“Sir Quartz, thank you so much for finding our inn!”
What the heck.
What is this?
I couldn’t hide my confusion at seeing a man bowing so politely. How long had it taken for rumors to spread all the way to the inn after I arrived? I felt the curious eyes of the people chatting in the 1st Floor lobby on me and decided to speak up.
“Enough with the greetings. I’d rather reserve a room.”
“I’ll get you the best room available.”
If you want to do that, go ahead.
We followed the man straight to the counter where we could get the keys for the inn. The man seemed to be of a high rank at this inn, as he carelessly scanned the area where the keys were kept, picked several keys, and placed them on the counter.
“I have a selection of rooms, from a VIP room where you can have a good time to one with a great view.”
Well, fame does have its perks sometimes. I glanced over the ornate keys on the counter and asked the two behind me, who seemed a bit out of place.
“Can you two share a room?”
“I don’t mind.”
What about Sandulbaram? With her awkward vibe just as much as Elisa, what choice would she make? It felt like it was already decided, though.
“I’m fine with it too.”
“Then I’ll book one private room and one shared room.”
“How about staying in the VIP room? It has three rooms inside, which would be more convenient than renting two separate ones.”
The man kindly explained about the VIP room and winked at me.
I think someone’s got the wrong idea.
I turned my head again to look at the two. Sif didn’t seem to care much, but Sandulbaram was blushing and avoiding my gaze.
See? That’s why the atmosphere is weird.
“…Let’s just get two rooms.”
“No, please give me the VIP room.”
“Sandulbaram?”
“Surely the honorable Sir Quartz won’t be putting the moves on a lady.”
“I swear on my honor I have no such intentions.”
“Here’s the key for you. The room is at the end of the 7th floor, so just head up the stairs. I’ll personally guide you when it’s mealtime. I hope you have a wonderful time.”
Wonderful time?
I took the two with me and headed up to the room.
———–
The VIP room looked more like a luxury hotel than an inn. Long windows, a city view beyond them, a living room, and three bedrooms. It seemed like a whole house had been moved here.
“Wow… how much is all this worth? Just selling one would keep me fed for a month.”
[The furniture is sparkling… what’s it made of?]
“…”
“Pick a room you like. I’ll sleep in the remaining one.”
“No, Johann, you take the best room! You paid after all, and being the highest person here, you deserve such benefits.”
“It doesn’t really matter to me.”
“It matters to me, so just do it!”
“If you insist.”
“…Can I take that room over there?”
I looked at the room Sandulbaram pointed to. A large window peeked through the open door. Looking out from there would be refreshing.
“Go for it.”
I thought I might check out the room too. I grabbed my backpack with one hand and ambled over to the fanciest-looking door.
“Impressive.”
Is this a room for royalty? I felt the fear of the extravagance as I looked at the brilliant wardrobe and bed adorned with dazzling decorations. How much money did they even throw at this?
“Wow… it’s so extravagant.”
“I can’t even guess how much this room cost.”
“…It’s extravagant.”
“If I accidentally mess up the bedding, I won’t be able to sleep for worrying about it.”
The bedding, whatever material it was made of, felt as soft as baby down. It was probably the least extravagant thing in this room, but it likely cost a hefty price compared to the other items here.
“Johann, can I lay down over there?”
“Go ahead.”
As soon as I gave her permission, Sif flopped onto the bed. Her expression relaxed, clearly enjoying herself. I watched her and then turned my gaze to Sandulbaram.
She was staring fixedly at the bed.
“Do you want to lie down too?”
“…I’d love to.”
Like a graceful lady, Sandulbaram walked carefully to the bed and carefully sat down, then reclined back.
How cute.
I watched the two as they luxuriated on the bed, enjoying the peaceful moment.
It was pretty fun watching beautiful women roll around on a bed.
[Contractor, I want to join too.]
“I got it.”
Upon my consent, Rue used her tentacles like arms to climb onto the bed. She settled herself on one side and buried her face in the pillow, closing her eyes.
What a peculiar sight.
Quietly, I exited the room.
————-
Knock, knock, knock.
“Everyone, wake up. We’ve got dinner to attend.”
“Ugh…”
“Oops, I overslept.”
Is it because she’s a cat? Sif let out a yawn, half sitting up with just her lower body lifted, while her upper body remained in bed. How oddly cat-like.
“Sandulbaram. Wash up. We can’t skip dinner.”
“…Uh.”
I didn’t wake her up during lunch because she was sleeping so deeply.
I fiddled with my fingers, feeling a bit stiff after checking the state of the items I brought and purchasing plenty of preserved food at the grocery store.
I really need to ask Karina for help to make a signature when I get back.
It feels unique, but my handwriting looks like that of an elementary student, tattered and twisted – not ideal.
“Johann, where’s the bathroom…?”
“That way.”
As I watched Sif stumble toward the bathroom, I stepped into the living room and picked up the fountain pen I had set down on the table in front of the sofa. I knew full well what was about to occur as I headed down; I bought it while shopping.
I did receive it kinda free, but…
With this, I could perhaps use my signature instead of money.
While I was wasting time on such thoughts, the two ladies came over to me, ready.
“Let’s hurry!”
“Okay.”
I opened the door and headed down to the cafeteria with the man waiting for us.
Since there was no elevator, we had to take the stairs, but that wasn’t really an inconvenience. I wasn’t tired enough to let stair climbing wear me out now.
When we arrived at the 2nd Floor, we briefly paused in front of the firmly shut doors of the cafeteria because the man guiding us had stopped.
He made a swift half-turn, bowed to us respectfully, and said, “This is our pride, the cafeteria. The chef once worked for royalty and is quite praised by many esteemed guests.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“We will do our utmost to meet the expectations of Sir Quartz, the hero of the West. Now, let me open the door.”
The doors of the cafeteria opened.
As he boasted, the cafeteria was indeed spacious and luxurious.
“Wow…”
“It’s amazing…”
It was so posh that I hesitated entering. I fiddled with the fountain pen crudely tucked in my chest pocket as I stepped inside, naturally drawing everyone’s attention.
“Is that Sir Quartz?”
“I heard Sir Quartz came to this city, but…”
“What brought him here?”
“He’s someone who works for a greater cause, so surely he’s here on an important mission?”
I could hear countless voices. Thankfully, since this was a place for wealthy folks, no one approached me asking for signatures.
That’s a relief.
Looks like I won’t be disturbed while eating.
“This way, please.”
We were guided by the man to a table that seemed to be able to seat four. It was by the window, with a view of the street.
“Wow… I’ve never been to a place like this.”
“Me neither.”
“Maybe one day I can bring my younger siblings here if I earn enough money…”
Sif mumbled in a dreamy voice, possibly thinking of her siblings left at Yeomyeong-gwan.
“That could happen.”
Considering the amount of money I was giving, if I set my mind to it, I could probably take a leisurely meal at a place like this.
“…I don’t know proper dining etiquette.”
I turned my head upon hearing a troubled voice next to me; Sandulbaram was staring down at the neatly arranged utensils with a perplexed expression.
“Just relax.”
To be honest, I didn’t really know proper etiquette either. Yeomyeong-gwan felt pretty free-spirited.
Ah, whatever.
After all, I can eat with my hands, and people will just be brainwashing their own thoughts about me as they see fit. There’s no need to worry.
I picked up a spoon that looked good for soup and began to eat. Sif and Sandulbaram also cautiously grabbed their spoons and started their meals.
“Oh my, Sir Quartz eats with such gusto!”
“I love how manly that is. Men should eat wild like that.”
…See?
They just package their thoughts as they like, huh?
It seems that as long as I don’t do anything crazy, I’ll basically have potential allies.
Maybe I could use this to my advantage.
I pulled the fountain pen from my pocket and addressed the man approaching us.
“I’d like to sign as a token of appreciation for the wonderful meal. How does that sound?”
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