After leaving Erica's room, we began walking toward the Side Hotel, a place Erica had recommended to us.

"I think it was good that we met Erica," Raine suddenly said, the words coming out almost unbidden.

"What brought that on all of a sudden? Have you fallen for her?" Helen asked with a teasing tone.

"No, that's not it. It was just a good opportunity for me to reflect on my past behavior," Raine replied.

"What do you mean?"

"Erica was kind and considerate the whole time, wasn't she? While listening to her, I found myself thinking about how I would have responded or what I would have said in her place. I also considered how I would feel if I were on the receiving end of my own words."

It was about putting oneself in someone else's shoes.

"And? What did you find?"

"I realized that almost everything I would have said would have made me feel terrible if I were in the other person's position. The fact that Adele stayed with me for three years—or even six years, really—despite everything, and still came to see me off, makes me think she must be an angel," Raine said thoughtfully.

"Maybe she really is," Helen replied.

"Yeah, maybe," Raine agreed.

"Then there was August, who applied pressure in every possible way... Even though it was clear that doing so would damage his own reputation, he still went through with it. He must have hated me that much. I understand that now."

"Raine…," Helen said softly.

"And I've come to a conclusion: It's probably better if I just don't talk," Raine stated.

That way, no one would get hurt. Raine decided to remain silent and focus solely on his work.

"Raine, that's not right… That's just ignoring people. Remember why Adele was upset with you?" Helen gently reminded him.

Ignoring greetings, looking down on others, forgetting oneself...

Ah, that's right. Ignoring people is part of the problem.

"I guess I need to work on fixing things little by little…," Raine admitted.

"That sounds like a good idea. If I notice anything, I'll point it out immediately," Helen reassured him.

"Please do," Raine replied, feeling grateful for Helen’s support as they continued walking. Eventually, a five-story building with the words "Side Hotel" written on it came into view.

"Doesn't it look kind of expensive?" Raine remarked, taking in the building.

It certainly didn’t look like an ordinary hotel. It was a high-end one.

"Now that I think about it, Adele is a noble, isn't she?" Helen mused.

That was true. Adele had mentioned staying here to visit a friend, but it made sense that a noble wouldn't stay in a cheap hotel.

"What should we do?" Helen asked.

"It does look pricey…," Raine hesitated.

"But Adele gave us a discount voucher, so we might as well use it. Even if it’s a bit expensive, it’s only for one night, and I’ve saved enough from my previous job. Let’s enjoy ourselves on our first night in a new place," Raine decided.

"That sounds good. Let's go," Helen agreed.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"Alright!" Raine said, energizing himself as they approached the hotel.

As they neared the entrance, an elderly gentleman in a tailcoat noticed them and bowed.

"Are you Mr. Raine Alexander?" he asked.

"Huh?" Raine was taken aback.

"Ah, yes," Raine confirmed hesitantly.

"Do you happen to have a discount voucher?" the gentleman inquired.

"Is this it?" Raine asked, handing over the voucher Adele had given him.

The elderly gentleman examined it carefully.

"Indeed… Welcome. We received a call from Lady Adele of the Yodel family saying that her friend would be coming and to take good care of them," the gentleman explained.

Adele… She didn’t just give me a voucher; she even called ahead...

"I see… It’s probably me she meant," Raine responded.

"Welcome. Please, follow me," the gentleman invited, leading them inside the hotel.

The hotel’s entrance was filled with glass, allowing plenty of sunlight to pour in, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The interior was also immaculate, clearly not a cheap place.

They were led straight to the reception.

"These guests were recommended by Lady Adele," the gentleman informed the receptionist, handing over the voucher.

"Understood… Welcome, Mr. Alexander. We will show you to your room," the receptionist said, smiling professionally as she stood up.

"Wait, what about the payment?" Raine asked, feeling a bit confused.

"No payment is necessary," the receptionist assured him.

So it’s not just a discount; it’s a free stay? Or perhaps it’s because of Adele’s influence...

"I see. Then, lead the way," Raine said.

"Of course. This way, please," the receptionist replied.

They followed her up the stairs. When they reached the top floor—the fifth floor—they were shown to the room at the far end.

"Wow! This is amazing!" Helen exclaimed in awe.

And she had every reason to be amazed. The room was spacious and luxurious. The bed was king-sized, and it was clearly a suite. The windows offered a breathtaking view of the town and the sea.

"Is this area a tourist spot?" Raine asked the receptionist.

"Yes, it is. With the sea and forests, it's rich in nature. We have many visitors," the receptionist explained.

A vacation spot for the nobility, huh…

"I see…," Raine said thoughtfully.

"What would you like to do about dinner? Our hotel has a restaurant on the first floor, and we also serve meals on the rooftop," the receptionist offered.

"Can’t we eat here?" Raine asked.

"Of course, we can bring your meal to your room," she confirmed.

Then we might as well stay here. The view from the rooftop might be nice, but this is more than enough.

"Let’s do that," Raine decided.

"Very well. Please enjoy your stay," the receptionist said, smiling as she bowed and left the room.

"Meow!" Helen meowed joyfully.

As soon as they were alone, Helen jumped onto the bed and rolled around, looking utterly adorable.

"Maybe spending time with a woman in a place like this is every man's dream, but having you here is enough for me," Raine said, sitting down on the bed and petting Helen.

"Huh? Am I getting in the way? Is the main reason you don’t have a girlfriend, despite being a high-salaried professional, because of me?" Helen asked teasingly.

"Not at all. It's just that you’re too cute," Raine replied.

For someone like me, who’s lost his chance for advancement, the path left is to spend time with her.

"It’s totally my fault… Oh, Raine, let’s write a letter to Adele," Helen suggested.

"You're right. After all she’s done for us, we should send a letter of apology and thanks as soon as possible," Raine agreed.

He stood up and walked to the desk, where he took out some paper and a pen.

"First, an apology," Raine began.

"Make sure to sincerely apologize without making excuses," Helen instructed.

"I know. She’s a noble, after all," Raine muttered, feeling a bit nervous.

"None of that calculating stuff. Just sincerely apologize to your schoolmate," Helen insisted.

"Alright, alright," Raine replied.

Following Helen’s guidance, Raine started writing the apology letter. It took a bit longer than expected, as he had never written an apology letter before.

"Next, a thank you note. You can handle that, right?" Helen prompted.

"Yeah, of course," Raine replied.

He wrote about the wonderful hotel, how he appreciated the luxury on his first day in the new city, and expressed his gratitude.

"Now, write about future plans," Helen suggested.

"Future plans?" Raine echoed.

"Like, saying that if you ever visit the capital, you should have a meal together," Helen explained.

"Why?" Raine asked.

"Is it an apology?" he wondered aloud.

"No, she’s your friend, isn’t she?" Helen reminded him.

"Oh… Right," Raine said.

"I get it. It’s just a polite gesture," Raine realized.

He might never actually return to the capital, but extending an invitation was a part of maintaining good relations—a social skill.

"A tragic monster…," Helen muttered jokingly.

"Honestly, I doubt I’ll ever go back to the capital," Raine admitted.

"Well, that’s fine. Just write it," Helen insisted.

Doing as Helen said, Raine wrote the polite gesture in the letter.

"That should do it. I’ll hand it over to the reception and have them mail it," Raine decided.

"That’s a good idea," Helen agreed.

They left the room, went downstairs to the reception, and entrusted the letter to the staff. After that, they returned to their room to relax.

Dinner was luxurious, and enjoying the meal with an excited Helen while taking in the view made it taste even better.

Yeah, as long as Helen is here, that's all I need.