I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 226: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 26

Episode 226: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 26  

Sploosh….  

That was the kind of sound you’d expect to hear in a hot spring. And right now, I was incredibly relaxed.  

Next to me sat His Majesty, along with Dietrich-sama and the Knight Commander.  

Sharing a bath might sound nice in theory, but the reality was that I was soaking in a hot spring with the king of an entire nation.  

I had my doubts about being here in such a vulnerable setting, where even the guards couldn’t carry weapons. But His Majesty had specifically requested my presence.  

…Still, I couldn’t deny it. This felt absolutely amazing.  

“This… is different… from an ordinary bath…”  

“Haaaah~. Truly, Your Majesty.”  

“Oh! It stings where I was injured in the earlier battle. But… could this really have healing properties?”  

“Yes. It doesn’t work instantly. But with time, it can help even with old wounds. It’s perfect for recovery.”  

In a world where potions exist, I thought hot springs might be unnecessary. But apparently, even potions aren’t omnipotent.  

For example, old wounds eventually become part of the body itself and can’t be healed. Moreover, injuries that should ideally be treated immediately are often delayed during expeditions or when resources are scarce.  

If it became widely known that hot springs could effectively address such lingering wounds, they would undoubtedly be invaluable.  

“Old wounds, huh? In that case, it might be worth sending retired knights here for treatment.”  

“If those individuals could return to the frontlines, that would be ideal.”  

“So, they could contribute to the defense of Granzawall and this Onsen District as well.”  

“…Indeed! I approve! Vigul, upon your return to the royal capital, gather such individuals!”  

“Yes, Your Majesty! But first…”  

“Indeed! Let us enjoy this hot spring to its fullest!”  

…Right? Not indulging in this bliss would be a crime.  

And so, we enjoyed the hot springs to the very edge of overheating.  

—

After leaving the hot springs, we changed into the attire prepared for us—a *yukata*.  

This wasn’t just any yukata, but a masterpiece crafted from the soft, treated hides of magical beasts found in the Forest of Demons.  

Even His Majesty, as he put it on, let out an exclamation of delight. So it was clear he was impressed.  

Once dressed, we moved to the dining hall for the main event of our hospitality.  

For this day, Mamiyu, Yaka-san, and Sensei had worked together to prepare something truly extraordinary.  

If His Majesty and the others weren’t satisfied, I’d have no choice but to call everyone here tone-deaf when it came to taste.  

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. The two culinary experts here have poured their hearts into preparing these dishes. Please, enjoy them to your heart’s content.” 

Since Sensei was already acquainted with His Majesty and the others, she spoke without any nervousness.  

As soon as the greeting ended, the dishes began to arrive from the kitchen.  

Starting with appetizers, we had prepared a variety of dressings—ranging from light and refreshing, to tangy, to richly flavored—that were uncommon in this world.  

“Feel free to try different dressings first. And once you find a flavor you like, please enjoy your meal with it.”  

“Your Majesty, should we conduct a poison test?”  

In situations like this, poison testers often appear in many light novels.  

While it was a reasonable precaution for a king, His Majesty shook his head at my suggestion.  

“Unnecessary! Besides, with such delicious aromas wafting about, how could one possibly resist?”  

“…I-Is that really okay, Dietrich-sama?”  

“His Majesty and we all trust Maki-sama and his people.”  

“It’s delicious!”  

“Hmm? Vigul! You’ve eaten ahead of me?”  

“I couldn’t help myself, Your Majesty! It’s incredible!”  

“Curse you! I’ll have some too! …Hoho, this dressing is delightful. And that one is excellent as well.”  

If they were this excited over appetizers, the main course was bound to be quite the spectacle.  

I couldn’t stop smiling as I joined His Majesty and the others in savoring the meal.  

……..Yup, it’s delicious!