Humble Beginnings (1)
"Looks like they're shaking down lost travelers like us for tolls."
"W-what?!"
"Your good times end right now."
Riding on the rearmost Hell Horse, Francois suddenly spotted someone soaring high into the sky ahead and stared in astonishment. The figure flailed limbs wildly as it reached the peak height, paused for a moment, then plummeted at terrifying speed. Screams followed as several more people were sent flying in all directions, bouncing away.
"What in the world is going on...?"
"The boss is handling something," Pelle replied indifferently, as if it were nothing special.
Francois recalled the wedding incident. Bertrand had stormed the lord's castle single-handedly, turning the whole area into rubble in an instant. Even with her keen insight into others' thoughts and feelings, Francois couldn't quite grasp what kind of man Bertrand really was. If he was just a shrewd, quick-witted merchant, that immense power didn't fit. But if he had such strength, why run an inn? No employee knew his past. Idwild and Pelle seemed to know something, but they always brushed it off when asked. One thing was clear: everyone had joined the inn in wildly unconventional ways—not through normal hiring.
Francois was no exception. Just who was Bertrand, really?
"Here, Francois."
Bertrand, who had approached from behind, handed her a pouch of coins.
"Thirty silver pieces, like you paid yesterday."
"Ah... thanks..."
Francois took the pouch in a daze. Bertrand flashed a smile, then mounted his Hell Horse up front.
"The boss's materialistic side is kicking in again."
"What do you mean by that, Pelle?"
"You wouldn't know since you're new, but the boss is a total cheapskate. He can't stand wasting money needlessly."
"Isn't that just normal common sense, not cheap?"
Pelle fell silent for a moment, then shook her head.
"You'll figure it out eventually."
Hmm... so it's more than just thorough money management... But Pelle showed no sign of elaborating.
"Alright, let's go! Homeward!"
Bertrand's Hell Horse shot forward, the rest following behind.
Back in Rosens, the inn lay peacefully sizzled under the scorching sun, unchanged. We had changed. After basking in the cool summer sea, the inland mountain valley city felt brutally hot and humid. It hadn't seemed this bad before Grace Bay...
As soon as we entered the inn, Kali hopped down wearily and slunk into his shaded house. Idwild was drenched in sweat, nearly fainting, so I had the other employees take her inside first. As the Hell Horses vanished, the luggage tumbled off their backs. Della, Francois, and Celereja came to help, but I shoved them all indoors.
"Go install the Asenaris first and rest up. We're opening tomorrow morning, so let's all just take it easy."
After sending everyone inside, I sorted the luggage alone. Inn furnishings went stacked by the door. Tents and such unused items got tossed into the shed beside the barn. By the time I finished, my back was soaked with sweat. As noon peaked, the already fierce sun blazed hotter. When the hell would this damn summer end? It felt like forever since I'd caught the Asenaris for summer prep, yet it was still sweltering. As a hero, I'd roamed north and south without seasonal awareness, but settling down really highlighted how long summer dragged.
Screw it—might as well swim in the Buren River and cool off. The employees would rest on their own today.
Down at the Buren River, women from the city were already there, washing hair and laundry. With men out working days, the housebound ladies gathered in groups to escape the heat. As I descended the slope, screams erupted. Glancing over, the naked bathers had plunged into the water, while those drying on the gravel scrambled to cover up.
"Uh, sorry..."
I waved my hands apologetically and backed away. To avoid misunderstanding, I turned quickly—then a voice called from behind.
"Hey? Isn't that the innkeeper?"
"Innkeeper! You saw everything—where you going?!"
The women burst into giggles.
"Heading back to the inn. Sorry, no peeping intentions. Just came for a swim."
"We thought you were some creep spying! You scared us."
Wasn't I a guy too? Anyway, I kept apologizing with my back turned.
"Sorry again. I'll be off."
"Wanna swim with us?"
"Huh?"
Turning, the women who moments ago acted like I'd assaulted them now eyed me eagerly. Some bold young ones stood uncovered, baring breasts and privates brazenly.
"Swim with us. It's fine with you."
"Haha... no thanks. Have fun."
"Come on, really!"
It wasn't that I minded skinny-dipping with them. I just didn't want husbands, brothers, or fathers storming the inn with sickles.
"He's so handsome!"
"We like you!"
They shouted at my retreating back. Hah, funny. If you like me, do something about it. All talk...
"Washing in plain sight is too awkward."
"Lucky it was Bertrand. Imagine if it was some other guy. Creepy..."
As I left, their complaints drifted over. Summer made filling a tub with cool water tough at home. Our inn could manage—I'd just haul a full tub from the river—but average households couldn't.
At the top of the backyard slope, I halted. Alternating glances between the Buren River and the rear lot sparked an idea. Hmm... yeah... right... then maybe... Something concrete formed in my mind. But... would it work...?
Kekers Marquis's words surfaced: with ingenuity and will, anything was possible. Yeah... then...
I headed straight downtown. Around lunchtime, the sun scorched my crown, scalp burning like it might shed all hair. Heat haze shimmered on streets nearly deserted—folks huddled in shade or indoors. If it was this hot and humid, better avoid the sun inside. Goddamn hot...
City Hall steamed with officials' and petitioners' body heat. All doors and windows open, yet the tepid air stagnated. Hildeva's floor was slightly better—fewer people than downstairs. She'd unbuttoned her shirt three times, glasses in mouth, hair pinned up. Sweat darkened under her breasts and armpits; it trickled between her cleavage. Damp neck hairs clung to her skin.
"Mmmph?"
Hildeva smiled through the glasses, mumbling unclearly. Glasses off, she was stunning—like a goddess... sorry, Goddess. That beautiful.
"Heard you were on vacation. Back already?"
She replaced the glasses, swallowing saliva.
Our inn's fame meant even a day's closure spread rumors fast.
"Just got back. From Grace Bay."
"Oh my. Nice spot. Heard the views are gorgeous."
"Spot on. Even had a luxury resort."
I described the Grace Bay club to Hildeva. She listened attentively, smiling, sweat-soaked blouse clinging—a sight to behold.
"I wanna go someday. Take me next time."
"Anytime you're free, you're welcome."
"Hehe..."
Her crescent-moon smile was so refreshing, it chased away the heat briefly.
"So, what's up? Not just to brag, I hope."
"Ah, yeah. Need to check something."
"Hmm... not here to see me, then."
Teasing, she fanned her shirt hem. Her breasts and a nipple flashed—embarrassing to see.
"Right. What do you need confirmed?"
"Remember that empty lot behind the inn we bought?"
"Of course. With the parking lot parcel."
She recalled the old deal perfectly. Sharp as ever.
"Thinking of doing something with it."
As I broached the main point, a commotion erupted downstairs.
"Sir! Talk to me first!"
"You an administrator? Butt out, low-rank! I need the head administrator!"