Capítulo 862: Soft Steam, Sharp Realities ( 862 )
Javier’s steps slowed, his mind drifting as he crossed the floors of the estate’s corridor.
Pushed out of my own room, banned from coming back unless they call me back, forced to shower outside my room. All because those two want to gossip with that rowdy brat. Unbelievable.
He shook his head.
And on top of that, now I have to figure out how to play matchmaker for Kliatana and Heres. Cupid duty.
Of all people, she goes after the quietest, most unreadable brother in the entire house. The one who never spares a second glance, not even for the prettiest maids or the merchant daughters who swoon over him.
He sighed deeply, scrubbing a hand through his hair.
Ceh… What a mess.
He reached the doorway of the main bathing area, pausing as the faint scent of heated water and minerals wafted out. Rows of fresh white towels were stacked nearby, neatly folded. He grabbed one, rolling his eyes.
Not even a towel from Liana. Kicked out and downgraded. Is this how a genius gets treated around here? Is this how they treat their future husband?
Wonder why they’re so eager to hear from that brat. Isn’t she the one they hate already? He wondered, rubbing his chin. Perhaps she was too annoying. Or maybe there’s another reason?
Damn… women… hard to read.
He grumbled, toeing off his slippers as he set his things down near a bath alcove. He scanned the misty air, making sure his father wasn’t around, especially with his luck today.
Please, just let Father be buried in paperwork… I can’t deal with another ‘wise lecture’ about responsibility or legacy right now.
Then, as the first swirl of steam curled around him, a grin crept onto his lips.
Wait a second…
It’s a hot bath.
Wouldn’t it be perfect to relax with a bottle of wine?
His mood brightened instantly.
Yes, yes… a proper bath, no interruptions, no lectures, and a nice bottle of wine.
He grinned, relishing the quiet and privacy for once. With a flourish, Javier flipped the wooden sign on the door to “In Use,” then shut it firmly and locked it with a satisfying click.
Rubbing his hands together, he took a deep breath of the steamy air.
Alright… time to enjoy a real noble’s bath for once!
He stretched dramatically, then flicked his wrist. His magic storage shimmered to life, swirling with faint light. With a touch of showmanship, he hummed a cheerful tune and slowly, stylishly, reached into the portal.
First came the bottle. Not just any bottle, a large, carefully sealed, handmade sake, cloudy and fragrant. Javier cradled it with both hands, sighing in pure satisfaction.
Ah~ As a Japanese man in my past life, I always wanted to do this… A real bath with sake, nothing can beat it!
He set the bottle down on the edge of the bath, eyes bright. All the wine here was fruit-based, but now—thanks to Armand’s booming rice fields and a bit of personal effort, he could finally make his own rice wine. His own sake.
He reached back into the magic storage, still humming, and pulled out a small wooden sake cup, then a lacquered tray, each crafted with care, the wood polished to a gentle shine.
“Alright… let’s get this started,” Javier whispered to himself, pouring the sake into the cup with the reverence of someone performing a sacred ritual. The rich aroma drifted upward.
He set the tray within easy reach, rolled up his sleeves, and tested the bath with one toe. Perfect.
A noble’s bath, rice sake in hand. Just like a dream.
He couldn’t help but grin wider. “Now this… this is the life.”
“Hm~ hm~ hm~,” Javier hummed softly, steam swirling around him as he slowly began removing his clothes piece by piece. His shirt slid off first, then his belt, each movement calm, precise, like a man savoring his moment of solitude.
He exhaled in satisfaction, setting the last piece neatly on the nearby stool. “Alright~ time for perfection. Bath, sake, peace, ah~ heaven!”
But just as he turned toward the cleaning area…
“Javier?”
The voice cut through the mist.
Javier froze. His eyes widened, his soul nearly left his body.
That voice… that calm, deep tone…
Fa…fa…Father!?
He spun around in panic, then blinked in confusion.
Through the haze, a faint silhouette came into view. Not broad, not intimidating—just quietly composed, leaning against the edge of the bath.
Heres.
“Damn it, Heres!!” Javier snapped, clutching his chest. “Don’t use that tone! You almost made me think it was Father! I nearly died!”
“Eh?” Heres looked genuinely confused, blinking up at him. “I… was just talking normally.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever…” Javier muttered, exhaling hard as he rubbed the back of his neck. “You and Father both have that calm, serious voice that sounds like judgment itself. My heart can’t take it.”
Heres chuckled softly and looked away, the faintest smile crossing his lips. “Sorry about that.”
“Yeah, you better be,” Javier grumbled, glancing around. “Anyway, what are you doing bathing here alone?”
Heres leaned back, arms resting on the stone edge. The steam shimmered around him, half-hiding his expression. “Nothing… I just wanted to calm down and relax for a while.”
Javier blinked, then shrugged. “Huh. Fair enough. But hey, if you’re gonna relax properly…” He grinned slyly and lifted the bottle he had placed nearby. “…you should join me. This, my dear brother, is my handmade, one-of-a-kind rice wine! The only one of its kind in this world.”
Heres tilted his head slightly. “This… world?”
“Ah~ nothing, nothing~” Javier said quickly, waving one hand while rubbing the back of his head with a grin.
“Just a figure of speech!”
He set the bottle on the tray beside the bath, then crouched near the washing area.
“Alright, you enjoy your soak for now. I’ll wash myself clean first before getting in. A noble bath deserves proper preparation~”
He hummed under his breath as he grabbed a bucket, poured warm water over his shoulders, and began scrubbing his hair, the scent of soap and steam filling the air, while Heres quietly watched, his thoughts hidden behind calm eyes.
Inside Heres’s mind, thoughts swirled like ripples in the bath’s steam.
Javier… you’re too lucky.
He glanced at his younger brother washing his hair at the side, humming like nothing in the world could ever bother him.
He has everything. Liana and Gloria, two of the most beautiful maid in the estate, loyal and kind. Then there’s Princess Felicia and Princess Mimi, daughters of King Lioness… both openly admiring him. And even Princess Delya of the Demon Kingdom, and Princess Ferine, daughter of Chieftain Gumarak… all of them drawn to him.
Heres exhaled softly, eyes half-closed.
You’re surrounded by beauty, Javier. Loved, trusted, and admired. And now even Princess Kliatana…
( End Of Chapter )
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