought a sense of enjoyment to his body.

With only his head emerging from beneath the water's surface, Hermit allowed himself to sink into a state of utter leisure. Leaning against the smooth stone, he emitted a soft, almost unnoticeable moan, a testament to the sheer relaxation that enveloped him. The tension in his weary shoulders and the wimpy strength in his feeble muscles dissipated, replaced by an overwhelming wave of pure bliss, as if the hot spring had melted away the burdens of the world.

As he enjoyed the soothing embrace of the hot water, a gentle rain began to fall from the heavens above. Cool droplets fell upon his head, accentuating the pleasure of his already tranquil state. 

Hermit employed his large, meaty ears as a makeshift shelter, protecting his head from the gentle downpour. Each raindrop that met his fleshy ears created a delightful symphony, an exquisite harmony that resonated within him.

The rhythmic pattern of raindrops brought him immense joy as if nature itself was serenading his senses. The cool, tickling sensation of the rain against his sensitive ears sent shivers of pleasure down his spine. With every breath, he released a deep sigh of relief, fully immersing himself in the moment, casting aside any worries or cares that might have plagued him before.

Hermit's eyes remained fixed on Suzuka, watching as she playfully interacted with the hot water, her movements mirroring the grace and elegance of a dancer. The sight of her alluring demeanor added an extra layer of tranquility to his own experience.

Nestled upon the smooth wooden surface of the hot spring bowl, Hermit found solace and tranquility. His gaze wandered, it beheld Suzuka, a vision of ethereal beauty, a captivating form.  

He found himself entranced by the symphony of sensations unfolding before his eyes. The sight of Suzuka's alluring body, tastefully veiled by the translucent mist, stirred a sense of desire and pleasure within him.

Suzuka, with a graceful motion, turned her back to Hermit and sought solace against the sturdy embrace of the rock. Weary and drained, she allowed herself to succumb to the alluring pull of relaxation, closing her eyes in a display of surrender to the tranquil surroundings. The gentle rhythm of her breathing gradually slowed, lulling her into a state of blissful slumber.

Meanwhile, Hermit, burdened by the weight of exhaustion, found ease in the rejuvenating embrace of the hot spring. The warm waters engulfed his fatigued form, mingling with the soft patter of raindrops that caressed his weary body. The combined effects of the soothing waters and the gentle rain conspired to beckon him into the realm of dreams.

Like a marionette with heavy eyelids, Hermit succumbed to the irresistible allure of rest. His eyes, burdened with weariness, descended like leaden curtains, sealing off the world around him. Nestled against the comforting solidity of the rock, he surrendered himself to the realm of sleep.

As the jarring noise reverberated through the dressing room, Hermit's senses sharpened, and his heart pounded with fear. The imminent threat of being discovered flooded his mind, and panic coursed through his veins like wildfire. Fully aware of the dire consequences that awaited him if he were caught trespassing in the women's bath, he knew he had to act swiftly and discreetly.

With adrenaline coursing through his puny goblin frame, Hermit swiftly propelled himself off the wooden bowl upon which he had been resting. Like a sleek shadow, he darted through the warm waters, aiming to seek refuge near Suzuka, who remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding events while immersed in her peaceful slumber.

Desperation fueled Hermit's actions as he delicately poked and prodded Suzuka's back, attempting to rouse her without making the slightest sound. But his efforts proved fruitless as her sleep remained undisturbed, leaving him panicking.

Suddenly, the creaking of the door sent a chilling shiver down Hermit's spine. Time seemed to slow as he cast his gaze upon the person who was about to walk into the hot spring. Fear gripped him, for he knew that his very existence as a goblin in this forbidden space spelled doom. There would be no reasoning, no chance to explain himself, only swift and merciless sentence.

With no other option at hand, Hermit's instinct for self-preservation took hold. Hastily he dove underwater and sought refuge within Suzuka's embrace, maneuvering himself into the cramped crevice between the sturdy rock and her gentle belly. The space was tight and confining, but the desperate goblin slithered into the narrow gap, praying that his concealment would go unnoticed.

As the woman entered the hot spring, oblivious to the presence of the concealed intruder, Hermit held his breath, his heart pounding against his ribcage. He became one with the darkness, a mere whisper of existence nestled against Suzuka's warmth.

In the face of imminent danger, Hermit found refuge in Suzuka's embrace, the tight confines of his hiding place pressed against him from all sides. His smallish goblin frame contorted, squeezed between the unyielding rock wall and the firmness of Suzuka's powerful thighs. The weight of her bosom pressed down upon his head, threatening to submerge him beneath the water's surface. His small frame contorted to fit within the cramped confines of his hiding place. The strength of Suzuka's abdominal muscles pushed him against the unyielding stone with each breath, offering him little respite from the suffocating weight that threatened to submerge him beneath the water's surface.

Hermit fought against the relentless downward force of her bosom, summoning every ounce of his scanty strength to resist the weight bearing down on him. Beads of sweat dotted his furrowed brow as he strained to keep his nose above water, desperately clinging to the precious moments he spent in the embrace of air.

The world around him became a blur of sound and sensation, his senses overwhelmed by the battle for survival. The rhythmic beating of his heart echoed in his ears, a constant reminder of the stakes at hand. He dared not make a sound, fearful that the slightest noise might betray his presence to the interloper in the hot spring.

Suzuka, still in the throes of slumber, remained oblivious to the miniature struggle taking place against her body. Her breathing remained steady, unaware of the delicate balance between life and suffocation that Hermit precariously maintained. His eyes darted about, scanning for any signs of respite, searching for a glimmer of hope amidst the suffocating situation.

 Hermit teetered on the edge of survival, clinging to a precarious existence. Beads of sweat mingled with the warm waters, streaming down his furrowed brow, as he fought against the mounting pressure. The weight of her bust and the unyielding rock wall bore down upon him, but he clung to life with an iron grip. 

In the midst of this silent struggle, Hermit's mind raced with a maelstrom of thoughts. Prayers to the goddess Lusseria to lend him a favor and cursed his wretched luck. He yearned for an end to this harrowing ordeal, where freedom and safety would be his reward for enduring this torturous game of hide and seek.

As the agonizing minutes stretched into a grueling half hour, Hermit's strength waned under the relentless weight of her bosom pressing him down, his body straining against the limits of its endurance. The battle for survival had become an excruciating test of his willpower.

Just when he felt himself surrendering, his body succumbed to the suffocating embrace of the hot spring. 

A miraculous turn of events unfolded. Suzuka was roused from her slumber by the sound woman made when she exit the hot spring, stirring her peaceful leisure. Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her features as she realized she fell asleep.

With a sudden surge of strength, Suzuka lifted herself up, relieving the immense burden that had pinned Hermit beneath the water's surface. As if granted a reprieve by some unseen hand, Hermit emerged gasping for air, his lungs greedily inhaling the sweet oxygen that had been denied to him for what felt like an eternity.

Coughing and sputtering, Hermit fought to regain his calm, his scrawny form shivering from the chilling encounter with near-drowning. He looked up at Suzuka from down below, his eyes following her every curve as he wondered. Would she discover his presence, or would fate smile upon him once more?

Suzuka, still groggy from her interrupted slumber, glanced around the hot spring, her gaze momentarily scanning the surrounding area. Unaware of the tiny goblin who had sought refuge within the confines of her own sanctuary, she shrugged off the strange occurrence. 

Hermit slipping away from Suzuka's now less keen sense, he maneuvered himself away to a more concealed position of the pool. There, he watched and waited, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety.

As Suzuka's gaze fell upon the trembling figure of Hermit, a mix of curiosity and snare flickered across her face. She noticed the fear etched in his eyes, his tiny form cowering in her presence. 

To Hermit's surprise, Suzuka's expression softened, her voice taking on a gentler tone as she leaned closer to him. The warmth of her presence contrasted with his initial dread, leaving him momentarily silent.

"Hey little guy," she spoke, her voice laced with a hint of compassion. "How was your experience in the hot spring, huh? Exciting, right? I bet you've never even dreamed of such divine relaxation. It felt amazing, right?"

Hermit's heart raced, his mind grappling with the unexpected turn of events. He summoned his courage and managed to respond, though his voice trembled with a mix of fear and reverence, "Y-yes, Master. It was truly divine. Hermit is happy."

A flicker of amusement danced in Suzuka's eyes, and she let out a soft chuckle. She extended a hand towards Hermit, her touch surprisingly gentle and inviting. 

"You're an interesting little creature, aren't you? No need to fear, I won't harm you. Remember? I promised to teach you how to swim."

Hermit's gaze shifted between Suzuka's face and the outstretched hand, his curiosity piqued. Tentatively, he reached out his small, trembling hand, accepting her offer of contact. As his palm met hers, he felt a surge of warmth, a glimmer of hope in this bewildering encounter.

Suzuka's voice carried a hint of excitement as she continued, "What do you say, little one? Are you willing to learn?"

The proposition hung in the air, the weight of Hermit's decision is heavy. Would he seize this opportunity for a new purpose, a chance to redefine his existence? Or would fear and uncertainty hold him back, anchoring him to safety?