Published: July 29, 2025
The count's castle was vast.
After walking endlessly down the corridor, I finally stepped outside. But the scenery was different from when I arrived—it turned out this was the opposite direction from the gate, the castle’s courtyard.
At the back of the flower garden stood a building. It was circular with white walls, about the size of a commoner’s house.
When Mio opened the door, a thick white steam enveloped me.
…Steam? Beyond that, I could barely make out something like a pond.
“Could this possibly be a bath!?”
If so, that’s incredible—the amount of water and firewood it must consume! In just one day, it might use up the entire count family’s fuel for a whole winter.
As soon as I thought that, it all made sense.
I see now. Finally, I understood why I was brought here.
They want me to chop firewood. And then clean the bathhouse.
For a bath this size, it would be an all-night job. This punishment was likely a form of atonement for my rudeness.
I was moved. The count… such a merciful person.
Determined, I rolled up my sleeves and marched enthusiastically inside. There was someone already there.
“Ahhh—welcome! I’ve been waiting for you!”
She looked to be in her mid-twenties, a blonde with blue eyes, wearing a tunic that seemed easy to move in.
With a broad smile, she spread her arms wide and warmly welcomed me.
“Are you lady Marie? My name is Tunic. Nice to meet you.”
Her leisurely tone contrasted with her quick bow. I returned an even deeper bow.
“Pleased to meet you. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if there’s anything you need. I’m quite experienced with housework, so I can handle pretty much anything. Leave the heavy work to me as well.”
There was no response to my greeting.
“Tunic, as I mentioned earlier, please prepare everything accordingly. Not just to wash away the travel grime but to thoroughly beautify her skin and hair.”
“Yes, understood! Hehe, I’ve prepared a special beautifying bath for you!”
…Huh? I was left behind.
…What should I do? I can’t keep up.
As I stood there, frozen, Mio finally introduced her.
“Lady Marie, this slow-speaking maid is Tunic. She is the bath attendant of the count’s household.”
“Bath attendant… a maid dedicated to the bath!?”
“Yes. She not only heats the water and scrubs away dirt but is also very knowledgeable about medicinal effects. She knows all about detergents and bath additives that benefit health and beauty, effective hair-washing methods, massages, and so on. Despite appearances, she is an extremely skilled apothecary.”
Huh…? Honestly, I didn’t really understand, but it sounded impressive. No, it must be impressive.
As I absentmindedly gazed at the large bathtub, my body suddenly felt free of constraints.
Huh?
It felt cooler—looking down, I saw my naked body.
“Kyaa! W-why are you taking my clothes off!?”
“Well, since you’re going to bathe, I have to undress you.”
“Bath!?”
From behind, Tunic had swiftly untied the ribbons on my back and stripped off my underwear. Before I knew it, I was completely naked. Tunic let out a delighted exclamation.
“Oh my, how surprising! Lady Marie, you’re quite well-endowed after all.”
“Eek!”
Frantically, I tried to cover myself. Mio, in her maid uniform, waved her hand expressionlessly as usual.
“Have a good bath, lady Marie. Don’t worry—if Tunic is too unpleasant, feel free to smack her.”
“W-what do you mean? I’m supposed to chop firewood and clean the bath!”
“Ahahaha, lady Marie, what are you saying? The one getting beautiful isn’t the bath—it’s you!”
Tunic laughed heartily. I blinked in confusion and could only be bewildered.
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