Chapter 23
Come to think of it, I couldn’t recall the last time I had bathed. The slaves, regardless of gender, shared a bathhouse, and after learning that, I hadn’t washed, save for a single, hurried occasion. A memory surfaced of bathing with my sister. We’d compete to see who could endure the scalding 40-degree water the longest. A sudden longing to relive those memories washed over me. “Would it be possible… to have a bath?”
“Of course,” Julia replied, then led me to the bathroom. I watched, dazed, as she conjured hot water with magic. Magic was a high-level skill, difficult to learn and master, primarily used by the nobility, or so I’d heard. The Count’s daughter, Julia, must have been born and raised in the lap of luxury. A bitter laugh escaped me. To be served by such a noblewoman… it was almost comical.
“It’s ready. The temperature is magically maintained, so please relax and enjoy. If you need anything, just call.”
“Thank you,” I murmured.
Carefully, I peeled off my torn dress. Julia gathered the discarded garment, her eyes quickly scanning my body. Even I, someone so oblivious from birth that I’d only acquired a basic level of social awareness after arriving in Erendia, noticed her gaze. As our eyes met, Julia apologized. “Forgive me. Your skin, as white as snow, is so beautiful it captivated me.”
It sounded like nothing more than flattery. I gave a small shake of my head and stepped into the bath. The warm water enveloped me, starting with my toes and rising to embrace my entire body. It was a soothing warmth I hadn’t felt in ages. It felt so wonderful, it was surprising I’d forgotten this sensation. “Ah…”
The bathroom door closed, leaving me alone. Carefully, I took out the spirit stone. The white rabbit within gazed at my wet form. “Sister… when can I go back?”
Silence.
“I don’t know, but I’ll try. I’ll try to get back to you.”
I hugged the stone close. A warmth spread through me, a deep, comforting warmth. Whether it stemmed from the water or the stone, I couldn’t tell. Yet, the image of my sister’s lifeless head still haunted me.
Why did you leave her?
I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
She died because of you!
I begged for forgiveness in my heart. I was sorry I couldn’t save her, so sorry, please forgive me…
Clutching my head, I remained in the bath for a long time. Guilt choked me, making it hard to breathe.
The next day, Julia attended to me. Being with another woman all day, and strangely reminded of my sister every time I looked at her, created a peculiar sense of kinship. Though our appearances were vastly different, her mannerisms and the aura she exuded resembled my sister’s, drawing my gaze.
“Did you enjoy your bath last night?”
“Yes, thanks to you. Thank you.”
“I was only doing my duty.”
Simply conversing with another woman, alone, eased my tension. It was different from the discomfort I felt with Regina. Though last night’s look from Julia made me wary, the gentleness of her touch gradually dispelled those suspicions.
“Do you have a family?”
“Yes, my parents and my older sister. I’m the youngest.”
Speaking of family brought a smile to my face.
“You must be close to your sister.”
“Yes, although we’re separated now. I’m waiting to see her again.”
Julia smiled faintly, gently combing my hair. The fine strands flowed smoothly, untangled.
“I have a brother.”
“Yes, you mentioned him… Enadys.”
“That’s right. Honestly, we’re not very close. As siblings, we naturally have more trust than with strangers, but… at some point, we became distant.”
I’d heard sisters and brothers were different. Seeing Julia’s wistful expression, I realized it was the same in this world. I felt a pang of sympathy for her.
“I’ve always envied those with sisters. They share clothes, enjoy tea time together, and go on picnics and trips, like friends.”
That’s how it was with my sister, Jihyun, and me. We were inseparable sisters and best friends. We bickered and fought, but knowing each other so well, we always made up and shared everything. The thought of losing my family and friend felt like a piece of my heart had been ripped away.
“My sister and I were like that, too. We were the best of friends and sisters. We always did everything together, but now…”
Tears welled up again. Julia carefully wiped them away with a handkerchief. Her touch, so like my sister’s, made it impossible to contain my grief.
“Although I am but a humble servant, I would like to be like a sister to you, Jia. Of course, we haven’t known each other long, and you may not trust me, but I mean it sincerely.”
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