Chapter 75

"Hmm hmm hmm hmm♪"

While humming, I soaked in the bath, and the others, besides us, looked at me curiously.

When I expressed my desire to take a bath, they tilted their heads in confusion. I explained, saying that it was too dark and we couldn't respond in emergencies, so it was okay in the morning. Thus, this was a morning bath after the night watch.

"You seem to be in a good mood. Is it that good?"

Nergi said with interest.

Of course, I recommended it to everyone. I thought our employer should try it too, but Lady Nylva didn't show much interest. Nergi and the others were also skeptical about soaking in the bath. Well, you have to be naked in front of others, so I didn't force them.

"You won't understand unless you try it."

Next to me, Koushin scratched his wet hair. Behind him, Rada leaned on the edge and went "fnya" with a puffy face. Since it was a hassle, we decided to go in together, but it was quite cramped.

Rada, who got dizzy quickly, was the first to get out. She pulled the cloth she had placed nearby to wipe her body, wrapped it around her waist, and ran into the tent. Koushin stood up next. No, I told you to cover up. I threw the cloth at him as he tried to get out, and I returned to the bath.

"Are you still in there?"

Nergi said with a sigh near the bathtub.

"Ah, sorry. Should I clean up?"

"No, it's fine, but..."

The others were preparing breakfast. It felt a bit awkward to enjoy the bath while everyone was busy, but since I had the chance, I wanted to stay a bit longer.

Rada and Koushin, who had changed, joined the preparation circle. I watched them absentmindedly. I'm glad Lady Nylva is so generous.

"By the way, Nergi, I had a question."

"What is it?"

"Do we have a party name?"

I've always called you all by your names, and I was curious. I don't think I asked when we were introduced. Well, we don't have names either. Maybe we should come up with one eventually.

Nergi suddenly stiffened. I wonder why.

"Well, it doesn't matter. Oh, it's almost time for breakfast. You should get out too."

He clearly tried to avoid the question. What's up with that? Is it some kind of otaku name? I'll ask someone else later.

Anyway, it's time to get out. Ah, Lady Nylva is here.

"Would you like to try it? I'll change the water, of course."

"No, I'll pass."

It feels so good.

Koushin and Rada also came over.

"It's time for breakfast."

I nodded at Rada's words. I stood up, and for a moment, the three outside stared at me. Well, it's awkward to be stared at while getting out. I pulled the plug. Everyone looked at the direction the water was flowing.

"I see. This is for the drainage."

Lady Nylva nodded.

"Ah, a slime."

Koushin's words made everyone tense. But the slime in question was a small one in the trash area. It appeared from somewhere, hopped around, and showed interest in the flowing water.

"Ah!"

The slime leaned forward and fell into the water, then was carried away by the current towards the forest.

"Hey, can slimes swim?"

I muttered, and the three tilted their heads. It doesn't matter. There's not much water, so it will probably escape when it reaches the end.

I wiped the remaining water in the tub with the cloth and wrapped it around my waist before getting out. The barrel can stay out for a while.

"I'll go change. Go ahead and eat."

I said to Koushin and hurried to the tent. Even though they are broad-minded, I can't keep them waiting. As expected, they were waiting for me to return. I felt bad.

"Alright, today's plan. Should we continue as we did yesterday?"

While eating the breakfast sandwich, Lady Nylva spoke. The plan was to eat simpler meals as time went on, but Lady Nylva provided the inventory, so the quality hasn't dropped. She doesn't cook herself, but apparently, there's plenty of bread, meat, and soup. The meat is for Suvelaga, but we have plenty since we hunt.

Yesterday's investigation didn't reveal anything significant. On the contrary, not finding anything was something to report. The altar we were told about beforehand was nowhere to be found. There was a base, so it was likely eaten by slimes.

The second and third floors were also empty.

"If we have time, I'd like to check the other two nearby."

The driver reacted slightly to Lady Nylva's words.

"I don't recommend that. They're probably abandoned. If they're in the same state, there might be tough enemies. We can't handle it alone."

Nergi shook his head. Lady Nylva must have been aware of the danger. She nodded.

"Understood. I'll report to the guild and have them handle it. Even if it's far from the village, it's a problem if something happens."

In the end, we couldn't determine the cause of the slime's evolution. There was nothing there.

If there had been something or someone with strong magic from the beginning, the people who came would have noticed.

"Then, I want to check the collapsed buildings today. We might find something that survived."

Everyone nodded at Lady Nylva's words.

After breakfast, everyone started their tasks. Koushin approached me quietly.

"Can't you identify anything with your appraisal?"

He asked in a low voice, and I replied in the same tone.

"Even if I could, what would I say? Koushin said to keep the appraisal a secret, right?"

"Yeah, but don't you want to know?"

"I don't want to put myself in danger just to find out."

On the other hand, if I knew, I might be able to keep Lady Nylva and the others safe. But I don't want to deal with the aftermath. Curiosity can kill the cat.

"Reit"

Nergi called me. I stopped cleaning the tent and turned around.

"Ah, are you going to sleep?"

"Hmm? It's fine?"

There was no battle last night.

I was about to say "No," but Nergi lowered his voice.

"I'll be back at noon. Do you want to join the investigation?"

"Is there something that caught your attention?"

"Not that, but..."

He scratched his head awkwardly.

"Could you talk to that person?"

He glanced at Lady Nylva, who was chatting with the driver.

"Well, as a bodyguard, it's not a problem to not join the conversation, but that person often asks for my opinion. It doesn't seem dangerous, so how about it?"

"Sure, I don't mind."

I looked at the two beside me. Koushin nodded, and Rada shook her head. Rada looked at Koushin as if she had been betrayed. Koushin tilted her head.

"Then, Rada will stay behind."

Rada's face fell, and she looked at me. Usually, she would say "No way," but not today. She must have been really scared of the evolved slime.

"Alright, we'll join at noon. I'll report back. Good night."

"Good night."

We waved as Nergi returned, and we slipped into the tent. As soon as I lay down, sleepiness overcame me. Baths are great, indeed.