Chapter 64
“Roel! Another guest?”
“Yes! One person came.”
“I should’ve mentioned earlier.”
Hawk asked, scratching his head and frowning.
“It’s almost the Founding Day. The imperial palace is hosting a banquet, there are knighthood ceremonies, noble appointments, and they distribute food and drink to the people.”
It’s a busy time with many nobles and spectators coming into the city. The founding day of the Empire was considered the highlight for businesses in the capital.
“During the week of Founding Day, we increase the room rates by five times.”
“Five times?”
“Yes, and that’s actually on the lower end. Some central hotels charge up to ten times. They’re real sharks.”
Staying at the Double Axe Inn for a week would now cost 15 silver. It was a substantial amount considering Roel’s monthly earnings of only 2 silver. She worried about how she would afford Kyden’s stay and considered where she might borrow some money. Roel sighed.
“Whenever we raise the prices during this period, there’s always a quarrel, especially with long-term guests who refuse to pay the new rate.”
They would argue about the sudden increase and sometimes they had to either reduce the rates for those willing to share a four-person room with eight or evict them. During peak times, even a modest inn like theirs had no shortage of guests, and those who came were generous with tips.
“Anyway, go ahead and let him know in advance so he doesn’t make a fuss later.”
“…Yes.”
Reluctantly nodding, Roel made her way up the stairs, her steps heavy. As she approached Kyden’s room, her anxiety grew, and she felt increasingly frightened.
The thought of discussing the increased room rates vanished from her mind. How could she tell Kyden that if he couldn’t pay, he’d have to leave the inn?
She hoped he would stay longer and was even prepared to borrow money to cover his expenses herself.
Roel stood frozen in front of room 207, her hand pressed against her rapidly beating heart. She took a deep breath and carefully knocked on the door.
“Hello, is, is anyone there?”
Was her voice strange?
Her heart felt like it was going to explore.
* * *
After getting inside Room 207, Kyden closed the door and wiped his face.
After seeing Roel, he had nearly hugged her impulsively. Her pale face looking up at him with clear eyes momentarily took his breath away.
He felt a brief surge of relief that she was safe. Which quickly turned into an ugly twinge of jealousy. He hated that she seemed fine without him, not appearing sad at all.
A wave of selfishness washed over him behind the joy and relief.
He wanted to be the one to save Roel in trouble. He alone should be Roel’s will and hope. He had a disgusting feeling that if Roel were to do well, there would be no place for him.
‘Disgusting.’
Kyden sat on the bed and hung his head, trying to calm himself down.
Even as he fought these feelings, part of him desperately wanted to go down, hold her, check her for any injuries, and irrationally, to ensure she hadn’t met someone else in the last month.
To put it more bluntly, he even harbored a desire to strip her down to confirm no one else had touched her.
Given Roel’s innocence and beauty, he was convinced some undesirable men must have bothered her.
As these thoughts spiraled, his anger flared up unexpectedly. He had been working on maintaining a gentle heart after leaving their rustic cabin life, but recent events had quickly dredged up his darker side.
Then he heard a knock.
“Hello, is, is anyone there?”
Roel’s voice called out.
Like a reflex, Kyden shot up from his seat like a trained dog.
Roel had come to him. What would she say? Would she say how much she missed him, ask what he was doing here?
Perhaps….she would say how hard it had been since they parted and suggest they start over.
Yes, working in this inn must be hard. She must have faced many difficulties. She was probably too shocked to speak earlier.
After pacing around the room, calming his excitement and smoothing his sharp expression, Kyden opened the door.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Ah, there’s something I forgot to explain.”
“…What is it?”
“Breakfast is from 7 to 9 AM, and dinner from 6 to 8 PM. You can have your meals in the dining area next to the desk.”
“…”
“If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask… I can also bring your meals to your room.”
Roel hesitated. She couldn’t look him in the eye and shyly lowered her head as a blush spread across her pale cheeks. It was a shade he wanted to bite and suck right now.
“Then, rest well.”
The door closed mercilessly.
Frozen in place, Kyden stared at the closed door.
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