At this moment, Sairi finally mustered the courage to ask Hilvia about what she said before taking a bath.
“Um… Hilvia-nee, what did you mean by that ‘like’ you mentioned?”
“It just means ‘like.’ I’ve been so bored for so long, and finally, I’ve met someone who really understands me. I’m interested in her. Eating, talking, strolling around with her makes me happy, so I really like her. I haven’t felt this way in a long time.”
“Phew…” Sairi let out a long breath.
The wrinkles between her brows smoothed out. So that’s what Hilvia meant. She’d thought Hilvia was about to get all clingy and lovey-dovey.
But… hearing Hilvia’s words, it seemed she hadn’t been happy for a while, and her own arrival was like the story of Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi—Bo Ya good at playing the qin, Zhong Ziqi good at listening.
“But… there are so many people in the world. Why am I the one you’re interested in?”
“That’s hard to say. It’s like love at first sight, destiny. Among the crowd, I met you, or maybe it was a chance encounter.”
“I chose you. Then, without realizing it, being with you feels comfortable and joyful. I want to joke around with you, play with you, and see the world together.”
“OBOJ KAJ BOJ…..”
Why did that sound so indirect? Just as Sairi was starting to relax, these words confused her again.
“That still sounds kind of vague. We have to keep things clear.”
Sairi couldn’t hold back anymore. She lowered her head, dipping her chin into the water, her eyes softly fixed on Hilvia.
At the same time, she kept exhaling underwater, bubbles rising and popping with a “glug glug” sound.
“Well, what are we then? Let’s just say we’re soulmates.”
“Yeah, yeah, soulmates.”
Although she didn’t fully understand Hilvia’s heart and feelings like a true soulmate would, since Hilvia put it that way—and it wasn’t just friendship or something halfway to lovers—that was already pretty good. With such a clear relationship, what more could she want?
With that reassurance, Sairi felt much lighter. At least their relationship could be described as soulmates, though the term might not be perfect, as long as she kept convincing herself, it was fine.
Feeling settled, the bath went faster than yesterday. Following Hilvia’s method, she quickly washed her hair and body.
Although she still felt very sensitive when drying herself, especially in some private areas—the slightest touch made her tremble all over—she was glad it was finally over.
Hilvia had even thoughtfully used Wind Magic to dry Sairi’s private garden and chest, so wearing underwear wouldn’t feel damp or sticky.
Changing into the underwear she’d brought when she traveled here—this time, she really got it right—Sairi instantly felt comfortable all over.
Wearing her own clothes was truly different, even though her tights had ripped and she had to wait for the pair Hilvia lent her to be washed before wearing them again. Still, it was good.
“Finally done. I feel so refreshed and comfortable.”
“Indeed, Sairi, you look even cuter after the bath.”
“Ugh, Hilvia-nee, you sound so cheesy, like you’re reading some corny love lines.”
“Come on, don’t mind the details. Come here, let me dry your hair a bit more.”
“Why do you still need to dry it?”
“You think you just grab a cloth and wipe your head a few times and it’s done? Look at your long hair at the back—still dripping and clumped together. If you wait for it to dry naturally, how long will that take?”
Sairi hadn’t really paid attention. She pinched a strand and saw many hairs stuck together, still dripping water that splashed onto her little feet, sending tiny droplets scattering around.
The rest trickled down her instep into the gaps between her toes before falling to the floor.
“Uh, okay, okay (-_-`)”
Then Sairi sat in front of the dressing mirror. Wrapped in a towel, Hilvia stood behind her, releasing Wind Magic from her hands, gently combing through Sairi’s hair to smooth it out.
Hilvia’s wind was warm and soft, unlike the biting chill of winter or the scorching heat of summer. It felt more like a gentle, soothing spring breeze, very comfortable and tender against the skin.
Before long, Sairi’s hair was dry. She touched it—soft and smooth, not dry or stiff at all. She hadn’t expected Hilvia to have such a talent.
“You’re quite the pro, Hilvia-nee.”
“Of course. It’s a skill cultivated over a thousand years, and I have many long-term clients.”
“Some of your old friends?”
“Hmm… I can introduce them to you when we have time.”
“Sounds great~”
But at that moment, a new thought crossed Sairi’s mind.
***
Hilvia had been bored for so long, and her sudden arrival had brought Hilvia so much trouble. Yet Hilvia treated her so well.
Thinking carefully, Sairi realized she hadn’t properly thanked Hilvia for taking care of her, especially since Hilvia had saved her life yesterday.
Maybe she should secretly buy Hilvia a gift as a surprise. After pondering, Sairi finally spoke up.
“Um… Hilvia-nee, can you give me some Silver Coins?”
“What’s up?” Hilvia, busy draining the bath water, was caught off guard by Sairi’s sudden request and turned with a curious look. But this time, Sairi didn’t feel uncomfortable.
“It’s just… I want to go buy something… I figured it’s still early today, so I want to go out and get something…”
“Of course, you can. That money includes your share anyway. But what are you buying? If it’s food, forget it. I already bought some to eat later.”
Sairi quickly shook her head, showing refusal.
“No, no, it’s something very important… Please, Hilvia-nee, can I?”
“Sure, after I finish draining the water, we’ll go together. Then you can wash your feet and face when we get back.”
“No, no, I want to go by myself.”
“Ha! If you come with me, how can it be a surprise? So no way I’m going with you.”
“You’re going alone?” Hilvia paused mid-action.
“Yes, just me.”
“Are you sure? This afternoon we were ambushed. I unleashed the Holy Sword Hero’s Power, and there will be people sent from the Royal Capital looking for us.”
“That’s okay. It wasn’t me who unleashed the power, so they probably won’t find me.”
“But what if you run into other bad guys?”
“Don’t worry. I’m pretty strong now. If worse comes to worst, I’ll make a big enough scene, and you can come rescue me when you hear it.”
“I still don’t feel comfortable. Today’s ambush was a lesson; I was tricked by illusion magic because I hadn’t faced enemies in a long time and got careless. It’s my fault.”
“Please, Hilvia-nee~ Cute Hilvia-nee~ After it’s done, I’ll pet your head however you want~”
Unwilling to give up, Sairi suddenly crouched down like a little kitten in front of Hilvia, clasping her hands under her chin and launching a full-on cute attack.
To make matters worse, Sairi’s eyes had a special star-shaped sparkle, adding an extra effect to her adorableness in Hilvia’s eyes.
“Pfft… Alright, alright, I can’t resist you. Go, go.”
Hilvia put down her work, left the bath area, grabbed her small shoulder bag, took out several Silver Coins, and handed them to Sairi.
“You don’t need this many. Three are enough.”
“Are you sure? What if the thing I want to buy costs more?”
“No worries! I know my limits~”
“Fine, you do as you wish.”
“Yay!” Sairi took the three Silver Coins from Hilvia’s hand, put on her slippers, and headed for the door.
“Be careful on the way. Remember where the inn is?”
“Of course! I’m not a kid! See ya~”
With that, Sairi closed the door and left Hilvia’s VIP room at the inn, heading downstairs and out.
Meanwhile, Hilvia was struggling with her thoughts.
Should she secretly follow? Hilvia was also a bit unsure if “soulmate” was the right term. Watching Sairi close the door, she felt an emptiness inside and worried—would Sairi get lost? Run into bad people?
Or be caught by those sent from the Royal Capital? Or worse, some lecherous scoundrel? Sairi was still so cute.
After draining the water, Hilvia checked the time—it had only been two minutes.
She sat at the dining table, about to unwrap the food she bought from the Small Steamed Soup Bun Shop, but once it was in her hand, she lost her appetite.
What if…
She hadn’t even told Sairi yet. She had bought all sorts of Xiaolongbao from that shop earlier today… Would Sairi like them?
Would Sairi be safe on the way?
What if some pervert targeted her? After all, she had just bathed and smelled fresh and clean. Anyone with ill intentions would surely be tempted.
No, she couldn’t let it go. She had to go check!
With that thought, Hilvia suddenly stood up, put on simple sandals, dressed in a white shirt and shorts, and stepped outside.
At the same time, Sairi was walking toward the small food street.
The night breeze brushed against Sairi, making her hair sway from side to side. She wore only a simple white shirt on top, and her original panties and Pleated Skirt below.
Since she was wearing the slippers Hilvia gave her, she couldn’t walk or run too fast, or they might fall off.
Sairi didn’t like the wind much. Whenever it blew, not only her hair but also her skirt fluttered slightly. She was always afraid the wind would suddenly get stronger and lift her skirt, exposing her.
Although it was dark at night and few people were around to see, and she was walking a quiet path, she still kept one hand lightly pulling down her skirt while the other swung freely.
Earlier today, she had noticed a bakery near the food street. It sold bread and, judging from the sign, cakes as well.
It was close to the restaurant where she had eaten, so she had a good impression of the place.
It probably wasn’t closed yet. If it was, she could get some cakes to sell to Hilvia tomorrow morning. She didn’t know Hilvia’s taste, but soft, sweet cakes should be liked by girls.
At least she liked them, even though she used to be a guy.
Why can’t a guy occasionally enjoy some delicious cake?
This world was still quite backward. The road was quite dark.
Though there were some street lamps, they were not electric lamps like in her previous world but more like lanterns hanging on poles, illuminated by magic.
Was there really much difference between this world and the one she came from?
From today’s experience, there were many similarities. People’s clothing, food, housing, and transportation felt similar to before.
But with magic’s existence, many things could be done by magic. Sairi was curious if magic had largely replaced technology in this world.