Chapter 53 – Baths and Swimsuits

—West District. An area with harbors and slums, known for having relatively poor security even by Termwills’ standards. The orphanage Sheila and Irmhild had mentioned was also located here.

That said, the orphanage was fairly distant from the slums and harbor, and even within West District, it seemed to be in a calmer location.

“What’s your connection to that orphanage?”

I asked Irmhild, who was sitting in the coachman’s seat of the carriage. Even if Ashley and I were to vouch for their identities, we’d need a reason or pretext. In this case, having them work around us seemed like the most straightforward approach, which is how we settled on this arrangement.

“They took care of me long ago. I started bringing them gifts out of gratitude, and before I knew it, the children grew attached to me.”

“In that case, being cooped up in the Guild must have been quite painful, right?”

“Yes. I’m truly happy to be outside again after so long.”

Thank you, she said with a cheerful smile.

The carriage continued along the road leading to West District. Gradually… the carriage’s shaking was becoming more intense. It felt like the paving was getting rougher.

“As expected, there are many patrols.”

Sheila, seated next to Irmhild, muttered while looking back over her shoulder. In the direction of her gaze were patrolling soldiers. Indeed, we had passed similar patrols several times before arriving here.

“Hmm. That’s right. Even though we don’t usually come to West District much…”

…This must be because of the Demon incident.

They probably assume that suspicious outsiders would hide in West District if they were to go into hiding, but considering that the Demon was already in Cardiff’s mansion, it feels a bit late for that.

Eventually, the carriage entered a relatively well-built structure in West District with a large courtyard.

“Ah, it’s Ilm!”

When we returned to the courtyard after parking the carriage in the stable, a child’s voice rang out.

“Eh, Ilm-neechan!?”

Immediately, other children heard the voice and came running out from inside the building. There seemed to be a fair number of other races like Beastfolk and Elves among them. Just from looking, it seemed Irmhild was quite adored.

I took a quick glance at the children’s condition—they didn’t appear unnaturally thin or wearing particularly shabby clothes.

This orphanage seemed to be primarily run by the Moon Temple. Building it in West District probably wasn’t unrelated to the low land prices, but they still seemed to have chosen the location carefully.

So while the children’s lives might be modest, they seemed to maintain a certain standard when it came to basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

“Who are you, mister?”

Another child tilted their head and asked.

“Well. I guess I’m Irmhild’s friend?”

“Really! Nice to meet you, mister!”

“Mhm.”

They extended their hand, so I responded with a handshake.

“What’s going on? Everyone’s gathered like this…”

An elderly woman wearing Moon Temple vestments emerged from the building, but when she noticed Irmhild at the center of the crowd, her expression brightened.

“My, Irmhild!”

“It’s been a while, Director.”

“Delicious!”

A child who had eaten the Whisper Mushroom dish showed a bright, happy smile.

The reason we accompanied them to the orphanage was because we had too many Whisper Mushrooms. While drying them would allow for preservation, I thought it might be better not to have them on the table every time, so we decided to make sautéed dishes, simple fried dishes, and soup to serve to the orphanage children. With help from the orphanage staff, it turned into a standing buffet party.

“Grace, how are you? Have you calmed down?”

“—Yes. I apologize for showing you such an unsightly side of myself.”

She gave a wry smile while covering her mouth.

“Irmhild, what will you do from now on?”

The Director and Irmhild were talking.

Irmhild had apparently hidden her Lamia nature for a long time, but from their conversation, it was unclear whether the Director had already known.

Now that it had been exposed, it had probably reached the ears of those at the orphanage as well, but at least the Director’s response toward Irmhild wasn’t particularly harsh.

“Hmm. I’d like to continue working as an adventurer, but it seems my wishes alone aren’t enough.”

When asked, Irmhild tilted her head slightly. Her own wish was probably to explore the Labyrinth normally, rather than building up strength outside like before.

Given the situation with the Demon and the Moonlight Temple, fulfilling that wish had become somewhat difficult, but if Ashley and I took responsibility, that could change.

Due to the availability of Materials and ease of leveling, we planned to focus mainly on gathering and Hunting in Dusk Forest, so it would depend on whether she had enough skill to keep up. Otherwise, we’d probably have Irmhild help with housework or dedicate herself to the treatment team at the Guild with the other two.

First, we’d explore the Labyrinth together, and discuss things from there. Irmhild would probably need a Bow, so we’d have to go shopping.

“Theodore-sama, was it? Please take good care of Sheila and Irmhild.”

The Director bowed her head to me.

“Understood.”

Once the conversation wrapped up, Irmhild temporarily excused herself, then brought out a Lute from somewhere, held it on her lap, and began to play.

Though Irmhild had modestly claimed to be a step below Dominique and Justia… she probably genuinely enjoyed playing instruments. Closing her eyes, a smile playing on her lips, her slender fingertips moved as if tickling the strings, producing a tone that was both mystical and rustic. A flavorful melody spread through the dining hall.

This time, it wasn’t a Cursed Melody but a normal performance. The children, who had been noisy until just moments ago, were now quietly engrossed.

Hmm. Lute and harp, huh.

Regarding her Weapon… I came up with a somewhat interesting idea. I should arrange it early so it’s ready by the time we explore the Labyrinth together.

After leaving the orphanage, we did some shopping and returned home.

Irmhild was still under the Guild’s custody, so she returned to the Adventurer Guild, and Sheila went back to her own roost in West District.

Once Irmhild’s situation becomes widely known and properly arranged, I wonder if those two might end up living together?

As for me, I was currently relaxing in the bath.

“Theo, shall I wash your back?”

From beyond the changing room, Grace’s voice called out like that.

“Hmm… Well then, please do.”

Somehow, I had a feeling she might say something like that today. The impulse was mainly appetite-related, but there was no doubt the Vampire side had surfaced, so it needed to be addressed.

“Then, excuse me.”

Saying that, Grace entered the bathroom. She wasn’t in her usual maid uniform. She was wearing a swimsuit purchased for going to the sea.

“Ah, Theo, you’re in a swimsuit too.”

“Yeah. Well. It’s clothing that can get wet, so I figured why not.”

I bought it thinking we’d need fishing rods and swimsuits if we were going to the sea anyway.

I don’t know when swimsuits appeared in Earth’s history, but in this world, they’re sold quite commonly.

That’s because there’s a certain level of interaction with friendly aquatic Monsters like Mermaids and Sirens. Essentially, even though we call them swimsuits… they’re probably adapted from their everyday wear, modified to be more convenient for humans.

Apparently, these are woven by Mermaids using water spider silk. In BFO, higher Ranks include items with highly effective defensive Barriers like Water Magic Resistance, but that’s beyond our reach for now.

Speaking of which, I’m currently wearing a trunk-style swimsuit.

…Since it’s clothing for entering water, Grace had been quite impressed by it.

I anticipated she might come to the bath wanting to try the swimsuit while addressing her impulse.

Grace’s swimsuit is a two-piece type with a pareo wrapped around her waist.

It’s not an overly revealing swimsuit—but her ample bust is clearly visible, and her translucent white skin and slender waist are still quite eye-catching.

Her delicate shoulders, small navel, the smooth lines of her legs—ah, no… I’ll stop digging my own grave by not thinking too much about it. I’ll turn my back like before and have her wash it mindlessly.

“Since we have the chance, let’s call Ashley-sama too. From now on, it would be nice to take baths together. It would also reduce Magic Stone consumption and be more economical.”

Grace said happily. Well, that’s… how should I put it. I can’t help but feel like I’ve dug my own grave…

No, wait. Don’t get flustered over swimsuits. Calm down, me. It’s just like going to the pool together.

“Excuse me.”

When Grace called out, Ashley also came in, changed into a swimsuit.

“I really like this swimsuit, it’s cute.”

“Since Theo chose it for us, let’s take good care of it.”

“Yes!”

Well, it’s not like I exactly chose it… I was just asked for my opinion.

…By the way, Ashley’s swimsuit is a one-piece with a modest design featuring frills around the chest and waist.

I really think it was for the best that we didn’t go with anything too extreme.