Sea Tale (11)
I stared at the marquis in silence for a moment, racking my brain to figure out when the hell I'd ever met him. But nothing came to mind. A man of his stature should've been etched in my memory.
"Sorry, but when exactly did we meet?"
"Haha. You might not remember me, Bertrand. We never actually spoke directly."
"Hmm... then what..."
"Do you recall the noble assembly at the capital a few years back?"
I did. The representatives from the direct territories and fiefdoms had gathered to hash out their mutual interests. That meeting sparked the current Kuso Independent Movement protests from some pissed-off lords. I'd been there too—not as a participant, more like a spectator in the back. Watching the palace officials and noble reps trade polite insults while throwing verbal haymakers.
A marquis like him would've been front and center, and he might've caught a glimpse of my face. But even so, what kind of connection does a quick glance give you to warrant a private audience like this?
"A young guy just sitting there, not even participating properly—it piqued my curiosity. Not a noble, royal, high official, or even a servant attending. But there you were with that very expensive-looking sword at your waist."
"So you had me investigated?"
"'Investigated' sounds a bit shady. Anyway."
"Thought I was some hidden prince or something? Did you dig up anything good? Probably not."
The marquis chuckled low and shook his head at my words.
"Tried every method, but aside from your name, nothing. Quite the mystery."
He took a sip of his mojito, gazing at me steadily over the rim of the glass.
"Then a few years ago, I finally tracked your movements. You crossed my territory alone heading to Grace Bay, right?"
"Uh... ah... yeah, I did. But how'd you know?"
That was when I'd sailed from Grace Bay to deal with the dimensional gate spawning monsters on that island. I'd gone solo, no doubt about it...
"Everything unusual in my territory reaches my ears. A young man galloping alone with a glowing holy sword? Stands out."
"Makes sense. Commoners don't carry pricey blades, and nobles don't ride solo into foreign lands."
Celereja held her breath, listening intently. She'd have a ton of questions once we left this office.
"And today—word came of someone thrashing some spoiled noble brats on the beach. Looking down from this window, I saw the guard captain point you out."
"Just a minor scuffle."
"I know. Punks from some backwater fief strutting around, biting off more than they could chew."
"Spot on. So, why'd you summon me? Just thrilled to see me again?"
"Something like that. I'd been dying to know who you were, and here you stroll right into my resort. Couldn't let that slide."
Hmm... so that's it? Possible, but felt like there was more...
"First off, thanks."
"Pardon? For what?"
"Thanks to you, I could build this Grace Bay club."
What the hell? The more he talked, the more confusing it got. I hadn't invested a coin here—what did I have to do with it?
"Honestly, no clue what you're on about. And you still haven't explained why you wanted to see me."
"When you first came to Grace Bay, this beach was monster heaven. You know that best."
True. Monsters crossing from that island hit Grace Bay first. To launch ships, we had to purge the beach. That's why no towns or villages dotted this gorgeous stretch. Once monsters claimed it, people vanished nearby. Francois's childhood visit was pre-gate.
"They even overran my territory, causing massive damage. But after you passed through, monsters vanished from here and the whole area."
"Is that so? Wild."
"Don't play dumb, Bertrand. I tailed you back then—saw everything you did on that beach."
"What'd I do?"
Celereja, who'd been quiet, finally spoke up before I could shut the marquis down.
"He slaughtered every monster on the beach."
"Alone...?"
"Of course. Solo."
She looked up at me with questioning eyes. Shit, how do I explain this one...?
"I don't let anything slide. That's how I built this fortune. Saw you weren't ordinary at that assembly and didn't drop it."
"Understood... but one request: keep my past quiet. Causes trouble."
He wasn't ordinary either—caught the warning in my tone. Sure enough, he nodded seriously.
"Got it. But answer me: who are you?"
"Someone who worked briefly at the capital. That's it."
He studied my face silently, then dropped it and changed topics. Sharp guy.
"Right after you cleared the monsters, I bought this beach from the direct territory. Had my eye on it."
"Explains why a noble's running a business here—oddity that bugged me."
"Figured some lawless noble built illegally and slapped on fees, right?"
Guilty as charged—I grinned awkwardly. He laughed too.
"Couldn't waste a beach this beautiful. Lazy direct-territory bureaucrats? No raise for their hassle, so they let it rot. Then some old rich guy offers cash upfront—they jumped."
"Same thought. First time here, stunning view but nothing. Hence the luxury resort? Must've cost a fortune."
"Money's no issue, Bertrand. Vision and will to execute—that's key. Borrow from banks, hire experts."
Couldn't match his scale, but as a fellow innkeeper, solid advice. Vision and will...
"Anyway, you're the benefactor who sparked this club. Hence the private chat and free stays."
"Appreciate it, Marquis. Nearly pissed myself paying ten gold for lodging."
He roared with laughter, then bellowed for the manager outside.
"Fetch the club's rate sheet!"
He gestured for me to check it out. I picked it up.
Rates from lodging to carriage hires, casino entry, down to nail grooming, morning calls, even room water bottles.
"What the—this expensive?!"
Celereja yelped, peering over. I was shocked too. A single room water bottle for one silver? Charging for water?!
"Those ten gold you paid? Just covers a fraction of your stay here, Bertrand."
"Insane... you make money at these prices?"
"Didn't notice the beach and club packed? Better to go ultra-premium than middling cheap—especially with rich nobles."
Celereja chugged her mojito like her lips were glued shut. The marquis smiled at her and continued.
"For the wealthy, price isn't the issue. Value for money? They'll pay. We provide top-tier everything, down to the smallest detail. Few spots let them splurge like this."
Never been rich, so it didn't hit home. But logically? Yeah. They want luxury matching their level—this place delivers.
"Impressive business sense. At your level, you could coast without this."
"Our Kekers founder was a merchant. Made bank in inns, bought a title. That blood runs deep—think I'd settle for boredom?"
Proud, no shame. Pure entrepreneur to the bone.
"One thing, Bertrand."
"Shoot."
"Those women with you—what's your relation?"
Bingo. Knew it. No way a hands-on tycoon like him called just for thanks. This old fox...
My eyes iced over; he waved it off with a genteel chuckle.
"Haha, not what you think. I want to hire them for the club."
"Hire?"
"Yeah. Stunning beauties, each with unique charm. Not your average girls. I don't overlook talent."
True—not average. Runaway virgin from abusive pimp dad, head-shrinking black mage, Demon King's Castle survivor demon, thieving half-elf, noble lady bankrupted by botched wedding. (Minus Celereja, his "wife.")
"Picture them as mascots. Promo tours, and..."
"Sorry, they're my inn staff."
"Inn? You run one?"
He straightened, surprised.
"Where? Size? Staff count?"
"Uh... small-scale..."
"Three stories? Services? Loans, mercs too?"
What? Did I smell like smut? Why the sudden hard sell...?