Chapter 4

"Customer, we've arrived at Elm. Here, three large silver coins, please."

"Hmm. I must have fallen asleep. Thank you."

Since the destination had been communicated to the driver, I was woken up at the city of Elm, where the border lord's mansion is located. When I realized it, the other passenger was nowhere to be seen. They must have already gotten off. I shouldered my luggage and gave the driver four large silver coins, including a tip. The driver had a very pleasant smile.

"Ugh~"

After being jolted around in the carriage for quite a while, my body ached all over. At the carriage station, which was just starting to get dark, I stretched widely. I wanted to say I would continue on to Purge Village by changing carriages, but unfortunately, there were no carriages to Purge Village. However, from Elm, Purge Village was just a stone's throw away, and it would take about half a day on foot for an ordinary person. If one could use magic to a reasonable extent, it would take less than an hour.

(But there's no need to go back at night.)

Elm, though a provincial city, is the town where the border lord resides. I've heard that Lord Bent is an outstanding person in internal affairs. Indeed, the city looks prosperous and the security seems good. Thinking that there would be a quality inn here, I asked a passerby.

"Excuse me, is there an inn nearby?"

"Huh? Ah, go straight down this street and turn right at the second alley."

"Thank you."

Thanks to the kind-looking uncle, I found the inn right away. As expected, the exterior was neat and impressive. I entered the inn immediately.

(Hmm, the interior is also nice. Elm is a good city.)

Feeling quite satisfied, I called out to the innkeeper, who seemed to be at the reception.

"Good evening."

"Ah, welcome. Do you want a meal? Or a room?"

"I'd like both. Are there any rooms available?"

"Ah, yes, there are. The room is six silver coins in advance. The meal is charged separately."

"Understood. I'll take it."

I took out one large silver coin from my leather pouch and paid. Then I received the key and four silver coins in change—immediately giving one of the silver coins to a boy who had been fidgeting next to me.

"It's heavy, but can you carry this to my room?"

"Yes!"

Thus, I was led to my room by the luggage-carrying boy. After he finished, he bowed deeply and politely said goodbye before leaving.

(Huh, much more polite and enthusiastic about work than the people at the magic bureau.)

I had said my luggage was light, but it was still like moving for a single person. For the boy, it must have been very heavy. However, even when walking and climbing the stairs, he didn't drag it. Though he wobbled a bit, he was careful not to drop or bump it. One silver coin was certainly worth it.

After placing my luggage and locking the door, I headed to the bar on the first floor in a good mood. There seemed to be many people there besides the guests, and it looked quite busy with no empty seats. I stood in a corner, intending to wait for a seat to become available. But—

"Oh, I'm sorry. There are no seats available, are there? Could you wait a moment?"

"Huh? Yes."

The innkeeper, who had been at the reception earlier, approached me. Since I was planning to wait, I nodded. As I followed her with my eyes, she seemed to be wandering around the bar, talking to someone.

(She's back. What was that about?)

I was puzzled by the innkeeper's sudden actions, but the answer soon became clear.

"Hehe, be happy, sir. I got permission for you to share a table. And with two exceptionally beautiful women. Don't misbehave, okay? Well, you seem serious, so it should be fine. Come, this way."

"Eh, ah, thank you—"

The innkeeper grabbed my hand and smoothly led me through the crowd to a four-person table at the back. There, two women were facing each other, eating.

(They are indeed beautiful.)

One was a bit younger than me, with beautiful straight chestnut hair, large, cute eyes, a high nose, and well-balanced thin lips, making her very beautiful. The other was probably a bit older, with red hair in a roll, and slightly upturned eyes, making her a beautiful woman.

"Sir, why don't you sit down instead of staring?"

"A, ah, thank you."

The innkeeper's words made me realize I was standing there dazed, and I hurriedly sat down next to the chestnut-haired girl.

"Well, enjoy yourselves. I warned the gentleman not to misbehave, but you should be proactive. After all, it's time for you to get married, hehehehe."

It seems the innkeeper is the meddling type. After giving the two beautiful women this advice and winking, she left with a very pleased laugh.

"Ah, um, I'm sorry for suddenly intruding."

"Lord Deleria is quite a handful. Ah, no, don't misunderstand. It's not that you're a bother. Well, this is some kind of fate. Let's chat and enjoy our meal together, okay? What do you think, Mina?"

When I spoke a bit awkwardly, the red-haired beauty, who seemed to be a cool and stylish woman, said this considerately. Then, the red-haired beauty spoke to the chestnut-haired beauty—Mina, who was sitting next to me. But there was no response. I became worried and discreetly peeked at Mina's face.