The Water Magician

"It looks like Andalusia and the others are feeling quite nice on the beautiful straw bedding."

"That's true. Just looking at the stable can tell you if it's a good Inn or not."

"Thank you very much."

Ryo praised, Abel agreed, and the guide leading the two smiled and bowed their head.

Ryo, Abel, and their beloved horses managed to secure accommodations in the town of Chualow.

And it was the best inn.

This was the result of Ryo asking a fruit vendor at a stall just after entering the town.

The vendor, seemingly under invisible pressure from the massive cart, had a strained expression when answering.

The name of the inn the vendor mentioned was 'Blossoms on the Peak'.

"So, about this cart... It's a bit oversized. Is there any place we can store it?"

"It would be difficult indoors, but would it be alright outdoors? Perhaps we could cover it with a large waterproof cloth?"

"Ah, outdoors is fine. I don't need the waterproof cloth; it can just stay as it is."

"In that case, over to the backyard. Please follow me."

When Ryo inquired about the storage for the four carts, the guide led them to the backyard.

A high-class inn can meet every demand of its guests.

That's why people choose to stay there, even if it is a bit pricey.

Even if something is physically or logistically impossible, the response is not "we can't do that," but rather "how about we try this method instead?"—a proposal for problem-solving.

It's truly a result of employee training!

That night, the two soaked in the inn's hot spring.

Yes, a hot spring!

"I can't believe there's a hot spring here!"

Ryo exclaimed excitedly after getting out of the hot spring.

In contrast, Abel, who honestly did not quite see the difference from a regular bath, remained calm.

"By the way, I had heard there was a hot spring near the imperial capital of Hanlin, but I couldn't go in the end. I'm lucky to have found one here!"

"Y-yeah."

"Since this is a hot spring inn, the food must be delicious too!"

"Is that so?"

With Ryo asserting this, Abel inquired.

"As far as I know, there's a high probability of that being true."

"Well, the fruit vendor said it's the best inn in town. I guess we should look forward to it."

That night, at the dining area of 'Blossoms on the Peak', the two enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

"That was delicious!"

"Yes, I was surprised. Especially the Mapo Tofu... was it Mapo Tofu? It was extremely spicy beyond just being mildly hot, but it had a flavor that made it addictive."

"Ah, that. It felt like deliciousness was crashing in between the spiciness."

"As expected of Abel, that's a great expression!"

Both Ryo and Abel relished their dinner.

As they finished their dessert and sipped tea leisurely afterwards, the inn's guide came over.

"How was the dinner to your liking?"

"It was delicious."

"It was exquisite."

In response to the guide's question, both Abel and Ryo replied with satisfaction.

"That's wonderful to hear."

The guide said with a smile before uttering something slightly confusing.

"Someone from the daimyo's office has come to visit you two."

"The daimyo's office?"

"Why us?"

Both Abel and Ryo tilted their heads in confusion.

"Excuse me, but is there some kind of mistake?"

It was only natural for Abel to ask this.

They did not know anyone…

"They confirmed it after checking the large four packages stored in the backyard, and they were certain."

"Ah... that is indeed our luggage."

While Ryo acknowledged this, he still tilted his head in confusion.

"Well, let's meet."

"That's all we can do."

Abel and Ryo followed the guide and left the dining area.

They were led to a corner of the lobby, where chairs were arranged for a relaxed atmosphere.

There, about ten people were seated.

Upon seeing Ryo and Abel arrive, they stood up.

"These are the representatives from the Chualow daimyo's office who have come to see you."

The guide introduced them before bowing and leaving.

"I am Hylan, the vice daimyo of Chualow. However, before we proceed... what do you think?"

Hylan, appearing to be in his mid-forties, said while asking the five adventurers standing behind him.