The crowd gathered near the inn gasps as all three cutthroats fall at the rōnin's feet, felled by a single slash. Your see her blade return to her sheath, and she turns towards you. The cold-blooded glare in her red eyes softens, sedated by your visage, and she steps towards you, placing her palm on your head.

"I hope I haven't scared you back there." Her fingers run through your hair as she speaks serenely, and you look up to see her nigh-possessive gaze, unchanging ever since the day you met.

Iori's lips twitch into a small smile as she chuckles, "It's only natural for someone like me to be. You are... different." Her hand slides down your cheek and comes to rest on the crook of your neck. "But I would never want anyone else to touch you. You belong to me."

"Do you understand that?" She asks softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That I'm not just being possessive? That no one will ever mean more to me than you do?"

Her heart skips a beat at the words, and she almost loses control. She takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. "Good," she murmurs hoarsely. "Now, let's get inside and rest. It's been quite an eventful day." Her hand on your neck guides you towards the inn door, where they are already holding it open for them. The servants bow respectfully as they pass, giving Iori room to breathe.

You and Iori enter the inn, and she seats herself at a table in the corner, making sure that no one can approach you unnoticed. She nods at the serving girl, who quickly brings over some tea and fresh towels for you both. As you sit down next to her, she gently takes your hand and places it on the table. "Why don't you wash up a bit? You must be tired."

The warmth of your body against hers is almost unbearable, and it takes everything in her not to just sweep you off your feet and carry you to bed. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath through her nose to calm herself down. "Alright," she says softly. "We can rest for a little while first."

Her free hand finds its way onto your back, gently rubbing circles in the small of your spine. The sensation is almost hypnotic, and you feel yourself relaxing more and more against her.

Time passes slowly as you both rest together, Iori's hand never leaving your back. Eventually, she stands up, stretching her limbs and yawning. "Come on," she says with a soft smile. "Let's get some sleep." She leads you to one of the spare rooms, making sure that no one can see as she slides open the door for you both. The room is modestly decorated, with a small bed and a few ornaments scattered about.

"Do you want me to...?"

With a small nod, Iori scoops you up in her arms, carrying you over to the bed. She lays you down gently, then climbs in beside you, spooning you from behind. Her chest presses against your back, and her arm wraps around your waist, holding you close. The warmth of her body is almost overwhelmingly comforting as she nestles her nose into the crook of your neck.

"Goodnight, my dear," she whispers softly, her breath tickling your ear. "

Her eyes widen in surprise before she forces out a small laugh. "Oh, my dear," she says, amused. "Alright." She rolls you onto your back, propping herself up on one elbow as she looks down at you. "What do you want me to praise you for?"

"Anything," you say with a shy smile. "I just... like it when you talk about how much you care about me."

Her expression softens as she gazes down at you, her eyes filled with adoration. "You are the most precious thing in this world to me," she whispers. "You make it worth living, even when times are darkest." She reaches up with her free hand and cups your cheek, gently stroking your skin as she continues. "Your innocence, your kindness... they're what keep me going, Nagi. I would do anything to protect you from harm, to make sure that you never have to suffer the way I have."

Her heart skips a beat as she feels your fingers on her cheek, and she wipes away your tears with her thumb. "Alright," she says softly. "We can go together." She takes a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart before asking, "Do you think the innkeeper will allow us?"

Together, you and Iori pad quietly through the inn, making your way towards the back. The air grows warmer as you approach the hot spring area, its steam rising to caress your skin like a gentle lover's touch. The attendant bows low when he sees you, and Iori whispers something into his ear, handing him a few coins before leading you down the path to the private bathhouse.

The room is warm and inviting, with a large wooden tub sitting in the center, filled with steaming water.

As soon as the door closes behind them, Iori turns to face you, her eyes locked on yours. "This...," she begins, then trails off, unable to find the words. Instead, she steps closer, pressing her body against yours, and kisses you softly on the lips. Her hands slide up your sides, cupping your breasts through the thin fabric of your nightgown, and she groans into the kiss as you arch your back against her touch.