After a dizzying ordeal of changing clothes, I reluctantly donned an ankle - length satin gown. The dress was white, its edges adorned with blue lace. Paired with it were sandals that covered my toes, stylishly concealing my dirty nails. This outfit was the most expensive thing I'd ever touched, and wearing it, I was constantly on the verge of a panic attack. What if I stained it? What if I tore it? How long could I support my family if I ran off and sold this dress?
Penelope and Nora chatted merrily along the way, but I couldn't focus on their words. I felt so out of place! Penelope led us in the opposite direction of my home, towards the city center, the domain of the wealthy. People on the streets talked cheerfully, dressed in magnificent attire, and ate all kinds of foods I'd never seen or smelled before. The buildings towered higher, painted in vivid colors, and without a single flaw. The souls here were stronger and more stable, not attached to those poor, suffering, and dying individuals. It was a place of terrifying beauty, and every second I spent there made me feel like vomiting.
We arrived at the inner city walls. I'd heard of this place before but had never seen it with my own eyes. What was the point of coming here? If I was caught crossing this boundary, the guards wouldn't just give me a light scolding; someone like me appearing in the wealthy inner city would surely be treated as a thief. To be fair, for someone like me, the only reason to come here would indeed be to steal. I trembled in front of the guards at the city gate, both afraid that they would see how out of place I was and afraid that they wouldn't notice at all.
Penelope looped one arm through mine and the other through Nora's, smiling at the guards as if they couldn't possibly question her. And indeed, they didn't. We walked right in. No matter how hard my heart was pounding, this was really happening.
I'd already been shocked by the more prosperous parts of the city, but the inner city was a whole different world. The grand mansions in the distance were eye - catching, and the luxury of the very first street I saw was overwhelming. These buildings were made of stone, not clay. They sparkled in the sunlight, and everywhere was cleaner than I could have ever imagined. I'd never thought such clean places existed. When Penelope finally led us to the bathhouse - a huge building with people constantly coming and going - I was sure I would be exposed. Surely someone would call the guards to throw me out... or arrest me and reveal that I was a heretic or something!
However, Penelope walked straight to the front of the line, put her arm around me, and leaned over the counter to talk to the receptionist.
"Mary! So good to see you. My friend here took a rather nasty fall and is absolutely filthy, as you can see. We're going to have a proper pampering today."
"Of course, Lady Vesuvius," the receptionist replied with a beaming smile. "Three of you?"
"Yes, please."
Then, Penelope quickly pulled me down the corridor. Shocked by the series of events, I finally managed to utter a few words.
"Lady Vesuvius???"
"That's what they call me," Penelope replied.
"Wait, Vita, you didn't know?" Nora asked in surprise.
"Of course I didn't! I knew you were rich, but... a lady? What on earth are you doing as a hunter?"
Vesuvius, Vesuvius... Which noble family was that? I truly had no idea. I knew nothing about politics. Penelope just furrowed her brow and didn't answer my question.
"We'll talk about it later. Come on, let's get undressed."
"I went through all this trouble to put these clothes on just to take them off again???"
Penelope rolled her eyes, and she and Nora started undressing. To my surprise, they even took off their undergarments. Was I supposed to walk around naked too? Sigh, well. I figured that standing next to the curvaceous Penelope and the muscular Nora, no one would give me a second glance anyway.
...For some reason, that thought made me feel even worse. I didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Soon, my skinny, bare backside was led into the bathhouse. There were naked people everywhere, not to mention the steaming pools of water.
"...Are you sure this water won't scald the skin off me?" I asked nervously.
"Haha, only if you manage to piss off the thermomage in charge of the temperature!" Nora replied cheerfully, then promptly pushed me into the water.
My heart skipped a beat, but once I was fully submerged, the sensation was incredible. Warmth enveloped my entire body, as if every pore was cheering. It was like being gently hugged and soothed by a pair of tender hands. I'd never felt such comfort before, and I even wanted to stay in the water forever.
Just as I was on the verge of dozing off, Penelope snapped her fingers in front of my eyes, jolting me awake.
"Hey! Vita, don't fall asleep in the bathhouse."
I came to my senses, my heart pounding, and quickly looked around. Damn, I'd almost forgotten; I had to keep an eye on that parasite. For now, it seemed mostly normal, though its soul had been growing a bit faster recently. Thankfully, Penelope's soul still looked fine. But what was that slime creature planning? I still needed to figure that out. And Penelope's sudden kindness was so strange; she must have some ulterior motive, I thought suspiciously.
Just then, as if remembering something, Penelope turned to Nora. "Nora, you've finally started learning to use weapons?"
Nora let out a resigned sigh. "Yeah, Remus'suggested' rather forcefully that I learn to use a 短剑. Given the size of the shield I prefer, he said a short sword is the only weapon that would work. I really don't like it, but after my terrible performance on the last mission... Well, I have no choice but to grit my teeth and learn."
I chimed in, "It was really strange when you were going to deal with the monsters but didn't actually fight them."
Nora quickly explained, "I never wanted to kill monsters with my own hands. I just wanted to protect those who did. I was such a fool. When those damned tentacled monsters attacked us, it was all thanks to you for protecting me. I never thought the monsters would be smart enough to try and remove my armor. I really thought I was going to die."
I comforted her, "I think our plan worked out pretty well. You were the shield for defense, and I was like the spear or dagger for offense. It was all according to plan, and just because there might have been a better way later doesn't mean the original plan was bad."
Nora smiled. "Hey, I didn't know you were so good at comforting people. So, what did you two do all day?"
Penelope answered, "Like I said, Remus asked Vita and me to stay together, so I ended up accompanying her to do those things this morning."
I couldn't help but interject, "And you've been surprisingly nice all day. Ever since that slime creature got into your head, you've been like a different person."
Penelope retorted anxiously, "I... I'm just really grateful that you saved my life! And I also want to apologize. I thought you were lying before, but it turned out you weren't."
I had an idea, and using the bubbles, I made an exaggerated big beard, pretending to be very imposing. "Hmph, I forgive you."
Penelope gave a polite little laugh, and Nora joined in. I took the opportunity to 偷偷打量 them. To be honest, I'd never been used to seeing people naked since I was a child. Back then, everyone only had one set of clothes, and if you took it off, it would surely be stolen. Come to think of it, I wasn't used to seeing myself naked either. Apart from having to take off my pants when using the toilet, there was no other reason to undress.
Nora was incredibly tall. When she sat up straight in the water, most of her body was above the surface. The lines of her muscles glistened with water droplets, and several people around couldn't help but look at her. Penelope was much shorter. She relaxed in the water, and her chest swayed gently with the ripples. It must have looked quite strange. As for me, because I was short, only my chin could barely stay above the water. Under the water, I hugged myself tightly and felt the small, painful, and slightly swollen lumps on my chest. I heard that was a sign of development. Ugh, it was so annoying. When I wasn't feeling well, even the slightest touch hurt. I couldn't imagine how embarrassing it would be if they got as big as theirs. Just thinking about it made me feel ashamed.
...Oh no, wasn't the time for my period coming up soon, just as Penelope had said? Panicking, I whispered, "I think I've soaked long enough."
Penelope joked, "Finally got those monster innard stains off your face? But it feels good, right?"
"…Yeah, it really does."
"Good." Penelope said.
Then, the three of us got out of the water, wrapped ourselves in towels, and put on bathrobes. Penelope then briskly led me around the bathhouse. The staff there manicured my nails, cleaned my face, and had a hard time combing my hair. Penelope and Nora watched and laughed. After all that, I put on my now - clean clothes again. I felt like a puppet, being led around, and every new thing left me bewildered. Before I could even react, I was being rushed on to the next thing.
"Now comes the best part," Penelope said, and my heart sank. What else was there? I was terrified.
When we entered the next room, it looked strange. There was a pool, but the water wasn't steaming. I was already dressed, and I wondered if it was for soaking feet or something else. As I walked over, I almost stepped in, but Penelope was quick to grab me.
"Ah! Vita, don't touch the reflection pool. Look."
I quickly looked at the pool and stared at the mirror - like surface of the water. There was Penelope, and she had her arm around a child I'd never seen before.
Wait a minute. I may not be well - educated, but I'm not stupid. That... that couldn't be me, could it? I held my breath. I knew metal and glass could reflect, but it turned out clear, clean water could too. These were all things that only the rich had, and until now, they had nothing to do with my life. Come to think of it, I'd never really taken a good look at my own face. It was as if it had never truly been a part of my life.
Then, I saw the person in the mirror start to cry, and tears streamed down her cheeks. By most people's standards, those cheeks were gaunt, but in my mind, I thought I'd grown in many ways. I just never expected to still look so young.
"Vita? Hey!"
Nora came over and stood beside us. I was already sobbing, trying to catch the tears with my hands to keep them from disturbing the calm water.
"Are you okay, Vita?" Nora asked with concern.
"…Yeah, yeah," I choked out, hiccupping as the tears kept flowing. "I just never... I never knew..."
"Oh, Vita..." Nora said softly, putting her hand on my shoulder. "Is it that different?"
I shook my head.
"No... it's not. I... I've never seen..."
I couldn't finish my sentence. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that was what I looked like.
"Never seen?" Nora asked in surprise. Penelope just smiled gently.
"I saw... I mean, when I thought of this, I thought of you. I knew I had to bring you here after today."
"I... I think I understand why everyone calls me a... a child," I said self - deprecatingly through my tears. "I look like I'm only twelve, for god's sake..."
"Oh, Vi..."
Nora bent down and hugged my stomach tightly. Penelope also hugged me from the side, squeezing me hard.
"Thank you for keeping us all alive, Vita," Nora said. "No matter how old you are or what you look like, you're the best scout we could have."
"Please keep protecting us," Penelope added. "I really want to keep living."
My sobs gradually turned into tearful laughter. I reached out and grabbed their arms, hugging them back. These people had no idea who I really was. Humph. I wasn't the kind of person who could protect others. On the contrary, I was the kind who brought danger to others. But I could keep up the act, at least for a while longer.
"I'll do my best," I whispered.
That touching moment finally passed. We walked out of the bathhouse together, and Penelope paid the bill. I deliberately didn't look at the amount; I didn't want to know the number.
"So? Want to go shopping?" Penelope suggested.
"No! No, no, no!" I waved my arms desperately. "It's too extravagant!"
"Aww, the little one can't take it anymore?" Nora teased.
"I'm not a little one," I muttered, crossing my arms.
But I didn't say it with much conviction. Damn it, I was a little one! You could pinch my cheeks! I'd always known I was short, but seeing my face, something just felt off.
"It's okay. We can go back to the guild," Penelope said. "Consider this my little apology gift."
"…I hope one day my family can all come here too," I said after a while. "It doesn't feel right that I'm enjoying myself while they're still in that little house."
"Hey, don't think like that, Vita!" Nora said, giving me a hard pat on the back that made me stumble. "Your family loves you, right? They'll be happy if you're happy. Don't feel guilty just because you're doing well."
I snorted.
"That's easy to say. 'Don't feel guilty just because you're doing well.'"
"Right? My mom used to say that. We have to remind ourselves of that, you know? When things seem unfair, when it feels like we have more than we deserve. If you start hating yourself because you're doing well, that's the end of it."
However, every penny Penelope spent on the bath could have been used to buy more food for my family. I could have been working or helping out. My happiness came at a cost, a cost paid with all those what - ifs and should - haves of others. When would I be able to enjoy happiness without feeling guilty, without forgetting that others were suffering? It seemed like everyone else had already managed that, leaving us to struggle in poverty for sixteen years. I was lost in thought on the way back to the guild. But as soon as we arrived, Penelope twirled in front of me, smiling mischievously.
"Well, shall we go show the boys?"
"Er, what?" I asked in surprise.
"Ooooh, yes! Let's do it!" Nora cheered, grinning widely. "I'm really liking this suddenly fun Penelope!"
Penelope laughed and pulled Nora and me upstairs. Her transformation was unexpected, but I had to admit, it was also quite delightful! Maybe she'd become more cheerful because she finally felt gratitude and compassion... or maybe that slime creature had somehow made her friendlier. If so, I might not even want to get that thing out.
...Maybe that was why it was doing this. No, I didn't think so. What good would that do the cave dog parasite?
I tried to let these thoughts distract me because the idea of wearing this beautiful dress to meet my male teammates made me nervous. Strictly speaking, this was the first time I'd ever worn a dress, though I'd pretended a few oversized shirts were dresses before. The thought of letting Orville and Bentley see me like this filled me with 莫名的恐惧.
"I... I'm not sure this is a good idea..." I stammered.
Penelope stopped, took my hand, and turned back to smile at me.
"Hey, it'll be fine. If you feel a bit awkward, just think about how awkward they'll be! The more confident you act, the more fun it'll be to tease them."
"Yeah, it's not like you're going on a date with any of them, right, Vita?" Nora asked.
"No... of course not!" I quickly replied.
"Then don't worry! Pen and I will help distract you. Just give them your cute look, and they won't be able to resist. You're as cute as a basket of kittens, Vita."
"Think of it as giving them more motivation to protect you from monsters," Penelope added.
Well, I thought being a scout already gave them enough motivation, but I couldn't refuse such reasoning. I'd been bitten by a monster once and almost died; more protection couldn't hurt.
"Okay," I said softly.
"Great!" Penelope cheered and knocked on the boys' door. "Oh, gentlemen...!"
After some rustling sounds, Orville opened the door a crack and peeked out.
"What do you want, Penelope... Hmm?"
He blinked, looking at the three of us, and my face immediately turned red, even though I was telling myself not to blush.
"...Is there some big event I don't know about?" Orville finally opened the door fully and asked. He looked a bit nervous.
"Oh, everyone's here? Hi!" Bentley came over and waved at the door. "Wow! You all look amazing!"
"Thank you, Bentley! So nice to have someone polite around here," Penelope said in a coquettish voice, smiling at Orville as she spoke. "Would you gentlemen like to join us for a meal downstairs?"
Bentley, as expected, didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable, which made me smile. It was good to see him so happy again. Orville, on the other hand, looked away, looking just as embarrassed as I felt.
"You dressed up so nicely just to go to the cafeteria...?" Orville asked.
"No! Of course not. We went out earlier," Penelope explained. "I thought we could eat out, but I'm afraid if I spend