Seeker 183

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Chapter 183. Linton Village

After defeating the Minotaur, we continued northward on our journey and arrived at the next town by early evening. 

However, Eslyn-san insisted that we didn't stay in that town for the night and pushed further ahead.

"There's a better place to stay up ahead," she said.

So, we continued walking for about an hour despite her words. 

By the time the sky had turned completely orange, our group had reached the village.

"Well then, we'll rest here for today. Tomorrow, the road will become a bit more challenging, so rest up here. You can tell by looking that this village is an excellent place to rejuvenate."

With those words, Eslyn-san secured lodging as usual, and today marked the end of our journey for the day.

The village, named Linton, was larger than what I might typically call a village and had a somewhat touristy vibe. 

There were over a hundred buildings in the village, and there were plenty of facilities catering to travelers.

The reason why this remote village was so lively was evident.

"Daichi-kun, it's a hot spring, a hot spring! Steam is rising everywhere!"

"As Eslyn-san said, it's the perfect village to refresh and relax from our journey. Gri-chan, you're going in too, right?"

"Kupi, Kupii!"

Yes, it was a hot spring.

Steam billowed from various places around the village, giving it the atmosphere of a somewhat smaller-scale hot spring town.

By the way, was Griffon male or female? Or perhaps, being a monster, did it not have a gender? 

The puppy-sized familiar was in high spirits as it was held by Yuzuki,

But I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous as it headed to the hot spring with Yumizuki and Kazane-san.

But just as I was thinking that, Eslyn-san, who was about to leave, offered some advice.

"Oh, by the way, it seems they have mixed-gender hot springs here, so if you want to pay extra and go in, feel free to enjoy it~ Ehehe."

She conveyed this with her usual sly smile and departed with her attendants.

Seriously, she really likes that kind of dirty talk, doesn't she...?

Or maybe, she's in such a relationship with her muscular attendants.

No, that's probably just baseless speculation.

"Wow, a mixed bath, huh?"

"That's quite interesting. What do you think, Senpai?"

Kazane-san and Yuzuki seemed to be quite intrigued. As for me...

"Well, It's not like I'm not attracted to you as men... Is that... okay?"

I hate to say it, but that's how I felt.

Even now, I sometimes can't help but think that the fact that the two of them are in a relationship with me isn't some kind of mistake.

The spirit of a loser I've nurtured over the years isn't something that I can easily erase.

"Umm, let's just check out what it's like for now."

"Yeah, let's do that. Oh, it looks like it's that way. Come on, Senpai, don't just stand there!"

"Hey, wait, you two!?"

"Kupi, Kupii!"

With Kazane-san leading the way and Yumizuki pulling me along, we headed to what seemed to be the mixed-gender hot spring.

During this time, my heart was pounding like crazy. 

The village's only mixed-gender hot spring was more like a public bathhouse than part of an inn.

"Hello! What's it like to have mixed-gender hot springs here?" 

Kazane-san cheerfully asked the lady at the front desk as we entered the facility.

The lady at the front desk seemed pleasant and friendly.

"Welcome, travelers. By the way, are you all in good relationships with each other?" 

The lady looked at us, and her eyes sparkled for a moment.

Without any hesitation, Yuzuki and Kazane-san immediately responded

"Yep, we're in a great relationship!"

"That's right. Hotaru-chan, Daichi-kun, and I have a wonderful relationship!"

"If you want, I have a good relationship with Kazane-san and Guri-chan too!"

"Kupi, Kupii!"

"Hahaha, you're quite interesting kids. Since you have such a good relationship, let me tell you this. We have two types of mixed-gender bathhouses here. One is the open, communal bath that anyone can enter, and the entry fee is one silver coin per person. The other is a private bathhouse just for you, and the entry fee is one gold coin per person. So, what will it be?"

The lady at the front desk presented us with two options: the communal bath or the private bath.

The communal bath was open to anyone, which meant anyone else could join us. 

That would mean other men could also enjoy the sight of Kazane-san and Yuzuki, apart from me.

"I'd like the private bath, please. I also want to bring this pet with me. Will four gold coins be sufficient?" 

I replied firmly and took the appropriate amount of gold coins from my wallet.

Upon seeing this, Kazane-san and Yuzuki giggled.

"While I'm curious about the communal bath, I guess it's best this way."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want anyone other than senpai to see us like that."

On the other hand, the lady at the front desk accepted three of the four gold coins I handed her and returned one.

"You don't have to pay for the pet. Just keep the little one out of the bath. Its fur could clog the tub, and we wouldn't be able to accommodate the next customers."

Well, that made sense. I'd have to make sure Griffin didn't try to get in.

So, that's how we ended up in the private mixed-gender hot spring. 

It's nice to spend money without hesitation in moments like these.