Chapter 125: The Inn

Chapter 125

The Inn

In the subsequent rounds of the competition, Ellie continued to perform well. While she didn’t always secure 1st place, she consistently placed in the top ranks. The only event where she advanced to the second round but didn’t place was the Medication Dispensing competition. Nevertheless, her success rate remained quite high.

She competed in 8 events and placed in 7. She secured 1st place in 2 events, creating an impressive lead over her competitors. Additionally, she placed 3rd in 4 events and 2nd in 1. Her hard work and dedication made Ellie a well-known student.

As a disciple of Professor Medik, her success was widely discussed, leading to high expectations for her future. Ellie became recognized as a future apothecary of the next generation.

Many apothecaries, scholars studying the potion concocting, and even members of the royal family began to engage with Ellie, as if that once she surpassed her mentor, they would be among the first to establish connections with her in the future.

Ellie had Professor Medik shielding her from various matters, so after her competitions ended, there were 2 more days for other events that required more time. This included the final championship round for Aman’s group.

Both of them passed the preliminary rounds with ease, spending nearly 7 hours in the arena—a truly grueling competition. Fortunately, they didn’t sustain any injuries today, otherwise, the next round would undoubtedly be an obstacle for both of them.

Ellie decided to stay on for the rest of the competition, while both professors needed to return to their duties. After celebrating Ellie’s success, Medik had to prepare a serious teaching plan for the next year. Otherwise, Ellie wouldn’t be ready for the next competition, which could potentially leave her with emotional scars.

Unbeknownst to Medik, the future didn’t concern Ellie in the slightest. After establishing herself as someone proficient in academics, everyone would focus solely on that aspect. When the persona of "Luke" emerged, no one would link her to the hardworking girl dedicated to the knowledge of potion concocting. This was Ellie’s reason for showcasing her abilities today. It didn’t mean she would feel pressured to win every competition in the future.

The accommodation for the competitors was provided, but those not listed had to find their own lodging outside. The city was vibrant with lights and sounds, as merchants knew this was the best time to make the most profit. Students from different cities and kingdoms had gathered here. If they didn’t sell their goods now, when would they?

Ellie had a reserved room as well, but her name was listed with other potion-concocting competitors, meaning her roommates would be those she had slapped in the face earlier that day. If she had to share a room with such troublesome people, it was better to spend a little money to rent a room outside.

She decided to find a place to stay for 2 nights since she was already here. The costs were covered, and traveling between kingdoms independently would require a lot of procedure, including obtaining entry permissions and paying significant fees. To make the most of this opportunity, she chose to leave on the final day of the competition. It seemed others had similar plans.

Upon leaving Gaia Institute’s gate, she saw numerous students in various uniforms. Some spoke in dialects that, while understandable, had unfamiliar accents. In addition to the students, there were service providers loudly inviting customers to use their services.

"Students interested in affordable, quality accommodation, come this way."

"Our inn is better. We offer delicious food and nighttime performances. If you rent a room, you’ll receive special care."

"Hey! Isn’t your inn too expensive? Students would prefer to save money for equipment from our kingdom. Don’t waste money on unnecessary things. Stay with us for a much cheaper rate."

"Aiya!! Are you really selling like this? Do you want trouble!?"

There were also invitations from restaurants, shops, and magical equipment vendors. So, if a student accidentally made eye contact...they would definitely be drawn into something.

Ellie avoided looking at anyone directly. Perhaps her modest appearance made her look less affluent, so the vendors didn’t approach her aggressively, which was a relief. She wanted to inspect potential accommodations herself. If the place was of poor quality, it wouldn’t be worth spending money on it, would it?

She had read in novel that this tournament festival was a hub of excitement and fun for many people, but it was also a hotspot for criminals.

In the third year, when the heroine attended the tournament with the knight Wint, a major incident occurred. By then, the heroine was known as the Goddess of Light, attracting much attention. Professor Lucien was very concerned, so he paid for her to stay in a high-end, expensive inn that guaranteed safety. And indeed, someone caused a significant disturbance!!

Normally, various tribes wouldn’t appear in cities, but during that time, someone summoned them from the Tower of Eternity. These were the demons from the "Harpy Tribe."

Their goal was human flesh. The chaos they caused provided an opportunity for the summoner to reach the heroine, who was resting in the inn. However, the culprit couldn’t get to her because of the inn’s top-notch security. If it weren’t for the high-level harpies burning down the inn, forcing the heroine and her group outside, hiding in a high-end inn would have been an excellent choice.

Ellie, who never wanted to reveal her combat abilities, so her first choice was the safest place. Aman and Koross actually wanted to accompany her, but Ellie slipped away while they were resting from the exhausting competition. If they had followed her, it would have restricted her freedom.

There were many inns here that seemed quite high quality. Ellie walked around leisurely before finding an inn that caught her interest.

This inn was slightly larger than the others. The ground floor had a food market like some other inns she had passed, the second floor had a stage for performances and private dining rooms, while the 3rd and 4th floors were for lodging. A sign indicated that only 2 rooms were left, priced at 20 gold coins each, suggesting that only very wealthy individuals stayed here.

What caught Ellie’s interest was that each room here had a private hot spring. They had equipment to create hot springs, allowing guests to soak whenever they wished. This feature significantly raised the price of the rooms.

Having a chance to soak in a hot spring on such an occasion was rare. Even at the institute, she hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy such a luxury. How could she pass up this rare chance?

However, there was more to her choice than just enjoying the hot spring. An inn of this size and with such high rental prices would attract affluent guests. Not only were the room rates high, but there was also the cost of food and other amenities that would be charged additionally. Staying here would provide her with a better opportunity to gather information.

After all, weren’t significant events often orchestrated by the elite? In a place that gathered many high-ranking individuals, surely news and information would flow more freely.

As Ellie was about to step into the inn, her small frame was suddenly shoved, nearly causing her to fall. A sharp, displeased voice followed immediately.

"Who are you!? How dare you block my way." The spoiled tone and the alarmed expressions of the staff made it clear to Ellie that this person was undoubtedly a significant figure in this kingdom.

After managing to avoid becoming enemies with the villainous Lady Vida and Aria in her own kingdom, was she now encountering another villainous lady? It seemed her fate was intertwined with dangerous people.

"M-My lady, please come inside. We apologize for not knowing you were coming. Currently, there are only 2 rooms left in the inn, one of which is the room you usually use..." The beautiful staff member hurried over, practically floating. But before she could soothe the young lady’s anger, her words were interrupted.

"No!! Why should I settle for the remaining rooms!? What do you think of me? Do you think I’m the type to accept unwanted rooms?" The spoiled tone made Ellie almost admire her. Someone fitting the role of a villain shouldn’t be like Lady Vida; rather, it should be this girl.

Ellie looked at the girl up and down. She seemed around Ellie’s age, with a cute face but perpetually furrowed brows. Seeing the makeup that made her look older, Ellie could conclude that this girl truly deserved...deserved of the villain role.

"M-My lady, it’s not like that. Those people couldn’t afford the room you usually use. You know how expensive it is, and only someone as grand and wealthy as you can easily pay for it,"

The staff member flattered the girl, which seemed to work as the girl who was initially upset began to show a much better expression. However, she still pointed at Ellie, who was standing quietly.

"Then who is this country bumpkin? Is she renting a room here? Do you allow poor people like her in your inn now? Isn’t that lowering your standards?"

"N-no, of course not. We don’t even know what she’s doing here. She might just want to catch a glimpse of you, my lady," the staff member praised again, causing a smile to appear on the girl’s lips.

"That might be true...I’ll let it go this time since you know how charming I am," the young girl said, lifting her chin before walking away. The staff member looked at Ellie apologetically but said nothing, only hurrying after the girl.

Ellie watched the girl’s grand departure and sighed. The girl seemed to be someone who had been raised with great care, thinking the world revolved around her. However, there was one concerning aspect...with such an attitude, she might become a victim herself one day. But that wasn’t Ellie’s concern. Shaking her head, Ellie called over another staff member.

"I’d like to rent one of the remaining rooms."

"Hmm? Our rooms cost 20 gold coins. With the magical amenities like the hot spring, performances, and 1 meal included, the total is 40 gold coins," the staff member said, as if worried Ellie didn’t know the price, going over all the costs again. Ellie didn’t mind and quickly took out her money pouch, then handed over the money.

"Here’s 80 gold coins for 2 nights." Seeing this plain-looking girl effortlessly produce nearly 100 gold coins, the staff member’s mouth couldn’t help but tremble.

Good thing he hadn’t been rude to her. Who would have thought that this ordinary-looking girl had enough money to stay at the top inn?

"I-In that case, please proceed to the 4th floor. This is the second-best room we have." The staff member led the way while signaling others to quickly prepare her dinner.

From being unnoticed, Ellie had now become one of their esteemed guests...

"I don’t want it!! You must bring me the fragrant orchid wine to my room tonight! If not, I’ll destroy this place!!"

"M-My lady, you can’t drink the fragrant orchid wine. You’re allergic to it. The more you drink, the more dangerous it becomes. I think it would be better if you had the chilled orchid wine instead. It’s even finer."

"No!! I don’t want it. I told you, I only want the fragrant orchid wine."

"Oh, my lady, if we pour it for you and something happens, our inn won’t survive."

"Won’t survive? Then do you want me to punish you right now?!!"

"My lady, please, my lady!"

"I want the fragrant orchid wine!! No matter what, go and get it for me!!" Just as they reached the 4th floor, the girl’s shouting drew everyone’s attention immediately.