Book 4: Volume 3 Chapter 4, Luxury Hotels

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

The building that Ygrites’ team constructed employed architectural techniques based on luxury hotels in Razequa Amamiya. However, that foundation merely served as the starting point, and the impression it conveyed differed entirely.

 

Imagining the construction cost for a building demonstrating such craftsmanship proved impossible. While not lavishly decorated with gold, silver, and treasures, the building’s magnificence remained unmistakable at first glance.

 

Why had the vampires and Ygrites constructed this building? To operate it as a hotel. Moreover, the more proactive faction planned to transform this area into a hot spring town.

 

Regarding the hot springs themselves, they were tapping and developing underground sources, which represented the Ygrites’ specialty. Only one building existed currently, but plans called for additional structures once the location became a popular destination.

 

The planned hot spring town site was located at some distance from Vermillion Castle. The hot spring town area was protected across a fairly extensive area by a barrier Kousuke created, making Vermillion Castle unreachable. This arrangement represented a compromise with the group reluctant to open up.

 

Staring at the building forever served no purpose, so the group proceeded inside the hotel. There, too, everyone reacted with astonishment.

 

Just inside the entrance, a fairly spacious hall and reception counter awaited guests. The hall featured sofas and tables for relaxation, with each piece clearly of exceptional quality. The Ygrites’ craftsmanship was on full display.

 

Additionally, the lighting illuminating the interior employed technology Kousuke invented, demonstrating that construction had not relied solely on traditional techniques.

 

“How can I say this… the hotel we are constructing is starting to appear… too shabby…” Dulles remarked, still shocked by the hotel’s exterior.

 

However, when Shrein heard this, she shook her head. “I don’t think that’s fair to say.”

 

“What do you mean?” Dulles asked.

 

“It’s simple. When constructing something, you are almost always limited by budget constraints. You apply all your skills within those parameters, correct?”

 

Hearing this, Schmidt understood Shrein’s meaning. “Are you suggesting this hotel was constructed without regard for profitability?”

 

This represented a fact merchants would find difficult to believe, but Shrein nodded in confirmation. “That’s right. It was tough for me too.”

 

Examining the reported budget against the actual building and interior, even Shrein could see that expenditures had clearly exceeded projections. However, like the building itself, every piece of furniture was handcrafted by the Ygrites.

 

Considering that the Ygrite’s work commanded valuations comparable to expensive fine art, pricing became almost limitless.

 

After hearing this explanation, Schmidt reached an answer that felt almost intuitive. “You mean that budget only covered the cost price?”

 

Shrein nodded, grimacing as Schmidt spoke. “That’s right. I never thought the Ygrites’ unconventional approach would manifest here.”

 

Most of the Ygrite’s creations employed ore and gemstones they excavated themselves. External commissions using specified materials naturally occurred, but in those cases, materials were purchased through Crown.

 

According to what the Ygrites told Shrein, most raw materials used in hotel construction came from this floor. In other words, excluding their labor costs, expenses were practically nonexistent.

 

Therefore, the project was not operating at a loss, and Shrein even found amusement in the Ygrites’ characteristic nonchalant attitude.

 

Naturally, Shrein did not completely believe this explanation. If the hotel were to be established, races other than vampires and the Ygrite would visit the Floor where they resided. Undoubtedly, the Ygrite’s team had become excited upon hearing the plan.

 

To Shrein, their enthusiasm bordered on recklessness. After hearing the full story, Schmidt’s expression conveyed understanding. He had never conducted direct business with the Ygrites but had done so many times through vampire intermediaries.

 

Schmidt knew very well how reckless the Ygrites could become when enthusiasm took hold.

 

“Well, thank you the considerable effort you’ve put in.” Schmidt said, his expression indescribable.

 

…

 

While listening to Shrein and the others, Kousuke approached the counter, recognizing that staring indefinitely served no purpose. Two or three Ygrite representatives waited there.

 

The counter height was based on normal race standards, so platforms or similar arrangements must have been positioned behind it to accommodate the Ygrites. The way they appeared with upper bodies visible resembled display dolls.

 

Seeing Kousuke approach, one smiled and spoke.

 

“Welcome… Ouch! Welcome, welcome!”

 

Kousuke experienced indescribable emotion watching the Ygrite repeat herself after being nudged on the head by another Ygrite beside her. Honestly, this exchange could easily make an unfamiliar observer want to abduct someone.

 

Indeed, Mia, standing beside Kousuke, watched the Ygrite exchange with shining eyes. The scene proved concerning in multiple ways, but checking their surroundings revealed vampires guarding key locations.

 

Kousuke and his companions’ visit was also serving as training. The Ygrites seemed unfamiliar with the speaking style, but it appeared functional initially.

 

Of course, this reflected merely Kousuke’s personal opinion, and would likely not appeal to everyone. Some people might find it irritating.

 

This hotel, which had yet to be named, was not scheduled for public opening. Recipients would be those with high rank as determined by Crown. This ranking differed from usual request acceptance criteria, representing a separate evaluation system.

 

For example, even if an adventurer completed a request successfully, they might receive low client evaluation due to attitude or other factors. A request might be high rank, but the evaluation itself could be low rank.

 

In other words, this represented an evaluation of the person or party’s inner qualities. Those with high evaluation could receive more designated requests from Crown. The hotel operated by vampire and Ygrites used this evaluation to limit guests.

 

This explained why all Crown directors and department heads were present. Judging from their expressions, no problems seemed apparent for the moment.

 

After this, Kousuke and the others entered each room and examined the facilities, but identified no major issues. However, when discussing facilities, the only amenities beyond the hot springs were a dining hall, a hall, and rooms for board games and card games.

 

According to Shrein and the others, this proved more than sufficiently luxurious.

 

After hearing this assessment, Kousuke thought to himself while soaking in the hot springs that he might as well introduce additional entertainment to this world.