Chapter 39

"Welcome back..."

Kokushin has returned. He looks rather exhausted? And he’s carrying a lot of stuff. He’s holding more than just the bag I gave him.

"Welcome back. You’re late. Were you playing with girls?"

...I got a glare.

"They were girls from a long time ago."

"Are they men now?"

"No, they’re elderly people."

"Oh, I see. So, you were popular with the grandmas?"

He dropped the bags with a thud and asked for water, so I poured him a glass of cold water. He gulped it down and said he wouldn’t go shopping again.

When I asked him what happened, it turned out that he had been taken advantage of rather than being popular.

He had bought things without hesitation, and the grandmas kept recommending more items. After listening to their explanations, he thought they might be useful. Before he knew it, he had a considerable amount of stuff, and when he tried to leave, he was caught by another grandma... and so it went.

"Well, it’s true that you only asked for bread for dinner..."

"Oh."

Suddenly, Kokushin lifted his head.

"Can’t be."

"I forgot to buy the bread."

Why are you suddenly so clumsy, Kokushin? I understand that you’ve only recently started buying things to enjoy life freely. You only used to spend money on what you needed to live. When something is recommended, you want it. I also tend to buy things on impulse. But it’s a bit of a contradiction, given your appearance. You’re a prince, after all. Oh, is it because you’re a prince? Then it’s okay. No, it’s not okay.

"Do you have any food?"

I took everything out of the bags. There were some fruits, dried meat, dried... vegetables? Oh, dried grapes. A beautiful small container, a ring, a camping tent, a folding chair. A root vegetable that looks like a turnip, some kind of seasoning, and a big loaf of bread.

"Oh, there’s bread in there."

"Really? When did I...?"

Not remembering what you bought is a bit... Well, as long as you weren’t cheated, it’s fine. Most of the items seem useful.

"Well, you’ll be more careful next time. And, you can spend your earnings as you like."

I’m worried about debt, but since you can carry it, it should be fine.

"...No, I won’t go."

He must have been really scared of the group of grandmas.

Anyway, let’s make dinner. While I prepare, I’ll have Kokushin feed the horses.

Today’s menu is a vegetable-packed soup, lava plate grilled meat in a bun with chili oil, and boiled Toki grass with honey and nuts.

The chili oil adds a nice flavor, but Kokushin doesn’t seem to like spicy food. Next time I’ll make ketchup. The boiled vegetables have a sweet and bitter mysterious taste. I want to add some nuts.

Well, now that we’ve had a snack, it’s time for the main event: the bath! I’ll show you the backyard.

"So, you can go in by yourself."

"What are you talking about? The bucket is bigger."

"There’s a step."

"Just get in."

...So, he couldn’t go in by himself. He washed his body on the wooden platform and was gently lowered into the bathtub by Kokushin. I realized we needed a chair in the bathtub. Ugh, when is the growth spurt?

"Ah~"

"Ah~"

I understand. You can’t help but make a sound. When you’re submerged up to your shoulders, it really feels good. You can feel the warmth from the inside. Kokushin is splashing water on his shoulders and seems to be enjoying his first bath.

"Indeed, this feels good. I understand why Reito kept talking about the bath."

"Right?"

"Is it okay to use this much water?"

"It’s fine. I used a bit of magic earlier, so it was a bit risky, but I’m fine if I’m at full power."

Kokushin’s skin is starting to turn a light red. Is it too hot? I meant to make it warm.

"What were you doing?"

"Oh, you know, that. That hand bucket."

"Ah, it’s light. There are different types of soil, huh."

I like that Kokushin doesn’t think too deeply. It’s just that there are different types of soil.

"...I can’t do it anymore. I’m getting drowsy."

Kokushin stood up with a splash. Cover yourself, you jerk. I’m not jealous of anything.

"Are you still in?"

"Yeah, a bit more. I’ll get cold, so you can go in first."

"Okay. Call me when you’re done?"

"I can get out!"

Kokushin smiled while drying himself. I know he means well, but I’m a boy, and I’m an adult. I can do it myself.

"Phew~"

I leaned my head on the edge and looked up at the night sky. There are two moons. I’m used to this. For some reason, they both wax and wane in the same way. I don’t know if this world has rotation or if it’s even round. Thinking about it won’t get me anywhere. The physics are similar to my previous life, but sometimes they’re unreliable. It’s a convenient word, fantasy.

I raised my wet hand. It’s still small. I wonder what I’ll be doing when these hands grow to adult size.

I heard a distant howl.

I should get out soon.

I pulled the plug at the bottom. The water started to drain, swirling and flowing into the forest without overflowing, leaving a faint steam. Good.

"..."

Hmm, it’s higher than I thought. If I try to get the step, I won’t be able to get out. I’ll have Kokushin collect it later. I put my foot on the edge and leaned forward.

"Whoa!"

Splat! Thud!

"Ow..."

I fell dramatically on the wooden platform. And the moment was perfectly captured by Kokushin, who opened the back door. He doesn’t have the kindness to pretend he didn’t see. He rushed over and peered at me, who was squatting naked.

"Hey, are you okay? Any injuries?"

"I’m... fine..."

My heart hurts.

"I told you to call me."

"...You’re right."

I thought I could do it. Kokushin is a boy, so he must have tried jumping from high places before. I’m an adult inside. If I hadn’t slipped, I would have landed gracefully.

...Oh, I’m sorry. I should apologize to Kokushin, who is genuinely worried. I’ll call you next time. Oh, no, I’ll install stairs. Inside and outside. Removable and with good drainage... How about diatomaceous earth?

"Get dressed quickly."

"Ah, okay."

I was scolded for staring at the bathtub naked.

My comfortable bath life still has room for improvement.