It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 7: The Struggle in the Bath

Episode 7: The Struggle in the Bath 

Alright, after dinner, all that’s left is to take a bath and go to sleep. Yeah, this is the critical time. If I don’t guide Pamela properly, I might end up making some terrible “youthful mistake”. 

What should I do? Taking her to a public bath is an option. But that would weaken the defense while Pamela is bathing. I can’t just send Shiro, who looks like a cat to everyone else, into a public bathhouse where pets are forbidden. 

It would be bad if anything happened to Pamela. It’s best if someone stays near her as much as possible. 

That means she’ll have to bathe in the house’s bath, but… 

“El-sama, I’ll prepare the bath.” 

Pamela spoke cheerfully. But her steps were unsteady. She got up, wobbling like a delicate sheltered lady. 

“No, I’ll do it. You’re tired today, aren’t you? Take a break. You’re unsteady on your feet.” 

She seemed more exhausted than I expected. Well, that makes sense. She had to wait in that unfamiliar slave house, then go shopping and cook. Pamela was supposed to be a pure-blooded noble lady. She must be completely worn out. 

But because of that, it was now decided that we’d be using the home bath. From here on, I had to be even more careful. 

When I arrived at the bathroom, I activated the magic tool that released hot water and started filling the tub. Steam rose vigorously from the device, filling the bath. 

I could fill it using magic as well. But controlling the temperature was tricky. The magic tool, on the other hand, provided a steady flow of hot water. It was a convenient era to live in. 

In this continent, only high-ranking nobles owned these magic devices. They were slowly being imported, but the price was still high. Back in my homeland, even commoners used them regularly. It really made me realize the technological gap between my country and this continent. 

Before long, the bath was ready. First, I needed to get Pamela in. 

“Pamela, the bath is ready. You go in first.” 

I spoke in a slightly firm tone. It was almost like a command. Hopefully, she would just listen. 

“B-but, a slave can’t bathe before their master…” 

I knew she’d say that. I could just force the order as her master. But that might hurt her feelings. But if I bathed first, she would definitely come to wash my back. 

And in that situation, there was a real chance I’d lose control and pounce on her like a beast. 

“Pamela, I order you. Take the bath first.” 

“…!! Understood.” 

Dragging her feet, Pamela trudged towards the bath. This was the right decision… right? 

Why did my chest feel so heavy? Was this… love? I unconsciously placed my left hand over my chest as a sharp pain struck. A cold sweat ran down my back. 

“Master.” 

“What is it, Shiro?” 

“Do you hate Pamela?” 

“No, it’s not that…” 

What did I even want? I wished to continue my carefree life as an adventurer. But maybe that had been impossible from the start. Maybe the time had come when I couldn’t keep indulging in such selfishness anymore. 

If I were to stay with Pamela, it meant… settling down. 

…Is it finally time to accept my fate? 

Hearing my response, Shiro let out a displeased “Hmph” before wandering off somewhere. Looks like Shiro was already on Pamela’s side. If only he could go cheer her up for me too. 

After a while, Pamela returned. She was now warm and refreshed. Her mood seemed… fine. Her flushed face and relaxed expression told me she had enjoyed the bath. 

With that confirmed, I headed to the bath myself. I quickly stripped, washed my body, and sank into the tub. 

Finally, I could relax. Today had been exhausting. I never thought I’d face a day like this. 

I had planned to keep wandering like a rootless drifter with Shiro. Just the two of us, free to travel wherever we pleased. That was supposed to be enough. 

……………Rustling noises came from the other side of the door. No, not just rustling—something ominous. 

Shiro couldn’t make that much noise. 

This sound—there was no doubt. Pamela was about to barge into the bathroom. 

I clutched my head in despair.

I never explicitly said, “Don’t come in,” huh…? I never expected her to come back for another bath. No, actually, why didn’t I expect it? Was it because I felt guilty about treating Pamela unfairly? 

How can I get through this situation without hurting Pamela? As I kept racking my brain, the door separating the bathroom and the dressing room let out a soft creak as it slowly opened. 

“Excuse me. I’ve come to wash your back, El-sama.” 

“……” 

She’s completely naked. Thank you very much. At the very least, please wrap a towel around yourself! 

Pamela was already flushed as if she had overheated. She hesitantly stepped inside. She was covering only the most essential areas. Ahhhhh, I lost. I completely lost. 

“Pamela.” 

“Yes…?” 

Her voice trembled slightly—not just from the cold, I suspect. I quickly averted my gaze, so I didn’t get a good look. But I think her body was trembling too. 

“You’ll catch a cold. Get into the bath first.” 

“Y-yes!” 

Pamela slid in beside me, looking delighted. From the small gap in the door, I noticed Shiro peeking inside. …I see. So that’s how it is. You set this up, didn’t you? 

Pamela noticed my serious expression. She then timidly asked, 

“Um… El-sama, are you angry?” 

I let out a sigh and softened my expression. 

“No, I’m not angry. From tomorrow onward, let’s bathe together. I’ve already washed up today. So, can you wash my back tomorrow instead?” 

“Of course! …Um, and about Shiro-chan too…..” 

Seeming overjoyed, Pamela suddenly clung to my left arm. Whoa, her chest—! Then, still holding my arm tightly between her br3asts, she looked up at me with those puppy-dog eyes. 

If I move my arm even slightly, it might end up touching somewhere I really shouldn’t. I can’t move. 

I kept my eyes locked straight ahead. I avoided looking at Pamela at all costs. 

She was probably asking if I could forgive not just her, but also Shiro. If I said, “I forgive Pamela. But you, Shiro, are out!” she would probably burst into tears. Well, it’s already happened. So I have no choice but to forgive them. 

“I’m not mad at Shiro either. If I were to be angry at anyone, it would be myself for not predicting this outcome.” 

“That’s not true! El-sama didn’t do anything wrong. And I’m sure Shiro-chan didn’t seriously think you were a ‘coward’.” 

…That damn cat. He must have taught Pamela that word. There’s no way a noble lady like her would know a term like “coward”. This is definitely Shiro’s doing. Maybe I should have said, “You, Shiro, are out!” after all. 

At this rate, she’s definitely going to sneak into my bed as well. I need to plan my strategy accordingly. I really hope it doesn’t happen. But there’s a chance she might try to “make it official” between us. Ahhh, how did things end up like this? 

But first, I need to get through this moment. While my sanity still holds. Hang in there, my dear rationality!