Chapter 238: The Hot Spring and the Duchess
An unexpected incident occurred while I was bathing in the open-air bath. It was a shocking turn of events, yet in a way, it felt almost like a cliché. I found myself face-to-face with Celestine Crocus.
“W-wait… this is the men’s bath… No way, did I accidentally wander into the women’s bath?!”
“Please calm down, Rest. This inn has only one open-air bath, you know? It’s shared between men and women.”
“Whaaat!? Y-you mean it’s a mixed bath?!”
I couldn’t believe it. Was this open-air bath truly a manifestation of every man’s dream? With the moon and stars shining above, the sea in view, and now, a girl’s naked form before me—it felt like too much. Couldn’t they show a little more restraint?
“Calm down… I’m getting flustered. Just breathe…!”
As I struggled to gather my thoughts, my heart raced, threatening to burst from my chest. If it had been Viola or Primula who appeared, I wouldn’t have been this shocked. I often bathed with them. Even if it had been Yuri, I wouldn’t have been this flustered. That wild girl would have barged in without a second thought if she were staying at the inn.
(But… I never expected Celestine to show up like this…!)
The epitome of grace, Celestine bathing with a man was something I could never have imagined. The only circumstances that might allow such a thing would be with a close relative or a fiancé.
“N-no… could it be that someone of Celestine’s stature wouldn’t mind being seen by a lowly man? Does she see me as no more than an animal…?”
“No, Rest, you are a Count, and I don’t think of you as lowly at all…”
“I said that out loud!”
When did I start saying such foolish things? I was aghast, yet I tried to steady my racing heart.
“Um… did you perhaps come in without noticing I was here? If that’s the case, I can leave…”
“No, this is not an accident. I came in because I wanted to have a proper conversation with you, Rest… May I share the bath with you?”
Celestine shivered slightly, likely having gotten quite cold standing in the chilly air.
“Oh… I’m so sorry! Please, come in!”
I hurriedly made space for her, although there was more than enough room already.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Celestine picked up a wooden bucket and slowly poured warm water over her body, wrapped in a bath towel. Even this simple act was executed with such refinement that it reminded me once again that she was from a different world than mine.
(What can I say… she’s truly beautiful. Not just her appearance, but her every movement, you know?)
Viola and Primula also had good etiquette, but they lacked the sophistication that Celestine possessed. Both the Marquis family and the Duke’s House were high-ranking nobles supporting the kingdom, but the difference between them was not insignificant.
“…If you keep staring at me, I might get embarrassed.”
“Wah! I’m sorry!”
Celestine said this with a hint of distress, and I quickly turned my face away. The water clung to her towel, accentuating her voluptuous figure. I couldn’t help but stare, a blatant breach of decorum.
“Excuse me…”
Celestine stepped into the water slowly, starting from her toes. She settled down a little distance away from me and let out a deep, delicate sigh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a hot spring. I never imagined I would be able to bathe in one here.”
“…So you’ve been to a hot spring before?”
“Yes. A few times during inspections in the southern part of the kingdom.”
The southern region of the Aiwood Kingdom is known for its mountain ranges and numerous hot springs. I had never been there, but I hoped to travel there someday with Viola and the others.
“Um… you wanted to talk to me about something, right? What is it?”
I braced myself for the awkward atmosphere as I steered the conversation toward the main topic. My head felt like it was boiling, whether from the heat of the bath or the sight of the half-naked beauty before me.
“Yes… I have something important to discuss with you, Rest.”
Celestine looked directly into my eyes, ready to begin.
“I must inform you in advance that the content of our discussion has already been approved by His Majesty the King, His Highness the Crown Prince, Marquis Rosemary, my father Duke Crocus, as well as Viola and Primula.”
“…………?”
So, the Marquis and the sisters already knew about this? If it had reached the King and Crown Prince, it must be something of great significance.
(But… is it really appropriate to discuss something so serious in a bath? That seems odd, doesn’t it?)
“Rest.”
“Yes…?”
“You are to marry me. I look forward to your cooperation…”
“…Huh?”
The words that flew from Celestine’s mouth left me blinking in disbelief. I thought I had misheard her, but then she reinforced it.
“We are to be wed, Rest. From now on, we will be engaged, so I ask for your understanding.”
“Whaaat!?”