All Together in the Bath - 8
Even though the bathhouse had been built, my work wasn't done yet. Now that we had the setup to create stone structures, it was time to tackle the facilities I'd put off.
"You're back, Boss!"
"Yeah. Everything quiet while I was sleeping?"
"Yes, sir!"
At some point, the prisoners had started casually heading outside to work without a second thought. Of course, I hadn't just recklessly set them loose ignoring safety. I'd roughly gauged their abilities, and I'd given orders to Soi—my slave—and the other women: "If a crisis hits, take them down." If the prisoners plotted an all-out escape after careful prep, I might lose a few, but no one else would get hurt. Besides, I couldn't keep them chained to rope-making forever. Not because it was boring or annoying, but because it was no longer necessary.
After the palisade got reinforced, jobs that required wandering around—processing stone, placing it precisely, distributing food, maintaining existing facilities—became more important than sitting-still tasks. If I only cared about reform and punishment, I shouldn't let them out no matter what. But I needed manpower, and my anger toward them was fading. Naturally, growing the base took priority over their punishment.
...Why do they look pretty now?
Objectively speaking, they hadn't looked ugly from the start. They'd just been filthy, draped in ragged straw mats, hiding it.
"Hey, you lot! The other side's ready—shouldn't we get moving?"
Soi called out to the prisoners in her listless voice.
"Got it, Captain!"
The prisoners followed her with bright smiles, as if they'd completely forgotten their predicament.
They seem to listen to orders well enough...
On top of handling the base's firepower, Soi had been tasked with managing the prisoners.
Hmm...
She seemed to be sneaking them snacks without permission, but I wasn't about to nitpick that. The more they eyed me warily, the harder they worked. We weren't short on snacks anyway, so as long as it stayed within reason, no need to clamp down hard.
They moved out in neat formation. I tilted my head, then stepped into the street to get back to my tasks.
Their expressions felt a bit different...
Might've been my imagination. But no matter how I thought about it, the way they looked at me had changed from before. Back then, it felt tense, like I needed to stay alert. Now, it was overly friendly by comparison. Some women smiled at me with their eyes, others gazed with innocent grins.
Is something up...?
I tilted my head briefly, then eyed the group of survivors who'd changed and prepped.
"Oh, you're ready already? Let's head out then."
"Y-Yeah..."
In contrast, the survivors stared at me with troubled expressions.
"Something wrong?"
Sentry duty might feel uncomfortable, sure. They were practically core members of my settlement, even if the prisoners were prisoners. These were people I'd saved—not just for necessity. If possible, I wanted them happy.
"N-No, nothing!"
"All good here!"
They definitely looked like something was up, but pushing now wouldn't get answers. I stopped prying and headed to the supply point with them.
/////
"Ugh..."
After wrapping up the day's work and slipping into the bath alone, I was certain: something was definitely going on. It wasn't just one person. Plenty avoided my eyes. If it were only the regular women and prisoners dodging me, I might suspect rebellion or escape plans. But even that seemed unlikely. I had overwhelming power compared to the other women, and as far as I knew, no one could seize control of the base—unless they killed me first.
Escape? Possible, but odd. The survivors had no need to force it; I'd told them they could leave anytime to find loved ones or start fresh. No reason to deceive me for that. The prisoners, treated a bit like slaves, might crave freedom. But their faces were too bright—not hatred or resentment, but eagerness to impress me. Sure, if it was just to avoid suspicion till the end, that'd be normal. But it felt too genuine.
And it wasn't just them hiding "something I shouldn't know about." Even my outright slaves—bound unable to betray me—were keeping secrets. Waiting for me to stay oblivious. But without knowing what, I couldn't act.
"Hmm..."
Anyway, the water felt great. The warm bath enveloped me softly. But a strange loneliness crept in. The space was too vast. The bathhouses I remembered were packed with crowds in spaces like this. Of course, no men in this world. I couldn't gather a bunch even if I wanted, and I had no desire to cram them in here anyway. Still, being alone in this expanse felt... off.
...Huh?
A sound. Footsteps approaching from outside.
"If you're gonna do this, why not just join when I said let's go together..."
I'd floated the idea of bathing with Seohee, Sua, and Roa today, but the three gently pushed me away. Odd, but I figured they had reasons. But the footsteps were numerous.
"Ex-Excuse us..."
It was the prisoners. Dozens of women stood naked before me in a line.
"...What's this about all of a sudden?"
For a split second, I wondered: They think I'm weak now—perfect chance to assassinate me! In my old world, plenty tried killing me in the bath or toilet. But if memory served, none stripped naked for it.
"W-We... to atone for our crimes—"
"What?"
"Maybe we could become sex slaves... Hehe."
The mercenary at the front approached with a sly, fawning smile.
"Uh..."
But despite her pathetic act, her body was hot. Scars here and there were a flaw, but her proportions were solid even accounting for that. Her "shy" palm half-covering her pussy made me itch to shove her hand aside and make her feel the shame.
Separate issue, though—this needed serious thought.
"...Soi put you up to this?"
"N-No, Captain didn't order it. We just asked her stuff."
"Like what?"
"If we become Master's sex slaves, we can atone... and be safe with him somehow... She mentioned that..."
The mercenaries gazed at me with eyes half-shy, half-eager.
"Heh."
Now I got it. Soi chose slavery for many reasons: a brief prison break, craving my body, slight guilt wanting atonement, etc. But of course, the jailed women would think the same.
"Hmm..."
Sex slaves. A decision surrendering life and future.
"Hold on. Thinking about it now, this might be..."
I might've nudged them toward this. Locked in prison, showing off my happy sex slaves around me—subtly tempting them. Unintentionally prodded Soi via Seohee. Then let all prisoners see Soi's improved treatment, paving their "wise" choice.
"This is... uh..."
Whether I wanted it or not, it was natural they'd want to be my sex slaves. The bathwater felt scalding. No other reason for sweat beading on my forehead. Facing their expectant stares, I could only stay silent.