A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 2, Ep 40 - The Hot Spring Town, Hekiryu

The Hot Spring Town, Hekiryu

The ship continued smoothly after the monster attack and arrived at Hekiryu Town on schedule.

It was known as one of the kingdom’s top hot spring towns.

As the name suggests, hot springs with colors resembling medicinal baths flowed here.

Tourists from all over the country visited for recuperation and beauty purposes, which kept the town bustling at all times.

Before reaching the town, Masques had informed Watari about it.

The ship docked at the pier, and many goods were unloaded.

And they would probably load many new goods that could only be obtained in this town.

Watari glanced at the scene for a moment and then slowly walked down the gangway again.

This time, he held Ea’s hand from the beginning.

Masques watched Watari’s actions with a wry smile, and his embarrassment was visible.

It was a relief to step onto the shore.

As he checked the stability of his footing, Masques, who was surely busy with work, approached.

“Since the game got interrupted today, and I would’ve lost if it continued, dinner’s on me tonight. I know a place.”

“Is that okay? Thank you!”

“Thank you for the meal.”

“Hehe, yay!”

They didn’t know the good places to eat in a town they visited for the first time.

Masques’ guidance was very helpful.

The only concern might be whether the taste of the muscular sailor, who seemed strong against alcohol, matched theirs.

“Do you like baths?”

“Yes. I like baths to a certain extent.”

“Masques-sama, master is quite fond of baths. In the past, he couldn’t resist taking a dip in the tub while traveling and ended up staying at only the inns with baths.”

“I see, he’s a bath enthusiast. This town is famous for its hot springs. There are several large public baths. I’ll guide you to a clean one among them.”

It was a grateful offer.

Watari bowed lightly, and Masques smiled brightly.

“Thank you very much.”

“Let’s soak in the hot springs first, and then we’ll have dinner.”

“Got it. But I’d like to deposit my luggage first…”

“I understand that too. If it’s an inn, I’ll guide you to one I frequent. I also want to leave my luggage.”

Masques was very considerate.

Perhaps because he had carried passengers many times before, he understood what they were looking for, but his attentive care was nonetheless impressive.

Following Masques’ guidance, they walked away from the river and into the town.

Tourists lounged around everywhere.

Many people, young and old, walked with flushed and moisturized skin, perhaps having already taken a dip in the hot springs.

There were also many street food stalls and shops selling drinks, targeting customers who wanted a drink after bathing.

Although they were priced for tourists, each shop had its own unique charm and looked delicious.

Chairs were set up in front of the stalls, where customers could sit and rest their bodies.

In addition, there were many souvenir shops.

They mainly sold simple dried goods, sweets, and carvings that tourists could take home.

In the midst of them, there was a phrase that caught Watari’s attention, so he asked Masques about it.

“What’s ‘hot spring essence’?”

“It’s an extract made from the hot spring water here. It’s said to have effects like beautiful skin and rejuvenation.”

“Beautiful skin and rejuvenation, you say? Does it really work?”

“It seems so. Rumor has it that the closest place to the source is owned by the royal family and is off-limits.”

“I see…”

‘How effective could it be?’

Considering the effects of potions in this world, natural hot springs might not be at the same level as Earth’s.

There might even be a greater potential for obtaining effects.

But it was the two women who were more interested than Watari.

“Master, I’ve heard of it too. In ancient times, it’s said that there were many hot springs in this area where the gods bathed and rested their bodies. Such places are said to be full of divine energy and have effects such as healing and beauty.”

“So, are they genuine?”

“If they’re owned by the royal family, there’s a possibility. I…I’ll buy some of that hot spring essence!”

“I’ll buy some too.”

“Well, it’s up to you how to spend your pocket money, but if you’re going to buy it anyway, why not buy it at the hot spring?”

“Y-Yeah, that’s true.”

“Ugh, I’ll…hold back.”

They were still not even nineteen, right?

From Watari’s perspective, the two were younger and full of youthful energy.

Their skin was fresh and smooth without a single blemish, so he wondered if they would even feel the effects of the hot springs.

Did they really need rejuvenation at such a young age?

Watari had his doubts, but he refrained from voicing them after seeing the reactions of the two.

There was a rule that as long as it was within the range of pocket money and didn’t inconvenience their cohabitants, Watari wouldn’t mind.

Perhaps because he was restricted as a slave, he wanted them to spend their time freely in other aspects.

“I wanted to ask you two, do you think this could sell well over there…?”

“Master, definitely!”

“It’ll sell like hotcakes!!”

Watari sensed a new business opportunity.