Respect Must Be Shown

After handing out meals to everyone, we got our own portions.

I scooped up a spoonful of soup. It had reduced a bit and was on the salty side, but not bad.

"That was an insane amount of vegetables to chop, Azu-chan."

"I was shocked at first. But feeding this many people takes that much, I guess. I feel like I've been cutting vegetables nonstop since we went to help."

It sounded like hard work, but the two of them seemed to have enjoyed it from the way they talked.

Alexia woke from her nap and joined us.

I told everyone we'd be staying on to work here until the job was close to completion, given the favorable terms I'd negotiated.

"Oh my, did I overdo it?"

"After a performance like that, of course they noticed."

She'd literally produced the output of ten workers and then some. With Alexia as leverage, the rest of the negotiation had been easy.

"Practicing earth magic is good training, and I don't particularly mind. You will be improving our living conditions to match, won't you?"

"Of course. Starting tonight, we're upgrading the inn by one grade."

"Well then."

All of the girls' earnings went straight to me, as a rule.

I covered expenses, equipment, and other costs out of that, and kept whatever profit remained.

The girls knew that, of course.

If they saw the profits flowing in while nothing came back to them, it would only be natural for them to start cutting corners.

Azu might soldier on regardless, but the other two wouldn't be so obliging.

Slaves were bound to obey their master, yes, but you couldn't chain their hearts.

In the end, what mattered most was showing respect.

Words alone meant nothing. You had to back them up with action.

I decided we'd all pitch in with the cleanup.

With four of us, the dishes were done in no time.

It turned out the chef normally had two assistants, but they'd been unable to make it today due to some trouble. He was grateful for Azu and Elza's help.

He treated us to his specialty milk shake.

Brought back memories of childhood.

"Once we finish these, let's head back. We still need to find an inn."

"What, you don't have one lined up?"

Kwad called out to us as he was finishing up for the day.

"No. We'd originally planned to portal back. When we found out it was shut down, that's what led us here."

"Is that so? I hadn't heard the portal was closed."

It had only just happened. Word hadn't reached Kwad yet.

"In that case, let me recommend a place. Guaranteed vacancy, guaranteed quality. Can't get you a discount, though."

"Hmm. No offense, but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen it myself."

"Ha, fair enough. It's not like I'm getting a kickback. A friend of mine works there, is all. And since you're working with us now, I've got no reason to steer you wrong."

"Can't help being cautious. Comes with being a merchant."

"Suppose you wouldn't last long if you weren't."

I'd gotten a read on Kwad through our conversation, but I wouldn't say I trusted him.

I answered with the possibility of a setup in mind, and he seemed to understand.

We walked back to Alsarm with Kwad and were led to the inn.

Alsarm's role as a trade hub meant a constant flow of tourists and traveling merchants.

The resulting demand for lodging had driven a construction boom, and there was an entire district packed with inns competing for business.

The one we were shown to was among the newer establishments in that cluster.

People were coming and going. It seemed popular.

"What do you think? One of the better inns in this city, if I say so myself."

"It does look promising. But a place this popular, wouldn't the rooms be full?"

"Just wait and see. You'd be surprised how many vacancies there are."

We went inside, and Kwad exchanged a few words with someone who looked like the manager.

After they finished talking, he came back over.

"I've put in a word for you. They've got twin rooms available, no problem."

"Good. We'll stay here tonight, then."

"If you like it, come back anytime."

With that, Kwad headed home.

I took another look around the interior.

The person Kwad had spoken to handled our check-in.

Two twin rooms. The rate was higher than last night's inn, but not by as much as I'd feared.

This way, I could give the girls a nicer stay without breaking the budget.

A bit of conversation revealed that Kwad and the innkeeper were drinking buddies.

He'd send guests their way from time to time, which they appreciated.

In return, the inn posted Kwad's job listings on the front desk bulletin board. A mutually beneficial arrangement.

Surprisingly effective, actually.

Case in point: here I was, staying at a place because Kwad recommended it.

I definitely wanted to incorporate something like this myself.

I was planning to open the inn I'd recently purchased back in Kassad, and I'd make sure it promoted my tool shop.

That should help bring in more customers.

And if the tool shop could steer people toward the inn somehow…

Hmm. This was getting interesting.

"What's with that look on your face? Come on, get inside."

"Oh, right. Sorry."

I'd been so lost in thought that I'd stopped walking.

We were right in front of our room, apparently.

Azu and the others had already divvied up the rooms while I wasn't paying attention.

Azu and Elza had the room next door.

This one would be Alexia and me.

"Oh, nice bed."

Alexia sat down on the bed and sounded noticeably pleased.

I pressed my hand into it. It sank in.

When I let go, it bounced right back. Good elasticity.

A bed like this wouldn't leave you sore in the morning.

"Could you give me a hand?"

Alexia started removing her equipment.

Some of it was hard to undo alone, she said.

She usually had Azu or Elza help.

Once we'd gotten it all off, Alexia let out a long breath, releasing her fatigue along with it.

She looked much more relaxed.

"Thanks."

"Think nothing of it."

She'd be earning her keep starting tomorrow, so this much was trivial.

With her gear off, Alexia was in just her dress. It suited her well, as always.

This inn apparently had a large communal bath. We'd make good use of it, soak away the sweat and grime, then get some sleep.