Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Banquet (1)
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Chandeliers made of sparkling crystals hung from the ceiling, bathed in golden light.
High-end furniture crafted from fine hardwoods subtly showcased their hues under the warm glow of the lamps.
And the red carpet in the lobby welcoming every guest who arrived.
Marble finishes adorned with intricate gold patterns that effortlessly stole the gaze of anyone who glanced their way.
Not even the raw scent of a newly built structure lingered in the air—it was all pleasantly fresh.
Glamorous yet not blinding, captivating without excess.
Refined opulence.
An interior that evoked such a paradoxical charm.
The visitors, each clutching their invitations, looked around in admiration.
"I heard there's still about three months until the official opening, right?"
"They said the facilities are leagues above what commoners use at inns, and it's true!"
Even the entrance doors were ornately styled, with staff stationed to open them for guests—no one had to lift a finger.
All it took was flashing the invitation from one's pocket upon entry.
Some magical treatment made counterfeiting or tampering impossible, or so they'd heard.
People nodded knowingly at the lavish tech applied to mere tickets.
"He knows how to spend money where it counts."
"Exactly. You gotta know when to splash out."
"The young man's got real flair."
Nobles and tycoons took it in stride, but novice adventurers from commoner backgrounds hesitated, glancing around nervously as they entered.
But if the guests felt burdened, that would defeat the whole purpose.
"Welcome. We've prepared welcome drinks for our first-time visitors."
Pre-positioned staff moved in smoothly, easing tensions and letting guests enjoy the surroundings—a thoughtful touch.
"...Isn't this the thing you said costs more than a lifetime of savings?"
"Gasp! Absolutely do not touch it!"
"Oh, those are display replicas, so you're fine."
"Really? Phew, what a relief..."
"The originals are in the owner's office. These replicas cost only a tenth, so no worries."
"Eeeeek!!!"
"Oh my, look at this! It's not just expensive furniture..."
"Ho, even the carpet on the floor..."
Gathered in small groups, people showed off their knowledge until they remembered why they'd come to the hotel today.
"By the way, where's the banquet hall?"
"Hmm, I think they told us at the entrance."
A lobby boy approached the wandering guests and guided them.
Clank—
"This is...?"
Pulling the lever revealed a massive structure like a giant birdcage in motion.
"You wouldn't want to climb fifteen floors on foot, would you?"
With a ding, the lobby boy opened the doors of the arrived 'elevator' and explained.
"It's the 'elevator' currently in trial runs at the Magic Tower in the capital. Safety is guaranteed by the Tower's name, so rest easy."
"Ooh, oooh!"
"How did they get Magic Tower tech...?"
"Come to think of it, the Everglow family's second son is a mage, right? Supposed to get married soon."
"Ah, so maybe after the wedding at the youngest's hotel, they'll hold the reception here?"
"Not sure about that, but pulling strings at the Tower for his little brother shows some real sibling bond."
"Casian, was it? Heard he's a promising talent."
"Eldest inherits the family, second makes a name at the Tower, and the youngest succeeds in business?"
"Heh... The count really raised them right."
"The count and countess are famous for their great marriage, too."
"Ugh... My kids are too busy boozing and gallivanting every day."
"Honey, after we get married, shall we come here once?"
"...Guess I gotta hustle."
The lobby boy let their chatter flow in one ear and out the other, keeping a smile as he dropped them off on the fourteenth floor.
The doors opened, and another lobby boy waiting there took over the guidance.
A buzz of voices echoed from ahead.
The presence of crowds was obvious from the multitude of auras.
Rounding the corner, the banquet hall came into view.
"Hmm, compared to other halls..."
"Kyle! Look at that!"
"Insane. All that's booze?"
"Something's labeled on it?"
"Hmm, let me see..."
"Ah, right—the count and countess's wedding anniversary is coming up."
"So the youngest threw this for his parents!"
"Oh, how cool! When I get home, I should tell my son to do the same."
"More importantly, this is the fourteenth floor, right?"
A vermilion-haired woman drifted toward the window, entranced.
"Luka?"
"Kyle... look at this."
The window was floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a clear view outside.
Luka pressed close to the pane and called her boyfriend over.
Wondering what it was, he approached—and beheld a starry wonderland of a vista.
"Whoa..."
The empire's economy and society had boomed under the emperor's policies.
The capital had exploded in growth, streetlamps now everywhere—finding a dark spot was harder than spotting a lit one.
More people burned the midnight oil, so the empire's nights were no longer pitch black.
"Oh my..."
"It's like the stars are twinkling."
"Not from afar, but this high up in the capital... wow..."
For those unused to such sights, it was overwhelming.
The same view hit different people differently, after all.
"Ah, can everyone hear me?"
A deep baritone voice rang from the banquet hall.
Those lost in the capital's nightscape snapped back and entered, still spellbound.
A tall, handsome young man with swept-back hair held what looked like a magic tool.
"That guy's..."
"That man's..."
"Hmm, that young fellow..."
Everyone knew at first sight.
That man commanding all eyes was the hotel's owner.
The young genius entrepreneur leading the capital's trends.
Julian Everglow.
"Ah—mic test."
His voice came through clear, silencing the crowd as they turned to him.
The vast space, using half the floor, held no small number of people.
Yet he took in the barrage of gazes, scanning the room with a grin.
"I'm Julian Everglow. Nice to meet you."
A beat of silence.
Then cheers and applause erupted.
The hall's heat was just getting started.
Speeches drag if they're too long.
They say miniskirts and speeches are better the shorter they are.
Remembering that, I kept it brief: explained the banquet's purpose for today's event—celebrating my parents' upcoming anniversary in a few days—and stepped down, urging everyone to enjoy.
If it were me, I'd hate the host yapping forever when I just wanted to party.
And above all, today's banquet was to honor Mom and Dad's milestone.
Bonus: advertise that 'our hotel is amazing!'
"With the crowd here today, promo's the least of our worries..."
Offstage, I loosened my stuffy tie and wiped cold sweat.
"Young master, are you alright?"
"Honestly? No."
I downed the glass Sion handed me in one go, wiping liquor from my lips.
The alcohol finally made me feel alive.
"Sion."
"Yes, young master."
"Didn't we limit this event to the capital?"
"No special instructions otherwise, but most of your ventures are capital-focused, after all."
"Right? So naturally, locals or frequent visitors would win the most entries?"
Sion nodded, ears perking as if sensing a problem.
Cat ears twitching like she was pondering what I'd missed.
But it wasn't her lane, so fair enough.
"So why's a southern tycoon here...?"
Sion followed my gaze, her ears sharpening as she spotted the rare bigwig from afar.
Sun-bronzed brown skin. Thick, rugged hands.
Fierce eyes undimmed by facial scars.
"Uncle leading the empire's southern fleet industry, right?"
If memory served, he appeared in the original story too.
That was over twenty years ago in-story, so his age fit...!
"And next to him."
"That person's...?"
Sion's ears flicked, eyes widening in recognition.
Just the standouts...
That guy's my brother's intro: the Tower Lord's disciple always in robes.
That one's the snowy northern heir with pale blue-white hair.
That... pointed ears? An elf?
"Why are folks from way out there—humans and non-humans alike—here...?"
"Probably because you didn't block 'fair' trades among winners."
"Ah, resellers?"
"Th-the term is 'resell'..."
"But anyone can come after official opening—why bother?"
"Hmm, but it's the hotel's first banquet. People love 'firsts.'"
"Ah... true. Firsts matter. Ha... missed that angle."
Telling winning commoners to sell would snag most takers at a premium...
Overlooking it was a bummer, but a happy surprise.
Pondering how to leverage this windfall—
"Oh, my boy!"
"Ah, Mother."
Mom approached, waving, after greeting guests with Dad.
How's this a fortysomething look...?
Heroine mom is heroine mom, huh?
Dad's glare kept oglers at bay; otherwise, she'd be swarmed.
Some still sneaked peeks.
Hands off my mom, you creeps.
Ahem.
Unaware of my thoughts, she beamed—clearly loving the event—and hugged me.
"You look so much better dressed up. Do this more often!"
"Haha... what's the point without a girlfriend?"
"You...!"
"Ugh, but work keeps me swamped..."
"Your father pulled that too and nearly stayed single!"
Dad, sipping behind her, choked like he'd heard an example.
He thumped his chest to recover; our eyes met.
"..."
"I-I'll make an effort from now on."
"Good. You're not too late. But don't go wild like your brother?"
"C'mon, do I seem the type?"
I joked, but she grabbed Sion's hand, dead serious.
"Sion. If he goes girl-crazy, smack sense into him."
"M-Ma'am..."
"I permit it. Got it?"
"He's weak to girls from avoiding them young. If needed... whack! Just do it. Understood?"
"Aigoo, Mother, what're you saying."
I shooed her off to Dad with some wine.
"D-don't take Mother's words too seriously."
Sion's cool facade cracked, cheeks flushing—I felt bad.
Coughed lightly, changed topics.
"Speaking of, where's Arselia?"
Her name snapped Sion back to neutral.
"Rosenheim Guild Leader said she'd be a bit late."
"Shame. With all these VIPs, casual greetings could've been gold."
"She hasn't fully committed to us yet."
"Yeah, fair. Hope she hurries..."
Work was piling up; I felt overwhelmed.
Last night, overtime with Sion till we crashed in the office.
Good thing my suite and penthouse were ready.
"Tell me when she arrives. Gotta mingle and greet."
"Ah, young master. One moment."
Sion re-tied my loosened tie, stepped back.
"Done. Off you go."
I plunged into the crowd with Sion trailing.
Ha, wanna wrap this up quick and rest for real.