My Protect skill can take my life but it can also help me flirt and make love with cold beauties!
Chapter 8: Meeting a senior

The inn's bathhouse is not particularly spacious, but there is hot water in the bathtub. Steam rose from the bathtub, which was built from stones without any gaps. Apparently, the water was heated using a magic stone called "Takumaseki".

Although it is called a bathtub, it is not for bathing. It seemed to be a kind of bucket to store hot water to pour over one's body.

When I asked about the bath at the inn's reception, and said I wanted to soak in the bathtub, the landlady looked at me incredulously.

"Well, if I can clean my body with hot water, I guess that’s better than nothing."

Before entering the inn, I had bought a towel. So, I took it out and wet it with hot water to scrub my body.

If I wanted to be extravagant, I would have wanted soap too, but it was a bit expensive. I must avoid wasting money until my income becomes stable.

In this world, it is customary for people to take a bath during the day, not at night. Although there are other guests staying at the inn, I am the only one using the bath.

Since the bath is not spacious, I don’t have to worry about being considerate. As I was thinking that, I heard a sound from the changing room.

While I was looking to see if someone was coming in, a figure suddenly appeared from behind the partition.

"Ah, someone’s already here?" said the muscular man as he pushed aside the steam, revealing his muscular physique.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you," he said with a grin.

He has short, messy black hair and a handsome face with sunburned skin. With numerous old scars, he looked like a heroic warrior who has fought many battles in the past. However, judging from his appearance, he might still be in his twenties.

"It's rare to see someone here at this time."

"Sorry about that. I'm staying here starting today."

"What, don't worry about it. It's not like this is my bath," the man said, showing me another grin.

"Ah…"

"So you're an adventurer, staying at this inn?"

"Well, yes, I’m… starting today…"

"I see, I see! A newcomer, huh!"

"Yes, that's right."

Is it because of his athletic background that he's so pushy?

I don't usually like people who invade my personal space, but for some reason, I don't mind this guy  He's older than me, but he has a friendly laugh.

"You don't look like a warrior type at first glance... Are you perhaps a spell user?"

A spell user? Is that like a

"No, not really. I don’t know yet."

"Ha... So you want to become an adventurer without even knowing your own abilities! That's great! You're a real man!"

"Ahaha, yeah..."

I returned a dry laugh to the man who is showing me a friendly smile. I don’t feel uncomfortable around him, but I still don’t know how to interact with him.

"But, you know, I understand the feeling of wanting to get ahead, but don't do anything too reckless. Don't take on jobs that are beyond your abilities."

The man's expression suddenly changed, and his tone of voice dropped a notch.

"Ah, that's not a problem. I know my limits very well."

I am reminded of my bitter defeat at the hands of Orange Gelatin earlier in the day. I'm naturally a timid person, and I absolutely don't want to take on dangerous jobs without being asked.

"Is that so? Well, that's good to hear. I guess I got a little carried away, but remember my words as advice from a senior adventurer."

"Yes, thank you very much. Then, I'm leaving now." I poured hot water over my body from the tub and stood up.

"Ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Raul, and I'm an adventurer just like you. I'm planning on making this town my base for a while, so we might meet again."

"Raul-san, huh? I'm Kazuya."

"Kazuya, huh? That's an unusual name."

"I came from across the sea."

"Oh, that's amazing. Please tell me more about it when we have the chance."

"Sure."

I cut the conversation short and headed to the changing room. Inside, my clothes and Raul's clothes, which were not there when I entered, are placed in baskets.

My clothes are not school uniforms, but rather made of hemp material, which I bought together with household goods. They were the cheapest ones, so they felt a bit rough and uncomfortable, but they were good enough for everyday life.

I also bought a pair shoes made of some material that I couldn't quite identify, since I have been wearing indoor shoes all this time. After drying off and getting dressed, I headed back to my room.

A I reached for the doorknob, suddenly I stopped in my tracks. I remember El's naked body and my heart skipped a beat. My little brother couldn’t help but rise again, but I muttered to myself, "Don't be stupid," and regained my composure.

After taking a deep breath, I entered the room.