Arlam Village.
After Shendu arrived here with them, she leaned alone against a tree. No children or villagers came to speak with her. Meanwhile, Felt was having quite a good time.
There were quite a few children in the village, around a dozen or so. They looked innocent and carefree as they played and chased one another.
Among them, a little girl with blue hair stepped slowly out of a house, holding a small puppy in her arms.
However, the moment the blue-haired girl came outside, she cast a fearful, flickering gaze toward Shendu.
When she noticed Shendu's eyes gradually shifting in her direction, the blue-haired girl immediately averted her gaze and walked toward Natsuki Subaru and Felt instead.
How strange. That blue-haired girl is afraid of me. Am I really that frightening?
Shendu glanced at her own silver hair and assumed the girl had mistaken her for a silver-haired half-elf. Shaking her head, she decided not to think too much about it.
Generally speaking, a little girl who looked no more than eleven years old should not pose any kind of problem.
Not far away, the blue-haired girl holding the puppy was playing happily with Natsuki Subaru and Felt. However, she was bitten by the young dog.
Even Rem, who had just finished purchasing supplies, felt her playful spirit stirred and came over to join the children, teasing the puppy together with them. She, too, was bitten.
After playing to her heart's content, Rem finally headed toward the agreed meeting place. Shendu was still leaning against the tree like a salted fish, eyes closed, resting.
"Hehe, Big Sister, today was so much fun."
After waiting for quite some time, Felt ran back from the distance and threw herself into Shendu's arms.
"Oh? As long as you're happy. If you want to come here to play again next time, I'll bring you."
Shendu stroked Felt's head. Seeing her dirty little face and the sweat on her forehead, it was obvious she had enjoyed herself immensely.
Children were naturally innocent and carefree.
"Guest, let's head back. I don't think we need to wait for the other person."
At the thought of Natsuki Subaru—and the scent of the Witch lingering on him—Rem spoke with visible disgust. It was a loathing that came from deep within.
"Oh? It seems you really dislike that boy. He hasn't done anything wrong, has he?"
Shendu asked casually, as if merely curious, to see whether the girl would be willing to explain.
"That is not something the guest needs to concern herself with. Let's go."
After saying that, Rem walked off on her own. Shendu shook her head and left together with Felt.
Just as they stepped beyond the boundaries of Arlam Village, a swiftly approaching afterimage appeared before them.
It was Natsuki Subaru, who had used the power of the Rabbit Talisman bestowed by Shendu to dash over.
"Sorry for keeping everyone waiting. Those kids were just too enthusiastic. I actually quite like children!"
Natsuki Subaru scratched his head awkwardly. Faced with such warm and eager children, he felt embarrassed—but also genuinely happy.
"It's nothing. Though that dog bit you quite badly."
Shendu glanced at his wrist and noticed two deep bite marks left by the dog. The indentations of its teeth showed it had bitten hard.
"Yeah, that puppy is pretty mischievous. Felt and Miss Rem were both bitten too."
Natsuki Subaru paid it little mind. The puppy was only a few months old. A bite was just a bite. In another world, there probably wasn't any rabies to worry about.
"Yeah! It was fluffy and cute. I got bitten once too."
Felt raised her slender hand, where a clear bite mark could be seen.
Hearing their conversation, Rem said nothing. However, there was not the slightest trace of a bite on her wrist. It had clearly already been healed.
"Alright, let's head back. We've had enough fun."
Seeing that all three of them had been bitten, Shendu felt that something was off. It was as if a fragment of forgotten memory was gradually resurfacing—yet no matter how urgently she tried, she could not grasp it.
...
After leaving Arlam Village, they admired the dense forest nearby. A gentle breeze swept through, rustling the trees that had grown for over a decade, creating a naturally beautiful scene.
There were no signs of development in the surroundings. An iron fence encircled the area, though it was unclear whether it was meant to guard against wild beasts or something else.
Magical beasts did exist in this world. Shendu had learned that from books, though she had yet to see one with her own eyes.
Upon returning, Rem and Ram each carried out their duties, preparing dinner with the newly purchased ingredients. When mealtime arrived, a sumptuous feast appeared before them.
After finishing her meal, Emilia was sent back to her room by Rem to continue studying. Whether it was to guard against something or to limit her contact with Shendu was unclear.
In any case, Shendu always noticed, intentionally or not, that Rem had reduced the amount of time Emilia spent with her. It left her feeling somewhat helpless.
After dinner, Shendu and Felt finished their black tea. Shendu then looked at Rem, who was standing beside her, and asked curiously,
"Rem, is there a place here for bathing?"
Shendu's red eyes fixed on Rem as she asked softly.
"Yes, Guest. There is a hot spring built here. If you wish to bathe in the hot spring, please follow me."
Rem bowed politely, her tone courteous, without any noticeable hostility.
"Then I'll trouble you."
Shendu smiled faintly. She glanced at Rem's calm expression and continued, "For a maid, you're quite cute. You're also very responsible in your work."
Shendu could not help but offer praise. Though Rem harbored hostility toward her, her treatment of guests was impeccable.
"That is only proper. You are Lord Roswaal's guest. This is the basic quality expected of a maid."
Rem looked at her briefly and said nothing more.
Before long, they arrived at a luxurious bathhouse. Steam rose into the air, and mist filled the room. It was an excellent place for bathing.
"Very well. If you need anything, please call for me. Bathrobes have been prepared for you."
After speaking respectfully, Rem turned and left.
Soon, Shendu soaked in the bath. The warmth enveloped her body, and she felt completely at ease. The fatigue of the day seemed to dissipate like smoke.
"Ah... this feels wonderful. It's much better than simply cleaning with magic."
Shendu could not help but sigh. Life was becoming more and more enjoyable. Living in another world did not feel so bad after all.
"Hehe, Big Sister, let me scrub your back!"
After swimming around for a while in the spacious hot spring bath, Felt picked up a washing cloth and approached with a grin.
And so, after soaking for over an hour, the two of them finally stepped out of the bathhouse, refreshed and invigorated.