“Oh? You’ve already come back?”
Maybe it’s because of her earlier-than-expected return? Chaerin gave a bright, mischievous smile to the surprised Chaejin. Leaning slightly forward, she examined Chaejin’s face and nodded.
“…What is it?”
“It’s nothing. By the way, Innkeeper.”
“What is it?”
“We went to the secret realm and came back right away, so we didn’t get to rest properly. Can we stay here for a few days?”
“Of course. As it happens, we have quite a few empty rooms.”
Currently, the only occupied rooms are those of Gi Noya, Wiyeol, and Chaejin. Giving the rest of the rooms to Chaerin and the Moonlight crew shouldn’t be a problem.
“Then how about payment…”
“No need.”
“Nothing’s scarier than free stuff.”
She pulled out a voucher from her pocket. When I tried to refuse, she shook her head.
“It includes meals and bathing costs. Please take care of it.”
“Um… It’s unnecessary, but don’t worry. We have enough prepared for that. And since you’ve worked hard, I’ll ask Yohwan to prepare medicinal dishes for dinner today.”
“Wow! I’m so excited. Innkeeper, you’re sharp and really a nice person.”
With her cheerful smile, Chaerin patted my arm. As Chaejin, who had been staring at that, grabbed Chaerin by the back of her neck.
“How rude to the Innkeeper.”
“Ah~. What’s the big deal? By the way, can I borrow my sister for a moment? I have a few things to discuss.”
“Chae Soja. Are you okay?”
“I don’t mind…”
“Then off you go.”
“Ahaha! Then!”
With a bright shout, Chaerin took Chaejin inside. I saw the Moonlight crew following them, lightly greeting me before entering, so I asked Jeomsoi to prepare their room.
It’s been a while since all the inn’s rooms were fully booked. I wonder if we have enough food supplies.
I headed straight to the storage. Checking the supplies inside, it didn’t seem to be an issue, but just in case, I should take a trip to the market.
As I stepped outside to call Gi Noya or Wiyeol, I saw Yoohee and Sayoon coming into the backyard after patrolling Hongseongsan.
“Hello!!”
Sayoon greeted me with a bright smile and a slight bow, while Yoohee also smiled as she greeted me. They really are like beams of sunshine.
“Yeah. Hi. Did you go out for patrol?”
As I greeted them and was about to lead the cart out, Yoohee and Sayoon approached me.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m just heading to the market for a bit. Since we have a lot of guests…”
“That’s great news! Having many people at the inn is a good thing. But are you going to the market yourself?”
Sure, I could send the servants, but it wouldn’t hurt to see things with my own eyes.
As I climbed onto the cart, Yoohee nodded before saying to Sayoon,
“Sayoon. Let’s escort the Innkeeper and patrol. Is that okay?”
“Let’s do it. No problem, right?”
“Of course!”
“There’s no need to go that far.”
“We want to do this. Now, let’s go.”
“In that case, hop on the back.”
“Excuse me.”
I headed toward the market with the two riding lightly behind me. After circling around near the market and buying a ton of stuff, when I returned to the cart, Sayoon and Yoohee each had a skewer in their hands.
“No way?! We didn’t follow you just for this, did we?! Why is it in our hands?!”
“Y-yeah, exactly!”
While buying various things at the market, it’s common to get extra items. Especially at the butcher’s, where they also sell skewers on the side, I bought a skewer for each of them and handed it over.
As the two of them were flustered upon receiving it, I chuckled and said, “You followed me even though I didn’t assign you a guard duty. I can’t feel at ease unless I give you something.”
“Uh… If that’s the case, then we’ll gratefully accept it.”
So we sat on the cart and munched on the skewers. After finishing one skewer, Sayoon smiled brightly, forgetting to wipe the seasoning off her mouth, and I took out a handkerchief from my pocket and offered it to her.
“You’ve got some on your face, so wipe it.”
“Thank you. Ah, I’ll wash this and return it next time.”
With a bright smile, Sayoon tucked the handkerchief into her clothes. Since it seemed like we had enough skewers and stuff, it felt like it was time to head back.
“I can go back alone, so how about heading straight to patrol?”
“That’s out of the question!”
Seeing her clenching her fists with determination, Yoohee nodded in agreement.
Is this what they mean by finishing what you started? Haha. Looks good.
In that case, I can’t refuse.
“Then please take good care of me until the end.”
“Yes!”
With Sayoon and Yoohee guarding me, I returned to the inn. While putting the things I bought in the inn’s storage, the two of them headed out again for patrol, and I sighed in disappointment.
What a shame. I wanted to treat them to a mooncake while I was at it.
Isn’t it about balance? If I fed them savory skewers, I should also give them sweet mooncakes, right?
I really have to make sure to give it to them when I get back.
“What’s with your expression?”
“Nothing, really.”
At that moment, Yohwan came out fanning herself. She sat down with a glum look and mumbled as she gazed at the sky.
“I think dinner will be a bit busy tonight. Innkeeper, you should come into the kitchen too.”
“Will I be any help?”
“You’re not completely hopeless in cooking, are you? And I’d like to request an extra person among Jeomsoi or the innkeeper.”
“Got it.”
If they need help, it’s not like I can just sit back and enjoy myself as the innkeeper. I nodded at Yohwan’s words, and she grinned as she said.
“Then let’s start preparing the ingredients.”
I finished prepping the ingredients with Jeomsoi glued to my side.
Peeling vegetables, trimming green onions, smashing garlic, and helping Yoohee with a few simple dishes kept us busy.
Who knew that just having more people would make the kitchen this hectic?
I might need to keep Jeomsoi and a couple of servants in the kitchen during their stay.
Of course, in the midst of all that chaos, I made sure to sneak peeks outside while waiting for Yoohee and Sayoon, ready to hand them mooncakes before quickly fleeing back to the kitchen.
“Customers are arriving!”
To greet the usual guests, I jumped into action. I served them directly, and if meals were running a bit late, I would chat with them and offer some light refreshments on the house.
As I tried my best to reduce complaints, one of the Moonlight disciples who came down apologized and bowed her head.
“I’m sorry for coming so suddenly.”
“Welcoming guests is the essence of an inn. We also have a special place set aside for the Moonlight disciples.”
I led her into the inner area. When I guided the Moonlight disciples to the spacious room used for entertaining VIPs, I noticed two people were missing.
“Where did Chae get to?”
“She’s in her room. She’ll be down shortly…”
“Here I am~!”
Well, it seems that young lady isn’t exactly highborn. She bounced down the stairs with a bright smile and grinned at me.
“Hehe. By the way, I hear Yoohee’s medicinal cooking is on the menu? I’m curious about the taste. Can I expect good things?”
“Of course.”
“Great! Ah, I’m starving~!”
“Um… you seem busy. Let me help you out.”
Chaejin, who followed Chaeeran down, looked uncomfortable as she reached for the plate I was holding. But I shook my head.
“This is plenty for now. Plus, I haven’t seen familiar faces in a while. If it’s not inconvenient, how about sharing a meal together?”
“But the inn staff…”
“We’re fine.”
I nudged Chaejin’s back, and after wavering, she shuffled inside. Chaeeran, watching all this, chuckled.
“The innkeeper’s consideration is truly commendable!”
“This is nothing special.”
“Haha. It’s worthy of respect when someone chooses to solve their own problems instead of asking for help when times are tough. I’ll gladly accept your kindness.”
“Very well then.”
Once Chaeeran went inside, I got moving again.
She called it consideration, but honestly, this is just how things are.
If it were really busy, I would have asked for help, but this was manageable with the current staff.
“Table 4, five-spice stir-fry and dumplings coming up!”
“I’m on it!”
Hearing the call from the kitchen, I hurried on my way.
The battle-like hours came to an end.
Today’s sales might just be the highest since I started running this inn!
“I might have just hit the highest sales record running this inn.”
I told the exhausted Jeomsoi and the innkeeper they could head in a bit early today.
The meals for the Moonlight Corps were still underway, but since there likely wouldn’t be any further orders, I could manage to bring them some drinks or ales on my own.
Plus, Yohwan would still be around.
After handing them each a reward of a silver won and sending them off, I started cleaning up with Yohwan.
We were almost done tidying up and I was taking a breather at the table with her when I heard a soft tapping at the door.
“Business is wrapped up for today.”
“Well, that’s a relief, isn’t it?”
Peeking in with a bright smile was none other than Hongryeon. Now that I think about it, she did say she’d come by today, didn’t she?
Yohwan looked puzzled, but I told her to head inside first and made my way to the backyard.
Her light-footed entrance brought a slightly flushed expression to her face.
“Did something good happen?”
“Oh, there’s always something good. These days, every single day is a joy!”
“That’s truly wonderful.”
“Hehe. Now, shall we get started?”
As usual, I stripped off my top and settled into a cross-legged position. Behind me, Hongryeon gently placed her hands upon me.
Her hands, which seemed so soft for someone wielding a sword, caressed my back as if she were tending to something delicate.
Is she trying to find my blood flow again? Shouldn’t I know something about that?
So, I decided to stay still, and after a brief cough, Hongryeon spoke up.
“I’m just trying to check where the stagnant energy has accumulated. It’s got no other meaning.”
“I didn’t say anything…”
“Exactly! Through your back, I can sense the energy flow and check where the stagnation lies…”
Well, given that Hongryeon is still learning this from the Sword Saint, her level might still be quite low.
“Ahem. Now, let’s begin.”
With another light cough, Hongryeon sent her energy flowing into my body.
As the strong and warm energy coursed through me, the stagnant energy seemed to gradually gather and make its way out.
How long had it been? As I expelled the gathered stagnation, Hongryeon smiled brightly.
“You’ve clearly been working hard. Your energy channels have become much stronger. We can reduce the training duration next time!”
“That’s great to hear.”
“Looks like today was a busy one. Shall we have dinner later?”
I shook my head.
I couldn’t just let Hongryeon go after all the hard work she put in.
Since Yohwan had also worked hard today, I thought I should make something for her, and said, “It’s late, but would you like to have something simple?”
“Is it going to be made by Yohwan?”
“No, I’ll do it. I may not be as skilled as Yohwan, but I’ve picked up a few tricks… Of course, if you’d prefer something from her, I can ask her.”
Hongryeon slowly shook her head and smiled as she replied, “Then please make your best dish.”
Looks like it’s time to show off my skills after a long while.
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