Crest of the Strongest Knight

Chapter 93 - First Clue

"Does it now?"

"Mhm!"

Viviane pushed the door open, revealing a rather loud and rowdy mass of people who were all drinking, feasting, and socializing. Barmaids weaved skilfully through the crowds, carrying food and drink to patrons without even pausing in step whereas the chefs cooked furiously behind the kitchen counter. To Viviane, the whole thing was like a shoddily put-together machine that somehow worked perfectly.

"Uwaaah! This is so exciting!" Viviane gushed as she cast her gaze around. "Shall we try some of the food, Medrauta!?"

Medrauta merely smiled and shook her head in disbelief even as she allowed herself to get swept up in the momentum of her lady's pace. Just a few hours ago, she'd been worrying about how they'd track down Sakura and Riku, but now she'd gone full throttle with enjoying herself. It was truly an unbelievable sight to watch.

"Let's get a room first, Viviane." Medrauta said, observing the other patrons inside the inn. Everyone looked rather carefree and relaxed, meaning that Bastiche probably hadn't done anything crazy yet except keep everyone cooped up indoors.

Looks like things should be fine for now, Medrauta thought, gently guiding Viviane to the counter. She was still worried about what the "circle" was and what sort of ritual Bastiche was preparing if that was indeed what it referred to. Eh... I'll have the whole day to grill Dame Marilyn for answers once we reach Orinth.

"That'll be three coppers for a room on the second floor," the woman manning the counter said.

Viviane nodded and fished through her purse for a couple moments before looking back up at them. "Um... Sorry, I don't have any coppers with me. Do you take gold?"

"...Sorry, what?" The receptionist blinked. "We, uh... We don't have change for gold, ma'am."

"Oh... Well, I suppose you'll just have to take it!" Viviane grinned. "I don't mind losing a few coins if it means getting to stay the night someplace warm!"

The receptionist's eyes bulged. "A few coins" was such an immense understatement that she could barely even wrap her head around what Viviane had just said. A single gold coin would be enough for her to settle down comfortably for multiple generations.

"N-No, ma'am! We couldn't possibly do that! H-How about we let you stay for free tonight and you can visit the local bank tomorrow when it opens?"

"We can't do that either!" Viviane protested, tugging on Medrauta's sleeve and drawing the knight's attention. Although Medrauta had been slightly occupied by her thoughts, she was now fully focused on Viviane. "Medrauta, do you have any coppers or silvers you can spare?"

Medrauta shook her head. "No. I was going to bring my coin pouch, but then you told me not to and said you'd pay for everything, remember?"

Viviane stared at Medrauta for a few seconds, the tips of her ears growing redder by the second. "S-Sorry..." She mumbled. As embarrassing as it was, Viviane had indeed said that. After all, her plan was to treat Medrauta to a whole slew of luxuries during what was originally supposed to be a three day trip.

"It's fine. Let's just think of something else. How about..." Medrauta rubbed her chin thoughtfully, pursing her lips. "Ah! I've got it! How about you use the gold to pay for everyone's meals and room tonight?"

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea, Medrauta!" Viviane grinned, clasping her hands together delightedly. "Well? How about it?" She directed the latter question to the receptionist who had been listening in with disbelief.

"I... I suppose that would be more than enough to cover the cost, ma'am." The receptionist reluctantly accepted the gold coin that Viviane slid across the table before announcing that she'd chosen to pay for everyone's food and board for the night, causing the patrons to all fall silent and stare at Viviane.

There was a moment of silence before the entire inn erupted into a frenzy of cheers and noise, some of them rushing forward in an attempt to throw Viviane up into the air as a gesture of celebration and thanks. Fortunately, Medrauta quickly stepped in front of her lady protectively, deterring any would-be merry-makers.

"What!? That's insane! Thank you so much, ma'am! Things've been pretty tight for me lately!"

"H-Huh!? You serious!? I'm gonna grab that chocofowl dish I've been eyein' for days, then!"

"Whoa, no way! Thanks a ton, lady!"

Viviane smiled, a feeling of warmth in her chest as she realized how she'd managed to bring such joy to so many people with such a small gesture. She wished she could do the same for even more people in the future.

As she basked in her newfound joy of altruism, a voice cut through the inn's hubbub.

"...Hey, don't they fit her description?"

A few of the patrons stopped in their celebrations, turning to inspect Medrauta and Viviane a little more closely. The silver-haired knight tensed up at this sudden scrutiny, ready to defend Viviane at any moment despite the noblewoman still being caught up in her daydreams of helping more people around the continent.

"Huh. They do, don't they? Silver hair, blue eyes, the aura of a knight..."

"...The lady don't look like no noblewoman, but she's got 'em golden eyes and hair."

"She don't needa 'look like no noblewoman' to pay for all our shit, Fred."

"Hey!" The original patron who first noticed their distinctive appearance called out.

Medrauta turned in his direction, careful not to let anyone else out of her sight. Who the hell are they? Bastiche's spies? ...Or Amelia's?

"Y'all know a foreigner named Riku? He said y'all would come help him an' his lady out."

Upon hearing that, Viviane snapped out of her trance immediately, her head jerking up as she rushed to the man, held back only by Medrauta who caught her by the wrist.

"Y-Yes!"

The excitement was evident in Viviane's eyes.

After all, she'd finally found her first clue.