Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 160
In that way, Irene spent every day sticking close to Burt, engaging in friendly banter.
When they went outside, Noah and Bella accompanied them instead of Lani, who had caught a cold. Whenever she saw them together, Bella smiled contentedly.
“Ah, it seems my lifelong dream is coming true.”
Both Burt and Irene denied it, but to Bella, they looked like a wonderful couple.
“They both said they’re not dating.”
“Who else sticks together like that if they’re not dating?”
“Those two.”
“Noah, you’re saying that because you don’t understand. Where the body follows, the heart also follows. Those two are practically an excellent couple already.”
Noah continued to deny it, but the knights who were listening agreed with Bella.
Had their lord ever cared for and looked after someone so attentively before?
Burt was the type of person who would treat even a saintess coldly if he didn’t like them. In other words, if he didn’t have feelings, he wouldn’t be treating her as warmly as a spring breeze.
It was around the time Irene became accustomed to chess and mastered most of the snow-related games.
Burt suggested a trip to her.
“Where to?” she asked.
“If we leave the castle and travel a bit, there’s a village famous for its hot springs at the beginning of the mountain range.”
“Hot springs?”
“It’s a place where hot water springs naturally, and it’s said to be good for health and beauty.”
Although she had access to plenty of hot water inside the castle, they said the feel of hot spring water was different.
“How about it? Would you like to go?”
“Yes, I’d like to.”
Irene responded enthusiastically.
“But Burt, is it okay for you not to work even though you’ve just returned to your country? Do kings usually play like this?”
“Of course not. I handle all my duties while the Saintess is asleep.”
“Then when do you sleep?”
“I sleep as needed. You don’t have to worry.”
“I’m not worried, you know.”
Irene desperately denied it, but Burt just smiled at her.
Striking while the iron was hot, they set off for the hot spring village the next day. She was offered to ride a dog sled once more, but she politely declined.
The hot spring village at the beginning of the mountain range was quite large but surprisingly quiet.
“This place is often visited by those recovering from injuries.”
Burt rented out the most renowned spot in the hot spring village for its effectiveness. It was something only a wealthy king could do.
“The hot springs are communal spaces used by many people. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
He kept asking if she was okay with things, but what wouldn’t be okay?
Do I seem like such a picky person? Irene looked into a mirror and smoothed her eyes.
Even if the corners of her eyes were slightly sharp, she didn’t think she looked that stern. Irene followed the inn staff’s guidance to the hot springs.
The women’s hot spring was uniquely built outdoors. As she dipped her feet into the hot water and looked up at the sky, the stars that Burt had praised so much filled the heavens.
“It’s beautiful.”
She slipped into the water, and it felt like her tense muscles were melting away.
“Ahhh!”
Stretching out, she stared blankly at the sky when voices came from the other side.
‘They said the other side beyond the surrounding wall is the men’s area, right?’
Then Burt would be in there now.
“Master, you are amazing.”
An familiar voice reached her ears.
“What is?”
“Your physique, sir. A body trained to the extreme—I’m still far from it.”
“Do you really need to say that here?”
“But I’m just so impressed.”
Starting with Sizus voice, the knights added their own comments one by one.
‘Come to think of it, Burt’s physique is impressive.’
Even covered by clothes, it was noticeable. His body, filled with muscles trained to the limit, felt like a weapon in itself.
‘And his body temperature was particularly high.’
Thanks to that, she would subtly stand close to him when it got excessively cold, using him as a kind of hot water bottle.
As she listened quietly to the sounds coming from beside her, Lani entered a bit late.
Having recovered from her cold just in time, Lani happily joined, saying the hot springs were good for health.
“Saintess.”
Seeing Irene, Lani approached with a delighted face. But soon, she wore a pained expression upon seeing the scars adorning Irene’s entire body.
“It’s an old story now.”
“But still…”
“Enough. I’d just like to enjoy today quietly.”
Only then did Lani close her mouth. With the two of them silent, the voices from next door seemed even clearer. They were still praising muscles.
“Oh my, so that’s the men’s side over there.”
Lani’s eyes sparkled.
“Goodness, what could they be talking about? Oh my!”
Lani, who was beside Irene, began to slowly move closer to the wall.
