Chapter 14 _ A Virgin’s Charge, or the Squirrel’s Uncontrollable Laughter
When I returned from the Royal Library to the inn,
I realized with growing anxiety that my remaining days of lodging were running low.
The inn was expensive—but it came with two meals a day,
and I had zero confidence in surviving anything close to sleeping outdoors.
In fact, when my money had been stolen before,
those two meals had given me precious peace of mind.
“Welcome back.”
“Um, ma’am… I’d like to extend my stay.”
“That’ll be eighty Fanann per day. How many days?”
I currently had 1,000 Fanann—
the reward I’d received for delivering the bamboo dragonfly to Frey.
Trying to leave myself a little breathing room for expenses,
I still chose safety over risk.
“…Ten more days, please.”
I handed over 800 Fanann.
That left me with 200 Fanann.
One careless mistake, and I’d be homeless again.
Tomorrow, I’d have to look for work—seriously this time.
“I’m heading out early tomorrow to find a job,” I said.
“I’ll eat and turn in early.”
“Alright,” the innkeeper replied.
“But before that, why don’t you go take a bath?”
Without a word, I accepted the bath token
and practically sprinted out the door.
If that lady’s there again…
My mind was completely filled with thoughts of my first time.
My chest—and lower body—felt like they might burst apart from anticipation.
“…You look excited.”
“Wah!!”
Right—
I’d forgotten she existed.
“What do you mean, ‘she’?” Frey snapped.
“Relax,” she said with a grin.
“I won’t do anything rude. Go on—enjoy yourself.”
Laughing, she continued.
“My first love, Juzo, used that bathhouse often as well.”
“But men truly are inconvenient creatures,” she mused.
“I hear there are moments when one must… ‘release,’ lest one go mad.”
“Please stop narrating my internal monologue.”
At the bakery, I handed over the token and headed upstairs.
Steam filled the room.
Inside were two men and two women—all completely naked.
I didn’t even try to hide my excitement as I examined my options.
One woman had a slender frame and smaller chest,
but her face was absolutely my type—youthful, soft features,
pale translucent skin, and brown hair tied back neatly.
The other wasn’t quite my taste facially,
but her figure was incredible—
long luxurious black hair reaching mid-back
and a slightly wild, sun-kissed complexion.
An impossible choice.
(…Face. Definitely face.
For a first time, that matters.)
I was convinced I wouldn’t regret that decision.
And yet—
I couldn’t take the final step.
My heart pounded in my ears.
Go! I told myself.
Say it! Offer the fifty Fanann!
I sat down on a stone bench, fidgeting,
sending desperate glances her way.
After a moment, she smiled awkwardly.
“…I’m sorry, big brother.
We’re both married.”
“…Huh?”
“These men are our husbands.”
Time stopped.
The muscular men beside us burst into loud laughter.
My shame detonated instantly.
Without even washing properly,
I wiped myself down with dry straw
and bolted down the stairs.
“Oh? That was quick,” the baker said.
Fighting tears, I explained what had happened.
“Hey, don’t worry about it,” he said kindly.
“Those days happen.”
“Besides, now you know who’s married, right?
Learning the faces of the town’s people matters.”
“And you kept your promise not to touch married women.
I appreciate that.”
He laughed warmly.
I returned to the inn at a brisk pace,
asked for dinner, and retreated to my room.
When I opened the door to Room 201—
There was a squirrel on the floor,
rolling around in tears of laughter.
“H—hah! Hah!
Mario… that was masterful!”
“You don’t have to laugh that hard!”
“Th-that face you made when you charged in—
I can see it now! It’s too good!”
“Enough already!”
“S-sorry! I can’t—my stomach hurts! Hahahaha!”
Sulking, I shoveled the dinner the innkeeper had brought
into my mouth without tasting it.
Don’t use that money yet,
I thought.
…No—
The world itself seemed to be telling me that.
Crawling under the blankets,
I swore silently:
Tomorrow, I will absolutely find work.
The heat that had lingered in my body
was slowly cooled by the night air—
leaving behind a faint, lonely chill.
