Chapter 28
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Resort Opening (1)
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Several weeks later, a lavish carriage—one rarely seen in Evergreen—came to a stop in front of the newly completed resort.
"Oh my goodness! A place like this, out here of all places!"
"Oho. The illustration on the invitation wasn't exaggerated after all."
Viscountess Noella and her husband, the Viscount, stepped out of the carriage and let out exclamations of admiration as they gazed at the stunning building and landscaping.
"Viscount Noella and his wife, I presume? We've been expecting you. Please follow me, and we'll handle your check-in."
The staff, dressed in sharp navy uniforms, greeted the guests with polite yet dignified poise.
The reception area they were led to was serene and impeccably clean, exuding an air of refined elegance.
"Thank you for gracing our resort. I am Dominic, the resort manager and Village Chief of Evergreen."
"So we finally meet. Truth be told, I've been eager to speak with you in person about Lady Sinclair."
Viscountess Noella spoke in a subtly familiar tone.
While she's here, I absolutely must recruit this man as my head chef!
The viscountess, who still hadn't shed her plump figure, had ignored the invitation at first but dragged her husband along precisely for this reason.
Once I show him how grand my vision is, he'll toss aside this little village chief gig without a second thought. And if he comes to me willingly, even the Sinclair family won't have grounds to complain.
True to her role as the matriarch of House Noella—which had managed several thriving businesses passed down through generations—she was confident when it came to spending money.
And what a perfect excuse this was!
To think he'd send an invitation like this first. I heard he didn't even send one to Lady Sinclair.
She figured this village chief might have been disappointed by the stingy Sinclair lady, who probably offered only a handful of gold coins.
"I'm at a loss for words that a VIP like you remembers me."
"V...VIP?"
"Yes, it's our staff's little code for 'very important person.' I got flustered and let our internal jargon slip... Ha ha, please forgive me."
"Very important person? Ohoho! If the owner has such a good eye for people, this inn business is bound to succeed without a doubt!"
Dominic's smooth flattery only made the viscountess like the village chief more and more.
He seemed to know exactly how to delight a noble lady.
She even tapped her round fan against the sofa in delight. What a transparently joyful woman.
"Ah, but madam, our resort is a bit different from a typical inn."
"Hm? The invitation said it provides lodging and meals, didn't it...?"
"We do provide those, but at its core, it's about helping our guests relax and unwind, wouldn't you say?"
"...Isn't that the same thing?"
"Ha ha, you'll come to appreciate the distinction as you stay with us. For now, please fill this out."
The form Dominic handed over was packed with checkboxes for the purpose of the visit, special requests, desires, and more—far more than just a couple of items.
"Not postpartum recovery, not an anniversary trip... If I had to pick, maybe rest and a change of pace?"
"Fair enough. You have been rather busy lately."
"Oh my, we even have to choose meals? Happy Hour? Barbecue Time? Fitness Center... Lounge Bar..."
For what was supposedly just a high-end inn, there were many puzzling items, and the names of the amenities listed on the attached map were all unfamiliar.
But out of noble pride, Viscountess Noella decided against asking about each one—it would look unseemly. She'd figure it out eventually.
I'll learn as I go. Three days should be plenty. Though it might get a bit boring.
However, her worries proved unfounded.
"...My goodness!"
Viscountess Noella was speechless when she arrived at her accommodations, guided by the staff carrying her luggage.
What in the world is this? Is this really an inn?
She'd thought the plot seemed spacious from outside, but this was beyond imagination!
Tucked between beautifully landscaped secret gardens—like a park—were quaint little villas in an unfamiliar style.
"Oho. It's just like having our own vacation home."
"Small, but perfect for a change of scenery."
Even her husband seemed pleased.
Though they owned a castle, this two-story beauty offered a fresh experience.
It felt like living in one of those homes merchants bragged about, or perhaps like being newlyweds again.
"This is the bedroom, and you can use this as a study. And over here..."
Whoosh!
The staff member escorting the viscount and his wife into the suite dramatically drew back the flowing white lace curtains.
And there it was—the resort's hidden gem.
"Oh my!"
"Oooh! Now this is impressive!"
Beyond the balcony stretched a turquoise sea of vibrant coral reefs and a pristine white beach.
"This stretch of coast is our resort's private beach, accessible only to guests. Please enjoy it at your leisure."
The viscountess could only clasp her hands tightly in rapture, too overwhelmed to respond to the courteous staff.
What do I do? It's too perfect!
They'd deliberately cleared and beautified the beach for the view, designing every window and balcony to face the most stunning scenery. This reaction was perhaps inevitable.
Besides, like many noble ladies, Viscountess Noella had never truly explored a seaside before.
I avoided coastal cities because they're supposedly full of fish stench, rough sailors, and beastfolk who don't even speak properly... But a peaceful spot like this is wonderful!
She regretted all the times she'd defaulted to mountain retreats for leisure trips.
While their attendants unpacked, the viscount and viscountess strolled hand-in-hand through the resort gardens—a rare treat.
Back at the viscount's castle, vassals and servants bowed every three steps, but here, there was no such interruption.
"Feels like a real break after ages."
"It really does."
Was it the lack of onlookers?
Or the thrill of an unfamiliar place?
Whatever the case, warmth began to rise in their clasped hands.
Dinner that evening was the crowning jewel of relaxation.
A private seaside meal—what luxury!
The soothing waves whetted the appetite more than any music, and the novel preparations and exquisite plating drew applause with every course.
The food and wine were superb, but the ambiance stole the show.
Glowing orbs scattered along the beach cast a soft light, while magical devices repelled flying insects.
Of course, Perot recharged their mana daily to make it possible.
"Kuhh. They look satisfied. Utterly satisfied."
"Can you tell from their faces?"
"Heh heh. Body language says it all. Do I really need to see their expressions?"
Dominic watched from afar with a broad grin.
Now Viscountess Noella would spread the word like a megaphone about the resort's beauty and tranquility.
That's when Perot stormed over, fuming.
"Village Chief! Ever think you're piling on too much work compared to the contract? Mornings teaching the kids, afternoons drilling staff etiquette, evenings fixing magic devices! When am I supposed to rest?!"
She seemed genuinely aggrieved upon reflection.
But Dominic was prepared.
"Ah, Mage! That temperature-control oven you made recently? Thanks to it, ta-da! These are called macarons. Made with almond flour—they're a bit labor-intensive, but fans go wild for them...!"
"Th-think I'd fall for something like this? Wh-what a mis... mis... mistake...!"
Dominic promptly handed over a dozen prettily packaged macarons.
Faced with the colorful array, Perot's eyes began to glaze over with delight.
"Want to try one? The fillings are all different flavors. Strawberry, cream cheese, blueberry, buttercream..."
Chomp!
Before he finished, Perot snatched one and crunched it.
The crisp, luxurious sweetness made her eyes widen, followed by the tart raspberry jam dancing on her tongue—goosebumps rippled down her arms.
"Argh! So good! Infuriating!"
"You know, Mage, it'd be great if you could add a temperature regulator to the private spa too."
"...Fine, I'll work! It's not like I can't!"
She knew she was being played, but Perot pocketed the remaining macarons and turned away anyway.
She just couldn't give up these snacks.
"...You're probably the only one who handles a mage like a pet with treats."
Ian was baffled by Dominic treating the mage like a dog or cat, and even more by her falling for it.
At least, none of the mages Ian knew were so slavishly devoted to their instincts.
"All that's left is tomorrow morning's exercise program and meal plan."
"You don't seem worried about it flopping."
"They already love the place. Anything done in a spot you adore looks great. Watch—ladies who never exercise will show up in droves."
"That confident, huh?"
"Of course. Wanna bet? One gold."
"Knights don't make petty wagers..."
"Scared?"
"...Ten gold."
"Call!"
The viscount and viscountess weren't the only ones enchanted by the facilities.
In the spa, lounge bar, café, casino...
The ten invited couples had set aside their busy lives for pure, playful indulgence.
Guest satisfaction meant straight to sales.
Evergreen Resort was a massive department store wrapped in relaxation and healing.
The next day, morning.
Seven out of the ten noble ladies staying at the resort showed up at the ladies-only fitness lounge in the central area.
The three absentees were either nearing childbirth or recovering from recent deliveries—effectively a 100% turnout.
Kallon's wife, the former mercenary vice-captain, had been brought in as the instructor to welcome them.
Her program featured stretching-infused gymnastics and light equipment-based strength training.
Normally, these ladies would have ignored such activities with a laundry list of excuses.
But immersed in the resort's novel escape from routine, they embraced even exercise as a thrilling new adventure!
That's the magic of a resort vacay—swimming, working out, yoga, and suddenly life's a success!
Dominic extended his hand triumphantly.
"Pay up. Ten gold."
"...Here."
Ian admitted defeat without protest.
But the joy was short-lived.
"V-Village Chief! Mrs. Owen's gone into labor!"
"What? Now?!"
Looks like today wouldn't pass quietly either.