Chapter 75

"Bro, you misunderstood because of what you were doing, you know."

"Sorry, sorry."

We managed to enter the castle, but it seemed that Raser was still a bit angry.

The gatekeepers whispered that they had never seen Lord Raser so angry before, so it must have been quite a rare sight.

After the truth came out, Raser seemed extremely awkward. Sorry.

"By the way, I'm really glad you came. I'm really happy you actually came. While you're here, I, Raser Kudan, promise to make sure you have no discomfort at all."

"Thanks, but don't be so formal. I'm just visiting a friend's house."

"Oh, right. Then please make yourself at home. You can really treat it like your own home. You can even lounge on the sofa all day if you want."

That's a bit much.

At home, I do that maybe once a month, if that.

Raser guided me to the guest room.

The room where the royal family stays is on the opposite side of the castle, but that's understandable.

The room I was shown to was more luxurious than a guest room should be.

It was spacious, with high-end furniture and about four or five expensive-looking paintings. It was several times larger than the largest room in my family's mansion.

It was very relaxing, but so relaxing that it was almost uncomfortable. I didn't really know how I felt. Who is this room for? Who could get used to it unless they were royalty from another country?

"This is the room we lend out when we invite royalty from other countries."

Really, for royalty?

I can't stay in a place like this.

"Maybe a smaller, cozier room would be better. I'm not used to rooms that are too large."

"I see. I had reserved this room in case you came during the winter break... My brother was also trying to secure this room, but I insisted. But if you prefer another room, I'm sorry, we can try another one."

Prince Ark, did he really try to prepare this room for Iris!? What a fool!? What happened to the pretense of being a servant?

"Though it's a bit uncomfortable, how about this room? It's used when we invite local lords. It's much less formal than the previous one..."

It's more than enough? It's actually a perfect fit?

It's smaller than the previous one, but it's much more comfortable. The previous room was not only larger but also had a high ceiling, making it feel like I wasn't even in a room. This one is spacious enough and has a slightly similar atmosphere to my family's mansion. There might be some differences in the furniture, but I don't have enough knowledge to notice them.

"Thanks. I'll stay here. It's a good room."

"I can't let you be treated rudely. If you need anything, just ring the room's bell. Someone from the castle will definitely come to assist you."

That's too convenient. Can I use it if I get hungry in the middle of the night? Can I ask for a light snack?

Will I get scolded for gaining weight or eating at this hour?

"By the way, did you come alone? I thought you would bring someone like Iris."

"As you might have guessed, I came with Iris, but your wonderful brother took her."

"Ah, that explains why my brother was in such a hurry when he returned. He was trying to secure that room for Iris!? What a fool!? There's no way Iris would use it..."

Hehe, did you realize, Raser? Your brother is a fool. He's usually sharp, but when it comes to love, he becomes a complete fool. That's the real him.

"I hope my brother isn't doing anything strange... I'll check on him later. For now, please rest from your journey. The bath is already prepared for you."

"A bath, that's great."

The arrangements since I entered the castle have been perfect. Raser, as expected.

I'll gratefully take advantage of his kindness.

The sun hasn't set yet. It might be a bit early for a bath, but considering how dirty I am, it's probably better to get in early.

Raser said he would check on Iris, so a different lady-in-waiting will guide me.

I don't know where this lady-in-waiting was hiding, but she appeared the moment Raser called her.

Maybe the castle has a portal to anywhere.

"Lord Kururi, Lord Raser said you should use this bath. Should I wash the clothes you're wearing now? If you need a change of clothes, please let me know."

"Please wash them. I need something comfortable to move in."

"Yes, I'll do that."

After a brief conversation, the lady-in-waiting disappeared. Maybe she used a portal.

I undressed in the changing room, draped a towel over my shoulder, and entered the bath.

"Wow."

This is another huge bath.

It's probably a public bath for everyone who works in the castle, but it feels a bit too luxurious for that. Well, it is a castle, so this is to be expected.

I've never seen a realistic statue of a naked woman holding a jug, from which water flows, in real life. The castle is really something else. It's amazing!

It was early, so I was the only one there.

Can I have it all to myself until someone else comes? This is great.

I started washing my body before getting into the bath.

There were so many types of shampoo that I didn't know which one to use. Since I was quite sweaty, I tried two or three.

They all had strong scents and made my hair very smooth.

My hair isn't usually well-maintained, so I thought I'd let it recover here.

While lathering my hair, I heard footsteps.

It seemed another guest had arrived. I couldn't monopolize it forever.

I was about to cover my body with soap and slide from one end to the other, but...

"Ah? It's rare to see someone here before me... A guest with red hair..."

He called out, so I forced myself to look over. It was a middle-aged man.

I didn't want to talk much because soap got in my eyes, but I tried to be polite.

"Ah, sorry, I got the first bath."

"Is that so? It's been a long time since someone took the first bath."

"Really? I'm sorry."

"There's no need to be formal. A bath is for everyone."

"Right."

What is this guy saying?

Does he always take the first bath? What about his job? He must be quite idle.

Maybe he's a window seat type. Even in the castle.

He looked quite handsome. Not just handsome, but a good-looking man.

He had golden hair, a well-structured face with some wrinkles, and a neat mustache.

He seemed to be from a good family and had somehow secured a job in the castle, but he was incompetent and difficult to handle. However, he looked good, so he probably got help from women to survive. That was my assessment. Sorry if I'm wrong.

"The soap might sting your eyes. Take your time washing."

"Right."

I was going to take my time anyway. The middle-aged man smiled kindly as he sat next to me. What is this guy? He looks good, but he's creepy.

"That shampoo is quite good, isn't it? I chose it."

"Ah, really?"

Not only is he incompetent, but he's also interfering with the bath. He must be quite a nuisance, right?

"Feel free to use it. The body soap is also quite good. I chose that too."

This guy is really overstepping.

The bath is probably managed by commoners, so the person in charge must be having a hard time.

No matter how incompetent a noble is, they can't be treated rudely.

But his choices aren't bad. The shampoo is indeed good.

"Are you done washing your hair? How about I wash your back?"

I don't want you to, but...

"Sure, thanks."

But it's still appreciated, so I'll let him.

He used his favorite soap generously to wash my back.

It was a bit creepy how enthusiastic he was.

"When you're done, I'll wash your back. Ah, don't worry about my back. I always do it casually."

"Don't rush. No one will come for a while."

No one will come for a while? The castle seems busy, but this guy looks idle.

"Did you come to the castle for work?"

"No, I came to visit a friend. Fortunately, I can stay here for a while."

"I see. Enjoy your stay."

This guy speaks in a rather condescending manner.

It's as if the castle belongs to him.

Is he some important person who manages everything?

Is entering the bath first part of his management duties?

If so, he must be a serious and capable man. I'm sorry. I'll revise my assessment.

"When will others come?"

"Hmm, probably not for an hour."

"Is that so? Then I can take my time, I guess."

"Right. Since we're here, you can cover your body with soap and slide from one end to the other."

What! Why are you thinking the same thing!?

I wish you were the one to stop me.

"Hehe, you're joking, right?"

"I'm not joking. No one else is here, and I do this when I'm stressed."

"What are you doing!?! ...Actually, I was thinking the same thing earlier."

"Really! Then we must do it!"

We must do it!? We don't have to, right! Absolutely not!

"Since that's settled, red-haired boy, wash my back quickly."

"Alright. But, to be honest, I feel a bit guilty. While I might be borderline acceptable, you're definitely not at your age."

"Don't worry. No one will come for a while. If you keep quiet, no one will hear. If it leaks, it will be from your mouth."

"I won't say anything. I'm guilty too."

While calming the eager middle-aged man, I finished washing his back. He was enjoying it too much.

After washing, he went to a corner of the bath without any soap.

He hadn't applied any yet. Even if the bath is slippery, his skin will be damaged.

When he touched a few spots on the wall, there was a popping sound.

He removed a large tile, revealing a space with alcohol and various items.

"I drink the alcohol here when my wife forbids it."

This guy is hopeless.

"Here, I have my favorite soap. It's cheap, but it's the slipperiest I've tried."

He's really hopeless.

Why is he hiding personal items in the castle's facilities? And they're not even high-quality items.

"How long have you been doing this?"

"Since I was about your age. Strangely, I wasn't interested as a child."

I don't care. I'm not interested in your childhood stories.

"Listen, this is advice from a senior. Pay attention."

"...Yes."

"Don't be stingy with the soap. You'll rub your stomach raw. You won't be able to show it to women for a while. Since it's cheap, use as much as you want."

I shouldn't have expected anything. Has he had such experiences before...? This guy is really pitiful.

"Good, you've covered your body evenly. Next, pour some on the course. It can be slippery and painful if you rub your stomach raw."

"Are you serious!? Someone might slip and hit their head!"

"Don't worry. By the way, you can draw curves, but for beginners, stick to straight lines. We'll do a straight course today."

"I don't want to master it. I just wanted to have some fun..."

"Go ahead and make your own course. I'll use mine."

The two of us, naked, started pouring soap on the bath.

...What am I doing? What are we doing? If someone sees us, it will be embarrassing.

"The course is ready, and your body is ready. Hehe, let's go!"

We went to one end of the bath and looked at the distant endpoint.

It must be about 50 meters.

The bath is huge and luxurious. This is the kind of life people in the castle live.

"Kick the wall firmly. A half-hearted kick won't get you to the end."

"I will. But, I have a perfect image in my mind."

I called him "middle-aged man," but it's fine. We're almost comrades now.

"Another tip: imagine a penguin. Minimize the surface area touching the floor. It also tests your back muscles."

What kind of orders is he giving naked?

Try to arch your back in this position. You'll look like a pervert.

It's too late now...

On the count of three, we kicked the wall with all our might.

I thought my kick was stronger, but the distance between us quickly widened.

The middle-aged man's form was as he advised, with only a part of his stomach touching the floor.

I quickly imitated his form, abandoning my pride.

We accelerated. His form theory was perfect.

The end of the bath gradually came into view. But...

What? I can't slow down!?

"Ahh—"

I hit the wall with my head, unable to protect it because my arms were spread like a penguin's wings.

My head hurt like it was splitting, and I thought my neck would break. What is this! The middle-aged man reached the end with ease!

"Ouch!! It hurts!!"

The middle-aged man was writhing in pain, holding his head.

What a fool. I had forgotten how foolish he was.

Damn, I could have had a light and enjoyable time if I had kept it simple.

I got carried away by the middle-aged man and went all out.

"How do you like the castle?"

"No way I can nod and say 'Yes, I do' at this moment."

"You're right."

After rubbing our heads in pain, we got into the bath with the unusually cheerful middle-aged man.

He even brought out the hidden alcohol.

I didn't really want to drink, but it was expensive, so I took a sip.

"Ah, it's delicious."

"Right? Hahaha, you understand well for your age. Here, let me pour you more."

"Thanks."

We kept drinking in the bath until we were as red as boiled lobsters.

It was the moment we became strange friends.

He said to come to him if I had any problems during my stay in the castle, but I don't really want to rely on him. I might get involved in something strange.

Maybe I'll go for an early bath when I'm bored. The alcohol was good.