A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 2, Ep 41 - The Large Public Bath

The Large Public Bath

Watari and the others arrived at one of the secret hot springs in Hekiryu Town, which has been managed for a long time and is slightly more expensive than others.

Perhaps as a measure against moisture, the bathhouse was not made of earth but of stone.

It was covered by tall walls, making it impossible to see inside from the outside.

Masques led the way and pointed to the entrance.

“My recommendation is here. The water is quite hot, so be careful about that, but it’s a good hot spring.”

“Shall we go in right away then? Then we’ll go this way. Mariel and Ea, enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry about me and take your time soaking. We’ll have our fun over here.”

“Got it. It’s my first time at a hot spring. I’ve always wanted to visit one. Let’s go, Ea.”

“Yeah. A hot spring, huh? I think I went to one once during a tour when I was a gladiator. I’m excited!”

Both Mariel and Ea were excited.

Whether it was when they purchased dresses with perks at the Welcome Company or now, Watari admired their dedication to maintaining or improving their beauty.

They had also each bought their favorite shampoo and conditioner for Watari’s home shower.

Although Watari didn’t fully understand, he had no objections because he wanted his beloved two to stay beautiful.

While there seemed to be mixed-gender and private hot springs in Hekiryu Town, they were going separately this time since they followed Masques’ guidance, and the bathhouse itself was separate for men and women.

Watari couldn’t help but think it would’ve been nice to go in together, but they could save that enjoyment for another day.

Since they would be returning the same way, he thought they could enjoy the private hot spring together.

Nevertheless, it would also be enjoyable to deepen friendships by soaking in the hot springs with other men.

Watari undressed in the changing room and entered the bathhouse with a towel he brought from the inn.

“Wow, it’s spacious!”

Although he had experienced large public baths in Osaka and hotel bathhouses, this one was just as spacious.

The ceiling was high and the skylights were open, which allowed fresh air to enter.

Steam rose up, enveloping the surroundings in a hazy mist.

There was a unique smell different from the sulfur scent, making Watari wrinkle his nose involuntarily.

“How’s that? Looks good, right?”

“That’s right!”

“This place is a bit pricey, but the quality of the clientele is good. If you go to places that are too cheap, dirty people use them, and since they don’t wash their bodies beforehand, the water ends up filthy.”

“Ugh… Thank you for recommending this. If it were me, I might have just left without entering.”

“I’ve had a bad experience before too. Ever since then, I’ve been using this place.”

Beside Watari, who was sensing the atmosphere of the hot spring, Masques appeared.

Masques had a muscular, well-trained physique, but perhaps due to his age, his belly protruded slightly. He was about a size larger than Watari, who didn’t train regularly.

As expected from his splendid beard, his body was also covered in dense hair.

“But the green water also looks unique.”

“Well, yeah. According to one theory, it’s said that forest gods and healing gods used to soak here.”

“I see. So, there are blessings as well.”

“Honestly, nobody knows, but that’s what’s been passed down. Well, as long as it feels good and heals injuries, there are no complaints from us.”

The medicinal effects seem to range from fatigue recovery to the healing of chronic conditions and even internal organ-related symptoms like renal dysfunction. However, it’s unclear how effective they truly are, as it’s often exaggerated in hot spring brochures.

Watari took a bucket, scooped up some water, and poured it over his body.

As he had been told beforehand, the water temperature was quite hot.

It had a slightly viscous texture and contained various substances.

The depth wasn’t too deep; when sitting in the bath, his shoulders just barely submerged.

After rinsing off sweat and dirt, he slowly immersed himself in the bath, starting with one leg at a time, gradually submerging his body up to his shoulders.

“Ahhh!!”

“What’s with the loud voice?”

“Wasn’t it involuntary?”

“Ha, I’m different. Kuwaaa!! This is some good water.”

“Haha, Masques-san, you said it too.”

“What!? Did I say that?”

“Yes, you did!”

“Uh-huh, I see. It’s something that just comes out naturally, huh.”

Masques seemed unaware of it. When pointed out, he burst into laughter. His booming voice echoed off the ceiling.

He relaxed his body in the water, feeling the medicinal effects permeate his body, whether they were real or not.

“Hey, I’m getting out.”

“Okay. I’ll stay in a bit longer. It feels so good.”

“Don’t get heatstroke.”

Watari decided to stay in the bath a bit longer before reaching the point of getting dizzy, placing a wet towel on his head.

Masques, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have the habit of taking long baths and got out after cooling his body once.

Inside the bathhouse, some people were lying down receiving massages or getting scrubbed, and surprisingly, there was an open space where people were even wrestling.

Masques went to get scrubbed.

While Watari was relaxing in the bath, he suddenly noticed someone in his field of vision.

Since he hadn’t sensed anyone there until that moment, Watari was surprised to see a man there and focused on him.

“Huh? Someone’s there in such a place? …Their behavior seems suspicious for an employee.”

Without doing any work, the person was moving around stealthily.

Although blocked by a high wall, the other side would be the women’s bath.

Perhaps they were peeping?

Would Mariel and Ea’s be peeped on?

Unacceptable.

Watari got out of the water and approached the man.