Chapter 17
Realizing a little too late, Fay hurried into the bathroom. As she filled the tub with warm water, it suddenly hit her that she hadn’t really considered Alnazir’s comfort. He might look human, but he was, at the end of the day, an octopus. Of course, he’d probably feel best in water. Once the tub was about two-thirds full, Fay led him to it, showing it off proudly.
“Are you kidding me?”
Alnazir was annoyed again.
“This is actually a pretty good bathtub, you know.”
It’s not like she could provide a bigger one right away. She pleaded with him to at least give it a try. If he got any angrier, her life might seriously be in danger, and cold sweat prickled at her back.
She could only hope he understood what was written in their contract.
“It’s uncomfortable. I can’t even lie down properly or stretch my arms out.”
He grumbled, his usually flat expression now clearly unhappy—his brows drawn tightly together, as if this was the one thing he simply could not tolerate.
At least he didn’t get back out right away.
Fay couldn’t help but stifle a giggle. Watching him crouched in the tub, grumbling like a sulking child who doesn’t want to take a bath, was oddly funny.
“I’ll get you a bigger tub later. Just use this one for tonight, okay?”
“…”
“Is the water temperature alright?”
“A bit warmer.”
“Sorry, it’s just—this doesn’t feel small to me, but with your size, I guess it does look cramped.”
Please, just bear with it for tonight. Fay stirred the water with the end of her magic staff, making it warmer. Fortunately, the frown between Alnazir’s brows slowly eased as the water grew pleasantly hot.
“It’s a special enchanted tub. That means the water will stay warm until morning.”
He actually looked a little cute now, Fay thought, trying hard not to smile as she pulled her staff from the water. Since he didn’t ask for it any hotter, she figured the temperature was finally right.
At last, she felt she could relax for tonight. Fay straightened up from where she’d been bent over the tub—only to find Alnazir’s eyes following her every move. His gaze was strangely intense and made her uncomfortable.
“W-What is it?”
She could barely bring herself to meet those golden eyes. She never knew what he was thinking, and yet it often felt like he was reading her thoughts instead.
He looked like he wanted to say something, but never did. Fay found herself wondering if she’d ever get used to this strange octopus.
“Well, you must be tired after today. Get some rest.”
There wasn’t anything she could do about it now, so Fay decided to just go to bed for the night. As she forced a smile and turned to leave the bathroom—
“Where are you going?”
Alnazir suddenly grabbed her wrist.
“Gyaaah!”
Fay let out a scream—the jolt that shot through her body was electric.
“I didn’t even grab you that hard.”
Alnazir snorted, releasing her hand.
“It felt like you zapped me!”
He just grabbed and released her wrist again, and each time, it hurt.
“Hey! You’re not supposed to attack me, remember? It’s in the contract!”
Fay’s voice rose in panic. This was a total violation.
“Your body is just too fragile.”
Alnazir sighed, like he was the one being inconvenienced.
“Hold still. Let me try to adjust something.”
He took her arm in both hands, one to keep her from running, one for ‘experimentation’.
“How’s this? Still hurts? And now? Really, how are you even still alive with a body like this?”
“Stop! That hurts! Whatever you’re adjusting, it’s not working—ow! Be more careful! Are you trying to break your witch?”
The shock seemed less strong now, so maybe he hadn’t meant to hurt her. Fay was only half convinced, when suddenly a chill ran up her spine.
“How about now?”
“Uh…”
“Well?”
“It—it’s fine now! It doesn’t hurt anymore, you can stop now!”
Fay yanked her arm away.
She hurried out, leaving the confused Alnazir behind and shutting the bathroom door behind her.
Leaning against it, Fay gasped for breath. Her limbs were shaking, maybe from the repeated zaps—or maybe from how fast her heart was pounding.
But why…? That last sensation she felt had been—well, oddly pleasant.
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