I Became a Hotelier at the Goryeo National Hotel - Chapter 35

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 35

Jun Gyeong grumbled that he had followed the executives in out of boredom, only to end up stuck with a troublesome task.

“The number of merchants traveling through Hyeeum Pass has increased significantly lately. And now that they’re even entering Hyeeum-won, that number will only grow. Naturally, the activities of bandit gangs targeting them will also intensify. The importance of capable security personnel will only become greater going forward.”

“I understand what you’re getting at. But I’m worried whether they can even handle my training in their current emaciated state. It would be a miracle if they don’t collapse from bone disease.”

Jun Gyeong frowned as he recalled the children who had trembled while barely able to hold a single farm tool.

“Ahem, d-don’t worry about that. I’ll take responsibility and fatten them up quickly.”

Head Cook Go Jang Nam quickly stepped forward. Having collapsed embarrassingly in the kitchen, he eagerly seized this opportunity to redeem himself.

“Yes, Head Cook, please take care of it.”

“Yes, you can trust me with it, ahem!”

“Now, let’s begin the morning assembly in earnest.”

Jun Gyeong tried to sneak out of what seemed like it would be a boring meeting, but was caught by the Deputy Commander and had to stay for the entire assembly.

Afterward, the decisions made during the assembly were posted prominently on the Task Notice Board.

…Therefore, it has been decided to prepare separate meals for those from Hyeeum Sa. Trainees shall organize shifts by dormitory room, and those on duty shall cook and provide dinner according to the designated menu (free menu is also acceptable, but in such cases, prior confirmation from me is required).

―Head Cook―

P.S.: Starting tomorrow evening!

Complaints erupted among the trainees who saw the notice as they passed by.

“Wait, weren’t those bandits supposed to be handed over to the government office?”

“Why do we have to cook food for the bandits!”

“By room? That means it’ll come around once a week!”

But there was nothing the newly recruited trainees could do. Throughout history and across all cultures, when superiors say to do something, you have no choice but to do it.

However, Seo Rin was secretly pleased that the Commander had kept his promise.

She hadn’t expected him to announce it so quickly and decisively.

“Then w-we’re on duty starting the day after tomorrow evening.”

“That’s right. Since we’re the second room.”

Seo Rin and Gap-i were slightly excited at the thought of cooking for the children.

“Ugh, I hate cooking. Unless it’s going into my own mouth.”

Da Sim was the exception, though.

“Girls, I’m going to work now.”

Having instantly finished preparing all her share of vegetables for the communal work, Seo Rin left Chanseon Bang.

“O-okay!”

“Did she work at a restaurant just cutting vegetables before coming to Hyeeum-won?”

The vegetables Seo Rin had cut were uniformly sliced as if measured with a ruler. Da Sim clicked her tongue in amazement at the incredible skill.

Seo Rin hurried toward Bohwa-gak where the trading caravan was staying.

Having finished their morning prayers and breakfast, the Dashi Kingdom merchants were gathered in the gazebo at the center of Bohwa-gak’s garden, enjoying the autumn sunlight.

When Seo Rin appeared at the garden entrance, Nasim quietly approached her.

[Assalamu alaikum (Peace be upon you).]

[Wa alaikum assalam (And peace be upon you too). Were there any inconveniences last night?]

Looking at him, his face was glowing as if he had slept well, but Seo Rin, who wanted to directly hear ‘foreign reactions to K-culture after spending a night in an ondol room,’ politely asked for his impressions.

[Oh, not at all. I slept really well.]

Nasim recalled the moment yesterday when he had laid a blanket on the hot floor and lain down.

He had pleasantly felt that warm heat rising through his entire body, closed his eyes, and when he opened them, it was already morning.

[Thank you for providing such a warm room, I was able to sleep comfortably.]

When Nasim praised the ondol with admiring eyes, Seo Rin felt rewarded.

‘That’s because I put in plenty of firewood for that very reason.’

[I’ve traveled to many cold countries, but this is the first place I’ve seen that directly heats the floor like this.]

As she proudly watched Nasim sending praise about the ondol room for a while, Rashid discovered the two and approached with a kind smile.

[I too rested well thanks to Hyeeum-won’s consideration, as if I were at my hometown home. The warm ondol room, delicious meals, and even a prayer room… It couldn’t be better than this.]

At Rashid’s praise, Seo Rin smiled faintly and bowed her head.

[I’m glad you were satisfied.]

Just then, a vigorous commanding voice could be heard from somewhere.

[Hyaaat!]

Seo Rin’s gaze naturally turned toward where the sound came from.

In the wide courtyard in front of Bohwa-gak, the guards from the trading company with sturdy builds were in the midst of morning training. Their appearance, with thick beads of sweat glistening on their bronze skin, looked as pleasing as well-sculpted statues.

‘Wow… real combat muscles!’

Seo Rin, who had been watching with unconscious admiration, soon felt regretful.

‘It would have been really nice if there was a fitness center here.’

Seo Rin swallowed her regret inwardly. But this was 12th century Goryeo.

‘But… it’s not necessarily impossible, is it? If I made one myself…’

It might be a wild imagination, but it didn’t seem entirely impossible either.

Just then, a gentle voice called her.

[Would you like to try some tea from our homeland?]

When Seo Rin turned her gaze, Rashid was wearing a warm smile.

[We drink tea often. I have tea that I brought directly from my homeland and would like to recommend it.]

‘Hmm, but I need to clean the guest rooms…’

When Seo Rin looked troubled, Rashid pulled out a chair for her as if reading her mind and said.

[There’s no rush, is there? Please clean when you have time. The sunlight is nice today, so it doesn’t seem like we’ll be going inside right away.]

[Then, I won’t decline and will sit for a moment.]

[Nasim, go and prepare the tea.]

Nasim moved like lightning before his uncle had even finished speaking.

Nasim quickly brought a tea set and a bag containing tea on a tray, put tea leaves in the tea cup, added a few sugar cubes, then poured hot water. A refreshing aroma immediately spread from the brewed tea.

Rashid handed over the tea cup and continued speaking.

[Please try the tea. This tea cools the body and also helps with digestion.]

Seo Rin gratefully received the tea cup. Above the clear light green liquid, beautiful tea water seeped out from the leaves.

[It has a nice aroma. I’ll drink it well.]

Rashid watched Seo Rin take a sip of tea, then put down his tea cup and began asking questions.

[By any chance, where did you learn our language?]

…Um… EBS.

[Ah, well… through Self-Study.]

[Huh, that couldn’t have been easy. That’s impressive.]

When Rashid looked at her with admiring eyes, Seo Rin felt embarrassed for no reason and fidgeted with her Tea Cup.

[How does the Tea taste?]

[It’s refreshing and delicious.]

Perhaps because sugar was added to the Tea, she could taste both bitter and sweet flavors in her mouth.

[This Tea is the highest grade among all the teas our Trading Company distributes. This particular Tea is handled directly by that fellow Nasim.]

Rashid continued speaking while subtly pointing at Nasim.

Nasim, who was sitting at the same dining table, pretended to savor his Tea, but his ears perked up every time Seo Rin spoke.

[But… we don’t even know the name of the person who’s going to such trouble for us.]

[Ah, my name is Oh Seo Rin.]

Oh Seo Rin… She could hear Nasim muttering Seo Rin’s name beside them. The Deputy Merchant Leader clicked his tongue inwardly at that sight and quickly threw a question to Seo Rin (one that Nasim would be curious about).

[May I ask how you came to work at this place?]

At Rashid’s words, Seo Rin pondered for a moment, then smiled and answered.

[Yes, of course. I work at a Guest Inn—ah, in your country it’s called a ‘Caravanserai,’ right? I want to give happy moments to the people who visit this place. It’s a wonderful place that helps people unwind from the hardships of daily life and provides special ‘rest.’ Right now… I’m in the process of making that dream come true.]

Rashid and Nasim’s eyes sparkled at Seo Rin’s words.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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