Published: August 31, 2025
I’m Satou. A small-town citizen who wants nothing to do with suspicious slave girls.
It seems I’ve reached the limit of convincing myself this is just a dream.
I’ll settle for the idea that this world might be an otherworldly sightseeing dream, even if the odds are slim. No matter how low the chances, I refuse to give up.
â—‡
I asked Martha if there was a bath, but she said only the lord’s castle has one. I’m heartbroken. Given the food culture and the town’s sense of hygiene, I thought there would at least be a bath.
I considered washing up in my room, but was told that would make it damp and musty, so if I wanted to bathe, I should use the well in the backyard.
The backyard is about six tatami mats in size. The well isn’t far from the back door and uses an old-style bucket and pulley, not a pump. There were two wooden basins, so I filled one with water.
I expected it to be hard, but maybe because my strength (STR) stat is high, I hoisted the water with ease.
Though it’s the backyard, the fence is just waist-high shrubbery. There’s not much foot traffic, but it’s not none. Even in the dim evening light, bathing here would probably turn me into a spectacle.
Looking around, I spotted a folding screen near the back door.
Ah, so this is what I’m supposed to use.
I placed the folding screen where it can’t be seen from the alley and began to bathe.
It’s only about waist high, but enough as a shield.
…Damn, I should have bought soap!
There probably isn’t shampoo, but I thought they’d at least sell soap. I’ll look for some tomorrow.
The back door opens and a woman steps out—a blonde beauty in her late twenties. This town really has a lot of attractive people.
Our eyes met.
“Eek!”
…Gross. I’m grossing myself out.
The woman filled a basin with water, placed the folding screen, and began to bathe.
There’s a folding screen between us, yes, but still!
Every time she moves, her upper body!
No, those estimated D-cup breasts bounce and make their presence known!
She covers the tips with her hands, but sometimes they’re exposed carelessly…
No, no, I’m not a virgin, so I gathered all my willpower to pull my gaze away and resumed washing myself. Energetic lower half, behave yourself!
Her sideways glance, with that triumphant, confident expression…
Adult women are really something!!
After quickly drying off my clean body with a towel… I wonder where I should dump the water.
There’s no drain.
“You can pour the water on the plants. There’s apparently a drain beneath them.”
Feeling sorry for my awkwardness, the woman kindly informed me. I thanked her, disposed of the water, and returned to the inn.
Forgive me for sneaking a glance on the way back.
＞ “Obtained Surveillance Skill”
＞ “Obtained Poker Face Skill”
â—‡
After bathing and changing into a fresh robe, I felt refreshed.
Dinner was mainly vegetables, but the flavor of the vegetables really came through and was delicious. If I were picky, I’d prefer a stronger taste though.
The complimentary dish was a raw vegetable salad. I would have been happier if it’d been a meat dish...
Since protein was a bit lacking, I also gnawed on some jerky I pulled from my pocket.
I wanted to drink, but the local sake, something like unrefined “doburoku,” didn’t appeal to me, so I refrained. I want a chilled beer so badly~
After eating, I returned to my room, but there was no light—no electric lamps, no magical light. Fantasy worlds, get your act together!
I asked the landlady, who was busy dealing with drunken customers, and she said, “If you want a lamp, it’s one copper coin.” The lamp must be returned later. Apparently, those who want to stay up drink at the tavern, and only those wanting sleep return to their rooms.
The toilet is a shared pit latrine. Considering it was outdoors until yesterday, it’s an improvement. There was a bundle of straw stacked nearby, presumably for wiping after. To avoid hemorrhoids, I cut some clean cloth into handkerchief-sized pieces. Not eco-friendly, but I’m not skimping here!