Chapter 16 The Knight Commander’s First Bath

My name is Yuri Wiggins. I came to the cafe run by Miss Lydia to thank her for defeating the slime.

At first, I thought I’d just say thank you and go home, but…

“Since you’ve come all this way, why don’t you take a bath? It’ll definitely help relieve your fatigue.”

She suggested enthusiastically, and I nodded without thinking.

But what is this “bath” she was talking about? I had no idea…

I did as she told me and went through the curtain that said “Men’s Bath.”

I took off my clothes as instructed on the sign that said “Dressing Room,” and followed the directions to open the frosted glass door.

Sure enough, a different world unfolded beyond.

“What is this…”

There was a row of places to wash, all of which had mirrors attached. Steam was rising from the area filled with water.

 How many people are expected to take a bath here…?

Can they boil this much water every day…?

Many questions came to my mind, but I followed the instructions that said, “First, wash your body with the sponge and soap provided at reception,” and started to bathe.

Then, as the sign said, “After you’ve finished washing, try entering the bath on the right. Be careful, it’s hot,” I decided to try taking a bath.

Terribly, I stepped into the water with my right foot first.

“…!”

At first, I was surprised at how hot the “bath” was, but once I got used to it, it was just the right temperature. I gently immersed myself in the water up to my shoulders.

The warm water relaxed the muscles in my body. I stretched out and let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m tired.”

I was surprised at my own words, which I had blurted out without thinking. I realized once again that I was tired.

I remembered today’s events.

 Regular extermination and management to prevent monsters from invading residential areas. Responding to sudden requests to exterminate monsters. Dealing with complaints from residents. Persuading subordinates who want to quit. Papers piling up in the captain’s office…

Ah, I realize that today was busy again.

However, when I take a bath, everything becomes irrelevant. All my fatigue is purified by the warm water…

“I-it’s healing…”

I was so impressed by my first bath that I looked up to the sky.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎

Since Yuri-san came, no other customers have come to the store. Then, Luke, with a dirty look in his eyes, spoke to me.

 “You were really strong just now, Lydia-sama. Be careful, because that kind of behavior can be mistaken for affection.”

“What are you talking about? No one would take that for granted. Besides, it’s more important to spread the word about baths to tired people.”

“That’s true, but…”

He gave me an indecisive response. I moved closer to him.

“What is it? If you have a problem, say it.”

“It’s nothing.”

Luke looked away and pouted. I know because we’ve been together for so many years. It’s the expression he makes when he has something to say.

“It’s nothing.”

But Luke said that and retreated. I wonder what he wanted to say.

After a while, Yuri came out of the bath.

“It’s warm…”

He seemed to be feeling a bit dazed from his first experience of taking a bath. I understand that reaction. It feels good after a bath, and it makes you feel dazed. 

“Welcome back. How was it?”