Chapter 380: The First Visitor
“Eh? They’re not coming?”
Not only Sebastian, but the other servants wore expressions of disbelief.
“Well, it’s not something that happens often.”
As servants of the mansion, it’s certainly part of their duties to handle visitors. However, consider the location of this place. The servants arrived through the Dungeon Door located at the Hinomaru Branch in various towns. Naturally, this entrance is for employees only, and there’s no intention of allowing the general public to use it. So, when we talk about visitors, let’s assume it’s Mr. Miles, the merchant I recently got to know.
After a four-day carriage ride from Port Town Aisoleige, they would arrive at the entrance of our estate. From there, if they wanted to reach us on foot, they would have to cross three or four treacherous mountains. The straight-line distance is about three hundred kilometers, but navigating the unmarked mountain paths would be impossible for anyone below the rank of a high-level Adventurer.
“Looks like they really aren’t coming.”
“Yes, I think so too.”
When I reiterated this, El nodded in agreement. The probability of them coming is almost zero. Besides, we are not nobles, and there’s no need to put on airs for unexpected visitors, so the priority naturally decreases.
“Th-that’s just…”
For some reason, the servants looked shocked. Among them, the gardener Samuel seemed particularly dejected.
“Is my garden not going to be enjoyed by any guests…?”
He hadn’t even started tending to the garden yet, but it seemed Samuel was hoping for visitors to come and admire it.
“It seems that as servants, there’s a desire to present their master well to those around them.”
“Is that how it is?”
“Yes.”
“What about you, El?”
“Of course.”
El answered without hesitation, but I couldn’t help but feel skeptical about the truth of that. Her eagerness to learn about Japanese technology seemed more like a personal hobby, and I couldn’t recall seeing her with such an attitude before. By the way, El’s master is Rio, right?
However, I could understand the sentiment of a capable servant wanting to showcase their master positively. It’s certainly more endearing than someone who merely fulfills their assigned tasks. Still, considering we have a base, it feels like there should be someone visiting eventually. Perhaps we should build a reception hall for guests at the entrance of the estate.
“Oh, but other Hinomaru Guild staff might come here occasionally.”
“R-Really!?”
“Yeah, so do your best.”
“Understood! I’ll make it a splendid garden!”
It was good to see him bounce back so quickly. However, upon reflection, I realized I hadn’t explained the location to the servants, so they might not have understood why it was difficult for visitors to come.
“Then let’s head to the dormitory next.”
“Understood!”
“Yes!”
As we descended to the first floor, we made our way through the corridor to the dormitory. Here, while not as grand as our home, there was a kitchen, dining hall, and large bathhouse. I led the servants, who still looked a bit dazed, to their individual rooms.
“Eh? We get private rooms!?”
“The servants each have their own rooms. The lower-ranking staff will be coming in later, and they will share a room with four people.”
“Oh, I see.”
I swallowed the words that almost slipped out as I listened to El explain to the surprised maid-in-training, Hannah. It seemed like we would have a larger number of people than I initially thought.
“Well then, everyone, please take care of things.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Thus, the servants began working at our base.
A few days later, someone visited our base. To be precise, a person arrived at the area marked by walls and a front gate, which indicated it was private property.
“This is the person.”
El showed me the tablet, displaying Mr. Miles from the Rashiyu Trading Company, looking lost in front of the gate. I had been monitoring with the TYPE Series, and it seemed El had noticed him.
A figure who appeared to be a guard hired from the Adventurer’s Guild was also peering into the gate, mirroring Mr. Miles’s bewildered expression.
“…What could he be here for?”
“Who knows?”
“We’ll have to ask him directly.”
Of course, asking El wouldn’t yield any answers, and Ivan offered the most reasonable suggestion.
“Should we install a doorbell or something?”
While I had been monitoring with the TYPE Series, since this wasn’t inside the Dungeon, we had no way of knowing if someone came. For now, the only method we had was to watch the video feed on the tablet.
“Is it okay to just leave him there?”
As I pondered how to call him over, Rio’s voice snapped me back to reality. I looked back at the tablet just in time to see Mr. Miles slumping his shoulders, preparing to leave.
“Oh, wait a moment. I’ll go check.”
“Take care.”
With Rio seeing me off, I Teleported to a spot behind the wall where I wouldn’t be seen. I felt a bit guilty for making him come all this way, so I decided to at least hear what he needed.
Stepping out from the shadow of the wall, I locked eyes with Mr. Miles, who had turned back with a wistful expression.
“…Lord Shu!”
After a moment of surprise, Mr. Miles rushed toward the gate upon calling my name. The two guards flanking the carriage were similarly astonished.
“What brings you all the way out here?”
“All the way here… I came to see you, Lord Shu!”
“Ah.”
My response came out rather deflated, as I couldn’t quite grasp why he would go out of his way to meet me in such a remote location. We had promised to continue our dealings, but did he need something urgently? Fish are perishable, and the ones I sold him before were probably all gone by now.
“Could you sell me a whole giant fish!?”
As I pondered, it turned out to be exactly what he wanted.