Chapter 190: The Ero-jii of the Large Bathhouse
“Stop right there, Rio.”
I hesitated, realizing that it would be inappropriate to forcibly remove someone, so I decided to issue a warning to Rio instead.
“Huh? What’s going on?”
“The Ero-jii is targeting you all.”
“Whaaaat…?”
“Since you came to the mixed bathing area of your own volition, I can’t stop anyone else from doing the same.”
“Ah, but—”
“Hey, is this connected over here?”
While I was trying to stop Rio, Phonia peeked her head through the partition. The Ero-jii’s gaze shifted towards Phonia, but he quickly lost interest and returned his attention to Rio. It seemed he had no interest in children, which was a relief.
“Ah! Ivan-nii and big brother!”
Even though it was a hot spring, the water seemed deep enough to be concerning for a child. Phonia walked over, her lower half submerged in the water. She often ran around the Camping House completely naked after bathing, so she didn’t seem to have much sense of modesty.
“Nil is here too! Wow, so small and cute!”
“Wafuu!”
“Huh? What? Is Nil smaller now?”
Hearing Phonia’s voice seemed to pique Rio’s interest as well. I had told them not to come closer, but the presence was approaching—
“Wow, Nil is so cute!”
“Rio!?”
Ivan, surprised by Rio’s appearance, quickly turned his face away. The Ero-jii over there was staring intently at Rio, but his expression gradually shifted to one of confusion, rubbing his eyes and doing a double-take. It seemed like everything was fine for now. Rio’s body was obscured as if she were wearing some kind of outfit from her shoulders down. I could sense Magic Power, so it was likely some kind of magic at work.
However, there was one person who was not satisfied with that explanation. It was becoming quite troublesome.
“Hey, hey, hey! What do you think you’re doing, entering the bath fully clothed? Take it off immediately!”
Of course, that was the Ero-jii. He had just been soaking in the hot water, but now that he stood up to complain, everything was on display. He had a thin, lanky physique that didn’t exude much intimidation.
“Huh?”
Rio stepped forward protectively, glaring at the Ero-jii.
“That’s not clothing; it’s magic concealing her body. There’s no worry about the water getting dirty.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about! The problem is that it looks like she’s wearing clothes. You need to follow the rules properly!”
“What are you talking about, you old man?”
Ivan reflexively retorted against the Ero-jii’s nonsensical claims. As expected of Ivan; his comebacks were unmatched, but that was something to set aside for now.
“What is this guy? He’s really creepy.”
“…Pervert?”
“Ugh!”
Following Rio, Phonia’s words seemed to strike a nerve, causing even the Ero-jii to falter.
“T-This is a mixed bath, and I’m merely informing you of the rules! Or do you not understand the words of the Chamberlain serving the Marquis Delphirius family?”
It seemed he was getting desperate, even invoking the authority of the household.
“What are you thinking, bringing up the Marquis just because you want to see a woman’s naked body? That’s just pathetic, and so is that Marquis family.”
“Wha—!? Are you mocking the Marquis family I serve!?”
He started saying something strange again, but I couldn’t be bothered to entertain him. I was starting to feel a bit chilly standing, so I sank back into the warm water.
“Phonia-chan, make sure to soak properly in the water.”
“Okay!”
“Wafuu!”
“…Hey, is it okay to just leave them be?”
Phonia responded cheerfully, and Nil agreed. Rio pulled Phonia in front of her, leaning against me as she snuggled close. Ivan seemed concerned about the Ero-jii, but it was indeed bothersome to have him shouting nearby.
“Are you listening!?”
“You’ve been noisy since earlier. You’re the one tarnishing the Marquis family’s name. I feel sorry for the Marquis family being dragged into your desire to see a woman naked.”
“W-What did you say!?”
“If you don’t want to further disgrace the so-called Marquis family, you should either get out of the water or leave the bath.”
“Buh… So you’re telling me to leave either way!”
“Hahaha!”
Ivan was shaking with suppressed laughter, while Rio was openly laughing telepathically. Phonia, not quite understanding, tilted her head in a very cute manner.
“Ugh… Remember what happens when you mock the Marquis family!”
It seemed he had run out of arguments, leaving behind a strange retort as he departed. With the nuisance gone, we thoroughly enjoyed the open-air bath of the large bathhouse.
“Oh, so you were in the large bathhouse. That place is mainly used by the servants, so this time of day is the perfect opportunity.”
By the way, after we got out of the bath, Laila-san, the dark maid, told me that. The large bathhouse had a luxurious open-air bath, but when I thought about it, if you were the head of a noble family, you would definitely choose a room with its own open-air bath… There was no way someone of such high status would use a bath designed for large groups. It raised questions about why we, the ones who had booked the highest-class room, had entered the large bathhouse.