Chapter 26: Washing Away Heart and Body

"Ahh… I feel alive again."

I stretched my arms inside the public bath’s large tub. It was the women’s bath—spacious enough for three pools, each about eight tatami mats in size.

The water was perfect—not too hot, not too cold—the kind of warmth that made me want to soak forever.

Looking around, maybe because it was around noon, there were hardly any customers.

Other than me, only one person was there—a cute girl with silky purple hair.

Come to think of it… have I seen her somewhere before?

I felt a sense of déjà vu. Maybe she was from around here, and we’d passed each other on the street sometime in the past.

Right now, I was at a public bathhouse near Shirasagi Inn, thanks to the Demon King’s recommendation.

Apparently, the place had just opened. Everything looked brand-new—the stone tubs, the porcelain faucets that poured hot water when turned, all sparkling clean.

Still, why open a bathhouse here all of a sudden? I tilted my head in thought.

The walls were decorated with mosaic-style stone tile art, oddly reminiscent of Japanese public baths.

Hmm… déjà vu again?

By the way, the Demon King apparently uses this bath every day. He even has access to a special VIP room reserved for preferred customers.

He once invited me to join him there, but I politely declined and chose the regular women’s bath instead.

I mean, why on earth should I let the Demon King see me naked?

Not that it would cost me anything, and it’s not like I’d die of embarrassment or anything… but still.

When we arrived, the place was about to close for cleaning, so we barely made it in time.

Actually, it was technically past the reception cutoff, but after the Demon King whispered a few words to the clerk, we were somehow allowed in without issue.

Good job, Demon King.

This bathhouse separates men and women, except for the VIP area, which allows mixed bathing.

Each changing room had shelves with baskets for storing clothes, and valuables were handed directly to the staff.

Honestly, it was exactly like a modern Japanese bathhouse.

Even if this world was originally based on some kind of eroge, copying Japan’s systems this faithfully was almost suspicious.

Well, at least it was familiar—less cultural shock is always welcome.

Before soaking, I gave myself a thorough scrub with soap—real soap that foamed nicely. Seems the chemistry level in this world isn’t so primitive after all.

After a good wash, there wasn’t a trace of that slimy white octopus fluid left on me.

Actually… that stuff might’ve had moisturizing or skin-beautifying properties, because my skin felt incredibly smooth afterward. (Purely my personal impression, of course.)

Maybe instead of using those octopus monsters as food, we should turn them into ingredients for beauty cream. If we did, it could sell like crazy.

Not that I knew how many of those things even existed—or how we’d go about farming them.

As those thoughts drifted through my head, I sank deeper into the water.

Ahh… paradise.

Glancing at the clock on the wall—apparently powered by some kind of magic common in larger buildings—I realized I’d been there much longer than I thought.

If I didn’t hurry, I’d be late for my official duties this afternoon.

Meaning, I really needed to get out now… but somehow, my body refused to move, as if my butt had sprouted roots.

Mmm… paradise indeed ♥

…Wait. The purple-haired girl from earlier—when did she leave?

Oh, I must’ve soaked way too long.

"Ugh… fine, guess I’ll get out."

With a burst of willpower, I pried myself away from my blissful sanctuary.

Maybe I should visit a mountain hot spring next time.

Daydreaming about escape before work—it’s one of life’s small joys.

…When I stepped out of the bath and entered the rest area, the Demon King was lounging on a long bench, looking completely at ease.

Instead of his usual sharp black suit, he wore simple beige clothes—plain, casual, but on him, even that looked stylish.

Seriously, attractive people make everything look good.

"Oh, Ains—you’re out. How was the bath? Not bad, huh?"

"Ah, yes. I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you."

I bowed politely.

Now that I looked closer, he was holding a small glass bottle with a straw that looked like it was made from a plant stem.

"Um, Lord Maor… what’s that you’re drinking?"

Curious, I asked.

"Hm? This? Milk. They say it’s mixed with fruit juice."

Oh! So this world has fruit milk too!

The ultimate post-bath luxury drink.

Ahh, I’d love to try a sip…

Noticing my longing gaze, Maor looked from the milk bottle to my face, then back again.

"You want some?"

His kind offer made my heart flutter. I nodded eagerly.

"Ah—just a little, then…"

I’d been debating whether to buy a bottle myself, but since time was short, I gratefully accepted his offer instead.

Gulp.

Mmm. Nicely chilled. It felt great against my warm, flushed skin.

Now that I think about it… does this world even have refrigerators? Mysteries upon mysteries.

"…Ains," Maor muttered softly, not even looking at me. "That outfit suits you."

"Ah—thank you very much…"

Hmmm… I’m happy to be praised, but in moments like this, I never know how I’m supposed to react.

By the way, this outfit… it’s the one you bought me.

I had assumed he bought it simply because I looked like I wanted it. But now that I think about it, maybe he bought it because he liked it too.

Either way, being complimented by someone else is a little ticklish—but not unpleasant.

As I fidgeted awkwardly, the Demon King rummaged through the pouch at his waist and tossed a small bag in my direction.

"What’s this?"

I tilted my head as I accepted it.

"You’ve got business to attend to, don’t you? Eat this before you go. One can’t function on an empty stomach."

I opened the bag and found several small, round, white dumpling-like treats inside.

I picked one up and popped it into my mouth.

As I bit down, the sweet aroma of honey filled my senses.

It was like a small bread roll filled with honey.

"Mmm… delicious ♥"

As I happily munched, the Demon King scratched his cheek absentmindedly and muttered off to the side.

"…Sorry for making you come along today, I guess."

Huh!?

The Demon King expressing gratitude? That’s extremely rare.

I stared at his profile intently.

…Well, it was hectic this time too, but in the end, it was actually quite fun.

I met his gaze and smiled warmly. Then, looking up at him, I couldn’t help but say:

"Please invite me again next time."

Seems I still have a lot of training to do.

"A filthy little whore is coming near my brother!?"

A girl in a frilly black dress—something that looked like gothic lolita at first glance—cried out in a shrill voice. Her black hair framed a face as beautiful as a traditional Japanese doll’s, but that lovely face was now clearly twisted in anger.

"Where did this report come from?"

"Yes, Your Highness. It was delivered by the Elder Council."

A huge, hooded figure knelt before her, bowing deeply as they gave their report.

"Grr… S-so that means the information is credible, doesn’t it?"

"Yes, I believe there’s no mistake."

The girl closed her eyes for a moment, clearly lost in thought.

"…It seems I have no choice but to sortie myself."

"Y-Your Highness, the Princess!?"

"Prepare one of the cultivated Kutu-chan specimens at once. Make sure it’s an exceptionally large one."

"B-but if His Majesty were to find out, it would be disastrous…"

"This is for my brother’s sake! We don’t have time to waste—this is a holy war!"

"……"

"You filthy tramp trying to get close to my brother! I’ll strike you down in Heaven’s name!"

The girl declared boldly into the empty air.