Our Hotel Is Open for Business as Usual - Chapter 23

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 23.

“Anyway, that’s how it turned out!”

Lee Sun-hae spoke with hearty cheerfulness.

“Well then, I think it’s time we checked out of the Hotel!”
“Ah, indeed.”

Lee Yeon-woo nodded.

“I’m glad it proved to be a meaningful experience for you.”

I had no idea what exactly had transpired, nor what this self-reflection of theirs had entailed.

‘Did they lose sleep?’

Whether they’d been wrestling with their thoughts or plagued by nightmares, I was simply grateful for their voluntary departure.

“Please feel free to check out whenever you’re ready, and I’ll be happy to assist you.”
“I’m truly sorry for imposing on you until the very end.”

Lee Sun-hae then jabbed Hong Kyung-yeon in the ribs.

The Writer flinched and lifted his head. He hesitated, as if uncertain how to begin, before finally opening his mouth.

“…I’m truly sorry.”
“There’s no need to worry about it.”
“No. I shouldn’t have acted so recklessly….”
“Perhaps it simply speaks to the depth of your consideration.”
“That’s not it. I fear I’ve only caused you further injury through my thoughtlessness. I wanted to apologize for the trouble we’ve brought to this Hotel, especially when you must be so busy.”

His tone remained measured, yet the sincerity of his remorse was unmistakable. He seemed to regard me as nothing more than a boy in his twenties, blaming himself as though he’d wronged a child, tormented by the weight of the inconvenience he’d caused.

“This situation is entirely our fault for underestimating the circumstances. You warned us, and we sensed the danger, yet we proceeded anyway. We grew greedy—wanting to learn more, thinking we might accomplish something… and we acted recklessly.”
“….”
“I’m sorry that Lee Yeon-woo had to bear the cost of our foolishness. We pushed needlessly, and it was a situation where someone could have actually died. I’ve written countless scenes like this, yet when I found myself inside one, my instincts failed me.”

Perhaps it was because she was a writer. I could sense how much time and care she had invested in crafting this apology, refining each word with deliberation. It was an apology rich in emotion yet cleanly structured.

“If I hadn’t acted that way, you wouldn’t have been injured so severely. I know we became a heavy burden for Lee Yeon-woo. I’m truly sorry.”
“And I’m not just apologizing with words.”

Lee Sun-hae smiled and handed over a business card. It was printed on a black background with numbers embossed in gold foil.

“It’s my personal business card. I’m currently working as a Director, but I have extensive connections and can help with many things. If you need anything in the future, I’ll assist you wholeheartedly.”
“A personal business card—that’s quite a precious gift.”
“Well, ah, I’m not sure if something like this is adequate as compensation… I’m sorry, but this is all we can offer right now.”
“It’s more than sufficient compensation. Thank you.”

I examined the card. The material was firm yet smooth, with a matte finish. Delicate gold foil numbers were embossed across its surface. It was distinctly different from the mass-produced cards typically distributed.

“…Indeed, it’s a magnificent card.”

My feelings were complicated. So I’ve come to receive Director Lee Sun-hae’s personal business card.

‘I thought these were people with whom I had no connection.’

Prolonged isolation in a confined place does strange things to a person. Much of “ordinary life” gets stripped away. Not just existence itself, but my sense of self as well.

This small slip of paper makes reality feel even more distant.

‘Was Kang Team Leader beside me such an ardent fan of Director Lee Sun-hae?’

A director who’d even been mentioned as a Nobel Prize candidate. Her claim about having extensive connections was no exaggeration. There were even jokes about her having contacts at the White House. She was renowned and accomplished across various fields.

‘It’s too much.’

And it felt uncomfortable.

‘It looks like I’ve committed self-harm extortion.’

Of course, I understand. From my perspective, it’s similar to a game, but for them, it’s a reality without beginning or end.

‘They’ll think an innocent young man suffered because of their mistakes. My ruined reputation may be beyond repair, but if I set aside such feelings… accepting this much compensation is perfectly justified.’

Only Lee Yeon-woo seemed less than satisfied.

“…I’ll gratefully accept the gift.”
“Oh, I was worried you might refuse.”
“One shouldn’t refuse a gift given with such sincerity.”

Lee Yeon-woo smiled softly, his eyes warm, and tucked the business card into his inner pocket.

He wasn’t a fan of theirs, though he did support them personally. He wondered if he could truly benefit from such “help” while trapped in the Hotel, but collecting a celebrity’s autograph gave him a certain satisfaction.

Yes, that’s why he suddenly felt like saying something unnecessary.

“May I speak candidly with you?”
“Candidly?”
“There’s something I’d like to say, but it’s too personal to share with the guests I’m meant to serve.”
“Well… you’re welcome to say whatever you’d like.”
“I’m uncertain whether it’s appropriate coming from me, but…”

It was a humble observation.

“The circumstances this time were unfortunate.”
“Pardon?”
“Haha, which is why I feel all the more apologetic.”

The world doesn’t spin only when things have meaning and results.

“The situation, the timing, the place—everything was against you. But you are good people, righteous people, and here that virtue became your poison. Whatever reflection you’ve done, whatever struggles you’ve faced, there’s no deeper reason than that. So if I may add one thing, speaking from my heart…”

Just as it is when watching films—merely appreciation.

“I was grateful.”
“….”

Lee Yeon-woo loved this kind of drama.

“…We haven’t really done anything worthy of gratitude.”
“Does Director Lee Sun-hae evaluate everything by results alone? The thought of such ruthlessness makes me want to laugh, and yet… I didn’t see it that way.”
“I didn’t know this, but Lee Yeon-woo, you certainly have a way with words. However, if good intentions cause trouble, then both parties will have plenty to say about that ‘result.’ That’s only natural.”
“I agree with that assessment.”

So why didn’t I understand?

“There are those who set out with good intentions yet ruin everything, and no shortage of people who shake hands on collaboration only to fail at their own share of the work.”
“That’s true.”
“Therefore, I won’t deny the tangible harm that people have suffered through that ‘good intention.’ Whether great or small, how could I possibly refute the undeniable fact that losses occurred?”
“Your way with words is really….”
“But I must say, it’s remarkable. Of all the words Director Lee Sun-hae could have chosen… you picked ‘trouble,’ of all things.”

A laugh escaped me.

“Is there a sharper word for driving oneself into a corner?”
“….”
“Who said it? The Hotel General Manager before your eyes? These silent Staff Members? This troublesome Hotel itself? Or was it the countless people in all those scenes where you personally grabbed a camera and rushed in?”
“…uh….”
“‘Don’t cause trouble for a documentary director,’ they said.”

Director Lee Sun-hae muttered softly.

“…Why do you speak so well…?”
“Oh, such excessive praise. I’ll take that as a sign you’re at a loss for words.”
“More like my words just… fail me. You seem to speak better than I do.”
“The glory of my household.”

His manner of speech was something else. Older than me, yet living with such youthful vigor.

“If good intentions became trouble, as you say, Director, then it must be the fault of that situation’s inadequacy. How foolish and pathetic—unable to bear even an invisible kindness.”
“Heh.”
“Don’t misunderstand and think all the results belong entirely to you as an individual. God says all before Him are sinners, and the ancient sages spoke of mutual arising—that existence and non-existence create each other.”

Whether positive or negative, all results are composed of two or more processes intertwined. So there are no true heroes or villains in this world, yet love, at the very least, exists.

Then how precious is such a talent?

“Judgment can be developed, but the desire to be good and the will to walk the righteous path—those are talents. I assure you. Had it not been for this place, your good intentions would have shone far more brilliantly.”

How likely is it that the Horror Hotel Management Simulation Game would ever become reality?

“I’m certain many more people in this Facility are desperately waiting for the kind of attentive care and gentle touch you all have shown. So please, don’t change. The strangeness belongs to this Hotel, not to you.”
“….”
“I’m not the sort to resent those who sought goodness, who desired what was right.”

I had watched their documentary. I had heard the story behind it. A young man caught in selfishness, his throat tightened, his lowered voice willingly captured on film.

Some would call them foolish and selfish. They’d judge them as self-righteous. The documentary Director, they’d argue, captures reality on film—he doesn’t change it. That’s how they condemn.

‘But what does it matter?’

In the end, someone was saved by them, and they were grateful for it.

It was an individual offering kindness through their own convictions and will. I wasn’t accomplished enough to meddle in how others lived their lives. Most people wouldn’t be.

So long as it didn’t block my path forward, I respected every person’s way of surviving. And if it contributed to humanity’s flourishing, why would I condemn it?

“Why wouldn’t I have found comfort in you all?”

Others’ kindness was precious, and conversation with people was a joy.

“I won’t tell you not to feel too uncomfortable. You’ll become more careful through this. But I wanted to at least tell you that I didn’t view your actions so negatively.”
“…Even though you were hurt.”
“It’s not a serious injury.”

I knew they wouldn’t believe me even if I said this.

‘It would be difficult for them to think the person before them is a game character.’

So I didn’t emphasize it further and changed the subject.

“That was presumptuous of me. I apologize. I’ve imposed far too personal a reflection upon you, Guest.”
“…I’m not sure where to even begin or what to say….”

Lee Sun-hae’s gaze grew distant. Not that she was avoiding my eyes—she simply looked utterly exhausted. Her face bore the strain of someone struggling with all her might to bear the weight of what she’d just heard.

Then, slowly, she continued.

“Someone told me that it’s a miracle we’re still alive here. They said the owner of this hotel has been very considerate toward us, and such cases are rare.”
“…?”

…Who?

“I still don’t understand how this hotel works, why it exists, or how it’s maintained, but one thing is clear to me now. Lee Yeon-woo seems like a truly… special person.”
“….”

Wait, who exactly?

“I sometimes wish they were a little less special, but if they weren’t, we wouldn’t be in one piece right now. I’m truly sorry and grateful.”
“…I….”
“I won’t trouble you any further.”
“….”

Hold on, what did you just say?

‘Who knows about this hotel?’

What person? How?

‘How do they know something even I don’t?’

It’s possible they were simply mistaken about ‘who’ they meant. Perhaps there’s another similar facility somewhere. Or maybe they were just speculating it would be that dangerous. Regardless, their perspective was intriguing enough to warrant clarification.

But Lee Sun-hae gracefully concluded the conversation.

“I’m planning to check out at dawn tomorrow. You must be exhausted from yesterday and this conversation, and I apologize for keeping you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“….”

The occupational habit had already taken root—a response emerged automatically.

“…Have a good night.”

Lee Yeon-woo was, truly, bewildered.

So who knew about this hotel, and why, and how…?

Could they possibly… know more than I do?

* * *

“…Hmm….”

The Sturdy Elder stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“…It seems Lee Sun-hae has ventured into the Labyrinth.”

I could not fathom what entity she had encountered.

‘The Labyrinth’s master showed consideration.’

A human?
Or perhaps a goblin.

Either way, it was a rare occurrence.

“….”

I ought to express my gratitude.

* * *

And the Hotel.

All of this.

Displeased me.

“….”

It displeased me.
It displeased me!

It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me?

It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me¿

It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me. It displeased me¡

I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it.
I didn’t like it.
I didn’t like it.
I didn’t like it I didn’t like it I didn’t like it I didn’t like it I didn’t like it didn’t like it didn’t like it! didn’t like it! didn’t like it! ! ! ! ! ! !

“….”
“….”
“…No….”

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