Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 490: Plumbing

Riz and Theodora exchanged a few more words about Josephine's health.

But soon they changed the conversation to lighter topics so as to not make the guests feel awkward.

The atmosphere at the table is warming again until the end of dinner.

As the meal was finished and the plate was cleared away, it was time for the guests to be escorted to their respective rooms.

Since it was a very rare opportunity to spend the night here, Sarika was excited to check out the room.

Her curiosity bubbled beneath her calm face. She could hardly wait. After all, this was the home of the king. Surely, it would be something extraordinary.

The maid who was leading Sarika paused in front of a door. She turned toward her.

"My lady, this is your room. If you need any help, feel free to ring the bell."

"Thank you."

With the luggage from Barlia in her hand, Sarika stepped inside.

Her eyes immediately swept the room.

The first thing she noticed was the size of the room.

It was decent— neither overly large nor cramped.

She certainly feels a bit disappointed. Perhaps her expectations are too high.

Further into the room, she got access to a private balcony.

Sarika slid the door open and stepped outside. The cool night air entered and brushed her face.

As for the view, it was amazing.

The city of Bideford is spread out far and wide. Its lights twinkle like distant stars.

Sarika stepped back inside and continued her inspection. Everything she could possibly need was provided— a bed, sofa, a small table, a bedside table.

However, one thing that pricked her was the minimalist decoration of the room.

Maybe, she's simply not used to it.

"Hmm? Where does this door lead to?"

Sarika noticed another door in her room. Her hand gently pushed it open.

It was what she assumed to be a bathroom.

The floor was covered with shining tiles. A large bathtub took up one side of the room. The shower head was mounted above it. There's also a sink with a wide mirror embedded in the wall. In one corner, there's a toilet.

For Riz, these kinds of amenities were common.

But for her, this bathroom was nothing short of astonishing. It'll put whatever she had back at Klover into shame.

Sarika ran her fingers along the smooth surface of the sink.

The craftsmanship was exquisite.

"Did the king spend all his wealth on the bathroom instead of the mansion?"

As a former noble, she can guess some of its uses. But, there's more she never encountered before.

For example, the strange mechanisms attached to the sink and tub captured most of her attention.

"What does it do?" Sarika wondered.

She hesitated for a moment, afraid of breaking anything. A dirt poor woman like her can't afford to pay any compensation.

Despite her fear, her curiosity wins. Sarika slowly turned the valve.

A sudden rush of water flows out from the faucet above the sink, startling her.

Sarika instinctively took a step back. Her eyes widened in amazement. The water flowed steadily, clear and cold.

She reached out her fingers and let the water flow over them.

"Incredible…"

She turned the valve a bit more to increase the flow.

The stream of water became stronger. She couldn't help but marvel at the convenience of it.

Without further ado, Sarika stripped off her clothes and sank into the bathtub.

That night, Sarika had the best bath of her life.

....

While Sarika enjoyed her luxurious bath, Riz was having a conversation with his stepmother, Josephine. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Are you okay? You didn't come down for dinner."

Josephine gave him a faint smile. "It's okay. I just don't have much of an appetite tonight. What brings you here?"

"I wanted to tell you that I've successfully assigned my spies to guard Reina closely. She should be fine for the time being. As for Russell, there's been a sighting of him in Cerdeauxia."

Josephine's eyes slightly widened.

"Cerdeauxia? It's so close..." she murmured.

Riz nodded, "Yes. One of my subordinates spotted someone resembling him by chance. It was pure luck."

Obviously, he didn't tell her everything. Like how his half-brother became a president under a fake name.

Josephine looked at him, "You're going to bring him back, right?"

He smiled, "Of course, mother. I'll bring him back. Russell has been away from home for years."

Josephine let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Riz's assurance is enough to make her shoulders feel light.

Knowing the crime her son had committed, she wouldn't be surprised if Riz wanted to take Russell's life.

"Thank you, Riz."

"No problem." Riz stood up and left her to rest.

He quietly entered his bedroom, only to find out Theodora was still awake.

Her back reclined against the headboard. A few pillows propped behind her.

There's a book in her hands.

Noticing his arrival, Theodora looked up and offered him a warm smile. "Finished talking to mother?"

"Yes, for now," Riz replied. He walked over to the side of the bed and sat down.

"How are you feeling?" His eyes briefly drifted to her belly before meeting her eyes.

"I'm fine, just a little tired. More importantly, how's she?"

"She's relieved to hear that my spies safeguarding Reina, but she's worried about Russell."

Theodora studied his face for a moment. A slight wrinkle appeared on her forehead. "You told her everything, right?"

Riz hesitated for a second. But, knowing there was no point in hiding the truth from Theodora, he admitted. "No. I left out many parts about Russell's situation in Cerdeauxia."

Theodora sighed softly, "I suppose you had your reasons. However, the longer you hide, the more devastated she'll be."

She knows her husband will never let his half-brother get away, let alone forgive him.

"I know. Don't worry too much about them. Everything will be resolved soon."

"I just hope that decision doesn't break this family apart," she murmured.