Chapter 136: The Bath

About a month had passed since the baked sweet potato party.

The temperature had dropped significantly, and it felt like snow could start falling at any moment.

I had already stopped planting new crops, and once the ones currently growing were harvested, this year’s farming season would be officially over.

Looking at the now barren fields made me want to reflect on the past year—but I promised myself I’d only do that after we finish our winter dungeon expedition.

I’ve been secretly training with my sword too, and one of my goals this year is to successfully defeat a monster.

Until I achieve that, I can’t allow myself to look back and reflect.

These days, I spend my afternoons fully immersed in sword training, with Sheila, Rua, and Joel giving me thorough instruction.

I feel like I’ve started to grasp the mechanics of swordsmanship—but my body still can’t keep up, which is frustrating.

There’s still about a week before we leave for the dungeon, and I’m hoping to wrap things up by then.

With that in mind, I grabbed a change of clothes and a towel and headed to a certain special place.

That place, of course… was the bathhouse.

I’d been working with Rozzo and Sid to build it for a while now, and it was finally finished just before winter.

“Ah, Satou-san! You’re here again today!”

“Yes. Taking a bath has become part of my daily routine. Are you here for a soak too, Joel-kun?”

“I am! Nothing feels better than a bath after training—I’m completely hooked!”

“I’m glad you’ve come to appreciate the joys of bathing. It’s especially soothing during this chilly season.”

After bumping into Joel, we decided to head to the bathhouse together.

There’s only a men’s bath for now, but it’s big enough to fit more than ten people comfortably, so it’s been getting a lot of use.

A women’s bath is currently under construction and should be completed by the end of winter.

I had considered alternating bath times like in a traditional inn, but with Rozzo and Sid around… that idea was quickly scrapped.

Besides, most of the women didn’t yet understand the appeal of baths, so they agreed to wait until their bathhouse is complete.

I’d love for us all to enjoy a cold milk together after bathing someday—but that will have to wait for now.

“This other world really is amazing! I didn’t understand the appeal of bathing before, but now my entire worldview is being shattered on a daily basis!”

“The world I came from shifted toward how to enjoy life, so I think there’s still plenty of surprises in store for you.”

“That sounds exciting… and a little scary! I’ve already become someone who could never go back to my old lifestyle!”

Whether that’s good or bad, I’m not sure—but I really want everyone here to enjoy their time as much as possible.

I don’t intend to stop developing this place, and honestly, I can’t imagine my life without everyone anymore. As long as I can use my skills, I’ll keep pushing things forward.

While we were chatting, we entered the bath and found that there were already a few people soaking.

Naturally, it was Rozzo, Sid, and George, lounging in the tub with a tray of sake floating beside them, fully enjoying their time.

“Hey! Satou-san, Joel! You came too, huh?”

“Were you guys doing moon-viewing sake again today? Just don’t overdo it—it’s dangerous.”

No one had taught them about moon-viewing sake, but those three had taken it up on their own.

They’re serious sake lovers, and I guess they instinctively knew how perfect a match alcohol and hot baths could be.

A glass or two is fine, but I do worry about them getting too drunk.

“I underestimated this whole hot spring thing. It feels amazing.”

“Seriously. I can’t go back to just showers anymore.”

“Right? Thinking about how we used to use cold water like it was normal… now that just feels wrong!”

Sipping their drinks, they continued singing praises about how great the bath was.

Considering how important these three are to the village, I’m thrilled they’ve taken a liking to bathing.

“I’m glad you like it. It’s all thanks to the magical bath system you guys built.”

“Well, I designed the magic tool, so of course it’s amazing! I didn’t build it though.”

“I’m the one who designed the bath itself. Naturally, it turned out perfect—but it’s even better than I expected.”

“If possible, I’d love it if you could build the women’s bath with the same care.”

“Of course. It wouldn’t be fair if only we got to enjoy this.”

“Plus, think of the beautiful women after a bath. That’s more than enough motivation for me.”

Their motivations are a bit questionable—but hey, if it keeps them motivated, I’ll take it.

“Now that you mention it, I’d really like to try a real hot spring too! That white steam you talked about, right?”

“Yep. Hot springs are a whole other level of relaxation. Someday, I’d like to build one nearby.”

“Another level beyond this!? I’ve gotta try it!”

“To make a proper hot spring, I’ll need help from the women too, so please finish up the bathhouse as soon as you can.”

“Got it. Leave it to us.”

“We already know how to build it now. We’ll make it absolutely perfect!”

Hearing the enthusiastic replies from Rozzo and Sid, I finished washing myself and slipped into the bath.

There’s a natural stream nearby too, so maybe someday I can build a sauna in addition to a hot spring.

With that dream in mind, I sank into the warm water, letting the comfort of the bath wash over me.

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