Sea Tale (1)
Who the hell comes to the river just to wash up? And why's he standing over there? There's nothing there—why'd he cross over?
For a split second, I felt an eerie chill. The Buren River was pretty wide, but there was no sense of distance from that guy. Going by what I could see, the bastard had to be over three meters tall...?
Fuck... that thing's a monster, isn't it?
The man—or monster—locked eyes with me and started wading into the river. If that thing crossed over, everyone here would be in danger. I bent down, grabbed a fist-sized pebble, gauged the distance, and hurled it at the fucker with everything I had.
The stone sliced straight through the air and smashed right into its skull. The back of its head exploded, and it staggered before slowly toppling backward.
Once it was down for good, I scanned the area. Luckily, no one seemed to be paying attention to the far bank.
"Kali. Stay close and play around here."
I gave Kali a firm warning and plunged into the river. The Buren River's sun-warmed surface was tepid, but the depths were icy cold, and the current picked up speed toward the center.
I finally dragged my waterlogged, heavy-ass body to the opposite shore and approached the fallen creature.
"What the shit..."
It was a monster, alright. Goat-like head, standing nearly three to four meters tall—a massive, vicious brute known for its aggression. With such a wide range overlapping human territory, guard squads hunted them systematically, making them a rare sight now, confined to deep mountains.
So what the hell was one doing down here? Thirsty enough to trek from the mountains to the riverbank?
As I stared at its pulverized snout, its mouth suddenly twitched and moved.
"Dumbass prick... weakling..."
Ah... so that's it. No wonder they hadn't shown up lately. Guess it ain't over after all.
I stomped its head, shattering the skull. Brain matter splattered across the ground.
Who the fuck's sending all these different monsters... and rigging ones without vocal cords to talk, no less? I first thought it was the Demon King playing dead, but I confirmed that bastard's corpse myself.
Maybe some demon with monster-control powers holding a grudge? Nah, doesn't feel right. Outside them, nobody's got the chops to pull this shit on me... wizards, maybe? But I ain't crossed any.
If I hadn't taken Kali for a walk today, this thing would've crashed right into the swimmers. Dodged a massacre by a hair.
This is serious shit... but where do I even start investigating?
From across the river, Kali barked impatiently for me to come back. I gave the headless monster one last look, turned, and dove back in.
"Aigoo... aigoo..."
Marim, back from evening deliveries, dropped her bag with a thud and groaned. In her thin shirt exposing her navel and shorts short as underwear, she was drenched in sweat—the heat radiating off her was palpable even passing by.
"Aigoo... I'm gonna die... dying from the heat..."
The limp Marim shuffled off slowly. She gulped down ice water from a glass, and the overflow trickled down her chin into her cleavage, past her navel, and into her shorts. The fabric darkened like she'd pissed herself.
"Go upstairs and wash off. Don't wander around like you wet the bed."
"Eyy... it's all spilled now... whatever... too hot for anything... wish we could hit the beach..."
Marim glanced down at her crotch, muttering as she slinked up the stairs.
Francois, peeking from the kitchen, chimed in.
"She's really suffering from the heat. Been like a melted puddle every delivery these past few days."
"Yeah, this week's the peak scorching season."
"Should give her a day off... but innkeeping ain't easy on rest."
"Hmm... yeah. Thanks to Asenaris, summer's our busy season..."
Idi, fetching food, overheard Francois and me, eyeing me with hopeful puppy eyes.
"Are we... maybe going on summer vacation...?"
"Huh? Summer vacation?"
"Yeah... to the beach... swimming... cool fruits... bonfire and grilled meat at night..."
"What? We're talking how summer peak makes rest tough."
"Oh... that's what it was...?"
Idi deflated, her chest sagging as she trudged off alone. Her back glistened with sweat. Must be her hot-blooded, sweaty constitution—even with Asenaris's chill, work gets her like that.
Summer vacation, huh... never crossed my mind.
My first job was hero, and in ten years, I never took a break. Vacations? Foreign concept.
But my girls are different. Della especially—six months nonstop. No complaints, but she'd love a break.
Still... ditching during peak when cash is rolling in? Awkward. Rotating one-by-one overloads the rest. And no replacing head chef Francois. Della and I couldn't handle current crowds.
As I pondered, the inn door opened. Pelle approached, cradling something in both arms.
"What's that? Watermelon...?"
"From Mollo."
Mollo followed, hauling two more.
"Bertrand. Long time no see. Hard to catch your face lately."
"Better seeing Pelle's face than mine, right?"
Mollo chuckled at my joke and handed over a melon.
"True. Chatting with pretty ladies beats guys anytime."
Pelle snorted not even once, just stiffly headed to the kitchen.
"So, watermelons outta nowhere?"
"Summer special. For staff beach trip or whatever. Brought a few."
"Ah... thanks. We'll devour 'em."
Della dashed over from the far hall, tapping the bar melon.
"Whoa, watermelon! Perfect after splashing at the beach."
"Splashing? Beach? We're going on vacation?!"
Marim blinked from the stairs right to my nose. Her face lit up—so guilty I couldn't meet her eyes.
Did they conspire behind my back? Why's everyone dropping vacation hints? Three of five employees openly begging... I decide, but after their hard work, those sparkling eyes... can't flat-out say no.
I ignored their pleading stares and ducked into the kitchen. Pelle and Francois were there.
"Francois, Pelle. Got a sec?"
"Of course. What's up? Summer vacation?"
Francois leaned her ladle against the pot. Pelle chewed something, staring blankly.
"Whatcha eating?"
"Francois made it."
"You only eat veggies? Says it'll make you fat?"
"Francois's food's the exception."
Pelle brazenly replied, snagging another meatball from the pot and sucking sauce off her fingers.
Cuisine Academy chops turning a veggie-only demon meat-mad? Impressive.
"Anyway... other staff brought up summer vacation. We haven't closed a day in six months."
"True. Day off now ain't bad."
"Pelle, your take?"
Mid-reach for another meatball, she turned.
"Owner decides. Even if we all want it, no if you say no."
"Fair, but I ain't some tyrant—I listen... right?"
Pelle narrowed her eyes; I trailed off unsure.
She paused, then said, "Peak season shutdown worry you? But we'd survive a week closed."
"Why?"
"Preservation ritual—no spoilage. No Bue or Fribourg inn matches our service. Academy chef plus Asenaris chill? Top-tier already. Close brief, reopen to packed house."
Francois nodded calmly. "Pelle's right, Bertrand. First inn for me, but others can't touch us. Bluntly, lots come for the staff. Short break won't hurt."
Got it. Everyone wants vacation. Makes sense.
Hell, it tempted me too. Endless hero grind—no time or steady companions. Party shifted per mission, no deep bonds. Some close ones scattered far.
One did suggest vacation: Princess Elua. She was into me then, inviting to a secluded royal villa. Views, fine booze, gourmet... all that.
I refused. No way tangling with that psycho yandere.
Probably when she started hating me. Whatever, powerless bitch.
Leaving kitchen, Della, Idi, Marim scattered from eavesdropping by the door. I patrolled the hall casually, checking tables, chatting guests.
"Boss... so..."
"Work, Marim."
"Yes..."
After closing, hall empty, I had Della summon staff. Marim first—blinked onto a bar stool.
Pelle and Francois descended gracefully; Della bounded down brightly. Last, Idi shuffled in cradling her heavy chest.
I silently eyed them. Marim and Della's eyes sparkled like stars in the dim hall. Francois met mine with soft smile; Idi grinned goofily. Pelle lurked shadowy back, cool gaze.
Progress—she'd have avoided eyes before.
"Couldn't grow this inn without you. Six months' hard work. So..."
"Yaaah!!"
Before finishing, Marim whooped joyfully, hugging Della's waist. Della squeezed back, stomping excitedly.
"Beach! Vacation!"
"Gotta buy swimsuits now!"
Francois smiled elegantly; Idi scratched head mumbling fur-shaving nonsense. Only Pelle stone-faced, staring stairs.
"Boss. Stairs..."
She flinched mid-sentence, retreating behind a table.