Exiled Alchemist’s Frontier Life: A Former Elite’s Fresh Start in the Backcountry After Failing Again - Chapter 7: Meow
Chapter 7: Meow
After leaving Erika’s room, we headed toward the Side Hotel, following the directions she had given us.
“I feel lucky to have met Erika.”
The words slipped out suddenly.
“What’s this about? Have you fallen for her?”
“No, it’s not that. It just gave me a chance to reflect on my own actions up until now.”
“How so?”
“Erika was kind the whole time, wasn’t she? A good person. While listening to her, I kept wondering how I would have responded or acted in those same situations. And, in turn, how I would feel hearing myself respond that way.”
It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
“And what conclusion did you come to?”
“I realised I’ve mostly said things that would make people feel bad. The fact that Adele, after three—no, six—years together, still came to see me off… She must be some kind of angel.”
“Maybe she actually is?”
Yeah, maybe she is.
“And then there’s August… applying pressure from every angle, even knowing it would damage his own reputation. He must have hated me that much. I understand that now.”
“Zeke…”
“And I’ve come to a conclusion: it’s better if I don’t speak at all.”
That way, no one gets hurt. I’ll just focus on work quietly from now on.
“Zeke, you’re mistaken… that’s called ignoring people. Think about why Adele got angry with you.”
Ignoring greetings, looking down on others, forgetting myself…
Ah, no good. Ignoring people was one of the problems.
“I’ll fix it, bit by bit…”
“I think that’s best. I’ll point it out to you right away if I notice anything wrong.”
“Please do.”
As we walked, I couldn’t help but think how reliable she is. Soon, the five-story building of the Side Hotel, marked clearly by its sign, came into view.
“Doesn’t this place seem expensive?”
It didn’t look like an ordinary hotel at all—more like a luxury one.
“Now that I think about it, Adele-san is a noble, isn’t she?”
That’s true. She mentioned staying here to visit a friend, but there’s no way a noble would stay at a cheap hotel.
“So, what do we do?”
It sure looks pricey…
“Well, since Adele-san went out of her way to give me a voucher, I guess we have no choice but to go. Even if it’s a bit expensive, it’s only for one night. I used to have a high-paying job too, so I’ve got some money saved up. Let’s splurge a little on our first day in this new place.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Let’s go.”
“Alright!”
With newfound determination, we approached the hotel. As we neared the entrance, an elderly gentleman in a tailcoat noticed us and bowed.
“Are you Mr. Zekevald Alexander?”
Huh?
“Uh, yes.”
“May I ask if you have a voucher with you?”
“Is this what you mean?”
I handed over the voucher Adele-san had given me, and the elderly man inspected it closely.
“Indeed… Welcome. We received a call from Lady Adele of the Yordle family, asking us to take care of you.”
Adele…
Not only did she give me a voucher, but she also called ahead.
“I see… I guess that’s me.”
“Welcome. Please, this way.”
The elderly gentleman led us into the hotel. The entrance was bright and airy, with large glass windows letting in plenty of sunlight. The interior was stunning, definitely not a cheap place.
We were guided straight to the reception desk.
“This is the guest introduced by Adele-Sama.”
The elderly man informed the receptionist and handed her the voucher.
“Understood… Welcome, Alexander-sama. Let me show you to your room.”
The receptionist smiled professionally as she stood up.
“Wait, what about the payment?”
Shouldn’t I pay first?
“No need. The cost has been covered.”
So, it’s not just a voucher—it’s free? Or maybe it’s Adele’s-san influence…
“I see. Well then, please lead the way.”
“Of course. Please follow me.”
We followed the receptionist up the stairs, eventually reaching the fifth floor, which was the top. She led us to the room at the very end.
“Wow! This is amazing!”
Helen-chan let out a gasp of admiration. And no wonder—the room was spacious and luxurious, with a king-sized bed. It was clearly a suite. The window offered a stunning view of the town and the sea.
“Is this area a tourist spot?”
I asked the receptionist who had guided us.
“Yes, there’s the sea and the forest nearby. It’s a place full of natural beauty, and we’re often visited because of it.”
This room must be meant for noble vacationers…
“I see…”
“Would you like to dine with us tonight? We have a restaurant on the first floor, or you can enjoy a meal on the rooftop.”
“Can’t we eat here in the room?”
“Of course, we can bring your meal to you.”
In that case, we’ll stay here. The view from the rooftop might be nice, but this room is more than enough.
“Let’s eat here then.”
“Understood. Please enjoy your stay.”
With a smile, the receptionist bowed and left the room.
“Meow!”
As soon as we were alone, Helen-chan leaped onto the bed, rolling around with excitement. She looked absolutely adorable.
“Some men might dream of spending time like this with a woman, but I’m perfectly content with just you here.”
I sat on the bed and patted Helen-chan.
“Wait, am I in the way? Could it be that I’m the reason you, an elite, high-salaried man, don’t have a girlfriend?”
“Not at all. You’re just too cute.”
The road ahead of me now, after being demoted, is to spend my time with this girl.
“That totally sounds like I’m the reason… Oh! Zeke-sama, let’s write a letter to Adele-san.”
“Right. After all she’s done, I should apologise and thank her as soon as possible.”
I got up and went over to the table, pulling out some paper and a pen.
“First, the apology.”
“Don’t make any excuses—just apologise sincerely.”
“I know. She’s a noble, after all.”
It’s nerve-wracking.
“And none of that calculated thinking either. Apologise as a friend.”
“Got it.”
Following Helen’s-chan advice, I started writing a heartfelt apology. But I had never written an apology letter before, so it took a while.
“Next is the thank-you note. You’re good with that, right?”
“Yeah.”
I wrote about how wonderful the hotel was and how grateful I was to indulge a little on my first day in this new place.
“Now write about the future.”
“The future?”
“Like, ‘If I’m ever in the capital, let’s grab a meal together,’ or something.”
Why?
“As a way to make amends?”
“No, because she’s your friend, right?”
Oh…
“Got it. Just a polite social gesture, then.”
A proper invitation, even if I didn’t actually plan to go. It’s a social skill, essential for maintaining good relationships.
“A tragic realist…”
“It’s not like I’ll get the chance to return to the capital anytime soon.”
Sadly.
“Well, whatever. Just write it.”
Following Helen’s advice, I penned the polite invitation.
“Alright, that’s it. I’ll drop it off at the reception to be sent.”
“Sounds good.”
I left the room, went down the stairs, and handed the letter to the receptionist. After that, I returned to the room to spend the rest of the evening with Helen-chan.
Dinner was fantastic, and sharing it with Helen-chan while enjoying the view made it even better.
Yeah, as long as I have Helen-chan, I’m happy.