Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 200: Concerned Disciples
Once our stomachs had settled, it was time for a bath. According to the servants, the castle had both a large communal bath and private baths. There was no bath attached to our suite. That made sense. If every room had one, the castle would need any number of baths.
"Which would you prefer, the communal bath or a private one?"
"Why not a private bath? I've heard nobles dislike using communal baths."
"That isn't necessarily true. A spacious bath lets you relax properly. Still, since we have the opportunity, let's try a private one."
I gave the servant a glance, and he immediately went into action. Apparently, private baths had to be reserved in advance. Perhaps there weren't many of them. Before long, he returned to say one was available at once.
And so we headed straight to the private baths. The large communal bath seemed to be immediately beside them, and there were only about three private rooms.
"So this is a private bath. It looks larger than I expected."
"Larger than you expected? It's enormous!"
Axel was baffled, but this bath was a size smaller than the one at the Heine estate. I had expected a facility meant for high-ranking nobles to be fairly large. Since it was inside the castle, however, there must have been limits on space.
"The bath in your home is even bigger than this, Julius?"
"More or less."
We undressed in the changing room and entered the bath. The tub was filled to the brim with hot water. I looked around the room, but there didn't appear to be a shower. Apparently, showers had not spread to the royal capital yet, despite how convenient they were.
"What's wrong, Julius? You keep looking around."
Ijidol asked while covering himself in front. We were all boys, so that modesty seemed unnecessary. Ijidol couldn't secretly be a girl, could he? He wasn't covering his chest, so I supposed not.
"I was thinking that there isn't a shower."
"Oh, the magic tool you mentioned that sprays hot water from its tip? If it's as useful as you say, I'd like to try one."
Axel looked into empty space, perhaps imagining it. Once he saw a real shower, he would certainly understand how convenient it was. Perhaps I should make one and give it to him while I was in the capital. Sword practice made him move constantly and sweat a great deal, so it might be the perfect gift.
"I'll remain in the royal capital for a while, so I'll make one for you. It isn't a particularly difficult magic tool. I'll make one for Ijidol too."
"Really? Hooray!"
"Thank you, Julius. I'm looking forward to it."
Standing shoulder to shoulder, we washed ourselves. Again and again, we filled buckets with hot water and poured them over our bodies. Yes, a shower magic tool would definitely be more convenient.
Naturally, no servants were present. They had offered to wash us, but I had politely refused. Their faintly disappointed expressions had been memorable. What were they, secret perverts?
"Hmm. A bath reserved for nobles isn't so different from the baths we use."
"It's only heated water. The contents are the same."
"I wonder if it tastes sweet?"
"Don't actually drink it, Ijidol."
At first, the two of them had been intimidated by the bath's lavish decoration, but they gradually relaxed. They had realised that, apart from its appearance, it was no different from an ordinary bath.
Had that disappointed them? Perhaps I should have floated some citrus fruit in it.
After leaving the bath, we went to the compounding room once more. Whatever I said, I couldn't help worrying. The process had reached the stage where they merely needed to maintain its present condition, so there shouldn't be any problem. Apparently, however, I was concerned about my disciples.
"Julius-sensei, you came to see us."
"Yes. I was a little worried. But it seems you'll be fine even without me. That's a relief."
"Those are our words. Because you come to check on us, Julius-sensei, we can face our pots with peace of mind."
The night was deepening, and fatigue must have been accumulating. Even so, the atmosphere in the compounding room remained bright. Hardly anyone showed signs of exhaustion.
"Oh, that's right. We finally received permission to improve the icehouse. I intend to begin tomorrow."
"Oh! That is wonderful news. If there is anything we can do to help, please say so."
"Thank you. For now, though, concentrate on making the potion. A great deal of time remains before it's complete. You mustn't relax your attention until the very end."
"Yes, sir."
The Royal Magic Pharmacists nodded firmly. They clearly understood that they were creating a potion of exceptional difficulty. As long as they didn't let their guard down, everything would be fine.
"Julius really is a teacher."
"Ijidol is right."
Apparently, both of them had accepted that I was a magic-potion teacher. Was that good or bad? They seemed to trust me, so it was probably good.
I could feel Axel's and Ijidol's intense gazes upon me. It made me a little self-conscious.
After inspecting the compounding pots, we returned to our suite. All that remained was to sleep and prepare for tomorrow. It seemed one night in the royal castle would be enough. In their present condition, the Corps should be able to continue compounding for another two days without trouble.
"Julius, what will you do tomorrow?"
"I'll visit the compounding room in the morning as usual, then practise magic in the afternoon. After that comes the icehouse improvement… Huh? I'm busier than I thought."
"You certainly are. With that schedule, finishing the icehouse could take a while. Will that be all right? Won't His Majesty be angry?"
"I wonder."
Would he be angry, as Ijidol suggested? I hadn't received the impression that His Majesty wanted it completed immediately.
At a time like this, I should consult Brother Alex. Or perhaps Lady Daniela would do now. She might want me to rely on her. To deepen our relationship, I would ask Lady Daniela what she thought.