Warm steam drifted across the dome of the carved bathroom. The gilded copper bathtub was filled with warm water mixed with rose essential oil, a layer of fine white foam floating on the surface.
Supported by the three girls, Altair stepped into the bathtub, the warm water instantly rising past his waist and abdomen.
In truth, his sprain had long been healed by the potion Hether had given him. He had maintained the appearance of being unable to move on his own solely as a performance for outsiders.
As Altair felt the three of them begin to scrub his shoulders, neck, and back with even pressure, he experienced an unprecedented level of comfort and closed his eyes to enjoy it.
Altair was not surprised by Freya's desires. Any human would have desires, and her choice was not unusual.
Ultimately, Altair agreed to the trade. It wasn't a major matter in itself; becoming a 'Beyonder' was not difficult for him, requiring only a few trivial materials.
Irene's behavior, on the other hand, struck Altair as baffling. She had no ulterior motive for doing this, her heart as calm as still water.
Vera, that silly girl, really was just simple-minded. It was only after entering the bathroom that she realized Altair was different.
Once he was washed clean, Irene woke Altair and took a pre-warmed linen bath towel. She gently dried the water droplets from his body by wrapping him in it, her movements so precise that not a single splash was made.
Altair looked at Vera, who had come out with him, shook his head, and said, "What's this? Are you starting to distance yourself from me now that you've discovered my identity?"
Vera lowered her head, not daring to meet Altair's eyes. "Vera doesn't mean to distance herself from Altair. It's just... everything that happened tonight feels a bit unreal."
This was indeed difficult for Vera. They were originally little sisters who ate and lived together, but now he had turned into a man. It was certainly hard to accept.
Before the last two could emerge from the bathroom, Altair was already lying in bed to rest. He was in no hurry regarding matters between men and women.
When Freya and Irene came out, they saw Vera standing to the side and Altair lying on the bed.
Approaching, they realized Altair had already fallen asleep. Freya gave Vera a helpless roll of her eyes, then directly stripped off her nightgown and lay under the covers with her smooth skin exposed.
After Irene turned off the room lights, she used the moonlight to find Vera, pulling her onto the bed to rest.
The night was silent, save for the rustling of friction from the bed... The next morning, as the sky began to brighten with a hazy mist, dew still clung to the rose trellises. When the wind blew, fine droplets pitter-pattered down, wetting the neatly trimmed lawn.
A gardener in a white apron was bent over pruning rose branches, the metal shears opening and closing with the chill of the morning mist.
The glass roof of the greenhouse glowed under the rising Sun. The tropical orchids inside bloomed vibrantly, their fragrance mixing with the freshness of the dew and drifting into the bedroom.
The canary in the gilded birdcage began to chirp, one song after another.
This palace, located on the outskirts of Backlund, began to gradually grow lively at its edges.
For instance, the kitchen was already bustling with activity, responsible for the breakfast of nearly 300 nobles attending the banquet.
"Where are the eggs? Who took the eggs?"
"Oh no, no, no, this plating is wrong. You should do it like this."
...Once the 'Crimson Moon' had completely set and the Sun rose, the wake-up bell began to ring in the hallway.
Hearing the bell, Altair slowly opened his eyes and looked around, finding that the three girls were already awake.
Altair got up and went straight to the bathroom. He couldn't sleep in these two days; if others found out, it would be a joke, and he might even be accused of disrespecting the royal family.
When he came out of the bathroom, he found they had also gotten up. As Altair approached, the three of them took turns helping him wash and dress.
During this time, they not only had to dress Altair but also attend to their own attire. Fortunately, the servants' clothing had uniform requirements during the banquet; otherwise, just choosing clothes would have wasted a long time... While Altair was still hesitating over what to choose for breakfast, a greeting sounded from behind.
"Good morning, Count Altair."
"Has your ankle sprain healed?"
Turning around, Altair saw the young lady before him and smiled. "Good morning, Audrey."
"It's mostly better. At least normal walking isn't affected."
"You seem to be in a good mood today."
Audrey said to Altair with a face full of smiles, "Thanks to you, Father was very happy when he returned last night. I took the opportunity to ask him for a few things I needed."
Curious, Altair asked, "Is that so? What good thing did Count Hall encounter last night that could be related to me?"
Audrey didn't keep it a secret and said directly, "I'm not too sure about that. When I left last night, he was preparing to negotiate with Count Strauss."
Strauss... he must have gained something from Uncle-Grandfather Leif.
After choosing their food, the two left the serving area together. Audrey didn't intend to return to her parents' side; instead, she chose a nearby table with Altair to begin their meal.
Watching Audrey's elegant way of eating, Altair also began to chew slowly.
After leaving the dining room, Altair returned to his room for the time being and saw Vera, Freya, and Irene, who had already returned.
He asked casually, "How was breakfast?"
After a delicious breakfast and Irene's guidance, Vera had already returned to normal. She said happily, "Count Altair, this morning's breakfast was very unique. Although it didn't look that great, the taste was excellent."
Altair sometimes really envied an optimist like Vera... After changing into a traveling dress suitable for going out, Altair led the three out of the room to the hunting grounds. However, he didn't join the hunt but went to the viewing platform. Finding Hether, he sat down beside her.
Hether looked at Altair with a grin and asked, "How was the ball last night?"
Altair was in no mood to answer that. He asked directly, "How did you escape the order to attend the ball yesterday? I'm certain you weren't there at all."
Hether put on a profound and troubled look, whispering, "You know, as a woman, there are always a few days every month when one feels unwell."
Altair didn't believe a word of it and countered, "Then why didn't you remind me that I could use that excuse?"
Hether turned and shook her head, saying casually, "Mainly because you didn't ask yesterday."
Hearing Hether's words, Altair's anger flared. Just because he hadn't asked, he had been put on display like a 'Curly-Haired Baboon' for two hours last night.
"Good morning, Count Altair."
"Good morning, Mrs. Donovan."
Audrey, who had agreed to watch the hunt with Altair, entered the viewing platform and greeted the two.
Hether turned around and was completely captivated by Audrey. She immediately pulled her by the hand to sit down and began their 'girls' chatter'.
Through a telescope with a carved ivory handle, Altair could clearly see 'George III' below, leading the nobles in scarlet hunting attire as they rode slowly.
Their hunting rifles were polished bright, the stocks inlaid with carved ivory, and the barrels reflecting a cold light. Most were double-barreled hunting rifles custom-made by top workshops in Backlund, costing up to a hundred gold pounds—far beyond the crude firearms of ordinary country squires.
'George III' rode at the front, followed closely by a kennel master leading over ten purebred hounds.
Only after he, as the King, fired the first shot did the other nobles begin to officially join the hunt.