Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Rosaki's Hidden Daughter
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"There's another daughter in the Rosaki Family?"
"That's what I heard. I didn't know either... We just happened to get friendly."
"I had no idea. That's great, isn't it? I was actually worried about what Camellia would do."
After returning to the dormitory, I gave a brief rundown of what had happened. It wasn't much of an explanation, really.
Anyway, Rozalin and I were chatting about this and that.
She couldn't know what I'd been up to there, after all. I had to fill her in bit by bit so she could understand what went down at the gathering today.
Plus, Lize hadn't been with me today.
"I've never even heard that Grace wasn't the only daughter in the Rosaki Family. That's surprising..."
"Oh, about that..."
I gave her a rough rundown of Karen's tastes and personality.
Truth be told... it felt a bit rude to spill like that myself. But Rozalin wasn't the type to badmouth someone over it.
"Ah, I see... That makes sense. There are nobles who never show up in high society. She's still young, a lady of marriageable age... It's entirely possible. Some don't even debut at adult social events."
"So I was really shocked. I thought she was from some other house, but turns out she's Rosaki..."
"Hee hee, gatherings like today's always have moments like that. The quiet unknown turns out from an amazing family, or vice versa."
"Right...?"
"Yeah. I had that happen when I was young too. Totally normal."
Then... I guess it's fine?
I'd worried Karen might feel bad that I didn't recognize her as Rosaki.
But from what Rozalin said, it didn't seem like a big deal. She'd said it was her first social gathering anyway, so she probably wouldn't get mad over it.
"Glad it went well. No issues while you were there?"
"Issues... nothing like that. I just hung out with Older Sister Karen."
"Then you hit your goal without any trouble. Sounds like a win."
"Y-Yeah? And it was the Rosaki Family, not just anyone."
I'd succeeded in my objective, so I felt good about it too.
Not just small talk—we'd actually built some rapport this time.
"Young Lady, the bath is ready."
"Oh, already? That was quicker than I thought."
"The existing mansion's bath is larger, so it didn't take as long."
Lize entered the room while Rozalin and I were talking.
I'd gone to the gathering and come back almost at dinnertime, plus I'd worked up a sweat wandering the Rosaki estate.
"Shall I prepare to wash right away?"
"Hmm..."
I glanced at Rozalin after Lize spoke.
We'd been in the middle of chatting, so leaving abruptly would be rude.
I turned my eyes toward her.
She smiled at me. Uh... what does that mean?
I couldn't read every expression and intent that deeply.
"Mother? I..."
"Going to wash up?"
"Yes. I've been out and about all day, so now..."
It was bath time. I looked at Rozalin as I said it.
If she wanted to keep talking... I was game.
"Hmm... fair enough..."
Chatting with Rozalin was nice, but hygiene waited for no one. She seemed to agree, so maybe she'd let me go?
"How about we bathe together?"
"W-Wait, what?"
Huh?
*
...Huh?
-Swish... swish...
"Young Lady, how is it?"
"Eh... feels normal good. Keep going like that."
"Yes."
Lize was soaping my back and arms in the bathroom as I sat still.
Yeah, just a regular bath, nothing much different from usual.
Only the location had changed—no huge differences. Except for one thing...
"Whew... temperature's perfect. Nice and warm, just right..."
"Thank you."
Rozalin was in the bathroom with us.
Of course, it wasn't the first time sharing a bathroom with her. I'd bolted midway before, but still. Even so, coming in together now was embarrassing.
I couldn't even look at her, already in the tub after washing.
"Camellia, cold bath or hot—which do you prefer when both are around?"
"I... like the hot one better. Not scalding hot, but warm is nice..."
"Thought so? Most people pick warm over cold for that."
"Hmm... yeah, makes sense. Great in summer, but usually it's too cold."
"True..."
Obviously. Liking cold baths wasn't the norm. No idea why she brought it up, though.
"Then come in after you're done washing. The tub's so comfy."
"Oh..."
"Water quality's a bit lacking, but aside from that, it's great."
"Yeah..."
Rozalin looked totally relaxed, just like she said.
Practically lounging in the tub.
If she were any sleepier, she might've dozed off. Probably not, though?
"Young Lady, back is done."
"Okay, turning around."
Lize spoke up mid-chat with Rozalin in the tub, so I slowly turned.
My chest and various parts would be visible to her, but being seen naked didn't embarrass me.
"Nn."
"Oh, Young Lady. What time tomorrow?"
"Probably afternoon again. Didn't really talk properly with the person I met today, so maybe then?"
"I'll prepare beforehand."
"Yeah, thanks."
We chatted like that as Lize washed me.
Chest, stomach, arms, all sorts of spots. Nothing different from usual.
Normally, Rozalin wasn't lounging in the tub like that. Usually, it was just Lize and me in there. Not often someone else...
And of all people, Rozalin—made it awkward.
"Camellia, when are you coming in?"
"Not done washing yet..."
"Just asking. It's really nice in here."
"I'll hop in right after."
With her keep chatting from the tub, it must be comfy.
Sharing the tub with her already had my face heating up.
Last time she'd joined my tub, looking her way was hard... but I had to get in. No reason to be shy.
We were both women, mother and daughter, after all.
Getting embarrassed every bath would be weirder. Time to get used to it.
"Mother, how's Melnik been for you?"
"Me?"
"Yes. I came for the social gathering, but that's not why you're here, right?"
"True."
"You came for me... but aside from the first few days arriving, you haven't seemed to enjoy Melnik much."
I'd been busy with other stuff besides sightseeing.
"How was it?"
"Hmm... I didn't come to play, to begin with. No real thoughts on it."
"I see."
"Yeah, and I'm here to help you, Camellia. As long as you wrapped things up well, that's enough."
"...Glad to hear it."
All around.
I'd done well, and Rozalin didn't seem upset.
"How about Melnik for you, Camellia?"
"I... liked it."
Lize had nearly finished washing me when I answered.
Nothing to dislike, really.
"Hee hee, then before we head back, how about a day just wandering Melnik for fun, no other plans?"
"That... sounds good. Yes."
"We've still got a bit left to do, so in a few days."
"Yes, makes sense. I arranged to meet Older Sister Karen once more too..."
"Yeah, after everything's done. Let's hang out together."
"Yes..."
Felt kinda ticklish, but I brushed it off. Just thought about what to do wandering Melnik with Rozalin.
Nothing specific came to mind... but it'd be nice.
Even just viewing the sea with her like last time would be fine. Though dipping my feet in and strolling the water sounded better.
"Young Lady, all done."
"Oh, thanks."
Bath time now, as thoughts drifted.
She smiled at me after hearing I was finished.
Naked and exposed... a bit embarrassing.
"Coming in?"
"Have to."
I'd decided.
We'd already agreed with Rozalin.
No backing out now. I'd meant to get used to bathing together from the start.
Doing it every time separately felt off.
Same sex, mother-daughter—no need for that shyness.
So even if my face warmed—not from the tub—and my heart raced faster... I had to face it boldly.