Chapter 63

After seeing Riza off, I turned around and realized that Charles was already looking at me.

This... means he’s been watching me all along, doesn’t it?

"Then, I would be grateful if you could come with me."

"Ah, no. Colette—The dragon I brought is already asleep. We’ll leave early tomorrow morning—"

"I have also prepared a means of transportation for your companion."

"Means of transportation?"

"Please look outside."

At Charles' words, I looked out the window with a sense of doubt, and then I noticed it.

Right behind the carriage Charles had arrived in, there was something that looked like a huge cart.

The cargo area was enormous, and the wheels were proportionally large.

Usually, such things are pulled by horses or oxen, but this one was being pushed and pulled by about twenty people arranged in front and back.

"What is that?"

"Please have your companion go there."

"Is it for the dragon?"

"Yes."

Charles nodded with a gentle smile still on his face.

"For a dragon?"

"I understand that Mr. Arrows considers this person important. If that’s the case, we will do our best to show proper respect."

"…I see."

It seems to be an even bigger deal than it looks.

The reason they’re not treating Colette lightly is because I—“Dragon-First”—brought a dragon.

It’s a more convincing story than if they said, “I love dragons, hahaha.”

"…I understand, I’ll be in your care."

"Thank you—please."

Charles bowed again, then moved his body to make way for me to the door. I stood up, went out into the corridor, and descended the stairs.

Guests from various rooms, having heard the commotion, peeked out and came down to the first floor, gathering the attention of the entire tavern.

I approached the innkeeper behind the counter.

"Sorry, innkeeper, I’m checking out early."

"Ah, ah. Don’t worry about it."

Even that stylish innkeeper was swept up in the atmosphere Charles had created.

Meanwhile, the dragon stable connected to the tavern was also getting noisy, and Colette had appeared.

"What’s going on?"

"We’re moving to a different place, is that okay?"

"Are you coming too?"

"Yeah."

"Then it’s fine."

Colette nodded and came out with me.

"Colette, you need to ride that."

"Me too? It feels weird. Are they planning something strange?"

"Don’t worry, it should be fine."

"Should be fine, you—"

"If anything happens, I’ll protect you, so it’s fine."

"…O-Okay."

Colette looked taken aback and turned her face away.

We then got on the palanquin-like cart that Charles had prepared. During this time, I examined the cart.

There was no decoration.

It looked like something hastily made.

It was undoubtedly made specifically for this purpose.

"Mr. Arrows, this way."

Charles, who had followed me out of the inn, invited me to the carriage he had arrived in.

"Okay."

I nodded and got into the carriage.

"I’m really getting in, into that Charles Sebille’s carriage."

"Charles Sebille is letting me get in before him."

"Who are you? For Charles Sebille to show this much respect to a man."

While I was in the carriage, waiting to depart, the surroundings were buzzing with excitement.

It must be a big deal, I could tell from the reactions around me.

The carriage led the way, and the cart followed behind.

I thought about where we were going, but we arrived in less than five minutes.

"This is it."

"It’s in the same inn town?"

"Yes."

I got out of the carriage and looked at the building in front of me.

In a town mostly filled with ordinary inns and taverns, this place stood out.

It looked like a noble’s mansion.

"Is there such a building in an inn town?"

"I’ve reserved it exclusively, so you won’t be disturbed."

"I see—what about the dragon?"

"We have prepared a separate annex for the dragon."

"…You mean you’ve renovated it?"

"Yes."

"…"

I was speechless.

Could it be… they’ve spent a lot of money?

"Hey."

"Huh?"

"What should we do? Should I go there?"

Colette asked me, seeking my judgment.

After a moment’s thought—no, no thought was needed.

"Yeah, Colette, take it easy there."

"Got it."

"Thanks."

I said this to Charles.

Charles nodded and subtly signaled to a man who seemed to be a servant nearby. The servant gave instructions to the people pushing and pulling the cart and led Colette away.

After seeing them off, I entered the mansion with Charles.

"Wow."

The moment I entered, I was surprised.

There was a lobby beyond the entrance, and on either side of the path, maids were lined up.

There were about fifty maids just in this area.

"Please."

Charles smiled gently and gestured for me to proceed.

I hesitated but moved forward.

As I passed, the maids on either side bowed.

I cautiously moved further, and the next maid in line also bowed.

It was like a domino effect.

As I walked, the maids on either side bowed one after another.

"Please, this way."

Charles led the way slightly ahead.

Surprisingly, the maids didn’t react to Charles moving ahead; they only bowed in a domino-like manner as I passed.

Wow...

Charles came to pick me up personally, I rode in his carriage, and now this maid domino effect.

I felt like I was the most important person in my life right now.

When you’re treated like this, you naturally feel motivated to work hard on the request.

"…I see."

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing."

Even as I said this, I was secretly impressed.

I was impressed by Charles' approach.

In a way, this is like an advance bonus, isn’t it?

By paying in advance and making you feel good, you’re motivated to work hard.

It’s a clever method.

I see, there are methods like this too.

I decided to remember this.

I thought I should learn from it.