“Haa, this is pure bliss…”
“Yeah, it’s really something…”
“Who would’ve thought we’d be able to take baths this early in the day in this village…”
To avoid the risk of a monster attack during their bath, the male squires had organized their bathing schedules to take turns.
Yuri and Bart, part of today’s first group, had already finished their baths, and now it was Pence, Radley, and Edgar’s turn.
Although Pence and Radley, who had stayed in urban areas as mercenaries, and Edgar, a native of the village chief’s family, had all experienced baths before, after losing their respective places—the mercenary band and their home village—they had been far removed from such luxuries. The existence of this public bath was a blessing to them.
“…Sigh.”
“What’s up, Pence? Why the sigh?”
“I was just thinking… It’s about time I found myself a wife.”
As always, conversations inevitably turned to this kind of topic.
“Well, we’ve finally found ourselves a stable territory, and now I’m a squire with farmland too. All that’s left is a wife, huh?”
“You’re in the same boat as me, Radley.”
Pence was nearing the age of 30, while Radley had already crossed that threshold. Both were at an age where marriage felt urgent.
“Well, actually…”
“Huh!? Don’t tell me you’ve found someone!?”
Pence turned toward Radley, astonished.
Radley, to be frank, was far from attractive and already quite old. The shy smile he wore wasn’t flattering either. To Pence, who had thought they were comrades in singlehood, this revelation came as a massive shock.
“Well, you know how I often help Rick and Dant out with work, right? So sometimes their families invite me over for dinner as thanks.”
Radley continued with a sly smile.
For context, Rick, though young, was already married with children, while Dant was unmarried and lived with his sister. Radley had apparently been invited to their homes for dinner from time to time.
“And, well, Dant’s sister, Gina, she asked me if I’d marry her. She’s a capable woman, and she’s willing to marry an old, ugly guy like me, so I told her I’d be happy to.”
“Ah, Gina? She’s lively, kind, and a good woman. Congratulations, Radley.”
“Thanks, Edgar.”
As someone who knew all the villagers well, Edgar spoke highly of Gina, Radley’s soon-to-be wife. Radley beamed at the praise.
Meanwhile, Pence was still in shock.
“…Seriously? You’re getting married before me?”
“What, not gonna congratulate me?”
“I mean, I’m happy for you, but… why haven’t I found anyone yet?”
“You’re too competent, man. Women probably think you don’t need any help, so they don’t bother.”
“…Yeah, I can’t deny that.”
Pence slumped, dejected after being told his competence was his flaw.
“I think you’re a good man, Pence. I’m sure you’ll find someone soon.”
“Shut up. You’re the one getting cozy with Anna.”
“What!? Th-that’s not true.”
“You can’t fool me. I’ve seen the two of you stealing glances at each other during meetings.”
“…So you noticed. Guess I’m busted.”
Despite his words, Edgar looked pleased.
“Damn, everyone’s getting all lovey-dovey… The head squire’s married to Mai, Bart’s popular in Retvik, and now I’m the only one left…”
Pence sighed deeply, feeling the loneliness of being the last single man standing.
…
The men weren’t the only ones indulging in relationship talk in the baths. On the women’s bath day, the room was filled with bright, lively chatter.
“Mai, you’re in such good shape, and your skin is so youthful. The head squire is lucky to have such a young and beautiful wife. I’m sure you two are very close.”
“Oh, come on, let’s not talk about my marriage. It’s embarrassing.”
The one teasing Mai in the bath was Gina, Dant’s sister and Radley’s soon-to-be wife.
Mai, one of the female squires, had been making efforts to bond with the women in the village. Thanks to her efforts, she could now chat freely with many of them.
“Compared to you, I’ve started to get flabby around my belly and hips.”
“Oh, but lots of men like women with curves. Isn’t Radley one of them?”
“Wha—! How did you know!?”
Gina squealed, her face turning red as she waved her hands in embarrassment.
“Everyone in the village is talking about the two of you. Congratulations.”
Since both Radley and Gina had been openly talking about their upcoming marriage, the news had spread throughout the village. Gina’s surprise was a little late.
“Thank you… Radley is such a kind man. Even his clumsiness is endearing.”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy.”
Despite his unusual appearance and heavy accent, Radley was genuinely a kind man, and Mai thought so too.
Gina, on the other hand, was bright, kind, and charming in her own way. As an old comrade from her mercenary days, Mai was happy to see Radley find a good partner.
As Mai and Gina chatted, other women gathered around, teasing and congratulating Gina on her engagement. The atmosphere was lively and warm.
The women of the Earlkvist territory shared strong, supportive relationships like this.
As Mai watched the women interact with a smile, Anna approached her next.
“Radley’s getting married, huh? That’s wonderful news.”
Anna, who lived at Noein’s mansion as a live-in squire, had her own private bath at the estate, but she often came to the public bath to mingle with the other women in the territory.
“So, when are you and Edgar going to get together?”
“Wh-what!? I-I don’t know…”
Anna turned bright red and stumbled over her words. Mai had long since noticed the mutual feelings between Anna and Edgar and wasn’t shy about teasing her.
“If you don’t make a move soon, someone else might catch Edgar’s eye.”
“No way! Edgar isn’t like that!”
The fact that Anna got so defensive about Edgar made it obvious to Mai just how much she was in love with him.
“If you’re that sure, then you should go for it.”
“Ugh… But I don’t know what to say…”
Anna lowered her face into the water, blowing bubbles as she sulked. Mai smiled gently and offered some advice.
“You don’t have to overthink it. Just be honest with your feelings. I’m sure Edgar will understand.”
“…You’re right. I’ll give it a try.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting for some good news.”
…
“Ahh, pure bliss…”
The one letting out a content sigh, like an old man, was Noein.
He was in the bath at his own estate. The bathroom here was fairly spacious for a small mansion, comfortably accommodating two people.
Noein, a bath enthusiast since childhood, had poured extra care and budget into building this bath. The result was impressive.
As he leaned back in the warm, well-filled tub, his body was supported by Mathilda.
From the days when he lived at the Kivileft estate, Noein had always bathed with her…
