The Innkeeper

Chapter 2002: One week

Actually, as soon as Lex sent Luthor, he realized that he may have made a mistake. Last he remembered, Jotun was about to go through, or by now was probably recovering from his Minor tribulation as a Celestial Immortal - if he had lived through it.

Getting him to carry a Letter of Intent, even if it was from a fake Dao Lord, might be too much. But it was too late now. He hoped the fella was fine, because it would suck to cause a hiccup in his plan over such a basic mistake.

As it turned out, not only was Jotun fine, but he was better than ever. Although he had only risen a single level within the Celestial realm, his power had multiplied manifold. The heritage he had gained from the tower - the same one from which Giselle learned how to manipulate time better - was not something any common being could imagine.

It allowed him to masterfully use all eight ruling laws in ways that normal Immortals simply shouldn’t be able to. That was also the reason why he was valued so by the Henali, and his newfound rise in strength was a secret that the Henali were originally planning on keeping secret for a crucial moment.

However, the moment Luthor showed up within the Jotun empire, revealed his identity, and his mission, that plan was set aside. When Jotun learned from Luthor that he had been picked, by name, by the Innkeeper, a sense of pride, as well as immense gratitude filled his chest. The Innkeeper’s recognition would do wonders for his career with the Henali. He would not soon forget it. Also, it was obvious that for such a mission, he had to put on his best performance.

Delivering Letter of Intent was a sacred duty, and one of great honor. It was not the kind of thing one did in secret. Instead, there were grand ceremonies involved, making it a glorious affair.

Soon, the two of them arrived at the Inn, and entered the Innkeeper’s office.

The Innkeeper was standing facing the window, looking out over the Inn when the two of them entered. He seemed lost in thought, so neither of them dared to disturb him, though the truth was that Lex was actually focused on finishing up a tavern.

Who had the brilliant idea of making a tavern with space the size of Brazil locked inside a single story house? While such ideas sounded cool on paper, they were a pain in the behind to implement.

It made an otherwise simple task needlessly complicated. Then again, it was truly worthy of a Midnight tavern, so instead of complaining, he put all his effort into helping complete it.

Funnily enough, if Lex had Star Dust Dandelion seeds to spare, this tavern would have been much easier to make.

The process took nearly the whole day, after which he could finally spare some attention back to Jotun and Luthor, who were silently waiting for the Innkeeper.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," the Innkeeper said with his signature, soothing voice as he turned around to face them. "I was slightly preoccupied with a certain matter."

"It was my honor to wait," Jotun answered sincerely as he bowed deeply. This was truly the most humble Dao Lord he had ever faced. Who had ever heard of a Dao Lord apologising to a mere Immortal? People wouldn’t even believe it in a fiction novel, let alone accept it as reality.

"Please deliver my letter in a timely fashion," the Innkeeper said, pointing to the single letter on his desk. "I look forward to meeting the Governor in seven days. The details are all included within the letter."

Jotun bowed once more, picked up the letter with both hands, and left the Inn.

"Is there anything else you need from me?" Luthor asked, and the Innkeeper nodded.

"I don’t need anything from you, but I do have something for you. Stay free in the coming days, I’ll give you something to help you with that Hell project of yours."

Luthor trembled with excitement, and then bowed deeply to the Innkeeper before leaving.

Lex then turned his attention towards something else.

Eclipse had said that all guests coming to her Primordial Garden must bring her a flower that could survive within the environment of the garden itself. While Lex wasn’t worried about what the others would bring, he was greatly concerned about himself.

For a moment he thought of Zuri. Did she count as a flower?

But then he shook his head. He couldn’t gift a sentient plant as a flower - how awkward would that be? No, he needed to think of something else. Fortunately, he knew just the turtle to consult.

The Innkeepers projection flickered away, appearing in front of the turtle who was busy planting the Star Dust Dandelion in what looked like a pile of dragon manure. The things Pelvailin’s body had been used for...

"How are things going with your garden project?" the Innkeeper asked, watching the turtle do its thing.

"Oh dear, things are not going as I had hoped," the turtle said, sounding extremely sad. "While the Heaven project is going fine, at this rate, I won’t be able to make the best Heaven - not unless I get many more Heavenly trees. Unfortunately, such things are not easy to find. Do you know where I might be able to find some?"

The Innkeeper chuckled, as if he was amused.

"As it so happens, I might be able to get you one soon," the Innkeeper said. "But first, you must prove your skills are enough to handle such a valuable gift. How about this? If you can give me a flower that can grow and take root within a Primordial environment within one week, I’ll consider your skill sufficient, and work on giving you the gift."

The turtle looked at the Innkeeper sceptically, as if pondering whether it could trust him. Something told him that the Innkeepers intentions were not as they seemed, but eventually it dismissed them.

"Fine. One week - I will give you a fine flower in one week! Don’t go back on your promise!"

The Innkeeper chuckled.

"I won’t."