AFTER the sun sank below the horizon, we finally reached the transient town. We arrived late enough that we were only able to get one room at the hostel. Or so Clement said.
We could have stayed at an inn that catered specifically to nobility or one of the royal estates, but Agnes claimed, “Our funds are limited. We can’t splurge right from the get-go.”
She is so hardheaded! That’s what I hate about soldiers. Chris also nagged about avoiding unnecessary expenditures. He claimed that instead of burning through money playing with the local ladies, honing my body was healthier for my body and mind.
What’s wrong with playing every now and then? (The problem was that Severin didn’t realize he hadn’t limited it to every now and then but practically every day.)
“Severin, have you taken your bath yet?” Agnes asked, coming back from the bath.
I didn’t bother to look at her as I answered while gazing out the window, “I can’t use a public bath. Those things are loud and filthy. Besides, I have no desire to go near that place.”
“Loud and filthy, eh? Your wealth of knowledge never ceases to amaze,” she responded.
I could tell there was a hint of scorn in her words, rubbing me the wrong way.
“That’s what I’ve heard!” I turned and yelled at Agnes, only to catch my breath.
Having removed her breastplate and burgonet, she was down to just her shirt and tights. A faint haze of steam rose from her body, fresh out of the hot bath. Free from its tightly woven braid, her half-dry blond hair hung damp down her back.
Purple eyes worthy of her title as the Améthyste Knight appeared to sparkle with emotion. And last but not least! There were two mountains rising under her shirt.
She has a surprisingly large chest...
Agnes must have noticed me staring in wonder.
“...Wh-Where do you think you’re looking! It’s not like this is anything new to you!” she snapped. She hid her chest behind her arms and turned angrily away.
I didn’t miss that her cheeks were ever so slightly flushed.
“It’s none of my business if you don’t bathe, but don’t blame me if you miss out on the girl of your dreams because you stink,” she said. I’m sure it wasn’t just my imagination, she sounded a little softer than usual.
“...I suppose experiencing how peasants bathe wouldn’t be so bad from time to time,” I said.
I pulled a towel out of my baggage and made my way out of the room. As I walked by Agnes, our eyes locked. She looked young toying with her unbound hair in embarrassment.
It struck me then. I must be simpler than I ever realized. That was all it took for me to think this training journey might not be so bad after all.
I imagine the feeling that has come over us is just passing. No, it probably is.
(Sure enough, Severin was back to being nailed into the ground the next day.)