"I look forward to working with you."

Roy blinked once, then smiled, his usual easygoing expression returning as if he had decided, just like her, that whatever had happened earlier simply did not exist anymore.

"Thanks," he said lightly, nodding once, "I’m looking forward to it too."

And just like that, the matter was buried, unspoken and mutually ignored, as if both of them had silently agreed that it was better left exactly where it was.

"Right... come on," Irene said after a moment, turning toward another door, her posture straightening as she slipped back into something more professional, something safer, "I’ll show you around properly."

Roy followed after her without hesitation, his hands slipping casually into his pockets as they stepped out into the main corridor.

Immediately, the atmosphere of the place wrapped around him again. It felt warm, humid, and faintly fragrant, the scent of minerals and herbs lingering in the air as soft steam drifted lazily along the wooden beams overhead.

The corridor itself was long and polished, the floor was smooth beneath their feet, lined with paper lanterns that cast a gentle golden glow across the walls, while sliding doors with delicate painted patterns sat at even intervals along the sides, each one hiding a different room, a different purpose.

"This place is called Kiyomizu Springs," Irene began as they walked, her voice steady now, her earlier embarrassment tucked neatly away behind her work tone, "it’s built directly on top of a natural mana vein, and that’s what feeds the hot springs."

Roy glanced around slowly, taking it all in: the architecture, the quiet elegance of the place, the faint hum of something deeper beneath it all.

"Mana vein..." he murmured.

"That’s why people come here," she continued, "not just for relaxation, but for cultivation, the water helps circulate mana through the body, and it’s especially effective for people with higher affinities, so we get a lot of important clients."

She glanced at him briefly.

"Nobles, mages, wealthy merchants, even the occasional knight captain, so you need to be careful with how you handle yourself."

Roy gave a small grin. "No offending rich people, got it."

She shot him a quick look. "I’m serious."

"...Yeah, I can tell."

They turned a corner, stopping in front of a slightly larger door, more ornate than the others, with carved patterns along its frame.

"This is Madam Penelope’s office," Irene said, her tone firm, "you don’t enter unless she calls you in."

Roy raised his hands slightly. "Understood, I like my job."

"Good."

They continued on, the corridor narrowing slightly as they moved into a quieter section of the building.

"These are the workers’ quarters," she said, sliding one of the doors open just enough for him to peek inside, revealing a simple but clean room with tatami mats and a folded sleeping mat in the corner. "You can choose any empty room."

Roy leaned slightly, looking in, then glanced back at her.

"...Which one is yours?"

Irene hesitated for just a moment, then pointed down the hall. "Last one on the left. Corner room."

Roy followed her gaze, nodding slowly as if committing it to memory.

"I’ll take the one opposite it then," he said casually.

She froze.

It was subtle, just a slight stiffening of her shoulders, a small pause in her breathing before her cheeks colored faintly again.

"O-opposite?" she asked, her voice just a fraction too quick, "why that one?"

Roy shrugged lightly, completely unfazed. "It’s empty, right? And it’s close. Convenient."

"...Right," she murmured, though the faint blush on her face lingered longer than she probably wanted it to.

They moved on before she could dwell on it.

The air grew warmer as they approached the bath section, the soft sound of water becoming clearer, accompanied by quiet voices and the occasional splash.

"The baths are through here," Irene said, slowing slightly as they approached the entrance, though she didn’t step fully inside, stopping just at the threshold.

Roy glanced in briefly, catching glimpses of steam-covered water, silhouettes of people relaxing within.

"You’ve already seen this part," she added, "but just so you know, there are private baths for higher-paying clients, and open baths for general use."

She folded her arms lightly.

"Like I said, because of the mana vein, a lot of important people come here, and if you manage to please them, they’ll tip well, and some might even request you specifically."

Roy’s lips curved slightly at that.

"Sounds like good business."

"It is," she replied, "if you don’t mess it up."

As they continued walking, they passed by two employees carrying stacks of fresh towels, both of them pausing when they noticed Irene.

"Irene," one of them called, a tall woman with dark braided hair and a confident posture, "who’s the new guy?"

"This is Roy," Irene said, stopping briefly, "he’s our new masseur."

The woman looked him up and down, then smirked slightly. "Aisha Khan. Try not to cause trouble."

Roy grinned. "No promises."

Beside her, a pale-haired man chuckled. "They call me Leon Weiss." He cupped his mouth with his hand, "By the way, don’t die to madam’s screams in your first week."

"She will hear you!" Aisha hit him squarely on the back.

Roy laughed, "I’ll do my best," Roy replied dryly.

They moved on.

Soon, Irene led him into a section with several rooms lined neatly along both sides.

"These are the massage rooms," she explained, sliding one open to reveal a clean, neatly arranged space with low tables, soft mats, and shelves lined with oils and towels. "Private rooms are further down, and open ones are here."

Roy stepped in briefly, looking around.

"This is where you’ll be working most of the time."

He nodded. "I like it."

Finally, they entered a larger, more lively room filled with chatter and the smell of food.

"This is the staff common room," Irene said.

Several employees sat around low tables, eating and talking, while in the corner, a large woman stood at a cooking station, stirring something in a pot.

"That’s Chef Marta," Irene added.

As if summoned, the woman turned.

"Is that a new one?" she boomed, already walking over.

"This is Roy—"

WHACK!

Her hand landed squarely on his back.

"Welcome!" she laughed.

Roy winced hard. "Ghk—thank you..."

"Marta Bear," she said proudly, "you eat, you work, and you don’t complain!"

"...Yes, Chef."

Irene turned slightly, clearly hiding a smile.

Eventually, they made their way back to the quarters.

"This should be your room," Irene said, sliding the door open. "The one you picked."

Roy stepped inside.

Tatami mats covered the floor, a folded sleeping mat rested neatly to one side, a small closet held clean sheets and simple clothes, and near the closed sliding window sat a wash basin.

It was a simple room, but at least he could say it was his room.

"...Not bad," he said quietly.

Irene lingered at the doorway.

"I have to get back to work," she said, her tone softer again, "but if you need anything, just ask."

She hesitated, then added, "And if you’re hungry, go see Chef Marta."

Right on cue—

Grrrlll...

Roy’s stomach growled loudly.

There was a brief, awkward pause, then both of them laughed.

"Yeah... I think I will," he admitted.

Irene smiled faintly, "...Good luck, Roy."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving him alone in the quiet room.

Roy stood there for a moment, looking around, letting it settle in.

"No more sleeping on the streets," He had a roof over his head now.

A small, satisfied smile slowly spread across his face as he stepped further inside and slid the door shut behind him.

Step one of his redemption arc was in progress.