第１５２７堀：豪華なホテルは一般人は気が引ける (Part1)
### Chapter 1527: Luxury Hotels Are Intimidating to the Common Folk
Side: Yuki
I am currently at the lodging facility in the town of Wean, prepared by Weed.
Although the auction concluded about two weeks ago, the town of Wean is experiencing an unprecedented level of bustle, with guests still arriving to experience this hotel. It seems the Kingdom of Ewai is attempting to leverage this momentum to bolster its national power.
Perhaps related to that, the King of Ewai has set out to speak with the monarchs of various nations.
*Honestly, isn't that a bit late?* I think to myself.
However, given the relationships between the great powers gathering here, if the Kingdom of Ewai had tried to give presentations, it would have overshadowed the auction. Furthermore, since the entry of the Dark Guild was anticipated, we had to avoid any further chaos and ensure security. I had asked Lowell’s Gartz and the diplomat Rurua to hold them back.
Therefore, this is the promised reward.
The Kingdom of Ewai might be able to make a leap forward in the town of Wean, which previously had no distinguishing features.
Thanks to that, I’m here at the hotel now, finalizing our schedule.
That said, the King of Ewai and his party have already departed and are expected to arrive in a few days.
"I truly wanted to send an escort, or at least a welcoming party, from our side..."
"It wouldn't be appropriate for our side to send a reception party, given the power dynamics, Yuki-sama. While it is true that they provided the town of Wean as an auction venue and accepted the kings of various nations, the Kingdom of Ewai is one of the non-aligned nations—a country that has remained stagnant until now. In a sense, that was a failure on their part. By the King of Ewai coming here himself, he is effectively erasing that past discourtesy."
"Politics is such a hassle, Fiora."
"I agree that it is troublesome, but it is also a matter of etiquette. Above all, it is necessary to demonstrate that the non-aligned nations are changing from this point forward."
"So, you're saying a clear hierarchy is necessary."
"Precisely."
I continue moving toward one of the hotel rooms while discussing this with Fiora.
Well, the King of Ewai’s arrival is secondary; the reason I came today is...
"Still, I never imagined Bamai-dono was doing this intentionally."
"I can accept it once I hear the explanation, but there is a non-zero chance that the people he is trading with might be compromised, so please be careful."
"Exactly. Targeting someone when they are off-guard is the basics."
Prof and Nina say this, urging caution.
They are certainly right.
Bamai-dono may have intentionally set a trap, anticipating that the Dark Guild would attempt to resupply, but there is no guarantee his subordinates won't be swayed by them.
That is something that requires vigilance.
"Yuki-sama. Is it possible that Bamai-dono himself is the bait?"
"That’s true~. Isn't there a possibility that he’s just gaining your trust, Yuki-sama, only to strike from behind~?"
Yes, yes, that possibility is also quite high.
But...
"You said that yourself, didn't you, Yuki-sama? For some reason, I get the feeling that you are convinced Bamai-dono is not an enemy. Why is that?"
As Yayui says, I don't think Bamai-dono is an enemy.
The reason is...
"Well, we’ve investigated Bamai-dono quite thoroughly on our end, too. Because of that, I know the probability is infinitely low. And Lilishe said there’s no problem. I dislike relying on gods—it feels like I’m just putting my faith in them—but I trust her judgment on those kinds of things."
That’s right. We investigated him properly, and on top of that, Lilishe said there was no issue.
She, much like Aslin and Firia, possesses an innate ability to discern the core of a person.
You encounter them occasionally—people who can measure the true heart of another.
No, wait—Aslin, Firia, Labyris, Hiiro... it seems there are quite a lot of people with sharp intuition like that, aren't there?
Anyway, setting that aside, when Yayui and the others heard this answer:
" " "Ah, I see." " "
They were immediately convinced.
It seems Lilishe really is just that persuasive.
"Indeed, if Lilishe-sama says so, it seems unlikely that Bamai-dono is plotting anything malicious."
Even Prof, who is strict about vetting people, is convinced.
It just goes to show how much experience and persuasive power she has.
I wouldn't be able to achieve that, so I suppose I still have a long way to go.
Though, I definitely wouldn't want to end up like Lilishe or Hairen.
While we were talking about this, we arrived in front of the target room.
I pressed the intercom near the door, and Mikos appeared on the monitor.
"Ah, Yuki-sensei. I'll open it."
With that, she opened the door and stepped out.
You might wonder why a hotel has an intercom, but this hotel is where the kings of various nations stay.
You can't have conversations audible just by knocking on the door.
It’s also fully soundproofed.
Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to hold private consultations.
The room itself is a suite, befitting VIP treatment.
Well, given the importance of the guests, that’s only natural.
It comes with a living room, a reception room, a bedroom, a kitchen, a toilet, and a bath, not to mention ultra-luxurious furniture and climate control.
Have I ever stayed in a hotel like this? ...I have.
I did all sorts of things when I was younger, after all.
"Um, Yuki-sensei? Was there a problem?"
Mikos tilted her head and asked, as I had been staring into the room with a distant look in my eyes.
"Ah, I was just thinking about how I stayed in a place like this when I was a student."
"Oh, so Yuki-sensei has stayed in a room like this too? It’s convenient, isn't it?"
"It is convenient, but it feels too luxurious for a student. Most schools are just large rooms where everyone sleeps in a heap, or at best, a business hotel."
"A business hotel?"
"Ah—it’s a room for a solo traveler, or maybe two people, with the bare minimum of a bed and a toilet."
"I see, is that how it is?"
"No, you guys are nobles, so this environment might be natural for you. Prof, Orelia, Hobis, Yayui—you guys understand how I feel, don't you?"
When I threw the question to them, all four nodded.
"To begin with, it’s not something we could afford to pay for. Well, it’s not a problem now, though."
"That’s true. Even looking at it from a financial standpoint, we wouldn't have the luxury of booking a room like this."
"It’s a rare treat~. But~, commoners are often not allowed in places like this~."
"There are many places that only allow the wealthy or nobles. It’s a source of trouble, after all."
That’s true.
Even if you have the money, if you lack manners, the hotel’s reputation will suffer.
They would want to refuse such guests.
"Um, Yuki-sama. Setting aside your thoughts on the hotel room, aren't you here to meet someone?"
Fiora prodded me.
"That’s right. Mikos, I’m counting on you."
"Yes. Please, come this way."
Mikos, even if she is on the periphery, is a member of the nobility.
Her etiquette is impeccable.