Chapter 51: Bath and Swimsuits
Nishi Ward. A relatively unsafe area in Termwills, home to harbors and slums. The orphanage mentioned by Sheela and IlmHild is also located here.
However, the orphanage is somewhat distant from the slums and harbors, and even within Nishi Ward, it seems to be a calm place.
"Could you tell us about your connection to that orphanage?"
I inquire of IlmHild, who is seated in the coachman's seat of the carriage. Even if Ashley and I vouch for their identities, we still need a reason or pretext. In this case, it would be easy to understand if they were helping out around here, so we settled on this explanation.
"We were helped there in the past. I brought them gifts out of gratitude, and the children became fond of me."
"Then, staying secluded in the guild must have been quite painful, I assume?"
"Yes. I'm really happy to be outside after such a long time."
With a smile, she thanked me.
The carriage continues down the road leading to Nishi Ward. Gradually... the carriage's rocking has become more pronounced. The pavement seems to have become rougher.
"It looks like there's a lot of patrols."
Seated next to IlmHild, Sheela murmurs as she looks back over her shoulder. The soldiers on patrol are visible in her line of sight. It's true that we've encountered similar patrols a few times on our way here.
"Yeah... that's true. We don't usually come to Nishi Ward."
...It would probably be after the incident with the devil.
If outsiders were to hide somewhere, thinking about it in terms of Nishi Ward makes sense, but considering that there was a devil at Cardiff's mansion in the first place, it feels a bit late for that now.
The carriage eventually enters a relatively sturdy building with a large courtyard in Nishi Ward.
"Oh, it's Ilm!"
Returning to the courtyard after stopping the carriage at the stable, the voices of children echoed.
"Huh, big sister Ilm!?"
Other children quickly notice the voice and come rushing out of the building. There's a considerable number of other races among them, like beastmen and elves. From the looks of it, IlmHild seems to be quite popular.
Taking a quick glance at the children... they don't appear to be abnormally thin or dressed in rags.
It seems that the orphanage here is primarily operated by the Moon Temple. While the affordability of the land likely played a role in choosing Nishi Ward, they still seem to have carefully considered the location.
So, while the children's lives might be simple, they seem to maintain a certain standard when it comes to basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
"Who are these big brothers?"
Another child tilts their head and asks.
"Well, they're IlmHild's friends, I guess?"
"Really!? Nice to meet you, big brothers!"
"Hey."
I shake their extended hand in response.
"What brings everyone here together?"
An elderly woman in Moon Temple attire comes out of the building and notices IlmHild in the center of the crowd, her expression brightening.
"Well, IlmHild!"
"It's been a while, Director."
"It's delicious!"
A child who had eaten the Wispermash dish happily shows a bright smile.
We accompanied the orphanage because we had an excess of Wispermash. While it can be preserved by drying, we thought it might be better not to have it on the table every time. So, we prepared sautés, deep-fries, and soups, and decided to treat the children in the orphanage. The staff of the orphanage also helped, and it turned into a standing buffet party.
"Grace, how are you? Have you calmed down?"
"Yes. I'm sorry for the embarrassing display."
Grace chuckles while covering her mouth.
"IlmHild, what are your plans for the future?"
The Director and IlmHild are in conversation.
IlmHild has been concealing her Lamia identity since she was young, but I don't know if the Director was already aware of it or not from their conversation.
Now that it's been revealed, it's likely that the orphanage's residents have also heard about it, but at the very least, the Director's response to IlmHild hasn't been overly severe.
"Um. If I could continue my career as an adventurer, I would hope to, but it seems like my wishes alone aren't enough."
Asked, Ilmhillt tilted her head. Rather than following the path of building her strength outside as she had done so far, it seems she just wants to dive into the labyrinth normally.
Given the circumstances with the Demon and the Moonlight Temple, it has become a somewhat difficult position to fulfill her wish exactly as she wants. However, if I or Ashley take responsibility, that situation could change.
Considering the availability of materials and ease of leveling, the plan is to focus mainly on gathering and hunting in the Twilight Forest. If she has the strength to accompany us in that endeavor, then that's the idea. Otherwise, Ilmhillt might help with household chores or focus on the healing team with the other two at the guild.
First, let's dive into the labyrinth together, and the conversation will come after. Ilmhillt will probably need a bow and arrows, so I'll have to go shopping.
"Was it Theodore-sama? Please take care of Sheila and Ilmhillt for me."
With a bow, she lowered her head to the director.
"Understood."
Once the conversation was settled, Ilmhillt excused herself and then brought a lute from somewhere, holding it on her lap and starting to play.
While Ilmhillt modestly claimed to be slightly inferior compared to Dominic and Justia, she seemed to enjoy playing the instrument. With closed eyes, a smile on her lips, her slender fingers moved over the strings, producing a charming and rustic melody that spread throughout the dining hall.
For now, let's start by diving into the labyrinth together, and we'll see from there. Ilmhillt will need a bow and arrows, so I'll have to go shopping.
"Shall I wash your back, Theo?"
From the other side of the changing room, Grace called out.
"Well... then, please."
I had a feeling she might suggest something like this today. While my impulse was largely driven by hunger, there's no doubt I've leaned toward the vampire side, and resolving that is necessary.
"Excuse me then."
With that, Grace entered the bathroom. She wasn't wearing her usual maid outfit but a swimsuit she had bought for going to the sea.
"Oh, Theo, you're wearing a swimsuit too."
"Yeah, well. It's a suit that can get wet, and since I had the chance..."
I figured I'd need fishing gear and a swimsuit for the beach anyway, so I bought them.
I don't know when swimsuits appeared in history on Earth, but they're quite common in this world, probably due to the friendly aquatic creatures like mermaids and sirens. These swimsuits are said to be woven by mermaids using the threads of water spiders.
I'm wearing swim trunks at the moment.
...It seems Grace was quite impressed by that. I had anticipated that she might want to see me try on a swimsuit and come to the bath for that reason.
Grace's swimsuit is a two-piece type with a pareo wrapped around her waist.
While it's not an overly revealing swimsuit, her breast size is clearly noticeable, and her fair skin that almost seems to be transparent, along with her slender waist, is quite captivating.
I need to calm down. It's just a swimsuit. We're not going to a pool together.
"Excuse me."
As Grace called out, Ashley also changed into her swimsuit and came in.
"I really like this swimsuit. It's cute."
"Because Theo chose it for you. Let's take good care of it."
"Yes."
Well, she asked for my opinion, and... I guess I did choose it.
Ashley's swimsuit is a one-piece with frills around the chest and waist, a modest and mature design.
I'm glad I didn't go for something too provocative.