Using Create Water to fill the bathtub took nearly an hour and almost all of my mana. However, I was determined. While I filled it, Lydia put some water in a large, deep, copper collection plate that had been discarded in the corner and then heated it over the fire. Once it started boiling, she dumped the water back into my tub. Like that, we were steadily able to fill up a bathtub full of warm water.
It would never be as hot as I liked it. I liked my water so hot it made my skin red. However, it was enough that it wouldn’t be uncomfortable getting in. Lydia’s expression brightened considerably. Well, she was a girl, after all. We had been in this dungeon for well over a week and had thus far not done much more than a hasty scrub. We were both filthy and smelly. I was glad that Lydia didn’t hold it against me.
I suspected that if I tried to make Lydia go first, she would refuse. Thus, I didn’t even bother to ask. Instead, I ripped off my clothing and slid right in. Instantly, I felt clean water reaching parts that felt absolutely gross. Rolling back my head, I let out a sigh. The bath was only lukewarm, but after several cold nights, it felt rejuvenating.
There was a splash and a wave of water that bumped my chest. I lifted my head and looked forward, only to see a cute catgirl blushing across from me. She was also naked and was in the tub without looking in my direction.
“Lydia?” I could barely even use her name in surprise.
“W-would Master like his back washed?” She asked shyly, her arms hiding her chest.
“Ah… yes…” I turned away and heard the water splash as she moved right behind me.
I had toiletries, at least, so she used a soap bar and a scrubby sponge on my back. I had never had my back washed by a girl before. The experience was nerve-wracking. I even made sure Hero was equipped, just so I had the boost of charm. I was a very self-conscious guy. That was why I cried out when two arms suddenly wrapped around me. Two soft things pressed against my back, and wet hair pushed against my shoulder.
“Thank you…” She suddenly said, her voice sounding a bit sad. “Thank you for saving me.”
“Ah… you saved me as well,” I said.
“No… it’s more than that. Tomorrow, we’re going to fight the boss monster, right?”
“Then, I will give it my all and defeat him for you. With your abilities, I know you’ll make it.”
“You’ll make it too,” I said.
Lydia remained silent for a bit before responding. “If I did, then… I would just go back to him, wouldn’t I?”
Him? That’s right, her real master. I was only Master in here. She had called me that in order to deal with her abandonment issues, but once we left, she’d have to be returned to him.
“My village… it can potentially free you. They free slaves all the time. If we survive, perhaps I can convince them to emancipate you.”
“Emancipate?” She struggled to say the word. “I’ll… be free?”
“Yes. You can do whatever you want.” I nodded.
“Then… I wouldn’t be… yours…” Her voice was very low, I could barely hear it.
I pretended not to hear her, but I didn’t know what to say to that. Being a slave for life must be like being a lifetime prisoner. Once you got out, you had no clue what to do with yourself. In some ways, it was better to just stay in prison.
The rest of our bath finished in silence. I felt closer to Lydia, but at the same time far away. It was a complicated feeling.