I Just Wanted to Avoid Death - Chapter 136

Trying not to look flustered, Yeshion scrambled down from the bed. Eldis set the bundle down on the bed. They were luxurious silk pajamas.

But that wasn’t all Eldis had brought. There were also other essentials—writing supplies, basic living goods, even several books.

“…What is all this?”

“Standard issue supplies from the temple. Things the previous ‘Yeshion’ was never given.”

“…Why wasn’t he given them?”

“That one had a nasty habit of throwing anything he could get his hands on when he got angry.

A priest nearly lost his eyesight once after getting stabbed with a pen nib. After that, all supplies were confiscated.”

Yeshion’s mouth dropped open. He’d known the former ‘Yeshion’ had a temper, but not that it was this destructive.

“B-But… for temple supplies, the pajamas are really… extravagant.”

“That’s a gift. From me.”

“A gift?”

“Yes. I kept noticing you were always sleeping in the same clothes.”

At that, Yeshion glanced down at himself.

He’d been sleeping in a sleeveless tunic that only reached his knees. It was meant to be worn under the ceremonial robes, not as sleepwear, but since he didn’t have anything else, he’d been using it for bed too.

Apparently, other priests had proper nightwear.

“…Thank you. I don’t really have anything to give you, though.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“…Huh?”

“There are things you can give me. You’re holding onto more than you realize.”

At Eldis’s words, Yeshion glanced over at the worn pouch lying not far from him.

Despite being a high-ranking priest with a generous salary, Yeshion’s purse was always embarrassingly flat.

‘Granted, I still haven’t figured out the reason why…’

And now, having barely returned, of course his financial situation was in shambles.

“Um, I don’t have any money. I think I’m supposed to get paid soon, so once that happens, maybe I could—”

“I wasn’t referring to that kind of thing. You can repay me in other ways.”

“Other… ways?”

“Like spending time together. Or letting me know more about you.”

At Eldis’s reply, Yeshion blinked, dumbfounded. He was pretty sure he’d already shared everything there was to share. Was there really more?

He tilted his head, puzzled, and Eldis let out a long sigh.

“I did think you were a little slow, but…”

“Excuse me?”

“…It’s nothing. I’ll go prepare things, so go wash up first. The large bath is on the left side of the main building.”

“Wait, what? There’s a large bath?”

Eldis gave a small nod, like it wasn’t a big deal. When Yeshion asked why he hadn’t mentioned it before, he simply said, “You never asked.”

Staring at him with a blank expression, Yeshion was caught off guard when Eldis asked:

“Shall I accompany you?”

“…No, thank you.”

Pouting a little, Yeshion grabbed the change of clothes and headed toward the bath.

The large bath was nearly the size of one he’d seen in the Imperial Palace. Hot water bubbled up in the center of the tub, filling the room with steam.

“Wow…”

Seeing it, Yeshion gave a dumbfounded laugh.

“If something like this exists, he could’ve told me. I’ve been washing with cold water this whole time…”

Grumbling, he stepped carefully into the bath. Since he’d transmigrated, it felt like the first time in forever he was soaking in warm water.

“Haah…”

Letting out a deep sigh, Yeshion sank until the water came up just below his nose, blinking slowly.

It had been fine earlier when he was talking with Eldis, but now that he was alone again, the creeping negative thoughts began rising from the tips of his toes.

“‘Don’t overthink it,’ huh…”

Murmuring Eldis’s words to himself, all Yeshion could manage was another sigh.

Even if he didn’t want to overthink, it’s not like he could stop the thoughts from coming.

If I didn’t have healing powers… would they still feel the same about me?

That was the biggest question lingered heavily in his mind. If he hadn’t been imbued with divine power, would they still have looked at him the same way they do now?

Clutching his head, tangled in those thoughts, he groaned, only to hear a sigh not far from him.

“I told you not to overthink things. It hasn’t even been thirty minutes.”

It was Eldis’s voice.

Startled, Yeshion shot upright, splashing water everywhere, and there stood Eldis, a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Wh-Wh-Why are y-you here?!”

“What do you mean, why? I asked if you wanted me to come bathe with you, didn’t I?”

“No, you didn’t! I have no memory of hearing that!”

“I most certainly did. I said, ‘Go ahead and wash up first.’”

How in the world does that sound like a suggestion to bathe together?!

As Yeshion gaped, red in the face, golden eyes slowly swept over his body.

“Ah—hey! What are you looking at?!”

“Your body.”

“Y-You pervert?!”