I led Mei Liang up the creaky wooden stairs, very aware of every sound in the quiet night. Her hand never left her sword hilt, and she kept glancing behind us like she expected someone to burst through the door at any moment.
"Here we are," I said, opening the door to the room I'd prepared. "It's not much, but it's clean and the bed is comfortable enough."
She stepped inside and looked around. The room was simple just a bed, a small table with a chair, and a washbasin I'd filled with fresh water. The window had actual curtains that I'd beaten the dust out of, and a single lantern provided warm light.
"It's perfect," she said, and I could hear the genuine gratitude in her voice. "Better than sleeping on the ground for another night."
"I'll bring up some food shortly," I told her. "Is there anything specific you need? Extra blankets? Hot water for washing?"
She turned to look at me, and there was something analytical in her gaze now, like she was reassessing me. "Hot water would be appreciated. And Innkeeper Kazuki... thank you for not asking questions."
"Everyone has their reasons for traveling," I said with a slight shrug. "It's not my place to pry into guest affairs. Your business is your own."
[Diplomatic Response detected. Customer Service Skills experience gained.]
She smiled for the first time since arriving, though it was small and tired. "You really are unusual. Most innkeepers would be drilling me with questions by now, especially seeing the state I'm in."
"I worked hospitality in my... previous position," I said, catching myself before saying 'previous life.' "Professional discretion was important there too."
"Well, I appreciate it. Now, about that food?" Her stomach chose that moment to growl loudly, and she had the grace to look embarrassed.
I grinned. "Coming right up. Make yourself comfortable."
Back in the kitchen, I worked quickly to prepare a proper meal. The knowledge from my Basic Innkeeper Skills made everything smoother. I knew instinctively how to balance flavors, how long to cook the rice, how to make the simple ingredients taste better than they had any right to.
I reheated the fish I'd prepared earlier, made fresh vegetables with a sauce that somehow turned out savory and rich despite my limited ingredients, and even managed to brew tea from some dried leaves I'd found in a sealed container.
[You have created: Hearty Traveler's Meal]
[Quality: Good]
Effect: Restores stamina significantly, provides warmth, minor healing properties]
"Minor healing properties?" I read the notification with surprise. "Since when can my cooking heal people?"
[Basic Innkeeper Skills include beginner-level spiritual cooking. All food prepared with proper intent contains minor beneficial effects.]
[Note: This effect will strengthen as Host's skills improve.]
I stared at the steaming plates of food. "So I'm basically making magical food without even trying? That's... actually pretty cool."
I arranged everything on a wooden tray, making sure it looked presentable, and carried it upstairs. I knocked on Mei Liang's door softly.
"Come in," her voice called.
She'd washed her face and hands and was sitting at the small table. She'd removed her outer cloak, revealing fitted robes that looked higher quality than I'd initially thought. There was an elegance to her posture now that the exhaustion wasn't completely overwhelming her.
I set the tray down on the table. "Steamed rice, grilled fish, stir-fried vegetables, and hot tea. Nothing fancy, but it should help restore your energy."
Her eyes widened as she looked at the food. "This looks wonderful. And it smells..." She leaned closer, inhaling. "There's spiritual energy in this food. You're a spiritual chef?"
I froze for a second. I had no idea what a spiritual chef was, but I could guess. "Ah, just basic techniques," I said, trying to sound casual. "Nothing special."
[Skill: Deflection (Beginner) activated]
She gave me another one of those analytical looks but didn't press. Instead, she picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of the fish.
The expression on her face was worth all the effort. Her eyes closed, and she made a small sound of satisfaction. "This is delicious. Truly."
"I'm glad you like it," I said, genuinely pleased. There was something satisfying about watching someone enjoy food I'd made. "Take your time. I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Wait," she said, and I paused at the door. "You really aren't going to ask? About why I'm traveling alone, why I look like I've been in a fight, or why I specifically need discretion?"
I turned back to face her. "Miss Mei, in my experience, people who need discretion have good reasons for it. When you're ready to share, you will. Until then, you're just another guest enjoying a meal. That's how it should be."
She studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "You're either very wise or very naive, Innkeeper Kazuki. I haven't decided which yet."
"Probably a bit of both," I admitted with a grin. "Enjoy your meal."
I headed back downstairs, my mind racing. She'd identified the spiritual energy in the food immediately, which meant she was probably some kind of cultivator. Which made sense given the sword, the glowing eyes, and the fact that she'd apparently been traveling and fighting for days.
[Quest Update: First Customer]
[Progress: Guest provided with room and meal. Satisfaction level: High]
[Continue providing excellent service to complete quest.]
I settled behind the counter, keeping my ears open for any sounds outside. If Mei Liang was being pursued, there was a chance trouble might come looking for her. The thought made me nervous, but I pushed it aside. This was my inn now, and guests were supposed to be safe here.
About thirty minutes later, I heard footsteps on the stairs. Mei Liang came down carrying the empty tray, which surprised me. Most guests wouldn't bother.
"You didn't have to bring that down," I said, standing up.
"It's no trouble." She set the tray on the counter. "That meal was exceptional, Kazuki. I haven't eaten that well in weeks." She reached for her pouch. "Let me pay you now. For the room and meal."
"Really, morning is fine"
She placed three silver coins on the counter. They were larger than I expected and had intricate designs stamped on them. "I insist. You've earned it, and besides..." she glanced toward the door, "I may need to leave quickly in the morning. Better to settle accounts now."
I picked up one of the coins, examining it. The system helpfully provided information:
[Spirit Silver Coin]
[Value: 1 Spirit Silver = 100 Spirit Copper]
[Note: This is generous payment for basic accommodation and meal.]
"This is too much," I protested. "The room and meal aren't worth three silver."
"Consider it payment for your discretion as well," she said firmly. "And for the excellent food. That alone was worth two silver."
I wanted to argue more, but the look in her eyes told me it would be pointless. "Thank you, then. I appreciate your generosity."
She nodded, then hesitated. "Kazuki, if anyone comes asking about guests... especially men in dark red robes with a phoenix emblem..."
"I haven't seen any guests here in months," I said immediately. "Place has been empty. Just me and the dust."
Relief flashed across her face. "Thank you."
"That's what the discretion fee is for," I said with a slight smile.
She actually laughed at that, a soft sound. "I think I like you, Innkeeper Kazuki. You remind me of someone I used to know." The smile faded, replaced by something sadder. "Someone honest."
Before I could respond, she bowed slightly. "I'm going to rest now. If you hear anything... unusual during the night, don't come upstairs. Stay down here where it's safe."
That was ominous. "Are you expecting trouble?"
"I'm always expecting trouble these days," she said tiredly. "But hopefully, I've covered my tracks well enough. Goodnight, Kazuki."
"Goodnight, Miss Mei."
I watched her go back upstairs, then looked down at the three silver coins on the counter. My first earnings as an innkeeper in this world.
[Payment Received: 3 Spirit Silver]
[First transaction completed! Commerce System unlocked!]
[Current Funds: 3 Spirit Silver]
[Note: You're still massively in debt, but it's a start!]
"Thanks for the reminder," I muttered.
I pocketed the coins and settled into the chair behind the counter. Sleep sounded good, but Mei Liang's warning about trouble kept me alert. If someone came looking for her, I needed to be ready.
Besides, protecting guests was part of being an innkeeper, right?
I just hoped I wouldn't have to test that theory tonight.
Outside, the wind picked up, making the sign creak on its hinges. In the distance, I thought I heard something that might have been horses.
Or maybe it was just my imagination. Either way, I wasn't moving from this spot until morning.
[End of Chapter 4]