78
My Villains Chapter 78
21. A Moonless Night (1)
A bucket full of water poured over my head.
Splash.
"Phew-!"
The ice-cold groundwater flowed down my sculpture-like body. The clean water, mixed with a bit of sand, had turned into black dirty water by the time it reached the floor.
After pouring water a few more times, I wiped my body with a cloth soaked in lye water.
Using a toothbrush made of stiff pig bristles, I brushed my teeth, and after washing my hair with water mixed with ground cinnamon and oil, I couldn't help but groan in satisfaction.
"Ahh, this feels good."
Though I spent silver coins buying bathing supplies for two people, I didn't feel it was wasteful at all.
Even if they had asked for gold coins, I would have gladly paid - just one silver coin was practically nothing in comparison.
Middle World, particularly the Milanol Kingdom, was reminiscent of the Western Middle Ages in many ways.
However, this was a world where magic existed, clergy wielded divine power, and all sorts of monsters roamed the wilderness.
Perhaps because of this, there were quite a few cultural differences from Earth's medieval period. One of the most notable was their hygiene culture.
Except for mercenaries and beggars, even the laziest commoners would wash their faces morning and evening and brush their teeth once a day. They would also take a bath once a week without fail.
Nobles would use expensive fragrances like water to wash themselves, and the more extravagant ones would even have bathhouses in their mansions.
The reasons for this culture taking root seem rather complex.
First... Environmental influences likely played a role.
Unlike Europe where most groundwater and river water was limestone water, Milanol had excellent water quality.
They say clean water would spring up pretty much anywhere you dug a well, so perhaps people became... More friendly with water?
In places like South Harbor, although people drank more beer than water due to the saltiness, it didn't seem to affect their bathing habits.
The alchemists, who served as scientists in Middle World, probably also had an influence. They spread common knowledge that 'not washing is bad for health' and sold things like soap and perfume.
But even without these factors, people would have washed diligently anyway. This was because of the Church of Light.
Something about... Maintaining physical and spiritual purity by cleansing impurities. Anyway, because of such doctrine, bodily cleanliness was both a duty and virtue in the Church of Light. That's why bathhouses get crowded the day before worship.
Personally, this was very fortunate. If this world had been as unhygienic as medieval Europe... Ugh, life would have been at least twice as difficult.
Lost in such thoughts, I finished showering and put on the pants and tunic that Daria had procured. I spotted Daria carrying a large bathtub with another waitress.
"Are you done? What about Ellen?"
"Ah, she went up to the room."
"By herself?"
Daria nodded while dumping the bathwater.
"Yes. When I offered to help support her, she refused and used magic."
"Magic?"
"She suddenly started floating and went up by herself. Though she did hit her head on the ceiling a couple of times..."
...Seriously, does she dislike Daria that much?
I shook my head and turned to look at the young waitress.
"Did you help with her bath?"
"Ah, y-yes, yes. I assisted with Miss Ellen's bath."
The girl, who looked no more than thirteen, stammered and bowed her head.
What's this? Her face is pale.
"Must have been tough. She's got quite a temper."
"No, she kept falling asleep, so it was actually easier."
When I handed over a couple of copper coins as a tip, the young waitress gave a faint bow and quickly ran away.
"She's quite shy, isn't she?"
Daria gave a bitter smile at my muttering.
"...It's probably because of your reputation."
"Hm? My reputation?"
"It's nothing. Are you hungry? Let's go in."
The inn I entered, led by Daria's hand, looked different from before.
All tables except one near the bar had been cleared away. The remaining space was divided by thick tent fabric serving as partitions. The guards had set it up.
I clicked my tongue as I sat at the table where food was prepared.
"Is this an inn or military barracks? Must be really inconvenient."
"Ah, no. It's actually quite safe because of this."
"Well, I suppose that's true."
The food laid out on the table was quite humble. A fist-sized hardtack soaked in water, three or four pieces of jerky, and watered-down beer that barely tasted of alcohol was all there was.
Well, given the city's situation, I can't really complain.... I should just finish quickly and get some sleep.
"I heard the guards were really pushy, but they don't seem that way?"
"Huh? Who told you that?"
"Arnal. She said you'd have a tough time."
Daria, sitting with her chin propped up, hesitated before shaking her head.
"They were like that until the day before yesterday, but not since then."
"Why? Did something happen?"
"That... Because of Mr. Hatanka."
"...Hatanka? What about Hatanka?"
When I put down my beer mug, Daria glanced briefly at the guards and whispered softly.
"Well, I was almost dragged away by the guards."
"What? Dragged away?"
"...They said that since they were risking their lives to protect the city, I should also, um, serve them..."
Ha. Just how many times has this happened?
Looking at Daria, I realize that having beautiful looks can sometimes be a curse. Especially in this wretched world.
I felt sympathy for Daria while simultaneously getting heated.
"What kind of crazy bastards? Which one said such,"
"No, there's no need to get angry. The city's atmosphere is so grim, so even the guards..."
"That's exactly why the guard bastards should keep their heads straight! They're not dogs in heat, huff, no. I shouldn't be angry at you. That guard captain, that son of a,"
As I stood up kicking my chair back, Daria grabbed my sleeve in panic.
"No, don't! It's all over!"
"...What do you mean it's over?"
"Those people, they were all severely injured."
So it wasn't just that Utequais got into a dispute with the guards over alcohol.
He had... Rather violently stopped four guards who were trying to drag Daria away. The four who became disabled were those very men.
From the other guards' perspective, they witnessed some barbarian making their comrades disabled.
When the fully armed soldiers attacked him in groups, Utequais knocked them all down barehanded. He must have controlled his strength somewhat, as those who attacked later weren't seriously injured.
"The guard captain handled it well. He expelled the four men who caused the trouble."
"Hmm...."
That Utequais, I thought he was just an alcoholic troublemaker... While disabling people was a bit extreme, I can understand his feelings.
Daria sighed with a heavy expression.
"But I heard Mr. Hatanka... Will be executed tomorrow."
"Ah, that's what they say."
"Though he's a barbarian, I feel bad since I owe him so much."
After stuffing the remaining food in my mouth and emptying the beer mug, I stood up.
"Don't worry about it. We don't know yet."
"Huh? Don't know what?"
"Nothing. I should rest now."
As I was about to leave, Daria hurriedly caught up and grabbed my sleeve.
"Um, wait a moment."
"What?"
"Are you... Going up right away?"
Daria smiled softly with a light blush on her cheeks.
Her jade-colored eyes sparkled with innocent light, but her twisted posture was incredibly sensual.
...S-strong. I can't possibly resist.
But... But, no!
One of the reasons I suffered underground these past few days was none other than sleeping with Daria.
That started everything by causing the fight with Ellen. So I couldn't let myself be swayed by this level of temptation.
As I was steeling my resolve, Daria stood on her tiptoes and whispered, "If you're tired... We could rest in my room."
Just a little while should be fine?
Ellen and I woke up around midnight.
"Uuumm-"
Ellen, her hair disheveled, raised her upper body with a groan. Then she stretched forward, extending both arms.
"Ughh."
Ellen rubbed her eyes and looked up at me as I was putting on my armor. Even after sleeping for nine hours straight, her face was still covered in fatigue.
"...What are you doing?"
"Getting ready to go out. Lord Ariad's man came."
"What did he say?"
I put on the chain hood and turned my neck slightly. Though I probably only slept five or six hours, I felt like all my fatigue had disappeared.
"Said to come to the dock area. We'll find out when we get there."
Ellen quietly nodded and felt around her bedside by candlelight. I stopped her while fastening my belt.
"Hey, forget it. No need to get up."
"...What? Why?"
"How can you go out in that condition? Rest more, I'll be back soon."
Rubbing her eyes with her sleeve, Ellen shot back in an annoyed voice, "Talking nonsense again. You're going alone?"
"Not alone, there'll be soldiers everywhere."
"Anyway, I'm going too."
"I said forget it. I can't carry you all night, and having you there would just distract me from fighting."
"Why carry me? I can fly."
Looking at her squirming under the blanket, I burst out laughing.
"Flying my ass. You'll wobble around unable to keep balance and end up in the sea."
"...I can fly low. If you don't trust me, tie a rope around my waist."
"What stupid idea is that? Besides, how long could you fly? You'll be out of magic quickly."
"If I try, I could easily go thirty minutes."
"Oh really? You'll just watch without using magic that whole time?"
When Ellen fell silent, pressing her lips together, I put on my shield and reasoned with her.
"Nothing we can do until your legs heal. No matter how strong your spells are, not being able to move properly is too risky. You'll end up taking an arrow while sitting still."
"So you're going alone?"
"I don't want to either, but what choice do we have?"
It's not that I want to leave Ellen behind.
Even as a cripple, her magic is definitely powerful. And considering how bad things went every time we separated, I really don't want to leave.
But the opponents we'll meet at the dock are too threatening for Ellen. There will definitely be situations where I can't guarantee her safety.
"...I don't want to be alone."
Ellen's lips jutted out as she muttered quietly.
After securely fastening my black half-cape, I crouched in front of Ellen. Then, meeting her eyes, I patted her shoulder.
"Stay alert and don't fall asleep until I return. If any suspicious person comes in, shoot them with a fire arrow right away. Got it?"
"And..."
I continued, running my hand over my lips, "Don't go anywhere. This is a request."
Her eyes shimmered purple in the candlelight, creating ripples. Her pink petal-like lips moved slightly.
"...Okay."
"Good, I'll be back."
As I was about to leave the room, Ellen hesitated before speaking, "When will you return?"
"Not sure... Probably before sunrise?"
"Promise?"
"What's with you suddenly wanting promises?"
"Hurry. Promise."
"Geez. I'll try my best."
"If you're not back by then, I'll do whatever I want."
I chuckled and pinched her cheek.
"When have you ever not done whatever you wanted? I'm going."
"Ugh."
I left the room, leaving behind a fidgeting Ellen.
'Acer' was a commoner-born servant who had been serving Lord Ariad for 6 years now.
Though tall enough for his head to reach my chin, his narrow shoulders and thin frame didn't suit a knight's appearance. However, with his crooked nose and sharp eyes, he didn't look like someone to be trifled with.
"Setting bait and waiting quietly. That's Lord Ariad's preferred method."
"So what's the bait this time?"
"We spread information at the trading post, Ruge Street, and the market. The informant will definitely come to the dock."
Walking down the pitch-dark alley, I listened to Acer's words.
"First, behind the trading post is the finance officer. Since he controls the customs officers and tax collectors, all merchants have to be mindful of him."
"Why suspect the finance officer?"
"Though a commoner, he's powerful due to having many officials under him. But recently, I hear he's being threatened by a clerk from Salt Castle. The clerk is a count's relative."
"So you think he betrayed because his position was threatened?"
"He's also personally quite greedy."
"You mentioned Ruge Street? What about there?"
"Ruge Street is where the count's relatives stay. Now that the count is imprisoned in Salt Castle, the Guard Captain and his younger brother have it locked down."
"Ah, the Guard Captain."
When I tried to cooperate with the city guard to catch the informant, the guard captain had tipped off the Guard Captain. Maybe that's why the operation failed.
In other words, he's under suspicion because of my tip? Somehow I feel bad...
"Lastly, the market—"
"Ubar, right? The gang boss."
"You know well."
Ubar is a typical gang boss who controls the market from the shadows and smuggles salt. It wouldn't be strange if he was in cahoots with thieves, and he actually was.
Hmm... It's quite frustrating having to keep quiet while knowing the answer.
"You've only been in the city for five days, how do you know all this?"
"With a sharp knife and plenty of money, you can make up for lack of time somewhat. Just grab some vagrants and either pull out their fingernails or give them silver coins."
I was wondering how he mobilized soldiers in less than twelve hours... Seems he used quite rough methods.
"What do you mean by spreading information?"
"We leaked that the city guard would move tomorrow. That they'd raid the informant."
"...Will that work?"
"Of course not. We've kidnapped the finance officer's deputy, the Guard Captain's nephew, and Ubar's mistress."
"What? Why?"
"Those who've done nothing wrong will come to the city guard, while those with something to hide will run. We just need to catch the ones who run. Simple, right?"
...Simple my ass, these guys are straight-up gangsters!