Chapter 12: The Warmth of the Bath

Rowena and I began walking slowly across the vast grassland.

Under the clear blue sky, the sound of wind rustling through the grass was pleasant.

It was completely different from the tense air inside the forest, offering a sense of freedom.

I could feel the fatigue from fighting the drake and running through the forest all at once.

Even so, having Rowena beside me was reason enough to keep moving forward.

I took out the small pouch of dried fruit that remained and handed it to Rowena.

She lowered her head slightly and ate one piece, then another, as if cherishing them.

I took one for myself as well.

The dried fruit Marco had given me, and the extra I had bought before entering the forest.

Its simple sweetness had become a small memory connecting the fierce battle in that forest to the peace of this grassland.

As we walked, I kept talking to Rowena.

It was a one-sided conversation, but she listened to my voice properly.

“Before coming to the forest, where were you?”

Rowena said nothing and simply shook her head.

“Do you remember anything from before you were captured?”

She slowly shook her head again.

“…I see.”

There was no need to force her to remember.

If she could forget, perhaps it was better that way.

“Is there anywhere you’d like to go from now on?”

Again, she shook her head.

“Is there anyone you want to see?”

She shook her head the same way.

It seemed Rowena had nothing in her past, nor any particular future in mind.

She was like a blank existence I had just picked up in the forest days ago.

Well, it couldn’t be helped.

“Alright. For now, let’s head to the city of Norest.”

I decided and told her so.

“It’s supposed to be a large, lively city beyond that forest. We’ll think about what to do next once we get there.”

Rowena said nothing but gave a small nod.

Then she tightly grasped the hem of my cloak with her small hand.

As if confirming that I was really there.

I stopped walking and gently placed my hand on her head.

“It’s alright.”

I stroked her softly.

Rowena rubbed her head lightly against my hand, looking a bit ticklish but happy.

As we walked like that, the buildings in the distance gradually grew larger.

What had been mere dots became lines, then individual structures.

When we drew closer, it turned out to be a post town along the highway.

It was similar in size to the one near the entrance of the Blackleaf Forest, but more open and lively.

I headed toward the most prominent building in the town—a large two-story inn.

It looked clean, and most importantly, I expected warm baths.

After running through the forest, my body was sticky with sweat, dust, and dried blood.

I had no idea how long it had been since Rowena had washed herself either.

Even if it cost a bit more, I didn’t mind.

Today, we would indulge.

I called out at the reception.

A friendly woman who seemed to be the innkeeper greeted us.

“One room. And I’d like two baths brought to the room.”

She handled the request smoothly.

Along with the room fee, I paid extra for the bath service and as a tip for coming out of the forest covered in grime.

In places like this, inns gathered information, and it never hurt to make a good impression.

“And I’m looking for clothes for this child. Is there a shop nearby that sells children’s clothing?”

I asked, glancing at Rowena.

The innkeeper looked at Rowena’s tattered clothes and showed a hint of pity.

“If you go straight down this road, there’s a small tailor’s shop. They should have some ready-made items.”

I memorized the location she described and accepted the room key.

“We’ll send the baths up right away. Take your time and rest.”

We climbed the stairs and headed to the assigned room.

It was simple, clean, and filled with warm air.

That was more than enough.

I tried to have Rowena stay in the room to rest, but she wouldn’t leave my side.

So I reluctantly took her with me to the tailor.

The shop stood quietly within the post town, just as the innkeeper had said.

Inside were various fabrics and half-finished garments.

An elderly shopkeeper welcomed us warmly.

I selected several outfits that seemed to suit Rowena.

I initially leaned toward muted colors, but my eyes paused on something brighter.

If she was to travel, perhaps brighter colors would be better.

“How about this?”

When I showed her the clothes, Rowena desperately shook her head.

It seemed she felt guilty about me buying things for her.

“It’s alright. You need them.”

Ignoring her protest, I chose a slightly bright-colored tunic, sturdy trousers, and several sets of undergarments.

I also bought a small but sturdy leather backpack and a cloak that would fit her back.

From now on, it would be better for her to carry her own belongings.

“These clothes are yours now, Rowena.”

I handed her the new clothes, backpack, and cloak.

She nodded with a complicated smile—part apologetic, part overjoyed.

When we returned to the inn, two large tubs of steaming water had been prepared in the room.

The warm scent of bathwater filled the air.

“Alright, you’re getting clean first.”

I gestured toward the tub filled with hot water.

Rowena hesitated slightly but began removing her clothes.

When she shed the tattered garments, her thin body was revealed.

Her entire body bore scratches from fleeing through the forest and old scars that looked painful.

She stepped into the bath and began washing herself awkwardly.

But she was unaccustomed to it and wasn’t cleaning properly.

“Let me help.”

I dipped a cloth into the hot water and wrung it gently.

Then I carefully touched her back.

“…Mm…”

Rowena shook her head.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry.”

I continued anyway, gently washing her back with the cloth.

Dirt and sweat dissolved into the water, gradually changing its color.

I carefully rinsed her hair as well.

It must not have been washed in a long time.

At first it wouldn’t lather properly, but as I washed it, it gradually softened.

Once her entire body was clean, her complexion looked remarkably brighter.

I dried her with a large towel and dressed her in the new clothes from the tailor.

They were slightly big, but she could wear them for a while.

After confirming Rowena was clean, I used the remaining water to wash myself.

The temperature was perfect—not too hot, not too lukewarm.

As I wiped my body with the warm water, I reflected on the past few days.

The fierce battle with the drake.

Meeting Rowena.

This was supposed to be a carefree journey, yet it had turned into something entirely different.

I stepped out, dried off, and changed into clean underclothes and fresh clothing.

My battered leather armor would need maintenance.

Once we were both cleaned up, we lay down on the prepared beds.

The soft sheets felt wonderful.

It felt as though the tension I had been holding finally melted away.

I glanced to the side and saw that Rowena had already closed her eyes.

Her breathing was peaceful.

Perhaps she felt relief wearing new clothes and sleeping in a warm, safe place.

I slowly closed my eyes as well.

Food could wait.

For now, I would sleep.

Tomorrow, we would prepare ourselves and then head toward the city of Norest.