My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero's

The inn turned out to be surprisingly clean and nice.

Beastmen buildings often have exteriors and interiors that are complete opposites, so when I saw a solid-looking building I expected a damp, shabby room. Instead, the interior was a high-class hotel styled in monochrome, and I was surprised.

“This place is better than I thought, but are we okay on the lodging costs?”

We’re technically growing high-school boys who eat a lot, and Amelia eats even more than me, so the food costs alone could be huge.

On top of that, with such a nice inn, I wondered if we had enough money on hand.

I quietly asked Mr. Zeal, and he smiled and said it would be fine.

I tilted my head, wondering how that could be, when a friendly-faced Beastman came out from the back.

“Everyone, welcome to Hotel ‘Raven.’ I am the owner, Corvo. Please relax and enjoy your stay tonight.”

If the slouch-shouldered innkeeper at Tori-Man in Uru was a pigeon Beastman, this guy must be a crow Beastman.

I’m not that good with animal types, so I might be wrong, but I judged that by the jet-black wing that flashed at his shoulder.

As he showed us to our rooms, Corvo spoke happily.

“Actually, I used to be an adventurer, and back then Lord Crow once saved my life. When I heard Lord Crow and his companions needed lodging, I insisted you stay here.”

I nodded in understanding. So that was it.

Call me surprised, but even that Crow helps people sometimes.

He said the lodging would be on the house, then stopped in front of one of the nicest rooms in the hotel.

If we’d had to pay for this room, that might have been bad.

“Lord Crow, I’ve brought everyone.”

He knocked, and after Crow’s muffled reply, the door opened.

“Waaaah!”

“Oh!”

The heroes cheered.

I opened my eyes wide and stared at the scene before me.

“Amazing!”

“Ahh…”

The room matched the hotel’s monochrome decor, but one wall facing the outside showed the cityscape, giving a brilliant panoramic view — like a little night view.

I remembered climbing a lot of stairs on the way here — so this must be why.

The view was so vivid it felt like there was no wall at all, but there was, and I was surprised that we could see outside even though it wasn’t glass.

“This wall is made from the scales of demonic beasts, and you can enjoy the outside view through it. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Corvo said that, then quietly left the room.

The moving figure in the black-and-white room was Lord Crow, lounging on a black sofa.

He swirled a wine-like drink in one hand and watched the heroes getting excited over the night view.

“Nice room.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect to get a room like this for free… Corvo has no shady connections, and none of his staff seem suspicious. You should be able to relax tonight.”

Perhaps because of the rumors we’d heard, Crow had apparently checked Corvo thoroughly.

He took a gulp from his glass and, for the first time, set his eyes on me.

“As for that rumor, don’t fret too much about it.”

I widened my eyes at Crow’s words of concern.

He was prickly at first, but maybe he’s actually a kind guy. I’d always thought he was tsundere, but lately he’s been showing more dere.

“Even though Amelia might be a target?”

“You’re the type who performs best when you loosen up. Don’t try too hard — act normal. That’s what will keep her safe.”

Crow glanced back at the window. I smiled wryly and sat down on the sofa beside him.

“You talk like a teacher.”

“Didn’t you hear? I used to take on disciples… well, they all ended up in the hospital.”

I’d heard that from Amelia. He apparently tried to pass on his techniques like the first generation hero, but all his disciples broke mentally. That’s why he refused Amelia’s request to become his apprentice.

“I’ve been curious — what kind of technique is it?”

Amelia never said either. Since Crow’s occupation is blacksmith, I assumed it was a skill relatively anyone could learn.

Maybe it was related to how, when Crow saved us in the labyrinth, the shadow magic controlling my body and the magic circle that Mahiro used on Amelia were undone.