Chapter 240: Chapter 240- Protect

Clarissa’s hands stilled for a moment, her expression softening with concern. "Eliminating threats is one thing, but you must also take better care of this body, Julian," she insisted, her voice gentle but firm. "It’s the only one you have."

Celestia gave a sharp, definitive nod of agreement. "Precisely. Your recklessness is your greatest flaw. You consistently overload your system by channeling multiple high-tier skills simultaneously. The strain you impose on your neural pathways and muscular fibers is unsustainable."

Julian, ever the unflinching pillar, simply let out a calm breath. "My strength is what stands between you and the chaos. I will protect you all."

In a move of perfect, unspoken synchronization, both Celestia and Clarissa found a tender spot on his back and pinched him hard.

"Ah! Hey!" Julian jolted, the wave of sharp pain shattering his composed facade.

"You see?" Clarissa chided, though a smile played on her lips. "Even you, in all your strength, are not invincible. There will always be a moment of carelessness."

Celestia’s voice was cool and final. "Consider that a practical demonstration. Your body has its limits, just like anyone else’s. Acknowledging that is not a weakness, it is a strategic necessity."

A faint, reluctant smile touched Julian’s lips as the stinging sensation faded. "Alright, point taken," he conceded, his voice a low rumble. "I suppose even a fortress can be felled by a determined enough crack."

"Precisely," Celestia stated, her tone losing none of its edge despite the affectionate gesture. "And we are merely reinforcing your foundations."

Clarissa’s hands resumed their work, now soothing the spot they had just assaulted. "We don’t say these things to scold you, Julian. We say them because we need you. And that means we need you whole, not burned out from the inside."

Julian let out a long, slow breath, the last of his resistance melting away under their dual assault of logic and care. "I understand," he said, and this time, the words held a new weight of acceptance. "I’ll be more... strategic with my strength."

"A wise decision," Celestia replied, a note of satisfaction in her voice.

"One we’ll happily help you keep," Clarissa added, her fingers tracing a gentle, promising pattern on his skin.

The room settled back into a comfortable silence, Julian enjoyed their massage which made him even more relaxed.

"Julian," Celestia’s voice, cool and composed, broke the comfortable silence. "Turn over. It is time we attended to the front."

Without a word of protest, Julian complied, shifting his weight with a soft grunt until he lay on his back, his gaze now free to take in the two women hovering over him. And the sight that greeted him was enough to make his breath catch.

The soft light of the room played beautifully upon them, and he found himself speaking the thought aloud, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You both look... incredibly beautiful in those outfits."

His eyes first drifted to Clarissa. Her long, cerulean hair cascaded over her shoulders, a stunning contrast to the pristine white of her maid apron. Her bright blue eyes, warm and luminous, seemed to sparkle with affection. The maid dress she wore was elegantly tailored, with a neckline that gracefully framed the gentle swell of her cleavage, and a skirt adorned with delicate lace, accompanied by the subtle accent of a garter belt that hinted at a playful charm beneath the formal attire.

Then, his gaze shifted to Celestia. Her long, silver hair fell like a waterfall of moonlight, framing a face of serene, porcelain beauty. Her striking grey eyes held a depth that was both intelligent and alluring. She wore an identical maid outfit, yet on her, it projected an air of impeccable grace and unapproachable elegance, making her both captivating and utterly enchanting.

A faint, almost imperceptible blush touched Celestia’s cheeks, though her expression remained regal. "Your praise is noted and appreciated," she replied, her voice a soft chime. "Knowing you find it pleasing makes the attire worthwhile. I would wear whatever you deem fit."

Clarissa’s smile was brighter, her joy more openly displayed. She smoothed down her apron with a slightly flustered but happy gesture. "I’m so glad you like it, Julian. It makes me happy to hear you say that." Her blue eyes shone with delight as she reached for the massage oil, ready to continue their devoted service.

The atmosphere in the room remained warm and intimate, charged with a quiet affection. As their skilled hands began to work on the muscles of his chest and shoulders, the conversation continued, flowing as easily as their touch.

"Does this pressure feel adequate?" Celestia inquired, her voice as measured and precise as her movements. Her grey eyes studied his face for any micro-expression of discomfort. "The anterior deltoids often carry significant stress."

"It’s perfect," Julian assured her, his eyes closing for a moment as he absorbed the sensation. "You both know my body better than I do."

Clarissa’s fingers, working on his other arm, were slightly softer, her touch more nurturing. "We have to, since you won’t always do it yourself."

"It is the most logical and efficient method," Celestia stated, though the faintest hint of a smile threatened the corners of her lips. "Ensuring your peak physical and mental condition is our priority."

"But it’s more than just logic, isn’t it?" Clarissa added softly, her bright blue eyes meeting Julian’s. "We want to be the ones to take care of you. To see you like this... relaxed and at peace."

Julian’s expression softened. He reached up, his hands finding theirs, stilling their movements for a moment. He gave their hands a gentle squeeze.

"And I am grateful for it. For both of you." He released their hands, a silent signal to continue. "I’m listening now. I’ll be more careful. For you."

"That is all we ask," Celestia replied, her voice losing a fraction of its usual coolness, becoming almost warm.

"Good," Clarissa whispered, her smile radiant as she resumed her ministrations, her touch now filled with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.