Comfy Mountain Life – Chapter 223

Chapter 223: Departure

Lilith and her party are leaving. Their stay has extended a few days beyond the originally planned week, but it’s not because Reed hasn’t returned from the Fortress City.

It simply took more time for Lilith to conduct her business negotiations and build connections. It seems to have gone well, as she spent much of the latter part of her stay being invited out for meals and tea parties.

Since travel typically requires an early start, I decided to see them off while delivering some bread. I brought the usual bread we eat and some twice-baked hard bread that lasts longer.

The hard bread is made by rolling the dough into a stick shape and baking it with a hole in the center, allowing it to puff up slightly, creating a dimple like a belly button. For the second baking, it’s cut in half. Those who prefer thicker bread might roll it twice, but I like mine thin and crispy, so I only do one roll.

I intended the hard bread as a travel snack, but it ended up being served for breakfast at Ash’s house. It seemed to be well-received, but that’s not the point.

“I don’t think you struggle to get along with the nobles, but I know you prefer simpler thoughts and relationships. I want you to be free and happy.”
“Please take care of my father.”

I can hear Lilith and Ash’s voices drifting down from above. On the third floor of Ash’s house, there’s a living room, a bedroom at the back, and a guest room separated by the Courtyard.

Due to the need to transport water regularly, if there are no servants, the second floor is the most popular, while if there are, the third floor tends to be favored.

The attic is unpopular because it directly experiences the heat and cold, and in rental houses, it’s common for large groups to be crammed into the available space. Buildings taller than four stories are rare.

I’m currently in the second-floor reception room, the space where guests are served tea. I think the butler’s room is on this same floor, right?

As I open the door, I can hear the conversation between the two of them, either through the door or down the stairs.

I’d like to at least close the door to this room, but there’s a young maid who came with Lilith… The butler comes and goes, so it’s not completely private, but for some reason, I’m avoiding a closed room and leaving it ajar.

The maid seems to be waiting quietly like a servant, without engaging in conversation.

“Hey, you’re early.”
“I brought the bread and stayed.”

Dinoss arrived, guided by the butler.

I was crammed in here with a stranger, so I wish he had come sooner. Please don’t expect me to have social skills; it’s impossible for me to make small talk without any purpose! I’m about to cry!

While I mentally vent my frustrations at Dinoss, I take a sip of tea.

Traveling here comes with life-threatening risks, so I try to see off acquaintances when they depart. Shiva and the others went ahead to the square and are having breakfast at a stall that only opens in the early morning.

Dean and the others went to meet Reed and the horses. Ultimately, we’ll gather in the square to see Lilith and the others off as they leave through the gate. It’s just starting to brighten outside.

“Please.”
The butler sets the same items in front of Dinoss as he did for me: tea and cookies with crushed nuts.

“…So? Is your relationship with Jean progressing?”
Lilith’s voice from above sounds ominous. I pretend not to hear and eat a cookie.

“If it’s not progressing much, why not press your chest against him—no, that’s probably impossible.”
What is Lilith suggesting to Ash, of all things!?

Ash might be responding with “Hmm” or “Ah,” but Lilith’s voice carries more clearly.

“Do men generally prefer larger chests?”
I can hear Ash’s unusually long response, and that’s what it leads to!

“Most men tend to look at my chest first.”
“Hmm… Jean recently brought a man with a large chest.”
A man!? Karn?

“I don’t think we need to consider a man’s chest.”
Lilith, please say more!

Now that I think about it, Ash compared his chest to a man’s before. Muscles? Is he trying to bulk up with muscles?

“You’re making all sorts of faces. I understand how you feel, though.”
Dinoss is making a subtle expression.

“I can’t take this anymore.”
Please close the door on this girl talk! Well, I’m not even sure if this qualifies as girl talk.

“You seem to be in the middle of a transformation into a woman, so why not try some massage or something?”
“Hmm… I’ll have Jean give me a massage.”

Buboff!

“Whoa!”
“Cough! Cough!”
Tea went down the wrong pipe!

Is this a joke? Are they serious? Which is it!?

Did my coughing catch their attention? The conversation above abruptly stops, or perhaps they lowered their voices.

“You’re in a tough spot, huh…”
Dinoss, who barely managed to pull back before bursting out laughing, looks at me with sympathy.

I’m already exhausted this morning; can I just go home and take a nap?

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