The walk back was done in silence.
Dalia and Wrench seemed dissatisfied at the fact that I had left them outside for hours, but they didn't openly complain.
'Not that I cared if they did.'
The two were still loyal to Derek and despite my efforts over the past few days, refuse to open up to me.
As we walked back, I started to organize my thoughts for the following days. It was currently Thursday, meaning I still had about three days before my lessons officially began with Ave.
In that time I need to finalize the deals with the vendors, begin stockpiling resources for the renovation, create a training program for the girls, finalize the budget for next month, review the ledgers with Hannah...
I felt exhausted just thinking about all the work.
'No pointing in complaining now...'
Keeping my gaze up, I continue to lead the way through the alleyway, Dalia and Wrench walking two steps behind me.
We turned a corner a few minutes later, revealing the decrepit sight of the inn.
"Hmm?"
As soon as I came up to the door, I could already hear the faint sounds of arguing from inside.
'What's going on?'
Stepping closer, I cracked the door handle as I leaned in to listen.
"—I'm not doing that."
Kana's clear voice slipped through the cracks.
"This is a bit troublesome..." Lena's tired voice also came out with a sigh.
"Listen Kana, I get that this is hard," she added gently, "but we have to get used to it. This is our job now."
"And its a stupid one!"
Kana sharply replied, causing me to raise an eyebrow.
'Is that what she's complaining about?'
Opening the door just a bit, I finally managed to catch a glimpse of what was going on inside.
The girls had all gathered in the dining hall, most likely to practice the skills I had taught them yesterday.
Nana and Hannah weren't there, possibly dealing with their own responsibilities, leaving only Yana, Mana, Lena, and Kana.
Yana sat in a chair with impeccable posture as always. She watched Kana's tantrum with a passive expression as Mana stood not that far behind her with arms folded. Lena, the only one standing to the front, faced off against Kana with an exhausted frown.
Kana, meanwhile, looked like she was ready to throw a punch through a wall or walk out the door with a slam. She had her arms on her hips and stood tall, looking down on the other girls with her superior height.
She was clearly upset by the training, something I vaguely understood.
"I know it's different from before," Lena was saying carefully, "but this is what Kayle wants for the inn. If we can adapt, we might never have to sell ourselves again."
"Then I'll wash dishes," Kana shot back. "I'll clean gutters. Hell, I'll run deliveries. But I'm not gonna stand here and giggle like an idiot while some bastard tries to cop a feel."
Kana's unfiltered words caused the other girls to flinch slightly.
Lena was pressed into an awkward silence while Mana shifted uncomfortably behind the now frowning Yana.
They all knew it, but to hear Kana call them out was unexpected.
Kana, perhaps realizing her mistake froze as she quickly raised her hands.
"Uh, I mean—its not like that—"
She tried to explain herself but her voice was only getting softer as she spoke until no words came out.
Seeing that the situation was somewhat escalating, I felt that the timing was right for me to enter.
The door creaked open causing all heads to snap towards me.
"If you really don't want to do it that badly," I said calmly, "Then I won't force you."
The girls seemed somewhat relieved that it was only me entering, but they immediately tensed up upon realizing that I was listening in.
Kana turned, her gaze narrowing as she faced me but I could see the slightest tremor at her lips. Her eyes were still as fierce but I could see the faintest hint of guilt behind them.
"I don't want to play dress up for drunks."
"Then don't."
I stated resolutely, "This place isn't some sweatshop or factory. I won't force you to do work you're clearly unsuitable for."
As I spoke, my gaze swept over everyone, lingering on Mana for just a bit before moving on.
"I may not be sure what role might suit you now, but I can say this for certain; I want to see each of you shine."
Everyone faced me, Yana even raising an eyebrow as I continued.
"Whether it be as a hostess or something else, I will spare no effort to make use of your natural talent, just like I did for Hannah when I assigned her to manage the inns finance."
"I may not know what talent you have yet, but until we find it, I won't force you to do something you don't want to."
"...."
'Maybe my speech was a little too touching...'
I silently thought to myself, noticing how Lena was almost tearing up at my words. Yana and Mana seemed to visibly relax behind her, as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders.
Kana stared at me for a moment, her mouth slightly open as if she was at a loss for words. Perhaps unable to come up with a reply or just overwhelmed, she eventually ended up bowing.
"...Thank you, boss."
"Mhm," I nodded, silently taking note of Kana's subtle change in attitude.
'That's the first time she called me boss.'
I felt the urge to smirk but carefully controlled my expression as not to ruin the atmosphere.
"Alright, its late now, so you can all return to rest. From tomorrow it will just be Lena, Yana..." My gaze hovered over Mana for a second, "...and Mana for training."
"...?"
Mana frown slightly, noticing my slight pause, but I ignored her and headed upstairs, Dalia and Wrench standing closely behind me.
Entering my office, I released a sigh as I collapsed onto my chair.
"...This is hell."
Not only have I lost Hannah and Kana, I'm now left with only three possible hostess.
'Two, if you really think about it...'
Mana didn't say it or openly show it, but I can tell that the hostess life really isn't cut out for her. However, even knowing this, I still refrain from reassigning her as long as she doesn't complain.
'Not like I can reassign her when where this short-staffed...'
That's right, we're currently short staffed, severely so in fact. With only three girls manning the front, we won't be able to support the needed customer base to turn a profit.
'I need at least five, but where the hell am I going to find willing girls?'
Rubbing my head, I sighed in frustration as I sat in silence for a few minutes.
Knock. Knock.
Hearing the familiar knock, I didn't even think to fix my posture as I answered.
"Come in."
The door opened wide, revealing Hannah who had most likely just returned from contacting the vendors.
She seemed slightly startled seeing my exhausted state, pausing at the door for a moment.
"...Are you okay?"
"Haaah...I'm fine."
"Mhm..." Hannah nodded slowly before walking closer to my desk, resting a new file on it.
Forcing myself up from the backrest, I grabbed the file and opened it, reading through the documents as Hannah began her explanation.
"I managed to finalize the contracts with three of the four suppliers today."
"The tailor, the glass merchant and the wine merchant were successfully contacted and they signed the contract for the agreed price, but..."
"Hmm?"
My gaze lifted from the documents to meet Hannah who was actively avoiding it.
"What happened?"
Hannah glanced at me once, then down at the folder again, like she was choosing her words carefully.
"...When I tried contacting the carpenter, I ran into some problems."
My frown deepened as I repeated with more emphasis than before.
"...What happened?"
"The carpenter seemed to have gotten into some trouble with the merchant alliance, delaying the signing of the contract. From the way things looked, it seemed like he'll either go out of business or be forced to raise his prices..."
I didn't need to hear Hannah's continuation to understand what she was trying to say.
Of all the vendors, the carpenter was probably the most important one. Without him, we wouldn't even be able to begin the renovations.
"...This is problematic."