Hearing the whispers that came from his comrade, the other security guard tried his best to stand still and hide his nervousness. However, as they closed the distance, his tension was obvious, but he was nonetheless capable of speaking politely.
"My apologies, adamantite-rank adventurer-sama. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, but may I please see your identification?"
As Ainz handed over his plate and asked, "Does this hotel only accept members?"
"Yes, in order to maintain the reputation of this hotel, we only accept regular members or those with referrals. However, adamantite-rank adventurers are an exception to that rule."
Wiping both hands with his sleeves, the other security guard carefully took the identification plate that Ainz handed over as if he was afraid of breaking it. Turning it over, he read out the words carved on the back.
"Darkness'… Momon-sama?"
"That's right."
"Verification complete! Thank you for giving me the chance to hold an Adamantite plate!"
His attitude when returning the plate was still as careful as before. The plate that served as proof of an adventurer's status was made using the same type of metal that corresponded to the rank of the adventurer. Even though the plate was fairly small, the cost of making an adamantite plate was astronomical. While the plate might be extremely hard to break, the possibility of accidentally losing it was still there. For someone like the security guard of a hotel, the thought of having to compensate for the loss of an adamantite plate was simply unbearable. The security guards had heard of many stories where adamantite plates had being lost before. Such as when trying to return the plate, a Crane-Parrot—a type of bird—would fly by and snatch it up. Stories like these weren't told to make people pay more attention, but were actual events which had happened before.
A look of relief bloomed across the faces of the two security guards once Ainz took back his identification plate.
"Now then, may we enter?"
"Yes, Momon-sama. Please allow me to lead the way."
"Is that so? We'll be under your care then."
Tipping wasn't a thing in the Kingdom. Hopefully it was the same in the Empire. Ainz couldn't help but think about these kinds of things while being shown in.
After walking through a spacious lobby with marble-like floor tiles, they reached the reception counter.
"Announcing the arrival of the adamantite-ranked adventurer Momon-sama and company."
Sitting behind the reception counter was a man with the appearance of having received a proper upbringing. After being acknowledged, the guard turned towards Ainz and bowed respectfully before heading back to his post.
"Welcome, Momon-sama. For choosing to grace us with your presence during your visit to the Empire, I wish to express our very deep gratitude."
The receptionist bowed deeply towards Ainz.
"No, please don't worry about it, for now I wish to stay for one night."
"Understood. To begin, please sign here at the guest register."
Ainz smiled underneath his helmet. Having practiced writing down his name using the language of the Kingdom countless times, he flawlessly signed the paper after picking up a pen.
"Thank you very much. Now what kind of room would you prefer?"
For Ainz, all rooms were the same whether they were cheap or luxurious. However, as usual, he had an appearance to maintain.
Ainz suddenly thought about the foods that existed in this world.
A green-colored juice which smelled irresistibly sweet and delicious, a pink-colored food that looked like scrambled egg, carefully sliced cooked meat covered in a bluish liquid which made the meat look more tender and juicy. Every one of those mentioned dishes stimulated Ainz's curiosity, but unfortunately he wasn't able to eat them.
Having imagined being in bed with Albedo, Ainz ended up tilting his head.
A boss that sexually harasses female employees—that was the image that appeared last in Ainz's head after his earlier imagination.