NOVEL NEXT Volume 6 Chapter 14: Beauty In The Steam
Volume 6 Chapter 14: Beauty In The Steam
(Walson)
Chuck really prioritizes the lady driving the Azure Queen (didn't see the person inside, but from the sound, she's probably a lady.) over me. He sent me back, saying he'll come directly to the workshop to find me tomorrow.
So, I ran back all alone and boarded the [Transmission Box] — luckily, I remembered how Chuck operated it — and returned to the bunker No. 50125.
The purple sun outside was still bright, but it was already eleven o'clock at night.
These past few days, I didn't feel much, but now I realize that this town doesn't have a concept of night. Looking out the window, many dwarves were still active on the rocky hills.
This town doesn't have the concept of night, and its residents seem to lack a unified schedule. They might find it strange from my outsider's perspective, but they don't have that thought themselves.
Chuck said that the dwarves here have been staying in this underground town since birth, with over 99% of them never having left.
Before this country appeared, dwarves, like other demihumans, were always enslaved by humans. I guess that's why this country goes to such lengths to deceive the outside world and keep the existence of the [Noble Dwarves] hidden.
From the most basic education, this country continuously propagates the concept that the "outside world" is full of invaders, and the country's laws strictly prohibit these noble dwarves from leaving the town.
This is their way of protecting themselves. but from my perspective, isn't this no different from imprisonment?
—Anyway, I'm just a smuggler from the outside world. I shouldn't bother with so much, rather than focusing on thing like that, it's better for me to enjoy my hot spring!
Ahhh~ hot springs, something I never got to experience in my past life but now have the opportunity in this world.
Since I arrived here, I haven't had the chance to soak because of various reasons. Now that Chuck is busy, I can finally experience it!
It's eleven o'clock at night, and it seems everyone has finished bathing and is preparing for bed. This is the perfect opportunity to soak in the hot spring!
I hummed some random tune, happily stowed my clothes in the inventory, wrapped a towel around my waist, and pushed open the door to the changing room.
Surrounded by brass-colored metal walls, wooden floors, dimly lit by swirling steam, it was a steampunk-style large hot spring bath!!!
Natural milky white hot spring water, slightly salty with a hint of sulfur. Taking a deep breath, ahhh~ Refreshing!
Without hesitation, I jumped straight into the large bath and resurfaced, my face beaming with joy as I floated in the hot spring.
Hmm, the temperature of the water is just right, making me forget about worldly matters, emptying my mind, and letting go of myself.
I drifted along in the hot spring pool, squinting my eyes— when suddenly, I felt two soft — and bouncy — things touch the top of my head.
I opened my eyes to see Belle cold and face staring down at me.
Wait, does that mean that this two bouncy thing on my head are her—
"Perverted Goblin, is this how you always bathe?"
"W-Woah!!! What are you doing here—? Whoah!" splish-splish-splish-splish— I popped up from the bath, but because of the slippery pool bottom, I slipped backward and fell into the hot water.
After struggling for a while, I awkwardly emerged from underwater and looked at Belle—she was staring at me with a dumbfounded expression.
"Sorry, it wasn't intentional," I said, embarrassed.
"It doesn't matter, I don't mind," Belle said.
Her silver hair was no longer in a ponytail but was instead bundled up behind her head.
She was soaking in the hot spring, her hands relaxed on the edge of the pool. Although it was hard to see clearly due to the mist, I could still roughly make out her beautifully curved body.
Unfortunately, there were many scars on her body, with various battle marks visible on her arms alone.
"Huh?" Since when did this demon become so forgiving?
"I can just tell Grace that you touched my breast, that way I won't have to waste my time to discipline you." Belle added.
Oi Oi Oi!!! Don't say something that scary with such a calm face!!
"Wait– Wait— Wait— That was an accident! And don't girls care about their chastity and reputation or something? Wouldn't saying that ruin your own reputation!?"
"Even if it did, my reputation doesn't matter to me; I'm a [Hero], it's yours that would be in tatters," Belle replied.
"Wha—! But what about your future husband? If this matter spreads, it would be hard for you to get one right?" I questioned skeptically.
"It would, but I already expected myself to meet my end on the battlefield, not in a comfy bed surrounded by my children, so it won't matter much." Belle shrugged her shoulders.
Hmm, thinking about it, she's right. Considering what she is, she is probably going to die inside a monster maw.
"...So, if the Demon King is defeated, and the problem of rampaging monsters is solved, what are your plans?" I asked.
For me, after the journey ends, I'll probably go back to the capital and continue running my restaurant, living happily ever after with my wives. That would be fulfilling enough for me.
"I'll return to the [Advanture Guild] and help them overthrow the rule of the Vantionom Church," Belle replied without hesitation.
Wait a minute, did I just hear something outrageous?
Those people want to overthrow the Church!?
"Then, what would you do if the Church is overthrown?"
"Then I'll become an adventurer traveling around to rid the world of evil and injustice. There will always be places in need of my help in this world," Belle answered earnestly.
"Uh, let me rephrase. Suppose the world is at peace, and you no longer need to resort to violence. Haven't you ever think of settling down somewhere, finding a good man to marry and a bunch of children to spend your remaining time with?" I asked again.
Upon hearing this, Belle paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. After a while, she finally replied, "Once."
When she said this, she looked very lonely.
I suddenly felt a bit sympathetic towards this normally sharp-tongued girl.
"...Do you have any information about the rampaging monster from when you were outside?" Belle changed the subject.
"Not really, there haven't been any abnormal monster outbreaks or anything..."
Although there weren't any monsters, I did have the unfortunate encounter with the thugs in the market Gundam attack incident, but fortunately, it was resolved smoothly in the end.
I told Belle everything I saw and heard outside, including the possibility that the sun might be the Elemental Guardian of Earth.
"...I see. I'll try to contact the Elemental Guardian of Earth for more information," Belle said as she stood up, the sound of splashing water accompanying her exit from the bath. "I'm going out now; someone's waiting for you outside."
"Huh!?"
"Oh, and before I go, let me commend you for your actions in the [Flame Labyrinth]. You did well," she added, not giving me a chance to react, and then she left the bathroom.