CH 211

“Chapter 211: With Meirir”

– I have some stuff to do. I’ll catch you all later. Make sure to lock the doors. (Dyke)

I was planning to pay for our stay before even coming to Wols, but we decided I’d pay 1/3 of the total costs.

– Takaya, any plans for tomorrow? (Roar)

– Nothing really. Maybe going to the center of the volcano crater?

Meirir’s mom said Mount Wols has well-maintained rails made specifically for tourists.

It’s not what I came here for, but I might as well sightsee.

– I think it’s about time we take a bath. What do you think? (Meirir)

– You can go ahead, I want to get ready for tomorrow.

I had some ointments for burns ready just in case. The trails are obviously built with safety in mind, but there have been accidents caused by gases escaping crevices in the past.

– Got it. Don’t overdo it.

Roar also left the room, leaving me by myself in the room.

– Well then…

Once I was sure the footsteps had disappeared, I picked up a guide of the Blazing Arbor.

Apart from the baths in every room, there are about 5 special types of hot springs.

– The Bright Bath…

I wasn’t lying when I said I wanted to prepare for tomorrow, but the real reason to stay behind was to meet up with Dyke.

“I want to thank you. Meet me alone here”

I told him multiple times that I didn’t need any gratitude, but he insisted so much that I accepted.

Well, despite his excessive and dubious usage of money he’s a good guy. I don’t know what he’s scheming but I can trust him.

Five minutes after everyone left, I sneaked out of my room.

The Bright Bath is an open-air bath located farthest away from where we’re staying.

I had to walk through a suspended bridge to get to the bath.

– Wow, this place is huge…

After following a path illuminated by colorful rocks, I arrived at a door with a sign that read “Authorized Personnel Only”.

Just like Dyke said.

– Did he reserve a bath for me?

He didn’t have to be so mysterious about this, though…

I undressed in the changing room and opened the door to the beautifully decorated bath under the starry sky.

According to the guide, the Bright Bath is especially good to relieve stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back.

As young as I am, I spend all day locked in my workshop. My body could really use some help.

– Fwaah~

The temperature of the water reaching up to my shoulders is JUST right. I could stay here all day.

I might just do that. This bath is reserved anyways.

*Splash*

– …What?

Or so I thought, but then I heard the sound of water.

– Aaahhh~ Nothing beats the hot springs from home, huh…

A white nude figure was right at my side.

– M-Meirir-san!?

– T-TAKA-!?

So much for Dyke’s gratitude, huh…