Chapter 184 (1/2)

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Chapter 184 – The Gray's Invitation

In the Grand Hotel, guests could have breakfast in the wide lounge facing the entrance. There were plenty of s.p.a.ces between tables. The breakfast menu consisted of white bread and white sausage; as always, the city's obsession with the color showed. The vegetables, at least, had varied colors, but the main dish was definitely white.

「This hotel chain sure is amazing. They incorporate the local features and specialties and everything that should be standardized is standardized.」

「Really?」

Lavia and Paula didn't seem to understand, but Hikaru was deeply impressed.

「You can say they're just hotels that open business in large cities, but there's more to it. It's difficult to incorporate other countries' culture while maintaining their standard of quality. Sharing information across borders is not easy, but the quality is the same for all the branches.」

「Thank you for the compliment.」

A waiter came and poured water on their gla.s.ses. He wore a strained smile, perhaps because it wasn't some old wealthy man who gave praise, but a teenager who acted like an expert.

「May I ask how this hotel maintains this quality of service?」Hikaru said.

He felt embarra.s.sed that the man heard him, but he took the opportunity to ask a question.

「Whenever a new branch is opened, experienced staff from other branches stay for a year to teach the local employees about the Grand Hotel's creed.」

「I see…」

「If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.」

The waiter bowed and left.

「Hikaru, what's a creed?」

「It basically means management philosophy. In this case, it might refer to their fundamental values in providing service, or something along those lines.」

「Oh…」

「How do you know that, Hikaru-sama? Have you worked at a hotel before?」

「Of course not.」

「I can't imagine Hikaru being a hotel staff.」

Lavia chuckled. What's so funny about it? Hikaru thought.

「Is the adventurer Hikaru here?」

A loud voice came from the entrance. It belonged to a monk wearing gray habit, and he came with four other men. Merchants mostly stayed in the Grand Hotel, so their garment stood out.

「Oh, c.r.a.p…」

Hikaru was at a loss for words. The familiar man threatened hotel staff, asking them where Hikaru was and walked with heavy steps towards his direction.

「So you're Hikaru. You should be honored. A Red Priest has sent me to… Wait a minute, you look familiar….」

It was Gelop.

「You got me mixed with someone else. Please leave.」

「Bulls.h.i.+t! You're the only adventurer with black hair and eyes around here!」

Hikaru sensed trouble. Gelop regarded him with disgust, recalling the time they had a dispute in front of the tower.

「A Red Priest has summoned you. Come with me.」

「What does he want?」

「Just come and you'll find out!」

「It's a no, then.」

「…What?」Gelop's eyes widened.「What did you say?」he repeated.

「I said no. Why should I go when I don't even know what he wants from me?」

Besides, they messed with Paula before. Hikaru's anger from back then still hadn't subsided.

「d.a.m.n you!」Gelop shouted, his face red with rage.

The people in the lounge looked at them, wondering what was going on. Hotel staff ran towards them, but they couldn't say anything against the Grays. The other men were stopping them from interfering as well.

「It's an honor to be summoned by a Red Priest, yet you refuse?! And I, a guru, personally came to fetch you!」