After dinner, I took a real bath for the first time in my life.
“Let’s see… I’m supposed to wash myself first, right?”
Back in the countryside, none of the houses had a proper bath. The better ones had showers, while most people simply washed themselves with water. My house had been no exception.
Excited about entering a large bath for the first time, I washed myself as I’d been instructed.
Soap was provided, apparently thanks to another former resident of the inn who’d become an adventurer.
“I know it came off my body, but that’s disgusting…”
I hadn’t been able to bathe during the journey to the capital, only wipe myself with a damp towel. I was shocked by how much dirtier I’d become than in the village and washed myself repeatedly.
After washing both my hair and body about three times, I was finally clean.
“I should repay their kindness someday too…”
As I soaked in the tub, its pleasant warmth made me think about repaying the inn. I remained there until my head began to feel light, then hurriedly got out.
“Ahh, cold water after a bath tastes wonderful…”
There was a water station in the changing room. I filled a cup and drank. My body had warmed to the core and my throat was dry, so the water immediately quenched my thirst.
Afterward, I changed into the relatively new clothes I’d been saving for my arrival in the capital.
Even in my rural village, my old clothes had been considered shabby. I’d bought this new set cheaply from a family moving to another town during the journey here. It had no holes and was far sturdier than anything else I owned.
“I’ll do my laundry tomorrow morning. It sounds like I can wash it in the backyard.”
The inn had a backyard where guests could wash their clothes. It offered so many conveniences that I couldn’t thank the adventurer who’d recommended it enough.
Once I’d changed, I returned to my room and lay on the bed. After sleeping on the ground for nearly the entire journey, the inn’s soft bed sent me to sleep instantly.
“Mmm… I slept well.”
The morning bell woke me early.
Bells rang throughout the capital in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and residents used them to organize their day. They rang at six and nine in the morning, noon and three in the afternoon, and six and nine in the evening.
I’d always been good at rising early in the village, so I got up with the first bell and immediately began my day.
Carrying the bag of dirty clothes that had accumulated during my journey, I went to the backyard.
“My, you’re up very early.”
Amanda was already there, washing her family’s laundry and the towels used in the bathing room.
“It’s normal for me. I woke this early in the village too… Oh, good morning, Amanda.”
“Hee hee. You really are a responsible boy. Good morning, Erik.”
I’d almost forgotten the greeting and hurriedly added it. Amanda smiled as she returned it.
She then taught me how to do laundry at the inn. There was a well in the backyard, while washboards and tubs were stored in a shed.
I’d assumed detergent would be too valuable for them to provide, but apparently the adventurer raised here sent regular supplies of that as well.
“…The adventurers who grew up here must all be incredible people.”
“We didn’t look after them because we wanted anything in return. They practically forced these things on us, insisting that we let them repay us somehow. Don’t worry about repaying us yourself, all right? If you’re going to become an adventurer, focus first on staying alive.”
“I will. But please let me repay you someday.”
“Honestly, I just told you not to think about that.”
I finished the laundry while talking with Amanda. Since my room had a place to hang clothes, I wrung out as much water as possible before taking them upstairs.
After hanging everything to dry, I settled down to continue reading the book I’d borrowed.
“Breakfast is ready!”
Anna called after I’d been reading for some time, so I went to the dining hall.
Breakfast was bread, meat soup, and a fried egg. Everything was delicious, and I finished it slowly, chewing each bite properly.
“Erik, you’re going to register as an adventurer today, aren’t you?” Amanda asked.
“That’s the plan.”
“Then use Reina’s counter. She’s thorough, even among the guild’s receptionists. Quite a few of the others are slow or careless, and that causes trouble, but she never makes those kinds of mistakes. She is selective about whom she’ll deal with, though. Tell her you’re staying here and she may at least hear you out.”
“I understand. Thank you for the valuable information.”
I bowed to Amanda, then left the inn and followed the route I’d memorized the previous day to the Adventurers’ Guild.
Before I left, Amanda also described Reina to me: red hair, green eyes, and a hair ornament marked with a cat. Since a reception counter concealed most of her body, her height wasn’t useful for identifying her.
“A hair ornament with a cat on it?”
“Yes. Anna gave it to her years ago, and she’s worn it ever since. Reina grew up at this inn too.”
With that information, I set out for the guild.
We don’t use ads!
If you enjoyed our translation, please consider buying us a cup…
Thanks!!!
Become a Patron!
We don’t use ads!
If you enjoyed our translation, please consider buying us a cup…
Thanks!!!
Become a Patron!