Della's Bathhouse Debut
At the three-way intersection leading into town, dozens of people were heading toward the bathhouse. Mostly village girls and women who weren't heading out to work, chattering excitedly about using the bathhouse—their voices carried all the way here.
"Oh no... what do we do, Master...? There are so many..."
Della stomped her feet anxiously, at a complete loss.
"Don't worry, Della. I'll help out."
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and waited for the crowd to arrive.
The women couldn't stop marveling at the bathhouse's stunning exterior. Sure, rumors had spread even during construction, drawing curious onlookers, but there was a world of difference between glimpsing it in passing and actually stepping inside. They'd probably all seen it at least once on their way by, but now they were making a huge fuss, clapping and carrying on.
"Della. Time to greet the customers."
I gave her shoulder a light tap, and she pulled herself together, bowing deeply.
"W-Welcome! Thank you for visiting the Dwarf Onsen..."
But the women ignored Della's greeting entirely, swarming me instead with wild enthusiasm.
"Oh my! Bertrand! There you are!"
"Are you joining us for a bath this time?"
They giggled shrilly, crowding around me. Della got shoved aside in the crush.
"You look even more handsome lately!"
"Must be working out—your arms are thicker!"
The bold women of this provincial town, especially the married ones in their thirties or forties, held nothing back. With practiced(?) hands, they groped my arms and chest, appraising me like livestock. They were customers, though, so I couldn't shove them off—just laughed it off politely, dodging their touches.
"Ladies, how about focusing on the bathhouse today instead of me?"
With a friendly smile, I herded them inside. Della, who'd been frozen watching me, hurried to the counter.
"Um... entry is one silver coin! Please follow the staff and... uh... enter...!"
Della did her best to handle the customers, trembling but earnest. But just taking money and giving change was overwhelming enough; handing out towels and greetings fell to me.
The moment people started filling his bathhouse, Ukun bounded off excitedly to adjust the water temperature.
Customers poured in all morning, and by the time Francois finished kitchen duties, she crossed over to help. With her signature graceful poise, she greeted guests and assisted Della.
Della wasn't fumbling too badly, and by lunchtime, she'd gotten the hang of things enough to smile again. Brighter than at breakfast, she manned the counter and even peeked into the baths to check everything was running smoothly.
"How's it going, Della? Not so bad, right?"
"Yeah... I was a total mess at first, but I think I can handle it now."
She wiped sweat from her brow and beamed. I pinched her cheek lightly.
By the time dinner ended and the inn hall filled with drinkers, the bathhouse had emptied out. Everyone was refreshed and heading for late meals or a drink. Plenty came straight from the baths to the inn for a bite. Candles blazed along the connecting passage, bustling with foot traffic.
Business would taper off after a week, but this was a stellar start.
"Mmm, perfect! Hundreds came through today, and not a hitch with the facilities!"
Ukun returned to the inn, water dripping from his beard, laughing heartily.
"Dwarven machinery never breaks—guaranteed!"
"Where are Della and the other staff?"
"Cleaning up. Pour me a beer. Throat's parched from stoking the fires all day!"
Francois deftly served him one from the bar. While Ukun chugged it, I headed to the bathhouse.
A middle-aged female attendant was mopping the entrance.
"Where's the manager?"
"Cleaning the second-floor lounge, sir."
I climbed the stairs. Against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Buren River, a blonde beauty was diligently straightening sunbeds. I approached and helped shift one she was struggling with.
"Oh! Master...! You're here?"
"Yeah. Three of you cleaning this huge place? Tough gig."
"It's fine... thank you."
We realigned the crooked sunbeds toward the river view.
"Phew... all done. Baths are cleared, lounge too."
"Good work, Della. Ready to head down?"
"Um..."
Della hesitated, then said wait a sec and dashed downstairs. She soon returned panting.
"Told the staff to clock out... bathhouse is empty now... huff... out of breath..."
"Then let's lock up and rest. Opens early tomorrow."
"But Master..."
She trailed off, gazing up at me. Bathed in moonlight through the glass, she looked breathtakingly beautiful—I lost my words.
"Want to check if my butt has any hair...?"
"Shall I?"
I pulled her into my arms, showering kisses on her nape.
"Ahhng... Master...!"
Della whimpered but kissed my cheek furiously. We devoured each other's mouths, stumbling toward the nearest sunbed.
"I'll get on top."
She straddled me as I lay back. Clothes strewn haphazardly, ragged breaths, sweat, heat.
"Della... I'm... now...!"
"Wait, Master!"
She slid off hurriedly, kneeling beside the sunbed. Like back at the Bue inn, she took every drop from me without spilling a bit.
"Hoo... full again..."
Della sighed contentedly, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
"Why do you always swallow it?"
"It's a secret..."
"What secret...?"
She just smiled.
"Della. But..."
"Yes, Master...?"
"I felt it... you have a little hair down there..."
"Eeeek!!!"
A few days after opening, Della had the bathhouse fully under control. She kept ledgers, gave staff proper breaks, organized supplies during lulls, and learned maintenance from Ukun. Contrary to early fears, she managed fine with two attendants even without me or others crossing over. Profits were black-ink solid. One week's take covered salaries for her and the two with plenty left. Building free, water free, dwarf maintenance... low supply costs. The ROI was insanely high—practically free money.
Feeling pleased, I grabbed my bag and headed to the yard. Time to deposit some inn vault cash at the city central bank. Check my pension en route, grab snacks for the kids.
Turning toward town at the intersection, I realized I'd forgotten my ID and doubled back.
"Huh? Weren't you going to the bank?"
Marim, lounging on a table, asked.
"Forgot my ID. What're you doing? Slacking?"
"Gotta slack. Deliveries done, then more work? That's slavery."
"Listen to you, you little brat."
Marim stuck out her tongue and rolled her eyes. I flicked the cheeky half-elf's forehead and climbed the stairs. At my door, I heard a strange sound from inside—a low hum only I could detect.
I quietly opened it. Della stood in the room's center, eyes closed, face buried in my shirt clutched in one hand. Her other hand was under her skirt... massage beads vibrating.
"Della..."
"Eek!!!"
Startled, she curled up and squatted. The dropped beads buzzed and spun on the floor.
"Weren't you going to the bank?!"
"Uh... came for my ID. But... what're you doing...?"
A trickle ran down from under her squat.
"Sniff... don't look..."
"Della..."
"Sorry, Master... thought you were at the bank..."
She twisted my shirt, sniffling. I closed the door and approached.
"Bathhouse isn't busy now, right?"
"Y-Yes...? Kyaa!"
I scooped her up and carried her to the bed.
Late at night, Idwild sat up in bed as Della entered.
"Bathhouse all done...?"
"Yes, Idwild. Cleaned up, staff sent home."
Della's voice brimmed with cheer. Since her father's death, she'd seemed much brighter. Should be grieving, but maybe other circumstances—Idwild figured. Better lively than moping anyway.
"You look happy again today..."
"No reason not to."
Della stroked her lower belly affectionately. Idwild watched blankly, then asked slowly.
"Whatcha doing, Della...? Tummy hurt...? Or too much dinner...?"
Della gazed at her a moment, then approached the bed.
"Idwild."
"Yeah...?"
"You're my best friend... so I'll tell only you."
"Tell what...?"
Della whispered in her ear. Idwild's dopey eyes widened in shock.