Chapter 241 – Fire Spirit Hot Springs

“For those who brought swimwear, that’s perfectly fine. For those who didn’t, please use these bathrobes. We ask that you wear these while inside the facility. We plan to sell them eventually, but for now, consider them complimentary samples.”

I distributed the prepared bathrobes to those without swimwear. Since the shrine maidens’ original water ritual garments were somewhat problematic with their sheer fabric, I had them dyed to address that issue.

The designs were relatively inoffensive—some had trunks-style bottoms, others had culotte-style skirts. They were fastened with a string around the waist, allowing some flexibility in sizing.

Once the bathrobes were distributed, we moved on as I explained each area, starting with the large bath.

When I led them to the men’s bath, exclamations of awe arose. The large bath, filled with steam and illuminated by sunlight, had an otherworldly atmosphere. It was designed with the image of a submerged ruin. Aside from the washing area, waterfall bath, and sauna, most of the space was occupied by the bathing pool.

There was little difference between the men’s and women’s baths in terms of the large bath area. The entire structure was made of stone, with floors retaining some roughness to prevent slipping, while the walls and ceiling had a smooth, marble-like texture.

Thick pillars supporting the ceiling rose directly from the bathing pool. In the center of the pool was a pedestal with a carved statue of a woman tilting a water jar. Hot spring water flowed endlessly from the jar, filling the pool.

“This is the men’s bath. The hot spring’s effects include healing burns and skin diseases. It’s also said to speed up wound recovery and keep the skin moisturized. It has medicinal properties, contains magical power, and seems effective for certain internal diseases when ingested.”

The information about the spring’s effects was borrowed from Marquis Zilbolt. Hearing that it was highly effective for beauty seemed to please the female attendees.

“Now, this way.”

I guided them to a corner of the bath, where a circular partitioned bathing area was located—a jacuzzi-style bath.

Given it was a public bath, it was designed to accommodate a reasonable number of people. It was relatively large for a jacuzzi.

“What’s this? It looks like magic stones are embedded along the edge.”

King Melvin tilted his head.

“Yes. When you touch this—”

I activated the magic tool by touching the magic stone, and the bath began churning violently with water currents and bubbles. I noticed several people widening their eyes and leaning forward.

“This uses water currents and bubbles to relax the body and enhance the blood circulation effects of the hot spring.”

“Oh ho. An interesting idea.”

We moved on.

Passing the washing area and going behind the partition wall, we reached the waterfall bath section, where water poured down from near the ceiling. It flowed from a lion-faced design.

“What’s this?”

“This is a waterfall bath. It uses the force of the falling water to relieve muscle stiffness. You can use it by directing the flow onto your shoulders or the back of your neck.”

“I see. Between this and the earlier bubble bath… it’s quite fascinating.”

It was Chancellor Howard who showed strong interest, staring intently at the lion’s face.

“Let’s move on. This way.”

Timing it right, I headed toward the sauna door. A water station and cold bath were prepared beside the entrance.

“This is the steam bath. Since the goal is to sweat, please drink water before entering. After sweating inside, you can tighten your skin in the cold bath.”

I explained how to use the sauna and its precautions.

Well, that should cover all the facilities in the large bath. Next, we moved to the second-floor relaxation area. Sofas and tables were placed here, allowing everyone to chat or relax as they pleased.

There was a counter where drinks could be served. A terrace overlooked the pool, complete with a foot bath. Next to the relaxation room was a game room. In terms of facilities, it was probably similar to the entertainment room in my house.

“It’s… incredibly thorough, isn’t it?”

Howard seemed astonished but gave a wry smile.

“There are still outdoor facilities as well. There’s also something on the rooftop here.”

I grinned, and Howard’s eyes widened.

“Ah… I was wondering about that.”

We moved to the rooftop. Everyone stared in amazement at the water slide.

“You slide down this.”

“Wow…!”

Brad from the orphanage, among others, had shining eyes.

“This looks fun!”

“Doesn’t it!”

I knew it would capture the interest of the orphanage children… but why were Auria and Miriam also sparkling with excitement?

“Monica, let’s try this later.”

“Sure, why not?”

“It’s quite high and scary, isn’t it?”

Forestbird and the others also seemed very interested. Well, the reaction isn’t bad.

“…Hmm. Is it safe?”

Howard asked while looking at the entire slide.

“We conducted repeated experiments to ensure you won’t fall off even at considerable speed—and we’ve installed nets so that even in the worst case, no one gets seriously injured.”

“I see…”

“As a precaution, please leave some interval between each slide, and once you slide down, move straight ahead immediately. This is to prevent users from colliding.”

I said this while looking at everyone’s faces. The orphanage children also nodded with serious expressions.

“And at the end of the slide… you can swim in that area.”

From the rooftop, I introduced the pools: the heated pool, the lazy river pool, and the shallow children’s pool. All were designed to be lit up at night for better visibility.

“That oval-shaped one over there has water flowing like a river. The current isn’t very fast… you can play by going with the flow or swim against it.”

“Oh ho.”

It was Oswald, the Vice-Commander of the Adventurer Guild, who reacted. He was talking to Chester about something. Probably planning to swim relentlessly against the current.

“If you want to play by going with the flow, use the outer circumference. If you want to swim against it, please use the inner circle.”

“Understood.”

“What’s that building in the middle?”

Penelope asked.

“That’s a watchtower to quickly spot anyone drowning.”

“As expected of Theodore-sama.”

Penelope smiled innocently and clasped her hands together.

“Well, that concludes my explanation and tour. I hope you all enjoy yourselves as you please.”

I bowed, and a round of applause broke out.

In any case, it was now free time. Everyone headed downstairs to change into their bathrobes. The orphanage children probably intended to come back to the slide after changing, so it was going to be hectic. They hurried downstairs… I think Auria was among them too.

“This is a more wonderful facility than I expected.”

“My, indeed it is.”

King Melvin, Chancellor Howard, and the rest of the royal castle group remained on the rooftop. The two laughed as they spoke.

“Facilities similar to this large bath are also prepared at the ritual site. Since that area is off-limits to non-related personnel, please use the lodging facilities at the ritual site for regular hot spring use.”

Specifically, the jacuzzi, waterfall bath, and sauna. Over there, wooden tubs are used, so you can enjoy the fragrance and ambiance of a cypress bath.

“Understood. But today is the unveiling of this facility, after all. I think I’ll enjoy this facility just like everyone else.”

“Yes.”

The people here today are all trustworthy individuals, so it should be fine.

“We too… well, let’s enjoy the bath first. Later, we can meet in the second-floor relaxation room or on the terrace.”

Saying this, King Melvin and the others also went downstairs.

“What about Grace and the others?”

“We were thinking of taking a bath first.”

They nodded in agreement. So, my party members are starting with the bath, it seems.

“Then I’ll start with the bath too.”

“Father mentioned meeting in the relaxation room later… so let’s meet there.”

Rosemary said.

“Sounds good. Everyone probably has things they want to do, like swimming, so is it alright if lunch is on your own?”

“That’s fine with us.”

For now, I’ll station Caduceus in the watchtower and have him monitor the poolside for safety.

The large bath is quite spacious. Even with the large number of people who came today, there’s still plenty of room.

“Ah, this is good. Really good.”

“I want this at home!”

“Can we buy it at the Labyrinth Trading Company?”

“Probably, the magic tools will be made-to-order, though.”

“Is that so! Well, just knowing it’s available is enough. It wouldn’t be bad to come here frequently.”

Chancellor Howard and Court Magician Ricard were operating the jacuzzi bath, laughing happily. Sitting across from them was the Dwarf master employed by the trading company… quite an unusual combination.

“Ah… nice water.”

Alfred let out a relaxed sigh. He seemed completely relaxed, leaning against the edge of the bath with his limbs sprawled out.

“…Well. Really, thank you for your hard work.”

Talcott and Cindy were there too, and so was Rosemary’s doll. We had more hands, but the workshop had its first major project in a long time.

“Talcott seems to have gone swimming, though.”

…Hmm. Talcott is currently in the lazy river pool with Oswald, Chester, Mildred, and Mercedes, swimming continuously against the current. He’s swimming at a pace like he’s in a race… but well, he must be enjoying himself in his own way.

The older children from the orphanage, the four members of Forestbird, and Auria, among others, seem to be repeatedly sliding down the water slide.

Penelope and Director Sandra are also near the children’s pool. They seem to be playing with the younger orphanage children. It’s like… a scene of kindergarten teachers leading their charges.

Well, the poolside is mostly peaceful like that. It’s best that everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

“Ah, that’s right, Theo-kun. The dragon scale armor has turned out rather interesting.”

“Interesting how?”

“You gave me that fabric woven from Arachne thread before, right? I tried combining it with that. Then… it’s like a synergistic effect, I guess? The Arachne fabric seems to have become more fire-resistant.”

Oh ho. The strength of the Arachne thread was already quite high… and if it’s become more fire-resistant, we can expect some interesting effects.

“So, with that, I tried making armor by connecting dragon scales with Arachne thread. As ordered, it can be worn like clothing and covers a wider area with dragon scales. So I think the performance is better than expected.”

“That’s something to look forward to.”

“Well, if it’s not finished by the time we go to Marquis Zilbolt’s place… I was thinking maybe I could finish it while traveling to the Marquisate of Fobrester.”

Hmm. Well, Ophelia, the marquis’s daughter, is Albert’s fiancée. Later, when we go to the relaxation room, I’ll discuss it with King Melvin. Princess Stephania and Marquis Zilbolt were here too… It might not be a bad idea to have a relaxed meeting while soaking our feet in the foot bath on the terrace.

In any case, the hot spring facility seems well-received. I feel like it’s going quite well and I’m sensing a positive response. I think I’ll relax here a while longer, soaking in the bath and unwinding.