𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔
(6)
They introduced themselves to each other and confirmed the situation up to now.
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“Before we discuss the future. . . . . .”
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Tweney was on guard internally, but Vengeous said something unexpected.
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“Shall we take a break?”
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Tweney wished for a quick decision. There’s nothing good about having time. The blood rushing through the body urges action.
Without hesitation, all Tweney wanted was for it all to end.
As if sensing Tweney’s impatience, Vengeous cautioned in an advising manner.
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“When discussing important matters, it’s essential to rest a weary body and calm the mind. Otherwise, you cannot make a good decision.”
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Adding while looking intently,
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“For both of you.”
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Tweney felt ashamed.
It was decided arbitrarily, and it ended just as arbitrarily.
What would happen to Luo, left alone afterwards?
Tweney hadn’t spoken to Luo yet. Regardless of the situation, Luo would have helped.
Tweney realized they had taken Luo’s kindness for granted.
Tweney thought they both needed time to discuss and prepare mentally.
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“Let me guide you.”
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The one offering to guide was Ophelia.
Maybe due to the tea from earlier, Tweney still felt a bit heavy but could walk on her own.
They reached the wall of the living room. It had a smooth wooden texture with no visible seams. The intricate curved surface showed prominent wood grain patterns.
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“From here, you can access various rooms. Make sure to follow closely so you don’t get lost. If you do, just shout.”
“I’ll just yell if I get lost.”
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Though not called, Funyapippi followed.
The wood grain led to a corridor. After several branches, they entered a room through a dead-end wood grain. It was about as spacious as the living room and filled with steam-like vapor.
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“It’s a bath!”
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Ophelia said with a hint of pride.
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“After crossing the ‘wilderness’ and walking at the bottom of the ‘great hole’, you must have faced many hardships. The thing most desired after such an arduous journey is a bath.”
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Tweney had no objections, but Funyapippi retorted while walking toward the tub.
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“I’ve been taking baths every day.”
“Huh?”
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There were peculiar beings at the edge of the tub, the size of a palm. A clump of water shaped like a turtle and a clump of fire resembling a lizard.
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“Ah, these are. . . . . .”
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Just as Ophelia was about to explain, Funyapippi let out a warning growl. The water turtle and fire lizard, startled, disappeared in a burst of bubbles.
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“Ah. . . . . .”
“I’ll adjust the temperature.”
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Trying to regain composure, Ophelia beckoned. Two mossy figures entered from the entrance, holding trays and baskets. Several porcelain bottles were lined up on the tray.
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“This is soap water made from bubbles harvested in the ‘great hole’. Additionally, we have essential oil from peach roses――.”
“Ugh.”
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Luo made a face.
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“The slimy one that stings the eyes.”
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From the gesture of covering both eyes, Tweney understood and was delighted to repay the favor.
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“Don’t worry. I’ll wash your hair for you. Luo, just close your eyes.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, these ones will take care of the bath.”
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Just as she was about to summon more moss dolls, Tweney politely declined with a smile.
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“I don’t need assistance.”
“I, Is that so?”
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Ophelia, looking on the verge of tears from the repeated surprises, was shocked when Luo suddenly began undressing.
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“Ah, um. The bath for the gentlemen is still being prepared.”
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He placed his clothes in the basket offered by the moss doll and became completely naked.
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“Eek!”
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Both Tweney and Luo got into the bathtub. Funyapippi settled inside a bucket filled with water.
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“Will you join too, sister?”
“No, I won’t!”
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Ophelia, her face red up to her ears and hand covering her mouth, turned away and fled.
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◇
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The bathwater, drawn from a sacred spring, is said to have the power of fire spirits, offering therapeutic effects. Ophelia suggested this to the fully rejuvenated duo.
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“Since we’re at it, let’s get your clothes cleaned as well.”
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The clothes Tweney wore were hand-me-downs from Crozet. They had been regularly washed and dried by Funyapippi, but they were noticeably dirty and had some fraying.
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“I’ll go get something to eat. I need to regain my strength quickly.”
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Saying that, Funyapippi ran off somewhere.
Passing through several wooden textures once again, what was guided was a crescent-shaped room. The part of the curved wall serves as a window, allowing an outside view. It seems there are sofas, tables, beds, and closets.
Is this Ophelia’s private room?
Naturally, Luo also tried to enter, but Ophelia blocked the way.
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“Wait, gentlemen have a separate room!”
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Ophelia, insistent on this point, took Luo’s hand and led him away.
Perhaps due to habits from her youth, once alone, Tweney naturally walked over to the window.
She gently reached out to touch it. It wasn’t glass. It felt hard but had no distortions or fogging.
It seemed that this place was indeed inside a silvery great tree. The view from the window showcased splendid silver branches and a multitude of transparent leaves.
The sun was already setting.
While she was engrossed in the view, Ophelia returned, accompanied by three moss dolls.
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“Um, where is Luo?”
“He’s in the living room. The Onee-samas seem to have various things they’d like to ask Luo-san.”
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“You’ll see him soon,” she said with a reassuring smile.
The moss dolls surrounded Tweney and bowed. Then they extended their arms forward and began to sway.
Tweney’s clothes began to puff up, wriggling as if they were alive. There was a creaking sound. Soon, the movement stopped, and the clothes adhered to her skin.
The feel of the clothes had changed. They were now clean, and the frayed parts had been repaired. Ophelia explained with a smile to the amazed Tweney.
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“It’s the power of plant spirits.”
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Perhaps there was no need to drive Luo out, she thought, but Ophelia said, “Let’s talk for a bit,” inviting her to the sofa.
Moss dolls brought tea and baked sweets. Tweney watched Ophelia, who sat next to her and drank tea with an elegant gesture, with a sense of wonder.
Characters in the story. A princess from over seven hundred years ago, she was the same “Star Princess” as myself. There was a sense of grace about her. She must have been a princess who received formal education.
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“Hey, Tweney-san.”
“Yes.”
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With sparkling eyes, Ophelia asked,
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“What kind of person is Luo-san?”
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