We spent our time playing to our heart’s content at Aqua Marina before lounging around in our rooms for a bit.
Maybe it was because we had lunch pretty late. The sun had set, but we weren’t all that hungry.
So after each of us relaxed in our own way, we got properly dressed.
Alice took us to a French restaurant where she had already made reservations for dinner.
“It was truly delicious. No wonder this country is called the land of gastronomy.”
“Yeah, it’s definitely different. Though the portions were a bit small—I might need a late-night snack later.”
“To think about a late-night snack right after dinner… I get the feeling, but still…”
Perhaps it was because the restaurant was run by a famous chef who even appeared on TV.
The appearance and taste of the food were among the best I’d ever had.
Who would’ve thought something shaped like a rolled-up piece of paper could have such diverse flavors?
Honestly, I popped it into my mouth and was utterly shocked. The world of fine dining sure is deep.
But maybe it’s because there were some big eaters here who consume several times more than the average adult male.
Those two didn’t seem to feel full at all. Personally, I was just satisfied.
“Since we’re already out, shall we explore more? There are heaps of places in this hotel we haven’t checked out yet!”
Alice turned her body back with a bright smile as she led the way forward.
Her expression radiated an overwhelming eagerness, as if she wanted to make up for all the lost time from her past.
Considering her childhood, she probably never got to travel with close friends or family.
So it wasn’t surprising that she was extra excited now.
However, Raven betrayed her enthusiasm with a serious look on her face.
“Ah, sorry. I have someone to meet right now… I’ll be back soon.”
“Eh… R-really?”
“Yeah. See you later. Contact me if anything urgent comes up.”
“A-ah! Wait a moment!”
Alice grabbed his shoulder urgently as he tried to leave without hesitation.
But when Raven looked at her questioningly, Alice seemed at a loss for words.
She reflexively grabbed him, but now that she did, she didn’t know what to say.
In the end, Alice awkwardly mumbled, trying to speak like a sad puppy caught in the rain.
“Uh… Well… Have a safe trip…”
“Thanks. Take care of the others.”
With a light chuckle, Raven turned his back and walked off down the opposite side of the hallway.
Alice seemed genuinely surprised that he suddenly had something to do—she looked quite flustered.
Still, we only went from six people to five.
Trying to hide her disappointment, Alice forced an awkward smile onto her face.
“Haha, he’s gone. Is anyone else…?”
“Oh, could we also go off on our own? There’s a place we want to visit together…”
“Ahem, sorry.”
“No, no need to apologize! Sabrina, I’ll take good care of her! Have fun!”
After getting permission, Raine linked arms with David and left the group.
They’d been looking for a chance to be alone since earlier… I guess official couples can’t help it.
In the end, three adults left, leaving Alice, Sabrina, and me behind.
A trio treated as minors by society… Is it really okay for us to be here without a guardian?
Well, Alice is surprisingly tall for a woman and seems very mature.
Though her face looks young, she appears like a proper adult.
“Everyone’s gone… I wanted to hang out with everyone.”
Alice muttered to herself in the now emptier hallway.
If she had ears on top of her head, they’d probably be drooping with disappointment.
She probably wanted to create memories with everyone since it was a rare trip.
Without everyone present, it wouldn’t hold the same meaning. The other two must’ve let them go without regrets.
Still, seeing Alice so disheartened isn’t like her.
After exchanging glances with Sabrina, I quickly approached her and held both her hands.
“…!”
“Sis, do you know any fun places? I don’t know much.”
“…Ah, yeah! Lots! Let me guide you!”
Sabrina held my right hand while I quietly held Alice’s left.
Did our presence give her strength? Alice’s drooping eyebrows perked up almost instantly.
We’re staying at the hotel for three days anyway. It’s not like today’s the only day.
I squeezed Alice’s hand comfortingly and matched my pace with her steps as she moved forward.
Thankfully, this hotel has more entertainment than expected.
As we wandered around sightseeing, Alice quickly returned to her usual self.
“Aquariums this size inside a building? How strong does the structure have to be to support this weight?”
“Hmm, can we catch these fish and eat them as sashimi?”
…
There’s no way ornamental fish in an aquarium are edible.
I stared at Alice, who seemed half-serious, dumbfounded.
Realizing her joke, she quickly turned her head toward the tank.
She must’ve been feeling peckish already after eating a somewhat light dinner.
Still, thinking about eating those fish is weird—they don’t look tasty at all.
After touring the indoor aquarium, we stood near the entrance.
Alice pulled out her terminal, checking where to play next.
“If we go up from here, there’s a movie theater or performance hall. They’re showing something now… Oh, should we watch a movie?”
“What movies are playing?”
“Let me check… Ugh! Th-this…”
Alice was startled, her eyes wide open as she checked the movies being screened.
What could’ve shocked her so much? I tilted my head and glanced at the movie titles.
At this hour, the movies showing had covers that looked steamy—romance films aimed at adults.
Yikes, while it’s fine for me, showing this to Sabrina feels inappropriate.
Internally agreeing, I nodded reluctantly.
Then I accidentally locked eyes with Sabrina, who also nodded similarly.
Clearly not into romance films, she asked Alice:
“The movie doesn’t seem fun… Is there anything else?”
“Oh, uh, yeah! There’s plenty! Therapy, massage, game center, indoor golf, casino… Oh, you two can’t enter this one.”
This place seriously has everything. No wonder the hotel is ridiculously huge despite seeming ordinary.
I shook my head in disbelief as Alice listed off countless activities.
Even exploring the hotel throughout the trip wouldn’t let us experience everything.
As I thought that, something interesting caught my eye, and I tugged at Alice’s sleeve.
“…!”
“Huh? What is it? Did you find something you want to do?”
I nodded at Alice’s question and pointed to a spot on the wall with my finger.
There hung a poster for Enigma Auction, the hotel’s rare item auction starting tonight.
“That’s…”
“An auction?”
The poster showed only a few minutes remained until it started.
If we left now, we’d arrive just in time without waiting.
I wondered what incredible items would appear if someone like Victor brought a Pixie guard.
Naturally, curiosity sparked within me.
*
The Enigma Auction took place in the highest area of the entertainment zone.
That’s why the view outside the window was breathtaking.
Were there many people curious about rare item auctions like us?
Proving its popularity, many people were already coming and going from the entrance.
Suddenly, I noticed some people exiting the auction wearing masks.
Was this some Halloween event? Why were so many wearing masks inside?
Curious, I entered and quickly understood why.
“Excuse me. This auction is for hotel guests only… Could you show us your guest bracelet?”
“Oh, here.”
“You two as well… Yes, confirmed. Please choose one of these.”
After showing the bracelet we received during check-in, the staff nodded in confirmation.
He opened a box on the table, revealing its contents.
It contained masks.
Unlike my fox mask, these were plain monotone—black, white, or gray.
“Um… Do we have to wear a mask?”
“Yes. To protect guests’ privacy, masks are required upon entry. If you remove it inside, you may be kicked out.”
“I see. But, um… Would personal masks like this work?”
“Yes. As long as your face is hidden, any style works.”
“…!”
Thank goodness. We almost got kicked out.
I squeezed Alice’s fingers with both hands as if thanking her for asking.
Giggling, she picked a plain white mask and placed it over her face.
Though her pink hair was still noticeable, hiding her identity was futile.
With masks concealing our faces, we entered the auction hall.
The dim atmosphere felt tense.
Are all these people staying at the hotel?
I gently held Alice’s hand to avoid getting lost in the dark and looked around.
Fortunately, she found three empty seats and guided us softly.
“Good. From here, we’ll have a clear view.”
“Oh, there’s something at each seat. Maybe it’s used for bidding.”
“Haha… Not like we’ll use it.”
Surprisingly, each chair facing the stage had an electronic device attached.
With pens, screens, and buttons to send signals… this must be the bidding system.
If we had money, we could actually participate.
As spectators with no cash, it was a bit disappointing.
How much time passed sitting there?
The faint lights dimmed further.
A masked man then stepped onto the relatively brighter stage. He was the host.
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