Chapter 95

In the morning, I wake up and enjoy breakfast. The only thing that scares me is Tisha's intense gaze. I think I need to explain when I get back.

The effects of Liz's bath are still ongoing, and she's shining brightly from the morning. She's in a very good mood.

After finishing preparations, I arrive at the front of the Adventurer's Guild, pulling a cart. Even with the tents loaded, it doesn't feel particularly heavy. At least, I feel it was worth making it at this point.

Fia and Rott were already waiting, so I greet them in the morning.

"Whaaat!! Liz, what happened!? You look super beautiful!! And your hair is so smooth. What!? What happened!?"

I hear Fia's scream. Liz, feeling proud, flips her hair and teases Fia with a smug look. I watch the two of them, finding it heartwarming, but then I feel a sense of unease. I realize something is off with Fia. Her walk seems strange, and her lower body isn't stable. In fact, she's walking in a way that protects her crotch and waist.

After a moment of thought, I come to this conclusion: Ah, she got it.

I make the two of them wait and pull Rott aside.

"Did you do it?"

I ask Rott, trying to keep a straight face. He turns bright red and looks down.

"Did you do it?"

"…Yes. I couldn't resist the atmosphere…"

Rott confesses. Typical predator. Once they catch their prey, they eat it right away.

"I don't intend to deny romantic relationships within the party. I'm engaged to Liz, too."

I try to maintain a calm tone as I continue.

"However, it's a problem if it interferes with party activities. After all, it's a matter of life and death for our companions."

"…Yes. I understand that very well."

"Fia won't be of any use today. She won't say anything, but I'm afraid she might hurt herself if she pushes too hard."

I think she'll be fine, but it's better to be safe. Something could happen unexpectedly.

"The next issue is the interpersonal relationships. A party falling apart due to romantic entanglements is a nightmare. Are you prepared to take responsibility?"

"Yes!! I am…"

"Contraception is also a matter of self-reporting. Men won't know if it's been removed without their knowledge."

Even with a blessing, women can remove it at will, so it's scary.

"There's also the possibility of a child leading to the party's collapse. That's a responsibility for men as well. Did you confirm and act responsibly?"

"No… I'm sorry, it was rash."

"I'm not angry. But, yes, I think it was rash. If you did it, are you considering marriage in the future?"

"Yes. I've already decided. I will stay with her."

This determination is impressive. But thinking about a 25-year-old being eaten by a 10-year-younger wife, I think men can't win against women.

"Then, take action. Specifically, today will be a rest day. Take care of Fia. Also, engagement bracelets are available at the general store. If she's not wearing one tomorrow, I'll consider her as someone who doesn't listen to others."

"Yes!! I'll act quickly."

"Good relationships are a good thing. Rott, since you're at a good age, take care of her properly. Report to her parents. Most importantly, congratulations. I wish you happiness."

I smile and bless Rott's future. He looks momentarily stunned, then blushes and scratches his head, looking happy and embarrassed.

"I'm sorry for today. We'll postpone the expedition until tomorrow. Today, I'll take care of Fia."

"Sure, sure. Don't worry too much. Take it easy. Take good care of Fia."

I step out from the shadows and announce that today will be a rest day and that the expedition will start tomorrow. I didn't explain the reason, so Liz looks confused, Rott is bright red, and Fia is gradually turning red as she realizes the situation.

Well, the food will keep, so it's not a problem. I thought about spending the rest day with Liz, but she seems eager to show off the bath's effects to the neighbors, so I allowed it. Watching Liz run off, I wonder if it will become an advertisement or cause a panic.

Since I have a free rest day, I return home and report to Tisha. She's overjoyed, which makes me a bit uncomfortable.

Next, I go to the carpenter's shop to check if they have any slatted boards. They don't, but I brought design plans for two wooden frames of different sizes with removable bottoms and lids for making soap molds. Since both can be made quickly, I wait a bit. The craftsman, who seems focused, finishes them before I even realize. He brings me slatted boards and two wooden boxes of different sizes. The slatted boards are perfect, and the wooden boxes have solid removable bottoms with no gaps. They will work for making soap molds.

The price was surprisingly cheap, but he said it was a side job, so I paid without hesitation. It didn't take more than an hour.

I bring the items home and discuss future bathing arrangements with Tisha. She allows the use of the kitchen's earthen floor, which is designed to drain water outside.

Setting up the barrel and slatted boards completes a makeshift bath. Tisha seems to be dreaming about it, but I ignore it.

Since it's a rest day, I think about what to do but can't come up with anything. I considered making clothes, but the two outfits I have are enough for now, and it's not urgent.

To express gratitude for securing a stable job as a baron, I decide to pray at the church.

I'm greeted by the usual woman, ascend the pulpit, and kneel, silently praying in gratitude for my new life as a baron.

At that moment,

<Notice. A critical error has occurred. An unknown system has connected. Counter System>

I thought the 'Scholar' teacher was speaking in a panicked tone, but then there was a click and silence.

Huh? Is it a big deal that even the god appears?

I thought casually.