Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Bath Time with Stepmother
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I'd wrapped up all the conversations that needed to happen. After that, the tea party came to an end, and we casually agreed to hold another one sometime in the future—maybe we'd even send out the invitations next time.
With that, I left the cleanup to the servants and headed back to the bathroom. There wasn't any special reason; I just wanted to wash up.
More precisely, I planned to soak in the tub, let my body relax, and just melt into it.
"Hoo... Now I can breathe again."
Nothing major had happened, but talking with those kids had drained me.
Part of it was that I wasn't a kid myself, and we'd also discussed business matters, so that probably contributed.
I'd handled things with the Niesista family, and neatly tied up the talks for the other houses too.
They'd probably pass it all along to their parents just fine.
"For now, the urgent stuff is done... Rozalin's welcome, the tea party... Hmm... Yeah, I think that's everything."
The bathroom was empty except for me.
It felt a bit hollow to have such a huge space all to myself, but I didn't hate it. Better than sharing with someone else.
It was nicer than when Lize washed me, that's for sure. If I said that to her, though, she'd probably be a little hurt.
"Huuu..."
Splashes echoed every time I shifted in the water. Even with my small frame, I wasn't some infant.
I glanced down at my body.
Still the body of a little kid, plain and simple.
Not so much pretty as... cute, like something you wanted to cherish.
Calling a body this small pretty might point to some risky tastes. I hadn't met anyone like that yet, so I couldn't say for sure, but it felt dangerous.
"How did I end up a girl with smaller breasts than when I was a guy?"
Of course, I was still a little girl who hadn't even hit puberty properly yet. This was totally normal.
But honestly, didn't people say that when you became a girl, your breasts grew bigger than they ever were as a guy...?
"Ahem..."
I'd wandered into weird fantasies without realizing it and cleared my throat awkwardly. The bathroom was empty, and it was just my own thoughts.
"Hmm... Maybe it's better this way."
Better than having a killer figure that drew tons of unwanted attention.
Yeah, I really didn't want guys fawning over me. Even if I'd become a girl, guys were a hard no.
I'd rather hang myself than go there.
"Sigh."
Just a sigh escaped me.
Right now, I was just a kid living a quiet life, but eventually I'd debut in society, attend the academy, become an adult, deal with heir duties and all that...
"...Staying like this forever wouldn't be so bad."
Seriously.
Better than growing breasts or widening hips—just stay a little girl like this. My face was pretty anyway, so no self-loathing in the mirror.
I let those thoughts drift. It was all in the future, and at eight years old, I was still just a kid.
No point overthinking it now; I could figure it out as time went by.
Lost in those vague musings, I floated in the warm tub, head tilted back toward the ceiling, eyes closed, fully relaxed.
-Splash... splash...
"...?"
Then, suddenly, splashing footsteps from behind.
Everyone knew I was bathing, so who could it be?
Probably Lize. She'd nag me to get out soon before I got dizzy.
"Camellia?"
"...Mother?"
But the voice wasn't Lize's—it was Rozalin's.
The difference from Lize's childish tone was obvious.
"Were you resting?"
"Ah, yes. Just... taking a short break."
"I hope I'm not interrupting. Am I...?"
"N-No...! I wasn't doing anything anyway."
Rozalin's sudden arrival startled me.
I'd figured no one would come in, or if anyone did, it'd just be Lize. So I'd been lounging carefree—only for it to be her.
As soon as Rozalin entered the bathroom, I sank deeper into the tub, leaving just my eyes and nose above water.
Even so... it was embarrassing. To her, especially.
"........."
"How was the tea party today? I saw a bunch of cute kids show up."
"It went well. None of them were bad ladies, and they all seemed nice."
"I see. You've only been at the mansion a short time, so I don't know much yet. I was a bit surprised to hear you were hosting a tea party—and you organized it yourself?"
"The butlers and maids did most of the work."
"Hehe, still impressive, isn't it?"
"...You think so?"
It felt... really embarrassing.
It was just simple praise, something even William could manage.
And yet, for an eight-year-old to host, invite guests, and contact lesser houses herself—that was genuinely well done.
"Oh, by the way, something surprised me."
"What?"
"I'd heard you'd have a lot of duties as a family member starting this week, but there weren't that many. I was worried, but it's a relief there were fewer than expected."
"Ah........"
I didn't know exactly what the butler had told her, but yeah, there hadn't been much.
William had probably married Rozalin for business reasons again, like before.
As the family matriarch, William's wife, my mother—her role was extremely limited, as always.
"So, on a day when you're free next time, could you spend some time with me?"
"Pardon?"
"You don't know much about the area yet, and there are parts of the mansion you're unfamiliar with. I don't know much either, but I'd like to learn alongside you, Camellia."
I kept responding as Rozalin spoke while washing outside the tub.
She had free time, wanted to get closer to me—that kind of invitation. I agreed.
Not for any other reason... I just wanted her to stick around longer. Our family had its issues, and the marriage wasn't ideal, but I wanted her here more.
That was why I accepted easily. The tea party was done, no duties left. This was a chance... to bond more.
"Hoo... It's been a while since I used the bathroom, but it feels welcoming anytime. Don't you think?"
"I love it. Father put a lot of effort into this part of the mansion... and it's so comfortable."
"Hehe, shall I join you in the tub now?"
"?! "
Her words made me flinch involuntarily.
Sure, getting in after washing was normal, but it still felt weird.
I turned to look, thinking of getting out—but I couldn't.
"........."
"What's wrong? Something the matter?"
"N-No........"
I sank back into the tub. This time, everything but my eyes.
I'd have to surface for air soon, but my face felt so hot I had no choice.
"First time sharing the tub with you, Camellia. I always felt a bit lonely using the bathroom alone, but having you here makes it cozier, doesn't it?"
"Y-Yeah........"
I stared straight ahead and down, avoiding Rozalin beside me.
But my mind lingered on what I'd glimpsed earlier.
Thankfully, she had a towel covering her, but her breasts were huge—not quite head-sized, but...
Definitely big... smooth... and the water trailing over her face and body gave off this... slightly erotic vibe.
I shouldn't think like that about Rozalin, I knew it was wrong, but the thoughts kept coming.
"Oh, right. Among the ladies today, any you wanted to befriend?"
"Not really anyone like that..."
"It's good to make lots of connections young, but sometimes it's better to form a deep bond with one or two. Broad networks help, but when you truly need aid—in critical moments—they might not step up."
"Yes..."
Rozalin was saying something, but it wasn't sinking in.
Instead, that body from before. Her skin. Her hair, heavy and wet. It all replayed.
The towel hid most, but the outlines of her curves were still visible...
"........."
Am I a pervert?
Even if I'd been a guy before, having these thoughts about the woman who'd become my mom was too much.
No, this... this isn't right.
"Mother...? I'll... head out first. Take your time."
"Okay, you've been in a while. I'll be out soon too, so rest up. We'll have dinner together later."
"...Yes."
Unlike me with my guilty thoughts, Rozalin looked completely natural. Purely, innocently smiling.
Her bright gaze only made me feel worse.
Seriously... even seeing an adult woman's body, this was wrong. Looking at my mother-figure with weird intent... that was truly bad.
It was my first time, so maybe forgivable, but not again. No, not next time.
I was a girl now anyway, just saw another woman's body. That's all.
Just thought her figure was really pretty. That's why I looked, why it crossed my mind. Nothing else.
"...Ha."