Chapter 28


    <strong>#Resort Opening (1)</strong>


    A few weekster, an exquisite carriage, a rare sight in Evergreen, came to a stop in front of the newlypleted resort.


    "Goodness gracious, what a ce! How can something like this exist here?"


    "Oh, the invitation didn''t exaggerate in the least."


    Countess Noe and the Count, alighting from the carriage, continuously expressed their admiration as they gazed at the splendid architecture and picturesquendscapes.


    "Are you Countess Noe and the Count? We''ve been expecting your arrival. Please follow us for the check-in process."


    Staff members, dressed in navy uniforms, warmly greeted the guests with a polite and amodating demeanor.


    The reception area they were escorted to exuded tranquility, tidiness, and an air of refinement.


    "We appreciate your choice of our resort. I''m Dominic, the manager of this establishment and also the leader of Evergreen vige."


    "Well, it''s a pleasure to meet you. I''ve been wanting to chat with you, particrly about Lady Sinir."


    Countess Noe hinted in a subtly familiar tone.


    <em>''I must recruit this man as my chef during my stay here!''</em>


    The reason Countess Noe, who still maintained her plump figure, hadn''t ignored the invitation and had even brought the Count along was due to her concealed motives.


    <em>''I''ll demonstrate my influence, and he''ll willingly give up his insignificant role as vige chief. He''ll follow my lead, and even the Sinir family won''t have a word to say.''</em>


    As the head of the Noe family, which managed several thriving businesses passed down through generations, she possessed great confidence when it came to spending money.


    An excuse? How delightful!


    <em>''He had the audacity to send me an invitation first. I heard he didn''t even send one to Lady Sinir.''</em>


    She spected that perhaps this vige head was also fed up with the tightfisted Lady Sinir, who wouldn''t part with a few gold coins.


    "I''m honored that you remember me, VIP."


    "V..VIP?"


    "Yes, it''s an acronym our staff use for very important guests. I got a little flustered and slippedhaha, please forgive me."


    "A very important guest? Ohoho! Your business will certainly prosper if you can judge character like this!"


    Countess Noe was increasingly drawn to Dominic, who seemed to understand how to please a noblewoman.


    She even lightly tapped her folding fan on the sofa, clearly delighted. Her feelings were quite transparent.


    "Ah, but, mydy, our resort is somewhat different from an inn."


    "Hmm? The invitation says you provide amodations, doesn''t it?"


    "We do offer lodging, but fundamentally, our aim is to enhance your rxation and leisure."


    "...Isn''t that the same thing?"


    "Haha, you''lle to realize the difference during your stay. For now, pleaseplete this form."


    The document Dominic handed over included numerous checkboxes, including the purpose of the guest''s visit to the resort, additional requests, and preferences.


    "Postnatal recovery? No. Anniversary trip? No. Strictly speaking, I suppose it''s for rxation and a change of atmosphere?"


    "Indeed. You''ve been quite upiedtely."


    "Oh my, I have to select meals? Happy Hour? Barbecue Time? Fitness Center... Lounge Bar..."


    Although it seemed like a luxurious inn, many items on the form were unfamiliar, and the names of the amenities were all rather peculiar.


    Nevertheless, Countess Noe decided not to inquire about each one, thinking it would seem petty.


    <em>''I''ll figure it out as I go. It''s only for three days. But it might get a little dull.''</em>


    However, her concerns were unfounded.


    ***


    "Goodness gracious!"


    Upon reaching their lodging with the assistance of the baggage-carrying staff, Countess Noe was rendered speechless.


    "What in the world is this? Is this truly an inn?"


    From the outside, the property had appeared spacious, but this exceeded all expectations!


    It felt as though a series of small, exotic mansions had been nestled amid meticulouslyndscaped gardens, akin to a well-arranged park.


    "It''s like we''ve arrived at our own country estate."


    "It''s cozy but appears to be an excellent ce for a change of atmosphere."


    Even her husband seemed quite content.


    Though they hailed from noble lineage, the two-story, splendid mansion seemed more than adequate to offer a fresh experience.


    People often said that merchants lived in such homes. It felt like they were having such an experience. She also sensed a return to their honeymoon phase.


    "This is the bedroom, and this area can be used as a library space. And this ce is..."


    <strong>Swoosh!</strong>


    The tour guide leading the excursion entered the room designated for the couple and theatrically drew open the airy whitece curtains.


    Then, the hidden gem of the resort was unveiled.


    "Oh my goodness!"


    "Wow! This is truly amazing!"


    Beyond the balcony stretched a turquoise coral reef sea bordered by pristine sandy beaches.


    "This coastal area is a private beach exclusively for our resort guests. Please enjoy it at your leisure."


    Despite the staff member''s courteous words, Lady Noe was left speechless, lost in a state of euphoria, tightly clutching her husband''s hand.


    "How can this be? It''s too wonderful!"


    They had intentionally designed the beachfront and the windows and balconies to offer the most breathtaking views, so perhaps this reaction was expected.


    And, like many women, it was Lady Noe''s first genuine encounter with the sea.


    "I used to avoid coastal towns, thinking they were filled with fishy smells and rough sailors, and foreigners I couldn''t understand. But a tranquil ce like this is simply perfect!"


    She began to regret her past choices of always opting for mountain trips or retreats.


    While their apanying servants unpacked, Lord and Lady Noe strolled hand in hand through the resort''s garden.


    Here, there were no vassals or attendants to greet them every few steps, as they would have encountered in their manor. There was no intrusion here.


    "It feels like we''ve truly rxed after a long time."


    "Indeed."


    Was it because there was no one observing them? Or was it the novelty of being in a new environment?


    A sense of warmth began to flow through their intertwined fingers.


    ***


    Dinnertime was the epitome of rxation.


    A meal savored in a private coastal setting!


    The sound of the waves whetting their appetites was more enchanting than any music, and the unfamiliar culinary techniques and exquisite food presentation garnered apuse with each sessive course.


    The cuisine was exceptional, the wine superb, but the ambiance surpassed everything.


    Dim lights scattered across the beach and ingenious devices that kept swarms of insects at bay contributed to the enchanting atmosphere.


    "Ah, you seem content."


    "Can you tell from my expression?"


    "Heh, your bodynguage speaks volumes. I don''t even need to look at your face."


    Dominic, who had been observing from a distance, chuckled.


    Soon, Lady Noe would be a vocal advocate, extolling the beauty and serenity of this resort far and wide.


    Then, Perot approached energetically.


    "Vige Chief! Don''t you think there''s too much workpared to the contract? Teaching the kids in the morning, training the staff at noon, and repairing magical devices in the evening! When am I supposed to rest?"


    She appeared somewhat aggrieved.


    But Dominic was well-prepared.


    "Ah, remember the temperature-controlled oven you created? Thanks to that, vo! These are almond flour macarons. They''re quitebor-intensive, but those who enjoy them absolutely adore them..."


    "If you thought I''d fall for something like this, you were mis...mis...mistaken...!"


    Dominic, as if he had been waiting for this moment, handed over a box of twelve beautifully wrapped macarons.


    Confronted with the colorful macarons, Perot''s eyes lit up.


    "Would you like to try one? Each filling has a different vor. This is strawberry, this is cream cheese, this is blueberry, buttercream..."


    <strong>Munch!</strong>


    Before he could finish his sentence, Perot had already seized one and taken a sizable bite.


    Her eyes widened in delight as the luxurious sweetness exploded in her mouth, swiftly followed by a tingling sensation from the tangy raspberry jam that met her taste buds.


    "It''s delicious! Damn it!"


    "I would like a temperature control device installed in the private spa, if that''s possible, Wizard."


    "...Alright, I''ll get to work!"


    Aware that she was being used, Perot had no option but to turn away after securing the remaining macarons.


    After all, giving up those snacks was out of the question.


    "You might be the only one who can charm a wizard like that."


    Dominic, who treated the wizard as if dealing with a dog or cat, was just as surprised as Ian by the wizard''s gullibility.


    At least among the wizards Ian had encountered, none were as impulsive as this one.


    "All that''s left is the exercise program and diet for tomorrow morning."


    "You don''t seem concerned about it failing."


    "They have already taken a liking to this ce. Naturally, anything you do in a ce you like will seem favorable. Just wait and see how many of thedies who usually don''t exercise participate."


    "You''re that confident?"


    "Absolutely. Care to make a wager? One gold?"


    "Knights don''t make frivolous bets..."


    "Having second thoughts?"


    "...Alright, 10 gold."


    "Deal!"


    It wasn''t just Mr. and Mrs. Noe who were enchanted by the resort''s amenities.


    From the spa to the lounge bar, the cafe, and the casino facilities, the ten pairs of invited guests were genuinely relishing a refreshing break from their hectic lives.


    Customer satisfaction directly tranted to increased sales.


    Essentially, Evergreen Resort was a massive department store packaged as a ce for rxation and rejuvenation.


    ***


    The following morning,


    Situated in the heart of the resort, seven out of the tendies staying at the resort attended the women-only fitness lounge.


    The threedies who didn''t attend were either expecting a child soon or had recently given birth and needed rest, making the participation rate nearly 100%.


    Calron''s wife, a former mercenary squad leader, was invited as an instructor to wee thedies.


    The program she had prepared involved stretching-based gymnastics and some strength training with equipment.


    Ordinarily, thesedies would never have considered such exercise,ing up with various excuses.


    However, fully immersed in the delight that the resort''s unique space offered away from their daily routines, even exercise felt like a new experience!


    "The belief is that a sessful vacation involves swimming, exercising, and doing yoga!" Dominic confidently extended his hand.


    "Hand it over. 10 gold."


    "...Here you go."


    Ian admitted defeat without further ado.


    However, their joy was short-lived.


    "Vige, Vige Chief! Mrs. Owen is going intobor right now!"


    "What? Right now?"


    It appeared that today wouldn''t pass quietly after all.