A/N: Received the 10 legit reviews! Will post the extra chap sometime within the next two weeks xD Sorry, the rest of my October is ultra busy~

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Finn shook his head and stood behind the counter to register them. "Even if the room will be paid for, all guests staying within the inn will still be registered," he said. "Part of the rules."

It was—unsurprisingly—Ren who managed to go first, and he gave 3 gold upfront. He didn't bother honoring Finn's discount. They owed him too much, and that food was delicious.

At some point, they didn't even think they'd be able to eat anything at all. Ever.

Aaron sneered, but he gave 3 gold too, as if not to be left behind. They were pure gold and seemed like it was the down payment for the mission they went on. After paying, he then headed straight to the bathroom, as if afraid someone else would head there before him.

Ren shook his head and Finn chuckled, checking his [Guest Log] while they settled down.

[Name: Ren Aston | Race: Human | Age: 21 | Level: Awakened Stage Tier 3 | Class: Assassin-Swordsman | Affinity: Wind | Status: Recovering, near death | Room: Basic Bedroom 2 | Duration of Stay: 1 Night | Mood: Pleased | Needs: Rest | Status: Unmet]

.

[Name: Aaron Raylen | Race: Human | Age: 22 | Level: Awakened Stage Tier 3 | Class: Spearman | Affinity: Fire | Status: Recovering, near death | Room: Basic Bedroom 3 | Duration of Stay: 1 Night | Mood: Pleased | Needs: Rest | Status: Unmet]

.

[Name: Zachary Smith | Race: Human | Age: 21 | Level: Awakened Stage Tier 3 | Class: Spearman | Affinity: Earth | Status: Recovering, near death | Room: Basic Bedroom 3 | Duration of Stay: 1 Night | Mood: Pleased | Needs: Rest | Status: Unmet]

As for the goblins, they still had a few cores in their pockets, but they were not enough for a room. Finn kneeled down next to them. "I'll prepare some blankets, but unfortunately, I do not have a bed anymore," he said. He only had two extra bedrooms, and those were taken by the humans.

At this, Zachary offered their room, but they vehemently refused. They seemed genuinely appalled by the idea of sharing a room with humans, so they didn't force them.

That said, Finn couldn't show bias since people actually paid gold, so the little ones could not have a room (he could buy one if he sold a few more dishes).

"My living room is quite comfortable."

"We are only servants, Sir, please no need to be so kind."

"Yes, good sir, the food you fed us is the most delicious we have ever combined."

"We are fine sleeping outside."

"Please let us sleep outside."

Finn looked awkward. He couldn't actually do that, right?

Ren, who went to him because Aaron managed to secure the bathroom faster, explained the situation. "They will be uncomfortable sleeping closely with us, especially for free."

Finn thought for a while, an idea brewing in his mind. "The goblins are servants, right? Who are their masters?"

"Well, technically speaking, they are raid assistants," he corrected as if the distinction made any difference. "They are our mercenary guild's."

"Will it be okay for them not to return?" He looked at the goblins. They had a collar with a name tag on their necks, but it didn't seem like it'd do anything. "Does this do anything?"

"It is just identification," he said. "But…there should be other marks burnt in their bodies."

The goblins looked at him and nodded. They pulled their shirts to the side, showing burned stamps on their shoulders.

Mallen Mercenary Team

Finn's jaw clenched, but he didn't say anything. This seemed normal here, and who was he to judge what was right or wrong in another world?

"Didn't they sign essence contracts?" Zachary asked from the side.

Aaron peeked out of the bath when he heard the topic, and was already half-naked and wearing a bath towel. "You think doing an essence contract is for everybody? That requires at least one core, you know."

It was just that the goblins were raised to be so incredibly dependent that they wouldn't question the mission. Further, the marks on their bodies were proof of ownership.

In name, they were servants; in practice, they were slaves.

"Well, we'll just hide it as long as we can," he said, staring at the collars. "Can they not return?"

Ren's blue eyes shifted to the goblins. "If they wish."

At this, the two goblins' eyes glimmered, and they looked at Ren. "Will you be alright, Sir?"

"They don't even know we met. Only Aaron and Zachary know where you are," he said. "You don't have to worry about Zachary. Aaron, however…" A pause and the rivals' eyes met.

Ren continued. "He definitely doesn't have the brains to betray."

"!!!" Aaron gasped, heading out of the bathroom in anger. "Why, you—"

They were genuinely about to fight, but Zachary appeared between them, holding a shoulder each. "Fight when you have more than 1 digit stamina."

"..."

"And also when Aaron's ding-dong isn't exposed."

"..."

They all looked at Aaron's lower body.

Somehow, during the commotion, Aaron's towel fell down. The blonde squeaked and grabbed his towel, running back to the toilet.

Finn chuckled, though his attention remained on the two timid goblins. He bent down near them. "Do you want to go back?"

A pause, followed by shaking heads.

Finn smiled. He couldn't help but remember how dextrous they were when they made the baskets, helped him forage, and helped him arrange the items.

They were also hard workers and were earnest with their jobs. He could tell they were also loyal (to a fault), which was something he needed right now.

They would just be monster bait in other places. Here, their lives would definitely be more comfortable and productive.

"Then stay here with me and help me with errands—help me run the inn," he said. "I can give you a little wage, lodging, and food like this every day as long as you work for me—without having to risk your life."

"Eh?" they asked, confused, while Ren and Zachary gaped, but mostly out of curiosity.

Finn ignored the looks and focused on the goblins, hoping that he wouldn't have to handle this place alone anymore.

"What do you say? Would you like to be official staff members of the Wanderer's Refuge?"

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