Published: September 9, 2025
※9/27 Added revisions
※2015/5/30 Corrected typos.
This is Satou. Once you get used to online payments, it’s easy to forget that certain procedures take time. Even when necessary, frustrations tend to build up.
â—‡
“Hello, I’d like to extend my stay here, if that’s alright?”
“Ah, Baron Pendragon! I’m so relieved you’re safe. Y-yes, extending your stay is absolutely fine. I do apologize, but your room is currently being cleaned, so please relax in the lobby for a while. Of course, we won’t charge you any seating fees or anything like that.”
The innkeeper was blatantly suspicious.
At that moment, Tama and Pochi returned from checking on the horses.
“The horses aren’t here?”
“No carriage either.”
Hmm?
Alisa and Liza’s gazes naturally turned toward the innkeeper. I smiled politely, as a typical Japanese might.
“Uh, the horses have been taken to the ranch for exercise. The carriage was dirty, so we had it polished at a workshop that specializes in cleaning high-end carriages. Naturally, it’s a complimentary service from the inn.”
I see. They thought I was dead and tried to secretly sell the carriage, didn’t they?
“Oh? That carriage was custom-made by a renowned craftsman in the Duke’s Capital and cost no less than 200 gold coins. It must be a workshop that takes great care not to scratch or peel the paint, right?”
“Y-yes, of course.”
If they had damaged the paint, I would have charged them the full 200 gold coins. That was about the market rate anyway.
“Liza, Nana, could you go check the carriage? We’re worried.”
“N-no, that won’t be necessary. You all must be tired from just returning from the labyrinth. We’ve procured some excellent lamb, so please enjoy a meal. The inn staff will fetch the horses and carriage for you. Please rest here and wait comfortably... um...”
Honestly, the innkeeper was too petty. He didn’t seem worthy of running such a high-class inn. Maybe he was a son-in-law trying to get some money?
“Everyone, the innkeeper is offering us lamb dishes. Be sure to thank him.”
I decided to make him pay for plenty of lamb dishes as a price for his scheming. That much is fair. The younger ones thanked him innocently. Whether they realized I had uncovered the scheme or thought they could still deceive me was unclear, but they obediently accepted the free meal.
By the time we finished the delicious meal, the horses and carriage had safely returned to the inn. Since the horses hadn’t been switched, I figured I’d let it slide. I’ll have to treat the horses to some special feed later.
Still, even though the horses and carriage had returned, it would be better not to linger here too long. Although I’d extended the stay, before venturing into the labyrinth again, I should check on the current state of Ivy Manor. If it’s livable, I’d better move there.
â—‡
“What’s the meaning of this, Heson! Where’s my carriage? You tried to sell it for 300 gold coins, and now you say it can’t be sold?”
Some people really don’t know the time and place.
So he tried to sell my carriage for 300 gold coins. He was quite skilled at inflating prices.
“Baronet Dukeri, there was a mix-up, you see—”
The innkeeper was being confronted by a wiry old gentleman. Prompted by the proprietress, he slipped away through a staff-only corridor.
Not wanting to get involved in unnecessary trouble, I returned to my room and let everyone rest. I lay on the bed surrounded by little girls and displayed the Tolma Memo in the menu.
I looked up Baronet Dukeri, but even the Tolma database didn’t have much on a noble living so far from here—only two lines: “Marquis Ashinen’s right-hand man” and “Deals in magical artifacts.”
But there was a bit more info on Marquis Ashinen, the current prefect of Selbira. It said his predecessor died mysteriously about 20 years ago in the Royal Capital, that the current Marquis is greedy and favors bribery, is a henpecked husband, arrogant, and generally not well-liked.