Chapter 24: Evening Bath and Revelations

“Dad, I want to take a bath.”

In the evening, Lia suddenly spoke up.

I paused, then nodded and put down the wooden basin in front of me. “Then wait a moment, Dad will go heat up some more water.”

Lia truly needed a good bath. To be honest, I needed one too; ever since we arrived, there hadn’t been a chance. I’m not like Vilya, who can bathe in the cold river water. Bathing with heated water is quite a hassle here. In the lord’s mansion, there was a dedicated bath basin where you could throw in firewood to heat the water, much like a hot pot. I haven’t used it yet, and now seems like a good time to give it a try for Lia.

I struggled to carry the large basin from the storage room and dragged it to the fireplace. Usually, Vilya would sit here until the next morning, but tonight, I couldn’t find her. Speaking of which, Vilya and I had a bit of an argument today, or rather, I just vented my frustrations, and Vilya didn’t even bother to argue back. I felt a bit guilty for scolding Vilya, thinking she must have been upset, even if she didn’t show it. She’s not a monster.

She’s just trying to live like a normal person, and yet, I called her a monster. I’ll have to apologize later.

“Dad… is the water ready yet?”

Just then, I heard soft footsteps approaching. I turned to see Lia, already undressed, running towards me. I reached out and hugged her close, chuckling. “Lia, aren’t you cold? Don’t run around naked. Come on, Dad tested the water, and it feels just right.”

I carried Lia and placed her in the basin. The water level was just above her height, but she easily balanced herself on the edge, letting out a contented sigh and flashing a radiant smile. “Dad, soaking in hot water feels amazing! This is the first time I’ve ever taken a bath. I’ve only ever gone out in the rain to wash myself. This really feels great!”

I reached out and ruffled her hair. Lia closed her eyes contentedly, standing in the water. I didn’t say anything or do anything. Lia is my own daughter, and only a perverted chess or basketball player would be attracted to a little girl. I think those people deserve to be shot without trial.

Lia happily washed herself, then turned to hand me a towel, grinning. “Dad, help me with my back.”

I nodded, and as Lia turned around, her smooth, flawless back was exposed. Lia’s body didn’t differ much from a human’s. Looking at her, I thought that in the future, she might grow to resemble the evening version of herself… That’s a bit terrifying.

I gently touched her back, moving her hair to the front of her neck, and began to wipe her back with the towel. In the firelight, her spine glistened like a jewel. I couldn’t help but let my fingers slide over her back, making Lia giggle.

“Dad, you seem upset.”

I lightly tickled her side, and Lia laughed, flipping over and exposing her front to me. She looked at my face, a hint of worry in her voice. “Dad, you don’t look happy… Is it because of that woman…”

“I made a mistake.”

I gently patted her tummy and whispered, “I shouldn’t have called Vilya a monster. I know anyone called a monster would be hurt, and yet, I still said it, which must have hurt Vilya. So, I feel a bit regretful now.”

Lia pouted, her voice a bit sulky. “But Lia is right here, and Dad is thinking about another woman… Lia is upset!”

I playfully poked her forehead, looking at her. “Vilya… You can see it too, right? Vilya isn’t a bad person. She just doesn’t know how to be normal. She wants a regular family and a normal life, just like you.”

“But Lia still doesn’t like her… Any woman Dad gets involved with, Lia doesn’t like… Dad is supposed to be just mine… It was always just us two…”

Lia’s lips were puckered in a frown, and I playfully pinched her cheek, saying, “Even with Vilya, it’s still just us two, Lia. Dad will always be here for you. Dad is, and always will be, your dad. Don’t worry about Dad abandoning you.”

“It’s not that… Anyway, you’re a dummy!”

Lia was strangely angry and turned away. I patted her head. “Dad will go apologize to Vilya tonight, Lia. If you can, try not to be so hostile towards Vilya in the future.”

“Okay, okay.”

Lia said loudly, swatting my hand away. I didn’t know why she was angry, and I gently patted her head. Lia stood up in the water, reaching out to me. “Dad, carry me! I’m going to sleep now!”

I nodded, lifting Lia out of the water. She nipped at my ear, and I wondered if it was because she was a magical creature that she liked to express her feelings by biting. I dried Lia off and dressed her. Truthfully, these clothes have been worn for a long time, and Lia needs a new set. Always wearing the same outfit isn’t good.

But first, I need money… Maybe I can squeeze out some cash when buying grain this time.

“Dad, carry me to bed…”

Lia wrapped her arms around my neck, pouting. I nodded, carrying the small Lia upstairs. I placed her on the bed and covered her with a blanket. Lia clutched the blanket, looking at me unhappily. “Dad, are you going to see that woman now, aren’t you?”

“I have to. I promised to apologize, and it was my fault.”

“But that woman won’t care… That monster only cares about killing, not these things…”

I shook my head, looking at Lia. “Sometimes, it’s not about whether the other person cares, but whether you care. I did something wrong, and I need to apologize. But I’ll be back soon, so just go to sleep. Don’t follow me…”

“Dad doesn’t like her, does he?”

“…Not particularly, no…”

“Then, goodnight, Dad.”

Lia seemed to have relaxed a bit, slowly closing her eyes. But I had learned my lesson; the enlarged version of Lia might still try to sneak a peek…

I closed the door and walked downstairs. Although I didn’t know where Vilya was, I still had the bathwater from Lia’s bath to clean up. I’m sure there are countless perverts who would want to drink it dry, and I wouldn’t mind selling it to those perverts. But it seems those perverts don’t have the luck.

However, as I walked downstairs, I heard water splashing…

I froze, my heart racing…

Cautiously peeking out, I saw Vilya standing by the bath, removing her underwear and tossing it aside, then stepping into the bath…

Ahhhh!!! That’s the bathwater Lia used!!!

“Oh, just in time. Come help me add more firewood.”

Vilya, sensing my presence, turned to me with the same nonchalance as before, completely unaware of being seen naked. She even beckoned for me to come closer. I swallowed hard, whispering, “That wouldn’t be appropriate…”

“Hmm? Do you want to join me?”

Vilya seemed to understand my meaning and scooted over, invitingly. “Well, come on then.”

“I didn’t mean that!!!”

****

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