Chapter 10
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Banquet (2)
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As alcohol flowed, everyone's tension eased somewhat, and the atmosphere grew ripe.
Contrary to my slight worries, the banquet proceeded very smoothly.
Someone sat at the piano in one corner, playing a sweet melody, while people paired off to dance or chat amiably.
Were they sensing that this space would become the capital's new social hub?
Here now were people who, having reached a certain age, rarely showed up at ordinary "banquet halls," or those who didn't usually step forward in such places.
Our hotel's banquet hall had already become an ideal spot for people to mingle.
But not everyone could enjoy the party.
While others reveled in the festivities, I darted about restlessly without a moment's pause.
"Hahaha, thank you so much for making the long journey here."
I shared a drink with the head of a massive maritime trading company that had come all the way from the south to the capital.
"I see the ironclad heir who guards the Empire's north."
I got acquainted with the heir from the north who had braved the harsh snow.
"I hope the food suits your taste. We've prepared a wide variety, but..."
I even shook hands with an elf whose presence here baffled me.
Not just those heavyweights, but also the other key figures in the capital's business scene whom I couldn't overlook.
Without Sion sticking close by my side, subtly calling me away when needed to move me along, I might have spent the entire banquet—and until sunrise— just exchanging greetings.
It would've been easier if my eldest brother were here; I could've offloaded half the work onto him.
Today, only my second brother and his soon-to-be wife were present.
I didn't want to drag the man about to marry into it, so I hustled around myself.
One might think I could just go to groups, say hello, shake hands, and be done—but no.
This is a "romance fantasy" world.
Even with magic, flush toilets, and fairly advanced capital infrastructure, carriages remain the primary mode of transport.
No trains, no subways.
Carriages are still people's main way to get around, and knowing how to ride a horse is considered basic noble etiquette.
In other words, those who came from afar invested that much more time to be here.
Just greet them and send them off with a handshake?
...Well, technically, that would work.
My business base is mostly in the capital right now, and outside it, at most our family territory.
But looking long-term, with plans to expand across the Empire, I couldn't afford to brush off even one person carelessly.
"Young master, you're not the perfectionist type, are you?"
"Ahem... But we got some good yields, right?"
I replied to Sion, who had brought me yet another drink— who knew how many that made.
"Good thing I printed extra business cards just in case."
"You always seem to anticipate one step ahead and act accordingly, young master."
"Eh, I'm just used to this sort of thing."
It was a habit from my past life, running sales.
Business cards were essential back then.
Mobile ones came later, but paper cards were the root of it all.
Gold foil, fancy borders—whatever.
That tiny paper could pack in a ton of self-intro info, which was its advantage.
Plus, it was way lighter than the family crests used here for ID, making it easy to carry.
'Hope we don't get any psycho who goes nuts over business cards later.'
With that thought, I caught my breath and checked the time. Night had deepened before I knew it.
It was nearly time to wrap up the banquet.
And there was today's hidden highlight.
I slicked my hair back up and headed to the podium.
"Everyone, having a good time?"
"Yes!!!" "It's great!!!" "Do it again sometime!!!"
Hm, the cheers were loud—seemed like they were satisfied.
This vibe should work for proceeding.
"Well then, as night deepens and the banquet draws to a close... I can't just end it like this for all of you who seem reluctant to leave. Time to show you what we've prepared."
This was also to celebrate my parents' upcoming anniversary, but simultaneously to promote our hotel ahead of its official opening.
Sion, catching my eye, nodded and wheeled over the prepared machine.
A transparent orb machine—something any Korean would've seen at least once in life.
"This is the little event to cap off tonight's banquet."
I switched on the lottery machine that my second brother had rushed to complete on short notice.
"What's that?"
"Are those... balls inside?"
"Heh, blowing air to stir the balls within?"
An opening sized for a hand, white balls flying chaotically inside.
The sharp ones seemed to grasp its purpose right away.
"Inside here are balls numbering exactly the guests who attended tonight."
I tapped the orb—mimicking plastic texture as best as possible—with a thunk.
Impressively well-made?
"Each flying ball is marked with numbers matching those on your invitations."
Everyone seemed to get what I was doing, eyes gleaming as they watched the machine.
"Of course, I'll be the one drawing. Wouldn't want anyone with superior physical prowess spotting their number and snagging it."
My jest drew nods and laughs from those who knew I couldn't wield mana at all.
Mana-less, but immune to mana-based effects too.
I'd never hidden it anyway.
A moderate "weakness" builds trust instead.
"Winners get a stay at our hotel! Official opening is three months away—no, about two now?"
I scanned the crowd, gauging reactions quickly.
Not bad.
Different motives, but everyone's eyes shone with anticipation.
"One night in our hotel!"
Murmurs rippled through.
I landed the follow-up blow.
"An ordinary room wouldn't excite, right?"
I grinned, and they gulped or downed their glasses in one go.
"The top-suite room. Not the standard ones anyone can book, but one available only by reservation."
People love rarity.
That's why first openings, launches, virgins, and virginity hold appeal.
The untouched, the unknown.
Terra incognita, was it?
I don't like venturing into the wild myself, but I'd heard of the concept.
Everyone loves being first to leave a footprint in fresh snow.
"Ah, of course, excluding the rooms for the gracious imperial family. Exceptions for those who approved this venture."
Laughter and nods all around.
No plaque up yet, but soon the lobby would bear the imperial seal's document—name-dropping was fair game.
"Enough talk. Let's start the draw."
I handed the mana-amp mic to Sion, covered my eyes with my left hand, and plunged my right into the orb.
Balls brushed past.
I grabbed one that felt right and pulled it out.
Uncovered my eyes and checked the number.
"Hooh..."
Luck on my side?
"Number 7! Number 7 wins!"
I held the ball high and shouted.
Soon, the spells etched on the invitations resonated with the drawn ball, glowing.
Not blinding, but bright enough.
"S-Sis...!"
"...Let's go see."
Gazes scanned about, then locked on one spot.
I stepped down from the podium to greet the winners emerging through parting crowds.
"My, the room might be too spacious for one."
The winners were sisters who'd arrived together.
Their attire suggested not from an ordinary home.
"Our hotel's first guests are such lovely sisters. Fate, wouldn't you say?"
I congratulated the hesitant pair and handed over the card key.
"We'll add an extra bed for sharing. It'll be ready right after the banquet ends, so please wait just a bit."
"Th-Thank you...!"
"We'll repay this kindness someday."
"Haha, just doing the obvious. No need to worry."
I considered escorting them myself, but with two sisters, it might look odd, so I left it to Sion.
"Now, everyone, give a big round of applause for our hotel's first guests!"
Thunderous applause erupted; the sisters, overwhelmed by the attention yet joyful, hugged and teared up.
They didn't seem poor, but not wealthy either.
Fallen nobles, maybe?
"As our inaugural guests, we'll comp all hotel services for tonight."
"Gasp! R-Really...?"
"Thank you, but you don't need to go that far..."
"No, it's service for you, but also promo for us."
I'm not the type to gouge an event winner.
The older sister seemed shrewd, sensing no free lunch.
Folk like her respond best framing it as a deal, not charity.
"Enjoy to the fullest and just share reviews with those around you."
I whispered so only they heard.
"Ah, I see... Understood. The 'first user' title must be worth that much."
The older one nodded, noting the hot gazes on them.
"Details from my executive secretary Sion here."
Sion stepped forward quietly from a pace behind.
"I'll guide you once the banquet ends. Enjoy the remaining time."
"Th-Thank you..."
"Pleased to entrust you."
Watching their exchange, I took back the mana-amp and spoke.
"And with that, we'll wrap tonight's event. Enjoy the rest of the banquet. This has been Julian, your hotel proprietor!"
Perfect timing for closing remarks; I bowed politely.
The hall filled with applause and cheers—another success.
'Haah, I really wanna clock out. I'm the boss—why am I this busy?'