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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Mod7
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The hot spring.
I leaned back and sank deep into the steaming water, a contented sigh escaping my lips.
After a grueling training session, soaking in the hot spring made me think I could spend my whole life here at Linchester, learning from Master.
I checked the time on my communication crystal, which I’d placed beside my head.
Ever since that incident with Master, I’d developed a habit of constantly checking the time in the hot spring.
“It’s only 9:15. Plenty of time left.”
I closed my eyes and let my mind wander. I had Dania’s permission to use the hot spring from nine to ten.
I felt myself drifting toward sleep. The constant fatigue I’d been feeling lately was probably a result of the recent string of intense events.
Or perhaps it was due to my continued disobedience of Master’s instructions. Even in a fantasy world with magical healing potions, there was no telling what kind of long-term damage I was doing to myself.
“I should have just nodded and agreed with everything Master said.”
The regret was overwhelming. Master had been doing it all for my own good.
“Should you have, indeed?”
The voice startled me. I heard the sliding door open. Through the steam, I saw Master’s silhouette, wrapped in a towel.
“M-Master…?”
“Yes, it seems I am your master. Though you don’t seem to act like it.”
Her voice wasn’t angry, but there was a hint of a pout. It was enough to make my hair stand on end.
“Master, did you perhaps… mistake the time?”
“I can use the hot spring whenever I please. It’s my home.”
I wanted to point out that it was the Family Head’s home, not hers, but I held my tongue. Her words meant she knew I was here, and she had come in anyway.
“I-I’m uncomfortable, Master!”
“Then I’m enjoying myself.”
She was enjoying this. Master was definitely enjoying my discomfort.
A splash echoed through the room as Master’s smooth legs entered the water. The curve of her cleavage peeked out from above the towel, framed by her upswept silver hair. It was a captivating sight.
“Staring quite openly now, aren’t we?”
“It won’t disappear if I look.”
“Oh, is that so? Then look all you want.”
Master removed her towel. Her toned, flawless body almost made my nose bleed.
‘Think pure thoughts, pure thoughts, pure thoughts…’
I tried to avert my gaze, but Master had already approached and sunk into the water beside me.
My lower half snapped to attention. I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Are you suffering? As a woman, it’s difficult for me to understand the male experience. Hmm.”
I gulped.
“Perhaps I’ve been too harsh with you lately.”
“Master was only doing what was necessary!”
I replied quickly. It was true. She had been doing it for my own good.
“Come sit beside me, Ethan.”
Master rose from the water and sat on the edge of the bath.
“Don’t want to? Well, suit yourself.”
“That’s not it…!”
“I think I should reward you for your efforts… up until now.”
I cautiously approached her, watching her expression. How could any man resist this?
I stole glances at Master, feigning innocence.
I felt like I was being played. I was sure she was setting the mood just to tease me.
“Acting coy, despite being a man?”
“Master… if you keep this up, I’m leaving.”
My voice rose slightly as annoyance flared.
“Alright, alright. I can see you’re uncomfortable and irritated.”
“…”
“Do you think I would go back on my word after promising a reward?”
I sat beside her, still wrapped in my towel.
“First, break your connection with that knight of yours.”
Ah.
I quickly severed the link between Lien and myself. With the connection broken, Lien wouldn’t be able to sense what was happening to me.
“Have you done it?”
“Yes…”
“Good. Now, I’ll give you a proper reward.”
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A short while later, Master brought over some shampoo.
“Come here. I’ll at least wash your hair.”
“I want to wash Master’s hair too.”
“I’ll wash yours first. Come here.”
I closed my eyes as Master began to wash my hair. Her gentle scalp massage was incredibly relaxing.
“Does it feel good?”
“Master, I’m dying.”
“Pft, you’re really moaning now.”
Something soft brushed against my back.
Warm water poured over my head. Master turned around and wrapped the towel around herself.
“Now you wash your master’s hair.”
I carefully poured water over Master’s silver hair. It was as soft as silk. I worked up a lather and gently massaged her scalp with my fingertips.
“Master? Do you like it?”
“I do…”
I couldn’t see her expression, but I imagined she looked blissful.
“Master, you’re drooling.”
Master wiped her mouth and looked at me.
“Are you… going to keep teasing me?”
“Master’s hair is really soft.”
“Are you changing the subject?”
“No, I just thought of it.”
A brief silence fell. Only the sound of the hot spring water filled the air. I ran my fingers through Master’s long hair, soap bubbles clinging to the strands.
“Master…”
“Why are you calling me?”
“Did you really intend to cut me down?”
“…If you had been consorting with demons, then yes.”
In the original story, Sylvia had committed suicide.
She had taken on a disciple named Lorenz. And after Lorenz was defeated by Arthur, he had despaired over his lack of talent and become a demon.
Of course, Arthur defeated him.
When Sylvia learned that her only disciple had fallen to evil and died, she had made an extreme choice, weeping tears of blood. She left a short suicide note, claiming responsibility for taking on the wrong disciple, and stating that since she couldn’t prevent his death, she would die too.
“Ethan… I’ll say this once, so listen carefully.”
“I’m listening.”
“If you ever fall to evil, I will cut you down.”
“…”
I held my breath.
“And then I will follow you in death. That is my way.”
“…”
That was how Sylvia would have responded if her only disciple had fallen to evil. It was her way of prioritizing the eradication of evil above even her own life, or her disciple’s.
“Do you understand?”
“I understand.”
“And… I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“You already apologized this morning.”
Sylvia nodded slowly. The dark circles under her eyes suggested she hadn’t slept at all.
“…If you’re finished, rinse your hair.”
I suddenly felt like acting spoiled and falling asleep in Master’s arms. But that wouldn’t be appropriate.
I carefully rinsed her hair, the sound of water echoing through the room. Master, her towel wrapped around her like a robe, stood up.
“Thank you. I’ll leave you to it.”
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