Chapter 9 "Bath and Potion"
The conversation concluded, and we left the dining hall.
"Kuu-chan, how about taking a bath? It's been a while for me, and preparations have been made," Seraphine suggested.
"Bath?"
"Yes, I thought it would be nice. Actually, everything has been arranged."
"Well, might as well give it a try."
I couldn't refuse. Following Seraphine's guidance, we headed to the bathing area.
We arrived without any issues.
Undressing in the changing room, I felt a bit nervous when removing my underwear. In the game, you could change underwear, but going fully nude wasn't an option. Underwear served as the last line of defense. In this world, however, it seemed different.
Stripped down smoothly. Thankfully, everything went well, and I managed to get completely naked.
"Do you need your clothes washed? We'll have them delivered to your room by tomorrow's departure time," a maid explained.
"Oh, I...," I started to say, but she had efficiently taken everything from me. Professional indeed. Even though my clothes had a no-dirt property, having the underwear cleaned might be a good idea.
Now, off to the bath in this new world.
The bathing facility was a luxurious grand bath that could rival any super sento. After washing up, splash! The magic stone ensured the water temperature was perfect. The bath was heavenly.
"Ah, reviving."
Indeed, I felt revived.
"It's wonderful, isn't it?"
"Absolutely."
Relaxing in the bath, I regained my energy.
After the bath, we changed into pajamas and entered Seraphine's room, where Silhouette had already left.
Now, just the two of us.
To understand the common sense of this world, I decided to reveal some of my abilities to Seraphine. Fortunately, there was water on the table.
"Seraphine, can I have some water?"
"Sure, help yourself."
"I'm going to make a potion now. Please watch without getting too surprised," I said.
I poured water into a cup.
"Is it made here? There don't seem to be any tools around."
"Usually, you'd need tools for this, right?"
"Yes, that's what I think, but...?"
"Well, let's see."
I was curious myself.
"Anyway, watch quietly. If you make a loud noise, someone might come."
"Okay, I'm watching quietly."
I took out a herb from the item menu and placed it next to the cup.
"What's this grass?! Where did you get it from? Did Kuu-chan bring it out!?"
"Shh."
"Ah, I'm sorry."
"Alright, so, have you ever seen this method in this world?"
"I've never seen anything like this!"
"Shh."
"I've never seen anything like this! Doing something mysterious like turning grass and water into something else!"
"Is this unusual?"
Seraphine remained in a daze for a while, then vigorously shook her head.
"And this?" I added, putting the potion back into the item menu and taking it out.
"It disappeared and reappeared. Is it magic?"
"Or you could call it an ability. I can store items in a different space. Can magic or tools do that?"
"I've never heard of it."
"I see."
"Kuu-chan, you're amazing," Seraphine exclaimed.
"Keep this a secret, alright?"
"I understand. I won't tell anyone."
"Thanks. In return, once the business picks up, I'll make you something nice as a present."
"I couldn't possibly...," she started to say, pouting.
"Gift not wanted?"
"I want it, but..."
"Then, I'll give it to you."
"Thank you."
She eventually smiled.
After that, I spent a pleasant time with Seraphine. We played games like "Look over there" and "shiritori.." Even though I won most of the time, I believe she enjoyed it. Finally, we both lay down in Seraphine's bed.
We slept soundly.
Morning came, and we woke up.
First, I used the herbs I had on hand to create low-grade potions. I thought Seraphine would be happier with the finished product than with just the herbs. It seemed like a profitable venture for me as well.
After that, we washed our faces and changed clothes. The maid brought the neatly folded clothes and underwear for both of us. I wondered if the goddess's special no-dirt clothes were properly cleaned. What about the underwear? Although I was curious, it felt embarrassing to ask such a question, and the maid, without changing her expression, completed her task and left immediately, leaving me unable to find out.
Next, breakfast took place in a different dining hall from the previous night. There was an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat, more than we could eat. We devoured it mercilessly, including our lunch for the day. It was very satisfying.
Afterward, the butler informed me that the handover of the house would take place in ten days. The registration with the Commercial Guild would be done after that.
Then, I received a pendant with an emblem as a travel permit and a shoulder bag containing ten gold coins as immediate funds. However, I choked back tears and gritted my teeth, refusing to accept the gold coins. I had no idea about the value of ten gold coins, but it was undoubtedly an enormous amount.
No, I couldn't accept money.
Instead, they packed a large bag with bread, fruits, and dried meat for me. It was so heavy that it seemed like it might crush under its own weight.
I planned to put it in my item menu after leaving the Grand Palace. If I stored it there, it wouldn't spoil. With this, I wouldn't die for a while!
Yeah, my pride is at this level!
I and Seraphine made a promise to meet again in the backyard garden at the Wishing Fountain, which had become my "return" location, on the afternoon of ten days later. I realized I didn't really need a permit, considering I hadn't entered the front entrance. But well, I might need it if I continued to play with Seraphine in the future.
Ten days, huh? Now that I had food, maybe I should go on a journey to find materials. I wanted to see more of this world.
Seraphine and I left the Grand Palace.
"Alright, then I'm off. Seraphine, thanks for everything since yesterday. It was fun."
"I should be the one thanking you! It was enjoyable!"
It was time to say goodbye to Seraphine. I could just fly away from here, but I set down the large bag at my feet.
"Is something the matter?"
"Yeah. I'm going on a journey to find materials, so I won't be nearby for a while."
"Yes. It's going to be lonely."
"And after parting ways, if by any chance there was still a curse lingering, it would be terrible."
"I had a doctor check, and we used magical tools for diagnosis as well. There shouldn't be any issues. Your condition is excellent."
"Hey, Seraphine. Is it okay if I use magic?"
"Yes, please."
"That easily? Without even knowing the details?"
"It's fine. If it's Kuu-chan doing it, then I'm okay with anything."
"Thanks. Well then, wait a moment."
I set White Magic, Ancient Magic, and the skill "Power Word" in the slots. I could easily change them in a safe area.
First, I tested it on myself.
"Heal."
"Heal."
"Heal."
"High Heal."
"Cure Poison."
"Cure Disease."
"Remove Curse."
"...Hey, Kuu-chan."
"Hmm?"
"Is that magic?"
"Yeah. It's magic."
The names were subtly different, but they were probably the same.
"It seems like you can activate it effortlessly in an instant."
"Yeah."
Magic could be activated simply by being conscious of it. Saying the magic name out loud made it more reliable.
"Alright, it seems fine. How about a special dispelling magic just in case? It would be troublesome if there was still a curse. As a precaution."
"Yes, please."
"Even though it's going to glow again, keep it a secret as much as possible. Just as much as necessary."
"Yes. I won't tell anyone."
"Thanks. Then close your eyes and stay still."
"Okay."
Here we go.
"Power Word."
This skill allowed me to double the effects of the next magic I used by expressing my wish to the world. There was a ten-minute usage restriction, but the effect was tremendous.
"I, Kuu Maya, express my wish to the world. Bestow upon me your power."
The magical power surged.
"Manifest."
I selected the Ultimate Healing magic from the Ancient Magic category. The concentration gauge appeared.
"Concentrate."
I worked hard to raise the concentration gauge to 100. It could fail if my mind was disturbed, so I sharpened my consciousness.
Alright, it's filled.
"Release."
Now, I just had to say the magic name aloud to activate it.
"Ancient Holy Heal."
A pillar of light descended from the heavens, enveloping Seraphine. Ancient Holy Heal completely restored the HP of everyone within the area and simultaneously cured all status ailments. By layering Power Words, it could cancel out penalties like waiting for time recovery from incapacitation or the curse from failing to disarm traps. Although it wasn't suitable for practical combat due to its long chanting time and heavy MP consumption according to the conventions of Ancient Magic, its effects were unmatched.
"Alright! That should be good! Perfect!"
"...Thank you. I feel even lighter now."
"That's great."
Now there were no worries left.
"Alright, I'm going. See you in ten days."
"Yes! I'll be waiting!"
"Hehe."
When I tried to use 'Flight' after that, I was crushed under the weight of the large bag. I made a strange noise involuntarily.
"Kuu-chan! Are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine..."
It couldn't be helped,
so I decided to use 'Levitation'. I wouldn't be as fast, but it floated reasonably well even with the weight. I wanted to keep the item menu a secret, especially from anyone other than Seraphine. I planned to secretly store the food a little later.
"Goodbye, Kuu-chan! Take care!"
"See you later, Serah!"
That's how I, not looking very cool, carried the heavy bag while floating away from the Grand Palace.
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