Rogers returned the menu with a bitter face, bowing his head awkwardly. "Uh… I'll just have the seafood ramen…"
It was the cheapest thing listed…
The receptionist shot him a disdainful look but, staying professional, replied, "Alright. That'll be twenty thousand Beli. Would you like anything el—ah, sorry, force of habit."
Rogers's face darkened. So what if I'm broke? Hmph! When I become a great pirate, I'll eat every single dish here! Just you wait!
Later, whenever Rogers remembered saying that, he would regret it. He would never be rich again.
With a pained expression, he handed over two Beli notes, found a seat not far from the man in black, and endured the receptionist's scornful gaze.
Real men don't bicker with women. Real men don't bicker with women… he muttered to himself, over and over.
The food arrived quickly, and Rogers had to admit—the hotel's efficiency was impressive. When the ramen was set before him, his stomach growled. He was eager to dig in.
But then his eyes wandered. Compared to his meager ramen, the man in black had a feast spread before him. Rogers's brow twitched in annoyance. Show-off…
He shoveled noodles into his mouth, sneaking glances at the man. I'm just making sure he doesn't leave, that's all. Definitely not eyeing the food…
In a few quick bites, his ramen was gone. He sipped the broth miserably while watching the man eat steak and roast, his stomach growling even louder.
Finally, the man in black finished. He dabbed his mouth with a napkin, let out a satisfied belch, then picked up the two suitcases at his feet and rose.
Rogers didn't move immediately, watching as the man approached the reception desk again. After a brief exchange, the man paid with a fat stack of cash. The receptionist handed him a key, and he ascended the stairs.
Rogers grimaced. Damn. Looks like the deal will be inside one of the hotel rooms… Guess I'll just have to follow him up.
Straightening his jacket, Rogers walked stiffly to the counter. Flashing what he hoped was a charming smile, he asked, "Beautiful miss, could you tell me which room that gentleman just checked into?"
The receptionist gave him a flat look. "Sorry, sir. We cannot disclose our guests' private information."
Rogers's smile twitched. He'd have to bluff. "Come on, you can tell I didn't come here just to eat, right?"
The girl looked him up and down. Not here to eat? With the way you wolfed down that ramen like a starved ghost? She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I can tell. You can't afford most of the menu anyway."
Rogers's temper flared, but he swallowed it down. Hold it in… "Actually, I came here to follow that man who went upstairs."
Her eyes sharpened, wariness replacing disdain. What kind of creep openly admits to stalking? "You seriously just said that out loud? Are you some kind of pervert?"
Rogers's expression turned sheepish, as he slipped into his best act. "It's… family business. That man is my uncle-in-law. My aunt has noticed him acting strangely, sneaking off to Crohn's Island. She suspects he's… well, you know. She asked me to check up on him…" He lowered his head, feigning anguish.
For a moment, he thought he'd overplayed it. But then he noticed the sparkle in her eyes. Her gaze practically glittered with stars.
"Uh… you okay there?" he asked, waving a hand in front of her face.
Her cheeks flushed pink. Suddenly, her earlier coldness was gone, replaced with eager curiosity. "So your aunt thinks he's cheating? And you've been sent to investigate?"
Rogers blinked, stunned at how quickly she'd taken the bait. Then he nodded gravely. "Yes. That's why I need your help."
"Leave it to me!" she said instantly, grinning from ear to ear. "I love gossip! Just make sure to tell me how it all ends, okay? Oh, and that man told me himself—if anyone asks for him, I can give out his room number."
Rogers's lips twitched. Figures. Even in One Piece, women can't resist juicy gossip. Outwardly, he let out a heavy sigh. "Ah, so it's true… My uncle-in-law really… Well, thank you anyway. Which room is he in? I'll take the one next door to keep an eye on him."
The girl eagerly flipped through her records. "Room 221. And you're in luck—Room 222 is still empty. You can take it!"
Rogers's brow furrowed. 222? Not a great omen… But he forced a grateful smile. "Perfect. How much for the night?"
The receptionist blushed slightly, embarrassed. "It's expensive. A ten-thousand Beli deposit, and fifty thousand per night."
She still thought he was broke. And she wasn't wrong.
Rogers's heart bled as he pulled out every last bit of cash he had and slid it across the counter. "That ten thousand is refundable, right?"
She chuckled, handing him a key. "Of course. Just come back after you're done spying—I'll refund you then. And don't forget, I expect the full story later!"
Rogers glanced at the brass key, the number 222 engraved on it. Ugh. I really don't like that number. He nodded politely and headed upstairs.
Once in his room, he gave it a quick look. Luxury everywhere. The bed alone was bigger than his entire cabin back on the passenger ship. Everything screamed wealth. Rogers clenched his teeth. Damn this capitalist world…
But he wasn't here to enjoy it. He pressed his ear to the wall adjoining Room 221. Silence. The man was inside, but doing nothing for now.
Still, Rogers's keen hearing picked up plenty from the other rooms—laughter, conversations, and some… sounds best left to the imagination. He flushed, muttering under his breath. Damn nobles… their lives are too good. Ugh. Envy really is poison.
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T/N:
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