Even If You Tear Me Apart - Chapter 52
The chapters are split like this so that the TL can update more consistently over time (✿ ＞◡❛)
At that moment.
“Ahem. That inn over there looks more to my liking.”
The Marquis interjected. Ezekiel narrowed his eyes.
The place the Marquis pointed to was, at a glance, an expensive-looking lodging. It was likely the kind of place where wealthy adventurers or lower nobles, for whom the lord’s castle was a bit out of reach, would stay. The stableboy from that inn brightened instantly and flattered the Marquis as he took his reins.
“You have a keen eye, sir! Our inn uses premium bedding! We even feed the horses fresh grass instead of dried straw!”
Just as expected. Ezekiel quickly cut in.
“Marquis, my apologies, but we do not have the budget for all of us to stay at such a place.”
Though the journey was ordered by the Emperor himself, they were operating on a grant from the Imperial treasury. Even so, the Marquis scowled at Ezekiel’s words.
“Do I, Kazakov, look like someone who lacks that kind of money? I’ll cover the costs for all of you!”
“That would be inappropriate.”
But Ezekiel had no intention of accepting the Marquis’s offer.
If they ended up indebted to the Marquis for lodging expenses, the leadership of the group would effectively shift to him. Ezekiel didn’t want any new variables interfering with their escort mission.
“I appreciate the generosity, Marquis, but I am the leader of this party. Please follow my lead.”
“I said I’ll pay for it!”
“This is not about the cost.”
In the end, the Marquis had no choice but to follow Ezekiel, grumbling all the way.
There was a minor hiccup, but the inn they arrived at had a spacious courtyard and seemed quite decent. There was a steady flow of people, and the stables were large and roomy. Most importantly, all three of their baggage wagons could fit inside the courtyard—an excellent convenience.
“Welcome!”
The innkeeper and staff all rushed out to help with their luggage. Milena gave directions to the innkeeper.
“Put all our rooms in the same section. Three rooms for twelve knights to split among themselves, two for the squires and servants, one for the lady, and one for the lord. And also…”
That was when the Marquis once again cut in.
“It wouldn’t be a problem if I paid extra to stay in the finest room, would it?”
Milena looked flustered and turned to Ezekiel. Ezekiel resisted the urge to sigh and gave a nod.
“…As you wish.”
Having already soured the Marquis’s mood over the choice of inn, clashing over room assignments would only invite more conflict. Ezekiel yielded this once, and the Marquis puffed up with satisfaction.
“Now then, give the finest two rooms to me and my lady. I’ll pay any additional charges.”
“…Marquis.”
Milena looked troubled and cast a quick glance at Ezekiel. If their rooms were spread out, it would complicate the guards’ work. But Ezekiel shook his head. Intervening again would only lead to further discord.
In the end, the Marquis and Iris’s rooms were assigned to the second floor, while the paladins’ rooms were placed on the third. The Marquis, grinning ear to ear, gestured with his chin at the innkeeper.
“Also, bring dinner for me and the lady to my room. Is that possible?”
“Of course! We’ll make it delicious for you!”
Milena’s expression twisted. She had realized the Marquis’s intent to lure Iris to his room.
But the Marquis had no shame, nor did he have any intention of yielding. He twisted his mustache with his fingertips and affected a dignified tone.
“I’ve arranged to have dinner with my wife tonight.”
What a laughable statement. Having dinner together was one thing, but having it in his room was another matter entirely.
It would have been best if Iris had been present, but she had only just stepped down from the carriage on the other side.
In such a situation, Milena couldn’t very well run over and ask, “Are you really going to have dinner in the Marquis’s room?”
It was then.
“Is there another room available next to the second floor?”
The Marquis blinked. It was Ezekiel. With an impassive face, he addressed the innkeeper.
“I’ll take that room. Place the lady’s room between mine and the Marquis’s.”
Having suddenly sold three premium rooms, the innkeeper beamed with excitement.
“Shall I bring dinner to your room as well?”
Ezekiel looked at the Marquis for a moment. Caught off guard, the Marquis flushed at his gaze. Ezekiel indifferently turned away from him and replied once more.
“No. That won’t be necessary.”
Unbeknownst to the Marquis, Iris Quilluxia was standing right behind him.
