IRER 82

Chapter 82 

 A Happy Bath

“Viscount Coral, huh… If it’s the Coral family, isn’t he the lord of the region where River and Aidan suggested temporarily staying during today’s meeting?”

From the conversation alone, Brody thought he seemed quite familiar with Aidan. Yet, he stuttered, hesitated, and looked extremely nervous.

However, judging by Aidan’s attitude toward him, it didn’t seem like he was particularly more nervous than usual.

In other words, perhaps he was just naturally like that.

“Hmm, seems like a rather timid person.”

But his voice was gentle and soft, giving the impression of a kind person. Brody offered a small smile to help him relax.

Claude finally lifted his head.

“….”

Through his slightly raised face and silvery hair, his crimson eyes locked sharply onto Brody. The gaze felt strangely cold, making her instinctively hold her breath.

It was a steady gaze, unlike the hesitant person from moments ago.

He spoke.

“I wondered what kind of person had captured Your Highness’ heart, and… ah, you’re truly beautiful. Now I understand Your Highness’ actions.”

“….”

Though the words were a compliment, the odd sense of tension made Brody meet his gaze squarely.

At that moment, Aidan interjected, breaking the strange tension between Claude and Brody.

“I said we’d be leaving soon. Couldn’t wait and came back already?”

“I-I should’ve checked earlier. Y-Your sister has been waiting for you too.”

Brody stepped back slightly, observing their conversation. Claude’s expression returned to a gentle, calm demeanor.

‘Maybe it’s just my imagination. After all, being nervous can also make someone look angry… That could be it.’

Having observed the previous awkwardness, she couldn’t help but keep her eyes on Claude.

“Let’s head in, then.”

‘Huh?’

Suddenly, Aidan’s hand brushed over her shoulder, startling Brody. Expressing affection like this—he normally didn’t, not recently anyway.

Had today’s conversation changed his mood? Or was it just proper noble etiquette?

Since others were watching, she couldn’t remain startled. She offered a polite, friendly smile and accepted his escort.

❖ ❖ ❖

Upon entering her quarters, Brody was once again taken aback.

“Ta-da! Milady, what do you think this is?”

Connie, who was usually too busy to visit, had come to surprise her.

She gestured to a slightly large wooden tub.

“What is this?”

“Oh, Milady, of course! It’s a bath tub!”

“A bath tub?”

Brody’s eyes widened. A bath tub—she hadn’t seen one since leaving Ferdan Fortress.

It made sense, considering water was scarce in the North. How could anyone bathe?

Seeing Brody’s confusion, Connie stepped proudly in front of the tub to explain.

“Exactly! We got the finest wood and coated it with resin. Penny is surprisingly skilled with woodwork—she learned by watching her father. Oh, don’t worry about the water. We had a rare snowfall, so we collected it and melted it. Lissa’s been gaining strength lately, so she scooped it in no time—the barrel fills quickly.”

“Ah, I see. You all worked hard.”

“Hard work? Nonsense!”

Connie waved her hands cheerfully.

“This is our gift for you, Milady. You’ve had a rough time, so we wanted you to relax a little.”

“Ah…”

Brody’s heart warmed at Connie’s words. Not only was she being thanked, but now she was being gifted in return. She felt oddly flustered but managed to reply shyly.

“Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

Seeing her blush, Connie smiled.

“When will His Grace arrive? We’ll have the bath ready just in time.”

“…!”

Suddenly, Brody realized the bath tub carried another meaning. She held her breath.

‘Ah, no wonder—not just Connie, but everyone seems so excited, as if there’s some big event!’

Earlier, when leaving the village with His Grace, it wasn’t exactly a noisy departure, but it wasn’t secretive either. Word must have spread among the villagers.

And now, with Aidan’s gentle escort, it seemed their reconciliation had become public…

Ah! So they’ve made up! Their cold war has ended!

Perhaps the bath tub had been prepared long ago, but now it could finally appear proudly.

Brody felt a mix of embarrassment and guilt.

‘I didn’t mean for everyone to be so mindful of me.’

She realized her actions affected not just herself and Aidan, but many others—a heavy thought weighing on her.

Trying to hide her fluster, she smiled.

“His Grace will likely be late, enjoying time with Viscount Coral.”

“Ah… I see. Oh, if only he were a day later! What timing…”

Though muttered to herself, Brody understood the meaning.

‘After everyone worked so hard preparing a gift, I can’t disappoint Connie and the others.’

Seeing Connie’s drooping shoulders, she continued cheerfully.

“May I go in now? A bath after such a long time… I’m so excited!”

“Ah! Of course, Milady! You must have had a rough time in the central region. I’ll get the bath ready immediately!”

“Please.”

Seeing Brody genuinely happy, Connie brightened further, bustling about with renewed energy.

Soon after, Caleb entered, bringing more commotion along with stacks of clothing.

“Mrs. Caleb?”

“Call me Caleb, Milady. I am now your lady’s maid.”

Brody nodded nervously. Along with Caleb, a pile of garments hung on a rack.

“Since His Grace isn’t here, I’ve come to serve you.”

Hearing that His Grace was absent… Brody blushed, sensing the subtle implication that the couple’s private time had to be missed.

“Oh, don’t tease me.”

“Pardon?”

Caleb seemed unaware of any teasing. In this world, attending to a noble’s needs was normal, so certain private matters inevitably became somewhat public.

But Brody, unaccustomed to such public-private overlap, blushed with embarrassment.

Caleb noticed and said:

“It’s natural to feel awkward, having managed everything yourself so far. But now, as the Duchess, you must get used to it.”

Apparently, Caleb assumed Brody was uncomfortable being served. It was somewhat true.

“Can I get used to it gradually? Today, I’d like to bathe alone…”

“This is my first duty, and it’s long-awaited. Do not refuse.”

Brody sighed. Caleb, once proud as the head maid of the duke’s household, now looked quietly proud to serve again. Her posture, gaze, and demeanor exuded the professionalism Brody had seen in the duke’s household.

Brody thought: ‘She’s definitely improved since Lady Murphy arrived.’

❖ ❖ ❖

Recently, Lady Murphy, who had been Caleb’s godmother, came from Ferdan Fortress to Potato Village upon hearing news of Caleb. Since then, Caleb’s condition had visibly improved.

When Murphy met Caleb during her escape to the North, Caleb was not in full control of herself. Murphy didn’t know the full situation at first, but now she had, after thorough discussion.

She learned how diligently Brody had cared for Caleb and how hard she worked to prevent Caleb from being punished.

Lady Murphy had cried unexpectedly, repeatedly thanking Brody. Caleb, uncharacteristically, had cried in Murphy’s embrace as well.

‘Their personalities are so alike… now that I know their relationship, it makes sense.’

As a godmother, she seemed surprisingly close to Caleb.

❖ ❖ ❖

While others carried the hot bath water, Brody broke the awkwardness with a question.

“By the way, what are all these clothes?”

Caleb answered:

“Milady’s clothes. These were secured by His Grace previously.”

“Ah.”

Brody recalled hearing about them when returning from the capture of Ferdan Fortress. At the time, she was focused on cleaning His Grace after the war and hadn’t paid attention to fancy clothes. But apparently, they had been preserved.

“Until now, you were busy and had much work, but now you must show your authority, Milady.”

Brody raised an eyebrow.

“You mean…”

“Yes. So that everyone clearly sees you as the Duchess. Simplicity is fine, but it mustn’t be so subtle that the village women wouldn’t recognize you.”

“I see.”

“Especially with Viscount Coral present. In gatherings of nobles, your attire will represent the ducal house. If diplomacy comes into play, it will reflect the North as well.”

“But His Grace… dresses comfortably.”

“That’s my complaint too. I’ll make a suggestion later. I hope you’ll help then.”

Brody thought about Aidan’s clothes, wild from the battlefield—they had their charm. But for diplomatic occasions, a proper appearance would surely impress. Half her concern was personal, half for the North.

‘I’ll have to persuade His Grace… I can’t dress casually anymore.’

She reluctantly accepted the suggestion.

❖ ❖ ❖

The bath was amazing.

Whether from loot or another source, Caleb had obtained fragrant oils, added them to the water, combed every tangled hair, scrubbed rough skin, polished it, and even massaged tense muscles—showing expert care.

Brody felt reborn.

Dressed in a fresh, lace-trimmed chemise, she collapsed onto the bed. Her body felt light, like floating on clouds.

Warmth returned color to her cheeks, and her whole body was relaxed.

What had felt embarrassing at first became a sublime experience.

Seeing Brody so content yet exhausted, Caleb decided to prepare her outfit tomorrow morning and left the room.

Brody lay on the bed, savoring the happiness.

‘I’ll work hard, earn money, and live comfortably without guilt. Then I’ll build a grand bathroom in the ducal residence, with all kinds of cleansers, oils, and massage supplies.’

As she drifted into a blissful sleep, the doorknob quietly clicked.

From the shadow filling the doorway, it seemed Aidan had returned, his broad shoulders evident.