Chapter 17
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Finding the Ring (2)
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“Nngh...”
The morning sun rose, brightening the world outside the window, and I stretched lazily.
There had been a few guests last night, and since they hadn't expected me to be manning the counter so late, they jumped in surprise before taking their room keys and heading upstairs.
One old drunkard had come in completely wasted, face flushed red, whining and complaining...
‘Th-that’s...!’
‘Ah, that? His Highness the Prince handed it over personally.’
‘H-Huh?!’
‘Putting something that precious away in my office would be rude, wouldn’t it? He even stamped it with his personal seal and made it nice and prominent.’
‘I-I’m sorry! Yeah, just give me a room!’
The certificate hung right there by the counter—turn your head just a little and you’d see it. The guy freaked out at the sight, flying into a panic.
Even if he wasn’t glaring as fiercely as before, it was an official document delivered straight from the Imperial Family.
Any noble worth their salt would leap out of bed and bow in respect, so his reaction was only natural.
It was satisfying to watch those pompous, high-and-mighty troublemakers turn pale as ghosts.
“She should be arriving any minute now...”
I glanced at the clock on the wall. The hour hand pointed to 7.
Right on cue, the revolving door spun, and Delpi stepped in, impeccably dressed in our hotel uniform.
Even at this early hour, her outfit was flawless—sharp creases everywhere. I couldn’t help but admire it every time.
“Good morning!”
“Morning.”
I returned the greeting and started getting ready to clock out.
I handed over the registry along with notes on last night’s guests—their requests and such.
“Did you have breakfast?”
“Oh, I usually skip breakfast. I’d rather sleep in a bit longer!”
“Huh...”
I watched Delpi settle in and get to work efficiently, lost in thought for a moment.
No breakfast?
Well, sleeping more might feel better, but...
“That leaves a long stretch until lunch, though?”
“Hehe, I’m actually a heavy sleeper... By the time I eat breakfast and get ready, I’m a little tired.”
She smiled brightly as she said it was fine, but something about that didn’t sit right with me.
What kind of boss doesn’t feed their employees? I’d deserve every “evil boss” curse thrown my way.
Come to think of it, out of everyone at the company, only Sion and I regularly ate breakfast.
It was a habit from my past life for me, and Sion picked it up too—simple stuff, but still.
Sis Arselia was weak in the mornings too, usually just an apple or something.
...Her figure was toned without an ounce of fat, but it still worried me a bit.
“Hmm, still, I can’t have my employee going hungry.”
I shook my head and stepped away from the counter, making a mental note.
“Guess I need to meet with Asteria first.”
Guests were starting to come down for breakfast.
From what I’d gathered, room service was rare—mostly evenings, or occasional drinks. They preferred coming down to the restaurant for breakfast.
As I walked along, fixing my hair, I spotted her stepping out of the elevator.
I didn’t want to interrupt her meal, so I grabbed a quick bite—bread and coffee—and waited until she finished.
“Good morning, miss.”
“Hehe, good morning. Pulled an all-nighter, huh? Manage okay?”
“I’ve got stamina to spare. Got a moment?”
“Of course. I was hoping you’d show up today.”
She still looked a tad tired, but from watching her these past few days, that seemed to be her natural look.
Her slightly droopy eyes just gave off that vibe.
I sat across from her, meeting her gaze. Her eyes sparkled like the night sky full of stars.
“I heard you’re considering a long-term stay.”
“Yes. About half a year?”
“We’d welcome that. And since you’d be our first long-term guest, I figured I should discuss it face-to-face.”
“Oh? Me, the first?”
Her eyes widened in surprise, and I nodded.
I took a sip of coffee.
“How about 40% off the regular rate?”
“You’d be okay with that?”
“It’s our motto to take extra good care of first-timers.”
“In that case, I’ll gladly accept.”
She smiled brightly and drained her tiny cup.
Espresso, maybe?
“My apprentice will handle the rest of the payment shortly. But first...”
I waved my hand lightly over the table, and mana scattered like twinkling stars in the night sky.
“A little advice for the boss who made such a refreshing decision.”
“This is...?”
“It’s only proper to return kindness in kind. Oh, but I can’t reveal too much?”
“Like spilling heavenly secrets?”
“Hehehe, fun way to put it. Exactly like that.”
A single sparkling light appeared where she pointed her finger.
It floated alone, not meshing with the surrounding constellations.
“You’re a newly risen star, boss. Shining so brightly.”
She gestured around it.
“But some stars are overshadowed by that light...”
She waved her hand again, drawing the mana back from the table, then dabbed her mouth with a napkin like nothing had happened.
She didn’t finish the thought, but I got the message.
A new powerhouse threatens the old guard.
The brighter I shone, the more someone else’s light might be dimmed.
“Thanks for the advice.”
“I just showed you the constellations. Any realizations are all yours.”
She smiled innocently and headed upstairs. I waved goodbye, deep in thought.
Showing me this while I’m digging into the Rosenheim Merchant Guild? Not a coincidence.
“Gotta move more carefully... or become untouchable... right?”
I tapped the table, pondering.
Not for long.
Imperial Family aside, I wasn’t backing down from mere nobles or upstart merchants.
“Helpful advice. This.”
Nothing I could do right now, so I’d tell Sion later. I stood up.
Walking through the lobby, I noted it was past 8—guests were trickling in, starting to crowd.
“No way someone would touch a place the Prince himself marked off-limits... right?”
Time for a security or protection team.
“Ah, Young Master!”
“Out early again, Sis.”
“If I slack off, it’s all on my record. Can’t do that.”
“Don’t push too hard.”
I hugged her lightly and whispered in her ear.
“Gotta save energy for fun this weekend.”
She let out a little squeal and patted my shoulder.
“Looking forward to it!”
I greeted Arselia warmly as she arrived for work, made a mental note, and clocked out with Sion.
“Young Master, shouldn’t you at least rest your eyes a bit?”
“If I sleep now, I’ll hate dragging myself back out later. Better to head home now.”
I blinked my dry eyes as I answered.
The capital streets bustled with people.
Striding too purposefully drew stares, so I let my usually swept-back hair fall loose.
Looked like a wealthy noble playboy sleeping in late.
With Sion at my side like a stunning maidservant, the disguise was perfect.
Hairstyles change impressions more than you’d think.
“Where to first? Straight ahead are the accessory shops...”
“Hmm, rings first?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take you to one with good reviews.”
It had been ages since Sion and I went out just the two of us.
Ever since dating Sis, we’d always gone together.
“This the place?”
Following Sion’s lead, we arrived at a shop with a big sign.
Rings gleamed in the window display, drawing the eye.
“Ooh...”
Honestly, they all looked the same to me.
Rings... were just rings, right...?
“...Take your time looking.”
The door creaked open. A craftsman glanced our way from his meticulous ring-making, then returned to work.
Strong work ethic—he barely acknowledged us noble-looking folks, focused solely on the metal.
“Sion, what do you think?”
“A ring for the Executive Director... asking me...”
“Figured as a fellow woman, you might get it.”
“Hmm... If you insist, personal opinion okay?”
“Yeah, that’s exactly what I need right now.”
After a brief hesitation, Sion cautiously pointed out features of the displayed rings.
‘They all look identical to me...’
Sure, close inspection showed differences, but I had no eye for this. Her explanations finally made it click.
Areas for gems or ornaments—the bend angles, the overall curve. But mostly, I just went, “Oh, right, that’s a thing.”
Noticing I wasn’t following most of it, Sion stopped and stared.
“Young Master, be honest. You’re not getting it, are you?”
“...Yeah, afraid so. But I’m remembering everything you said.”
“Hm. How about we check other shops? You don’t deal with jewelry often, so maybe...”
“Oh, good point. Wouldn’t know without trying...”
“We’ll come back later, shopkeep.”
“...Do as you like.”
The owner replied flatly, barely looking up as we left.
“Next...”
“This way.”
After hitting five more shops with Sion...
I admitted defeat.
“I’ve got no talent for accessories...?”
“Better to learn now, before starting the business. I was worried you’d flop like the carriage venture.”
Her genuine relief convinced me.
If there was even a chance, Sion would’ve found a path. My eyes just weren’t made for this.
“Haa...”
The sky above was clear and bright.
Oh skies...
Why deny Julian Everglow the eye for accessories!
My clothing ideas sold great, so why!
“The clothing line’s mostly your ideas, Young Master, but Claire handles the actual designs...”
Sion added carefully from the side.
Yeah, guess this just isn’t my thing.
Boo-hoo.
Time to bring in the experts.
Money’s always right.
If money can’t solve it, you just don’t have enough.