Chapter 87

Waving to the next shift, I made it known that I was awake.

For breakfast, I turned the leftover bird from yesterday into skewers. I sprinkled pepper and salt, and quickly grilled the outside. Once the color changed evenly on the surface, I continued to cook them thoroughly from the inside by the fire.

At the same time, I put water in a pot and rehydrated the lard. After it had rehydrated to a certain extent, I added wild herbs and preserved food to make a porridge. I tasted it and adjusted the seasoning with salt, and that's when everyone seemed to wake up, drawn by the smell.

I poured the porridge into cups and placed the skewers on top.

"Let's eat and have a safe day today."

I took a bite of the skewer. There was no raw part left, and the tender meat released juices and flavor. The contrast with the crispy texture and the bold taste was excellent.

The porridge was also rich and satisfying, thanks to the lard.

"Having meat for breakfast is such a luxury. And it's so soft and squishy!! Delicious."

Fia was energetic from the start of the day.

By the way, Tisha is gradually producing the lard. Currently, she is drying it and distributing it through the ladies' network. She is also sharing the recipe, so it won't be long before it becomes a village specialty.

As for the boar fat, which is a byproduct, it seems they were originally using plant material as the wick, but now they are drying the material collected from the southern forest to mass-produce animal fat candles. Since it's a 10th-grade request, the cost is minimal.

Currently, it's a complete loss due to the cost of firewood, but once the sale of animal fat candles begins, it will turn a significant profit. If the lard gains recognition and starts selling, the total profit will be substantial.

Tisha, who is a weaver, has been quite busy lately, always rushing around. However, she looks much younger, so I think it's a good thing.

After breakfast and cleanup, everyone got into the carriage.

There was nothing particularly special from there. I consulted with Lot about the estate and practiced water magic, while the other two ran as part of their training.

We were originally planning to stay one more night and arrive the next morning, but we arrived late in the evening of that day.

The reason was that the carriage had fewer passengers, and two of us were running, so we moved at a faster speed than usual.

I asked Lot for a recommended inn and checked in there. After putting our luggage away, I asked the three of them to scout for the mantles and tents, and told them they could do as they pleased afterward.

I went to the lord's mansion as a messenger. I handed over the letter and informed the butler who came out about our arrival in town and the inn information. I told him that the meeting would be at the viscount's convenience and was left waiting.

I thought I would have to go back to the inn and then return, but I wondered what was going on. While thinking about various things, I waited at the entrance to the lord's mansion.

Before long, the butler returned and informed me that a meeting was possible the next morning. The response was quicker than expected. I agreed, thinking it was pointless to think too much about it, and returned to the inn.

The other three had not returned yet. Well, I told them they could do as they pleased, so they might be looking around.

Thinking it would be a good time, I asked the inn staff to show me the largest basin. There was one larger than the basin I used for washing in Japan. It seemed to be for laundry.

I asked if I could use it for washing, and it seemed to be fine. The backyard was surrounded by a hedge, blocking the view. When I went to check, there were tall trees covering it, and it was a spot that couldn't be seen from the upper floors.

Well, it was cold, but it felt like an outdoor bath, so I filled the basin with hot water, about 43 degrees. I had a large piece of cloth in my hand.

I took off my clothes and folded them. I had new underwear prepared. I didn't worry about the laundry since I could ask the inn for the service.

I slowly immersed myself in the basin. Although it was only deep enough to reach my waist, it had been a while since I had soaked in hot water.

"Ah, this is amazing... It feels so good."

I couldn't help but let out a sigh. Japanese people can't do without a bath. I soaked the cloth in the hot water and poured it over my body to warm up.

Phew... I had forgotten the feeling of not having a bath for a month. I enjoyed the bath feeling, feeling the heat rise from my waist.

I dried my body and put on my clothes. It took some time for the sweat to dry due to my slightly overweight body.

I decided to cool down later and, considering the hygiene of the basin, I washed it with boiling water and scrubbed it with another piece of cloth. I then rinsed it with boiling water again.

It was a bit of an overkill, and I felt a bit nauseous, but the pleasure of the bath was irreplaceable. Besides, I didn't want to return the borrowed basin dirty.

However, I wanted a basin of this size. I wondered if the village carpenter had any in stock. While thinking about such things, I returned the cleaned basin to the inn and went back to the room.

By the time I had enjoyed the bath feeling, everyone had returned.

"Oh? You cleaned yourself first?"

Liz asked curiously.

"I couldn't predict when everyone would return. Since I had nothing to do anyway, I finished first."

"Oh, I see. That's good. Lot knew about a bathhouse, so we all went."

The moment I heard that, I was taken aback. A bath would have been better than the bath feeling with the basin...

But when I asked, it turned out that the bathhouse in this town was in the sauna and cold water bath style. In that case, it was better to have soaked in the hot water this time.

While thinking about such things, I finished the inn's dinner and returned to the room. The rooms were separate, with two people in each, divided by gender.

The food was good and delicious, and meat was served. The room was of decent size.

The price was only a thousand wyr higher than the same room at the Blue Sky Pavilion. Considering it was an inn in the town, it was quite excellent.

I decided to recognize it as a good inn. I would stay here again if I came to town.

In a relaxed atmosphere, I chatted with Lot.

"Is there only a sauna in this town?"

"There are no bathhouses with hot tubs. You might find one in other towns, but it would be difficult to make it profitable due to the cost of the boiler and firewood."

It seems a hot tub is indeed difficult.

"A sauna only requires a relatively enclosed space where you burn charcoal and evaporate water from a dish. The operating cost is completely different from a hot tub."

The development of charcoal is, of course, well-established, and the price is not too high. Considering this, public bathhouses would likely be saunas.

If the lord's mansion is built, I want a bathhouse. I should make a request. If the location is good, I might even consider an outdoor bath.

As we chatted about various things, the night grew late, and we went to bed.