Chapter 17 The Menu at Bath Cafe Hot

Yuri was in a daze after taking a bath.

“Welcome back. How was it?”

When I asked, he blushed in surprise.

“Um…well… it might just be my imagination, but I feel like my stiff shoulders have gone away.”

“It’s not just your imagination. Baths promote blood circulation, so they’re also effective for stiff shoulders and back pain.”

“I see. Now I can do my paperwork without being bothered by pain. I’ll be more efficient…”

He was muttering about being a corporate slave.

“While you’re here, why don’t you try some hot cafe food? By the way, if you take a bath, you get one free drink.”

“Really?”

This service is meant to lure people into the cafe area after taking a bath. Many customers end up ordering snacks and desserts as well, because they feel unsatisfied with just a drink.

“Yeah. Let me have something to eat.”

He nodded and sat down at the table. When I handed him the menu, he nodded in admiration.

“There’s quite a wide variety on the menu.”

“Yes, that’s right. We only make it after we receive your order, so you can eat it hot and fresh.”

The menu at Bath Cafe Hot is as follows:

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~Drinks~

– Straight tea

– Coffee

– Coffee milk

– Fruit milk

– Orange juice

– Apple juice

~Snacks~

– Teri-mayo pizza

A rich pizza made with chicken from Eudrais teriyaki and topped with mayonnaise.

– Macaroni gratin

A thick, piping hot gratin made with plenty of macaroni.

– Northern specialty chicken

A dish made with specialty chicken that can only be found in the northern lands. It has a fragrant garlic flavor.

 ・Colorful vegetables and melty cheese fondue

Made with colorful seasonal vegetables sourced from the royal capital. Enjoy with the luxurious melty cheese.

・Rich cream stew and freshly baked baguette

Rich stew with plenty of ingredients. You can dip your baguette in it and eat it, making it a very satisfying set.

・Warm soup and special “hot” plate

A classic “hot” menu. A special set that includes vegetables, chicken, gratin, and bread. If you can’t choose one from the menu, this is a must-see. You can choose from three types of freshly made soup. (Tomato soup, onion soup, consommé soup)

~Dessert~

・Snowman ice cream (with honey)

Cute ice cream in the shape of a snowman. Honey spills out of the vanilla ice cream. Perfect for those who get dizzy in the bath.

 ・Hot pancakes and three kinds of sauce

A dish with three pancakes on top. You can change the flavor by choosing from three different sauces (honey, maple, marmalade).

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Looking at the menu, he nodded in admiration.

“Even in the bathroom, there were signs on how to take a bath, so it was easy to understand even for beginners. It’s a place that’s really well thought out.”

“That’s right. I’ve always wanted to open a bath cafe, so I’ve been thinking about it for a while.”

“You started it because you were kicked out?… No, that was a rude question. Sorry.”

“It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

I shook my head as he dutifully apologized.

 “As for your question, it’s actually the opposite. I wanted to leave the royal capital, and I was determined to do this if I was banished.”

In the royal capital, my role as the crown prince’s fiance was important, and in high society, my life was bound by interests, profits, and connections.

For me, those were very painful and difficult days. In that life, baths were “healing”, and they were also the only “escape” where no one could blame me.

That’s why I want to spread the word about this wonderful bath that can also support people. I really want many people to know the goodness of baths and be healed by it.

Luke’s eyes widened after hearing my story.

“You have such a strong will, it’s amazing.”

“Haha… I hope so.”

As we were having this conversation, Luke interrupted us.

 “Excuse me, sir. Please hurry up and order your meal.”

“Oh, sorry. That’s right.”

While he was looking at the menu, Luke spoke to me quietly.

“Lydia-sama, aren’t you talking too much to one customer?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry.”

Even though there were no other customers, I ended up talking too much, so I regret it.

I don’t know how to describe it, but Yuri, who is a hard worker, reminded me of myself, who worked hard in my previous life. I ended up talking for a long time.

In the end, he ordered a hot cream stew.

“Hot food after a hot bath is something special…!”

He savored the rich ingredients of the thick stew, finished his meal, and stood up.

“I’d like to come again. Is that okay?”

“Of course. We look forward to seeing you again.”

And with that, the commander of the knights, Yuri, enjoyed the bath cafe and went home. He seemed to really like it, and I’d be happy if he becomes a regular customer.