Chapter 8

"It's endless..."

"Big brother, what's wrong?"

Sophie peered at me curiously.

"Well, it's the cleaning. No matter how clean we make it, it gets dirty again the next day."

We are currently cleaning the dining room. We sweep the floor with a broom and mop it with water. We clean every day, but the next day it's dirty again. The guest rooms are the same.

"Well, you can't help it, the guests are all muddy,"

"Really, Sophie, you think so too?"

We want the facility to be used cleanly, but perhaps because it's old, the guests don't show such consideration. They come back from the labyrinth covered in mud.

"Even if I tell them to clean up before coming in... it's probably useless."

It might work with beginners like the Elias boys, but telling that to the bad-mannered, fallen adventurers would just make them rebel. They hate anything troublesome.

"How about if Sophie says 'please clean up'?"

"Hmm, that's not bad, but wait a minute. There should be something... a bit more..."

If Sophie said "dirty, dirty" like in those old denture cleaner commercials, maybe everyone would listen. But I want a method that doesn't make them think it's more trouble. I racked my brain, but no brilliant ideas came to mind, and it was time for dinner.

"Hey, kid! Bring me some ale and some snacks!"

"Sure thing. What kind of snacks?"

"Since we just came back from the labyrinth, I want something with vegetables."

"Then how about pickles?"

Right, they don't get enough vegetables in the labyrinth. I should think of some new vegetable dishes. Dinnertime is a valuable marketing opportunity. Especially the parties that have had a good haul today talk enthusiastically about their day's achievements without us even asking.

"Hey, Luca."

"Ah, Elias... big brother."

Hehe, you're blushing. The one who called out was the young mage, Elias. Their party stays here regularly. Since the incident with Luca's fever, they've also become close with the Krueger family.

"It seems like you've got a little brother now."

Elias patted my head. But, you know, I've lived almost twice as long as you. But my hair is fluffy and curly, so please enjoy the feel. I think dad's hair feels the same.

"Hey, kid, is this guy okay to be your big brother?"

Butting in from the side was the swordsman, Leopold.

"Luca is easier to handle than Leopold."

"That's true, I guess."

"Agreed."

"Hey, that's not fair!"

The women of the same party, the archer Carla and the scout Hermine, also chimed in, making Leopold hang his head. Leopold is more of a mood maker than a leader. Perhaps Elias knows this and that's why he made him the leader.

"By the way, how did you guys find out about this place?"

"Um... that's..."

It seems hard for them to say. I can guess, though.

"Because it's cheap?"

"Well..."

"We asked the guild for the cheapest inn in the area, and they recommended this place."

"Leopold, be quiet."

So it has the guild's seal of approval.

"But if it's just cheap, we wouldn't stay long."

"That's true. We're starting to earn a bit more. And the old man and the lady are kind. We like it here."

"Maximilian is great too."

"Agreed."

Dad, your flags are still up. Sigh.

"Thank you, we hope you'll continue to enjoy your stay."

I gave them the killer cute smile I practiced with mom's hand mirror.

"Having a cute Luca around is a plus too."

For some reason, Elias was swayed. I don't understand.

After dinner, as the guests gradually left, they returned to their rooms. It was almost time to close the inn.

"Hanna, can I get some water for the washbasin?"

"Sure, here."

This inn doesn't have a bath. In fact, most homes don't have baths. People either clean themselves with water in a basin or wash off in the river during the summer. Mom, instead of using a water jug, lightly flicked her wrist. The basin quickly filled with water. Oh right, mom is a mage.

The guests carried their basins to the fireplace. Although it's almost warm enough to not need it, it can still get cold in the mornings and evenings, so there's always a fire in the fireplace.

Each guest placed the stones they had on the wire rack and heated them in the fire. Then they threw them into the basin. These are called hot stones, one of the blessings of the labyrinth. They absorb heat and can be used to make hot water or as portable heaters—like hand warmers. They are essential items for adventurers.

There are also light stones, which are used for lighting. The advantage is that they don't cause fires even if left on. In this world with magic, there are some things that are more eco-friendly and convenient than in my previous life.

I was drowsily watching them when I suddenly had an idea.

"Sophie! ...Sophie! I've got a good idea!"

"What is it, big brother..."

I whispered in the ear of Sophie, who looked even sleepier than me.

"Will it work?"

"Big brother, you're so smart!"

"Let's ask dad to take us to the market tomorrow. Sophie, will you help too?"

"Sure! I'll help!"

***

The next day, we went to the market to find what we needed.

"Um, I'll take... five, no, six of these."

"Luca, what are you going to do with so many brushes?"

Dad asked curiously. The items I chose at the hardware store were rough, scrub-like brushes.

"I'll explain later."

I also bought a wooden bucket, getting a good deal, and we returned home.

Then, at dusk, when the guests returned from the labyrinth, Sophie and I stood at the entrance of the inn.

"Got it? Sophie, just like we planned."

"Got it, big brother."

Sophie responded sharply. It's time to put the plan into action.

A familiar face approached. It was Gerhardt, the adventurer who had been scolded by dad the other day.

"Huh? Kid, what are you doing here?"

He seemed to be in a good mood. It looks like he had a good day. Perfect.

"Welcome back, Gerhardt."

I handed him a wet cloth. A hand towel.

"Thanks, kid."

Gerhardt took it and wiped his hands, face, and neck. Yeah, I get it. You want to do that.

"You're really muddy. How far did you go today?"

"Things went well. I went to the depths of the second floor."

As we talked, I used a brush to clean the mud off Gerhardt's boots.

"What's this? What are you doing with a brush?"

"Well, everyone comes back covered in mud, so I thought it would be good to clean it off before entering the room. I didn't realize it before, so I prepared these. Dad and I bought them at the market today."

"That's very thoughtful. Hey, you guys! Clean the mud off your boots too."

This is where Sophie comes in. She cutely handed out the wet cloths and brushes to the other adventurers following behind.

"Here you go."

"Thanks, little girl."

The men were charmed by Sophie's innocent gestures. Still, Sophie, you don't usually talk like that. You're being so sly! Scary kid!

After repeating this every day, it became an unwritten rule for the guests to clean the mud off their boots before entering the inn. Thanks to this, our cleaning workload was significantly reduced.

"...Big brother, you're amazing."

Sophie said with a sense of awe.

"It's thanks to Sophie. You did a great job."

"I'll work even harder. So, big brother,"

"What is it?"

"Can we play a little?"

"Oh... sure. Yeah, that's fine."

My sister is a strong partner and an angel.

And... let me introduce the person who was working behind the scenes of our efforts.

"Chit-chit-chit! You should clean the mud off before coming in, that's the proper etiquette!"

Every evening, Gerhardt would stand at the entrance and loudly remind everyone.

...He's not a bad person... just very strict.

The old denture cleaner commercial reference might not be understood by everyone, but it was quite harsh.