Kays Translations

Chapter 32: For Oneself x Magical Tool = Bath

In the research facility where the people involved had moved in, Isamu immediately started considering the outer casing of a magic stove... or not.

He had asked Eto to make several metal rods made of copper.

And as for Isamu himself, he was in the backyard of the laboratory, putting together wooden boards to create a box with a bottom measuring slightly less than 1 meter by 50 cm and a height of about 50 cm.

"Yeah, I think this will do. It's just a test, so it's good enough."

Though a bit uneven, he nodded in satisfaction, having nailed it together tightly to ensure no gaps. Just then, Eto came out through the back door.

"Is this okay, Isamu?"

Eto presented an L-shaped copper rod, with a short end, three centimeters in diameter, and a long end measuring 60 centimeters, which was attached to the copper plate of the magic stove.

"Yes, it's perfect!! Now, please help me attach it to the magic circle."

After receiving the go-ahead, Isamu fixed the copper plate to the heat-issuing enchantment part of the magic circle, which was set up vertically next to the wooden box.

Although the magic circle was nearly the same as that of the magic stove, the difference was that it was around 70 cm high, and the heat-issuing enchantment was at the top. With the L-shaped rod extending from the copper plate, it fit into the box's long side.

"Hehehe, it's perfect..."

Isamu chuckled in satisfaction as he looked at the finished product.

"Perfect is all well and good, but what is this? Is it really the supreme magic tool for the most relaxing experience? It doesn't look like it...?"

Several question marks floated above Eto's head as he had no idea what Isamu was making.

"Hehehe, I think you'll absolutely love it, so please wait just a bit longer. I'm going to start it up now."

Isamu grinned and reached out toward the wooden box.

"Water, come forth from nothingness and gather in my hands, Water Ball!"

He chanted the spell, and a water sphere with a diameter of about 50 cm appeared instantly. When Isamu released the spell, the water splashed into the wooden box. After repeating this process about three times, the water filled the box up to about seven-tenths full.

"Hmm, I'm glad I learned magic. I'd be dead if I had to fetch this much water manually..."

Isamu looked at the box filled with water with satisfaction.

"What's the point of storing all this water?"

Eto became increasingly puzzled, and more question marks floated above his head.

"Alright, let's get it running. I made it with a fourfold heating capacity to save time. If the heating power is four times greater, it should reach the right temperature in about 15 minutes... Since with the same power, a little over one liter of water could boil in just over a minute, it's a rough calculation that says that if the heat energy is four times greater, it'll reach the right temperature in about 15 minutes."

Talking to himself, he activated the magic tool.

Indeed, what Isamu had been making was a heater for the bath. The most efficient way to make it was to use a copper plate for the bottom, the so-called "Goemon bath" style, but for experimental purposes, this design was not acceptable as it would limit its location. So, overlooking some efficiency, he opted for a shape closer to a portable throw-in style.

As expected, after 15 minutes of waiting, steam began to rise from the bathtub.

"Wow! Alright, it looks like it's going according to the calculations!"

With high tension, Isamu checked the water temperature.

"It's still a bit warm; just a few more minutes. Hehehe, at this rate, it's going to be quite practical. I could even reheat it!"

Isamu’s excitement grew as he checked the water temperature.

Isamu had decided in his heart that he would create a bath with a magic tool to overcome the despair of knowing there were no baths in this country. Now that his dream was coming true, his excitement was off the charts.

In contrast, Eto had no idea what the object in front of him was for, and his tension did not rise.

"Hey, Isamu. No matter how you look at it, it seems like you're just boiling water, right? I don't see it as the ultimate culture...?"

It only seems like I'm just boiling a large amount of water, so the enthusiasm has actually dropped.

"Yes. I'm just boiling water, but you'll soon experience the incredible power that simple water holds, whether you like it or not. So, I can't wait any longer, so please excuse me!"

With those words, Isamu quickly stripped off all his clothes and jumped into the bathtub.

"Kuuuu... Aaaaaahhhhhhh... Fuuuuuuuuuu..."

And then, a sigh as if expelling everything escaped from his mouth.

"Haahhh, it's the best... I'm melting..."

He scooped up some hot water and washed his face a few times.

The bathtub was somewhat compact, so it didn't offer a lot of space to stretch out, but it was enough to relax comfortably.

"Phew... Oops, I should probably turn it off for now."

He stopped the magic device from running continuously, as leaving it on would keep the water hot.

The Heat Enchantment, a magic tool used to provide heat, warms objects, but oddly, it doesn't retain any residual heat.

If he stopped supplying magic energy, the heat disappeared completely from the objects they had heated. The exact principle behind this was unknown, but it made it easy to adjust the temperature, which was quite convenient.

If there were residual heat, turning it off like this would still keep the bath temperature rising for a while, making it less practical.

Isamu, who had finally settled down, looked to the side and saw Eto, who had been dazed by the splash Isamu made when jumping into the bath.

"Ah, sorry, Eto-san... I got a bit too excited."

With Isamu’s words, Eto's freeze finally lifted.

"...What in the world are you doing? To me, it looks like you're just soaking in water...?"

Isamu’s unexpected actions left Eto more puzzled than angry.

"This is called a 'bath,' a facility from the world I come from. It's a supreme culture that not only provides relaxation but also promotes health and cleanliness. Oh, once I warm up a bit more, I'll trade places, so please wait a bit."

"Hmm... I don't want to doubt you, but are you really just soaking in hot water? No matter how I look at it, it doesn't seem like a supreme culture..."

Eto tilted his head.

After about five minutes of enjoying his first bath in a while, Isamu got out of the bath, dried himself with the towel he had prepared, and changed into new clothes.

"Umm, I'd like a bath towel and a yukata, too. I guess I'll ask Annemarie-san for those. Oh, sorry for the wait. I'll replace the water, so please wait a little longer."

While saying this, he removed the wooden plug that was attached to the side and drained the water. After draining about a third, he plugged it again and replenished the water with magic before restarting the magic tool.

"I think it will reach the right temperature in about five minutes, so please wait a little longer."

"Well, it's not like I need to get in or anything..."

With Eto's tension still not rising, Isamu checked the water temperature at regular intervals.

Finally, for the sake of the bath beginner, Eto, he stopped the magic tool with a somewhat warmer temperature.

"Now, we're all set! I personally prefer it a bit hotter, but I thought it might be a bit too much for beginners, so I made it slightly warmer. Oh, and I've reduced the water level a bit to prevent drowning. So, take off your clothes and just get in without overthinking it!"

"Well, if you put it that way... since you've gone through the trouble of preparing it."

With low enthusiasm, Eto took off his clothes and hesitantly dipped one leg into the bath.

"Hmm... it's not too hot, indeed. So..."

After confirming that it was not too hot, he finally submerged his entire body in the bathtub.

And...

"Kuhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..."

Eto let out a hearty sigh, then completely submerged himself up to his chin.

Due to his small stature as a halfling, Eto was able to stretch his legs properly in the bath, but he had already thrown both his arms and legs out of the water.

His face, which was turned upwards at an angle, displayed a look of absolute bliss.

"How is it? Eto-san, what are your impressions of just soaking in plain water?"

While suppressing his laughter, Isamu asked the bewildered Eto.

"...Huh? Ahh? Oh, you were right. This is certainly the supreme bath. You've created something incredible. Hmmm..."

Though his words sounded a bit odd, there was no doubt that he liked it. Right here and now marked the moment when the world's first bath enthusiast was born in this otherworld.

"That's right. I knew you'd understand, Eto-san. It was worth making this."

Isamu nodded with satisfaction.

"Yes, this is amazing. I should apologize for doubting you earlier. Now I want to show off that me from a little while ago."

As Eto leisurely soaked in the bath, they heard a voice coming from the laboratory.

"...S-...N!...Samu...N!"

"Huh? Is someone calling us?"

"Yeah, I think I heard something..."

The two strained their ears.

"Isamu-saaan! Where are youuu? Oh, the back door is open... Is this the way?"

The moment they heard that voice, Isamu’s face turned pale.

"Oh no! Both the front and back doors were left open!"

"What?!"

"I'll be right back! Eto, please hurry and change..."

"Oh, Isamu-san! So you were here...? ...Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! ! ! ! ”

Isamu tried to respond, but it was already too late.

Unluckily, the back door was open, which led her into the backyard. There, she found Eto standing completely naked.

And so, Annemarie's scream echoed in the surroundings.

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