Before the sun rises, I swing my sword—a daily routine I’ve kept since I was old enough to remember. With winter approaching, mornings and nights have grown bitterly cold. After about twenty serious swings, my body begins to emit steam, as if I’m boiling from within.
With practical magic, one can handle nearly anything. But to see the edges of this world, you never know what challenges may arise. That’s why I relentlessly push my body, preparing for the unknown.
How many people in this world have seen its edges? Has anyone, even in history? In my past life, I was revered as a sage—a grand sage, even—but not even I witnessed the world's limits. Perhaps no one has.
As dawn breaks, I stop swinging my sword and head for a morning bath.
Bathing every morning is a habit of mine. Sometimes I even bathe at night if I’m especially tired—a rarity even among nobles. Nobles typically bathe every two or three days, daily only in summer. Commoners bathe as well, but the impoverished often don’t.
As someone who dabbles in medicine, I wish people would bathe daily. Hygiene is closely tied to disease prevention—particularly food poisoning and infections, which thrive in unclean environments.
“Master, allow me to wash your back.”
Pal enters, wearing a thin bathing garment. This is routine, so I’m no longer surprised.
When Pal says she’ll wash my back, she means she’ll thoroughly clean every inch of me. Starting from my head, she meticulously moves downward.
“You’re in good shape again today, Master,” she remarks.
“Same as always,” I reply.
Seeing Pal in her alluring state, I can’t help but feel energized. After all, I’m only human—or rather, a man. Pal smiles seductively, then carefully tends to me.
Her wet garment clings to her body, outlining her sensual figure. Anyone, even a frail old man on his deathbed, would find vitality in such a sight.
Once she’s finished washing me, I soak in the tub.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about improving the soap I use in the bath. The current one leaves my hair dry and my skin tight. I’d like to create a better soap, especially for Pal’s sake.
“Today is the Day of Darkness, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is,” Pal confirms.
Since the clinic is closed, I consider spending the day experimenting with soap.
“I think I’ll gather some medicinal herbs today.”
“Herbs, Master? Your healing magic doesn’t require them, does it?”
“It’s unrelated to magic. Just a little experiment.”
“Understood. I’ll prepare a lunchbox for you.”
“Thanks, Pal.”
After breakfast, I leave the capital and head to a mountain where I expect to find herbs.
Using Target Search, an evolved form of Enemy Search, I locate herbs known to enhance skin elasticity and moisture.
One of them, rokai, is a vibrant green plant with spiny leaves. Cutting into its thick foliage reveals a moist, translucent interior.
“This herb works wonders for the skin’s elasticity and moisture,” I explain.
“That’s incredible! We must bring it back and cultivate it at the estate!” Pal says excitedly.
Her enthusiasm is palpable, and I find myself hugging her on impulse.
“H-Hey, Master… not here…”
“Pal, I like your scent.”
“You’re such a pervert, Master. But Pal won’t abandon you for it.”
Technically, I’m her superior, so she could tone down the sass.
Following Pal’s suggestion, I carefully uproot the rokai for cultivation at the estate. If successful, it’ll save me trips like this.
Using magic, I dig up the ground and stow the herb, roots and all. This rokai isn’t just good for the skin—it also enhances hair moisture and shine. Truly a super herb.
“Next spot is over there. Let’s go, Pal.”
“Yes, Master.”
I lift Pal into a princess carry and fly us to the next location. After collecting several types of herbs, we enjoy the lunch Pal prepared, sitting atop the mountain.
“The air is refreshing, the food is delicious, the view is spectacular, and I’m sitting beside a beautiful woman. What more could I ask for?”
“Oh, Master, you flatter me!”
Blushing, Pal playfully smacks my back. I nearly topple off the cliff.
Please, a little restraint next time.