I gently slid the door shut behind me. The sharp clack echoed briefly in the empty hallway.
I adjusted the collar of my white kosode and made sure the red hakama fell straight. Then I set off to explore the house.
I paused for a moment to breathe. The smell of polished wood hung in the air, mixed with a faint note of incense, probably the one burned the night before.
The place was decorated with restraint. The walls bore fine patterns, carved or painted directly onto the wood. Not flashy, but clearly crafted with care. The residence seemed fairly new.
I slid open a few panels to air out the room. A cool breeze swept through the corridor.
First, I decided to explore the inside of the building. I walked down the hallway, taking care to note the layout of the rooms.
I passed the first door on the left: a bathroom. The one I'd used this morning. The two towels were still hanging up, wet marks stained the floor. Slightly messy.
An idea crossed my mind. Ainz didn't just have combat spells.
He was known for having several times more spells than the average player, and he was a roleplayer.
He had to have utility spells, right?
I focused, letting my thoughts drift toward that question. With a bit of effort, it felt like some buried catalog offered me a few options. I picked the first one that seemed appropriate.
[Clean.]
The distinct sensation of mana coursing through me overwhelmed me again. Water evaporated, steam vanished, and every trace of use disappeared. The place was spotless.
Then I aimed at the towels and cast: [Dry.]
When I pressed my face into one of them, it was now slightly warm, like those hotel towels I'd used before, but far softer.
I took a moment to fold both towels carefully and store them neatly in the bathroom drawer.
Across from that bathroom was a small toilet room. Simple, well-kept, with no sign of recent use.
Farther down, I found a narrow room with a folded futon and pristine tatami. A reserved guest room, clean and ready but never used.
I continued along the corridor. I spotted a second bathroom at the other end. Probably meant for guests, or to avoid making household members share if they didn't want to.
I took time to mentally map everything out. In all, I counted twelve rooms.
The large living room, bright and simply decorated.
Two bathrooms. Two separate toilets. Four extra bedrooms, all clean but unoccupied.
A small space serving as a storage area. The kitchen, simple but well organized.
And finally, the master bedroom, set slightly apart from the others with its own attached bath.
Everything here seemed designed to offer a minimum of privacy while still being able to host visitors if needed.
I made my way back to the main hall. At the end, I noticed the back door. I opened it gently, letting the morning light flood in.
The fresh air hit me immediately, sweeping away the last traces of incense and polished wood. I inhaled deeply. It smelled of damp earth and moss.
I stepped outside. The backyard spread out, enclosed by wooden fences. In the center, a small pond edged with smooth stones, arranged with care.
The water was calm, reflecting the sky's light.
On one edge, a bamboo shishi-odoshi tipped over with a hollow, regular clack. I watched it for a moment.
Water filled it, made it tip, emptied it with a sharp knock against the stone before resetting. Over and over.
I stood there for a while, listening to that slow rhythm.
A gust of cool air swept through the yard. My hair lifted in the breeze, strands whipping my cheek. I sighed and brushed a hand against my neck.
"I should probably tie it back..."
I resumed walking, skirting the edge of the small pond.
On that side, a cleared area featured several wooden stakes driven into the ground in a neat line. They were perfectly straight, firmly planted, with no signs of wear.
Recently installed, judging by the freshly packed earth around them. Beside them, several straw targets rested against a wall. Clearly an area meant for training, even if it hadn't seen much use yet.
I paused to study it. Practical. Minimalist. Meant for someone to practice alone or with a small group. I kept going.
Farther on, I found a small orchard carefully maintained. A few low fruit trees, neatly pruned. Rows of garden beds mixed edible plants with decorative species.
I slowed when I saw a patch of young green shoots not yet in bloom. The soil had been freshly worked. I bent closer for a better look.
Decorative plants. For floral arrangements. It was a traditional art Rei knew well.
I ran a finger along a sturdy stem. Should I try when they bloom?
I was still wondering when an unexpected sound made me jump.
A faint clack rang out from the entrance. A bell hanging over the door had jingled, breaking the peaceful silence of the garden.
I froze. My finger stayed resting on the stem.
He's back already?
Then I heard a female voice:
— Gomenkudasai...