Chapter 16

"No... I did say I wanted to wipe my body, but..."

Amelia, who never thought she would end up soaking her entire body in hot water, was now immersed up to her shoulders in the warm bath, reflecting on the events.

"Since we're here, let's clean your entire body thoroughly."

Sylphie, who seemed somewhat delighted, led her to the bath with those words.

Amelia knew intellectually that such a custom existed in the East, but the bath she knew was a tub filled with water for one person, not a vast trench filled with water that could easily fill an entire room.

It was said that the previous lord was so impressed by Eastern culture that he had it built, and Sylphie called it a "large bath."

Sylphie said, "Please take your time," and after showing her where to find the towels and where to change, she left. It was her way of showing consideration, allowing Amelia to enjoy it thoroughly on her own.

End of recollection.

"To use such a large amount of water so freely..."

It must take a considerable amount of effort just to heat the water to a comfortable temperature. Amelia realized anew how impressive the duke was.

The interior of the large bath was made of white marble. White ceramic sculptures were arranged at regular intervals, creating a mythological atmosphere.

Steam rose from the bathtub, obscuring the view, but she could see the large pots held by the angelic sculptures pouring water steadily.

"I wonder how it works..."

Amelia, who had a high thirst for knowledge, was curious, but soon lost interest.

She recalled her time at home. When it came to cleaning her body, the usual methods were wiping with a wet cloth or splashing herself with cold water from a bucket.

Of course, she had never experienced a bath before.

Soaking her entire body in hot water was initially nerve-wracking, but once she got in, she quickly realized:

"This is the best thing ever..."

"It feels so good..."

It was an undeniable fact.

Her first bath was even more blissful than she had imagined. She felt the fatigue and impurities in her body gradually dissipate.

Amelia decided to let go of her thoughts and enjoy the sensation.

"Is it okay to be this happy..."

It was much better than she had imagined, and it even made her feel a bit scared. She wondered if this moment was all a dream, and if the engagement talk had been a lie.

If it was a dream, it was scary. Despite being in the warm bathtub, she shivered involuntarily.

"Oh... the preparation money..."

She suddenly remembered. She had completely forgotten about it in the chaos of yesterday. Her father had told her to send the preparation money as soon as she arrived...

"Something... I don't really care anymore..."

She wasn't sure if it was because her head was getting foggy from the bath or if she had just lost interest.

Amelia herself wasn't without anger toward the treatment she had received from her family. After being used and then sold for money, she felt a strong sense of rebellion, wondering why she had to do such things.

Thinking about her family, whom she didn't want to see for a long time, a gray cloud of resentment rose in her chest.

"No, no..."

She was thinking dampening thoughts while enjoying the bath.

"Maybe I'll just mention the preparation money if my husband brings it up."

With a dazed mind, she vaguely decided this and submerged herself up to her shoulders again.

And so, the matter of the preparation money was pushed out of both their minds.