A New Dawn

Chapter 13 – A New Dawn

Yuji's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry as the morning light streamed through the wooden window. His body ached, a deep soreness settling in his muscles from last night's ruthless indulgence. For a moment, his mind was blank—until the memories of last night hit him like a wave.

Emma's broken moans.

Ariana's resistance turning into surrender.

The feeling of taking them both, molding them into his own.

Yuji exhaled slowly.

He glanced around the room, but neither Emma nor Ariana were there.

His brows furrowed.

Then, he noticed something else. The bag of coins—gone.

Yuji chuckled to himself.

"Did they take it and run?"

He wasn't angry. If anything, he expected them to betray him at some point. It was the nature of slaves. They had been nothing but tools to others, treated like property. If they had taken the money and run, he wouldn't even blame them.

But then—

The door creaked open.

Emma and Ariana stepped inside, carrying small sacks of food.

"You're awake, Master," Emma said softly.

Yuji tilted his head. "Yeah… Where were you two?"

Ariana, still avoiding his gaze, answered, "We were starving after yesterday… so we saw the money bag and thought we could buy some food. We also ordered yours."

Yuji sat up, stretching his sore muscles.

"And whose idea was it to make decisions without my permission?"

Ariana tensed.

Emma quickly stepped forward, lowering her head. "It was my decision. I told her to do it."

Yuji stood up, stepping toward her.

Emma flinched, shutting her eyes, bracing for a hit.

Instead—

A warm hand rested on top of her head.

Emma's eyes widened in surprise.

Yuji ruffled her hair gently. "You don't need to ask me for permission to eat. If you're hungry, just eat."

Ariana's lips parted slightly as she watched the interaction.

Yuji reached into the money bag, taking out ten coins, then handed five to each of them.

"If you ever want something for yourself, buy it. No need to ask me."

Emma's hands trembled as she took the coins. "This is… a lot of money. A normal family could live for years with this much."

Yuji blinked. He hadn't realized how much money that noble had given him. That bastard… He really handed me an insane amount.

He shook his head. "Whatever. When's my food coming?"

Ariana cleared her throat. "We just ordered it. It should arrive soon."

Yuji nodded. "Good. In the meantime, prepare a bath for me."

Ariana frowned. "How?"

Emma, ever obedient, answered, "We can ask the innkeeper to arrange one."

Yuji smirked. "I don't care how. Just get it done."

The two girls exchanged glances before leaving.

A Bath in Another World

A while later, Emma and Ariana returned, carrying buckets of warm water.

Yuji stared at them in disbelief. "This is the bath?"

Emma gave a sheepish smile. "This is how it's done here."

Yuji sighed. He had expected a proper bathhouse, but this world was primitive.

Shrugging, he began undressing.

Emma and Ariana turned to leave, but—

"Where are you two going?" Yuji asked.

Emma blinked. "Uh… Outside?"

Yuji smirked. "Bath me."

Ariana froze.

"No way," she spat.

Yuji's eyes gleamed. "I think you've already forgotten last night."

Ariana clenched her fists but said nothing.

Emma, on the other hand, hesitated for only a moment before adjusting her dress and kneeling behind him.

She dipped a cloth in the warm water and began scrubbing his back.

Her fingers were gentle yet precise, moving with a certain care that made Yuji relax.

When she moved to his chest, her eyes flickered upward, catching his gaze.

Yuji felt a brief temptation.

Her lips were slightly parted. Her breaths were uneven.

Arousal stirred in his gut—

But then, Lyra's face flashed through his mind.

His desire instantly faded.

Not now.

Emma seemed to notice his shift and quickly finished.

By the time the food arrived, Yuji had bathed, dressed, and was finally able to sit down and eat.

He devoured the meal in silence, lost in thought.

What now?

What was his next move?

He needed a plan.

His cheat ability was powerful, but he had to use it wisely. He couldn't waste it on just anyone.

Then, he turned to Ariana.

"What's your story?"

Ariana's eyes darkened.

"I am the last survivor of my race," she whispered.