Chapter 25: The White Saint’s Bath Time (Lusha’s POV)

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Lusha stood at the entrance to the women’s bath and pulled her hood down more deeply once again before turning back to follow Lloyd with her eyes. But he had already disappeared toward the men’s bath. Left alone in the quiet, she let out a small breath. She realized her heartbeat had quickened just a little.

Now that I think about it… This was the first time we had gone our separate ways.

When she thought about it, ever since she had begun traveling with Lloyd, they had always been together. It had been over a week since he had guided her out of the church’s underground prison. She was shocked that a place like that even existed within church grounds and she had spent most of that time with Lloyd, a man she had only met for the first time then. Looking back, it was strange.

I wonder… If he’s safe?

Suddenly, she remembered the man who had been devoted to her. He had been prepared to risk his life, calling the church’s accusations unjust, and helped Lusha escape. And he had even given her the precious magic tool, the Element Gem. They had had a little time before the escape was discovered, but even so, it was certain the church would investigate who had assisted the escape and when they did, his name would undoubtedly come up as a suspect.

“I won’t allow the White Saint to die for the sake of this rotten church. Hide somewhere safe for now. When the time comes, I’ll come for you.”

He had said that to her. But would such a time truly come? She deeply doubted it.

…No. This isn’t the time for that. If I don’t finish my bath quickly, I’ll trouble Lloyd.

This was her first time ever in a public bathhouse. There had been a large bath at the monastery, but she had no idea if things worked the same way. She had only ever bathed with familiar nuns there, and after becoming a Saint, she had been given a private bath. She had never bathed together with strangers before.

At the counter near the entrance sat a plump, gentle-looking woman. When their eyes met, she greeted Lusha with a warm smile.

“The man you’re with already paid your fee. Go on and take your time.”

“Yes… Yes, thank you very much.”

Lusha bowed her head lightly and gently opened the door to the dressing area. Inside was a simple yet clean space made of stone and wood. A faint scent of steam drifted in the air.

It’s quieter than I expected.

There were only a few users, about five in total. Two middle-aged women, one young woman, and two small children accompanied by their mother. They folded their clothes with practiced ease, placed them in baskets, and disappeared into the misty back room.

Lusha let her gaze drift as she secured her own spot. As she reached up to hang her robe on the shelf, something caught her eye—namely, the bodies of the other women in the room. Soft, full hips and chests, smooth supple skin. The young woman in particular had such a feminine figure that even another girl like Lusha couldn’t help but stare.

Everyone is so beautiful…

Lusha unintentionally held her breath. Something warm and tangled churned faintly inside her chest. A mix of embarrassment and something a little like inferiority. She knew no one was looking at her. No one here cared about her. Among women, being naked held no special meaning. She exhaled softly and loosened her sash. Removing her hood, she slowly slipped out of her robe.

“…It would be nice if I could look just a little more feminine.”

Looking down at her exposed body, Lusha let out a sigh. White, slender arms and legs. Smooth, delicate skin. She had a waistline, but her chest was small. She looked more like a girl still growing.

Men definitely prefer someone more womanly…

Lloyd’s face suddenly appeared in her mind, and the thought made her sink further. He always showed concern for her, but it felt less like concern for a woman and more like concern for a Saint. Denying it wouldn’t change how she looked, but she still found herself thinking about how she appeared in Lloyd’s eyes. She always wanted him to see her in a favorable light.

“What am I even thinking…?”

Feeling the slight warmth in her cheeks, she couldn’t help but smile wryly. Now was not the time to worry about such things. Lusha cast away her stray thoughts, held her towel to her chest, and opened the door to the bath. The moment she stepped into the softly steaming room, her eyes widened.

Wow… I’ve never seen such a big bath before.

A high wooden ceiling, walls of gray stone. The floor was stone as well, and in the center sat a large bath big enough for more than ten people, its surface gently rising with steam. Dim light fell through a skylight, the drifting steam shimmering as it reflected off the stone walls, creating an almost underwater illusion. At the washing area, Lusha filled a wooden bucket and gently poured warm water over herself. The warmth sliding over her skin slowly released her tension.

Then she discreetly placed the Element Gem into the bucket and generated water. Being able to use unlimited water whenever she needed it was one of the magic tool’s greatest conveniences. Picking up the provided shampoo and a wooden-handled brush, she began lathering her hair with care.

Ahh… This feels so nice…

The fluffy foam wrapped around her hair, and her fingers slid smoothly. Even though she had wiped her body during travel, she hadn’t been able to properly wash her hair. She had applied a mix of herbs and water to fight the smell, but it had never felt truly clean.

“Haa…”

She let out a soft breath. She had never imagined she would be able to live like a normal person again. That dark, damp stone room reeking of mildew. The few days she spent curled up on tattered cloth on the floor. Even after escaping, she had slept in the mountains or simply wiped herself down with minimal water.

She had thought she would never get the chance to bathe again, yet here she was, living a normal life sooner than she ever hoped. And all of that was thanks to Lloyd. He looked unfriendly at first glance, but in truth he always cared for her. He didn’t speak much, but sometimes he showed a shy little smile.

While on the run, they had spent hours pressed together on horseback, which only made her more self-conscious. They had been together the whole time, yet this was the first chance she had had to actually wash properly. She wiped her body whenever possible and applied fragrant water to her hair, but she still worried.

Uuu… What if Lloyd thinks I smell? I’m so anxious…

It wasn’t something she could have helped, but shame, regret, and a faint hint of sadness tangled inside her chest, tightening her throat. Wishing to wash away those feelings along with the foam, she rinsed her hair and body thoroughly. The fragrance of the shampoo brushed past her nose, easing her mood just a little. Then she moved toward the bath and slowly lowered herself into the water, starting with her feet. The warm water wrapped around her like an embrace.

“It’s so warm…”

A small voice escaped her lips. She closed her eyes, sinking to her shoulders, letting the warmth melt through her body. Baths really did feel wonderful. She wished she could bathe every day, though that would be a luxury. Lloyd had said they would come to town a few times a week, so she could visit the public bathhouse again when they did.

Time seemed to flow slowly in the water. In the peace and comfort she had finally regained, her heart naturally softened. Lusha lightly squeezed the ends of her hair and sank to her shoulders again.

Lloyd keeps thinking about me… The bath, the bed… Everything. I wish I could do something for him too.

She didn’t know why he went so far for her. Partly because she was the only one who could suppress the rampage of his “Curse Mark,” but still—Lloyd took far too much care of her. That was exactly why she wanted to repay him somehow. To do something, anything for him. Lost in such vague thoughts, she eventually realized she had been soaking in the bath for quite a long time.

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