Descendant of Sloth
Chapter 71: The Crystal Grand Hotel

Chapter 71: The Crystal Grand Hotel

The hotel lobby was nothing short of breathtaking. A five-star palace of luxury, where everything gleamed with lavishness. The chandeliers sparkled like captured stars, hanging high above a marble floor so polished it reflected the golden glow of the lights. The air smelled of expensive perfume, polished wood, and fresh lilies, adding to the overwhelming sense of wealth that surrounded us.

And yet, despite all this refinement...

All eyes were on Billie.

She stood beside us, dressed from head to toe in oversized clothes, her flowing fiery hair completely hidden under a bunny-eared cap. Her baggy sleeves nearly swallowed her hands, and her posture was stiff, as if she were trying to shrink into herself.

She looked so out of place that it was impossible not to stare.

The receptionists behind the front desk exchanged amused glances, struggling to maintain their professional smiles. Other guests in the lobby weren’t as subtle. I caught snickers, whispers, and barely contained chuckles from a group of well-dressed businessmen waiting near the lounge. A young couple outright giggled as they passed us.

"Is she... cosplaying?" someone murmured nearby.

Serina, standing next to me, bit her lip, trying not to laugh. "This is bad. Billie looks like she came here straight from a cartoon convention."

Hina elbowed her. "Shhh, don’t make it worse."

But I could see it—the corner of her lips twitching. Even she was trying to hold back a smile.

I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. "Yeah, yeah, she’s cosplaying. Let’s just go with that."

Billie, unbothered as always, simply nodded, as if she agreed with our excuse and wasn’t the center of attention in one of the most expensive hotels in the city.

The murmurs didn’t stop.

A group of three guys near the lobby whispered to each other before one of them snorted, shaking his head.

"She’s either really dedicated to her costume, or she’s lost a bet," he muttered.

Serina let out a nervous chuckle, leaning closer to me. "We should move before people start pulling out their phones."

I agreed.

We made our way toward the reception desk, where a smiling hotel staff member greeted us. Her perfectly styled hair and crisp uniform screamed professionalism, but I caught the way her eyes flickered toward Billie before she quickly regained her composure.

"Welcome to the Crystal Grand Hotel. How may I assist you today?"

Serina pulled out the VIP pass, sliding it onto the counter. "We have a reservation."

The receptionist glanced at the pass and gave a polite nod. "Ah, yes. Your VIP status covers a complimentary stay for three guests." She tapped at her keyboard before looking up again. "However, I see that you are four. Would you like to book an additional room for your friend?"

Serina turned to me, tilting her head. "What should we do for Billie?"

I glanced at Billie. She stood motionless, indifferent, as if the situation wasn’t even worth her attention.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I’ll pay for her."

The receptionist nodded and began processing the booking. Meanwhile, Serina nudged me playfully.

"Aww, look at you, being all responsible," Hina teased. "Are you sure you don’t want Billie to share your bed instead?"

I shot her a look. "You want me to throw you into the fountain outside?"

Hina laughed. "You wouldn’t dare."

Serina crossed her arms. "You two bicker like an old married couple."

I ignored them as the receptionist handed us the room keys.

But just as I reached for them, she hesitated.

"Would you like a shared suite for four, or separate rooms for men and women?"

Before I could answer, I felt Hina’s sharp gaze land on me.

She didn’t even hesitate.

"Separate."

I sighed. "Hina, we literally live together. If it’s such a problem, just book a separate room for me."

Before she could respond, Serina hooked her arm around mine.

"But I want to stay with Esther," she said with a smirk, leaning just a little too close.

Hina’s expression darkened. "You? Why do you get to decide!?"

Serina tilted her head. "Ohhh? Are you jealous?"

Hina immediately stepped back, arms crossed. "No! I am NOT."

I sighed for what felt like the millionth time that night.

Guests in the lobby were now openly watching our ridiculous exchange. A man in a suit shook his head in amusement, while a nearby elderly couple whispered to each other, possibly wondering what kind of drama they had just stumbled into.

I muttered under my breath. "They’re going to attract attention to us at this rate."

After a few more minutes of pointless back and forth, we settled on the four-person suite.

The receptionist, still maintaining her professionalism, handed me the keycards.

"Enjoy your stay," she said, though I swore I saw the corners of her lips twitch—like she was holding back a laugh.

As we made our way toward the elevators, Serina nudged me again. "You know... I really wouldn’t mind sharing a bed with you."

I stared straight ahead. "Not happening."

It was going to be a long night.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and we stepped onto the upper floor. The hallway was eerily quiet, with plush red carpets muffling our footsteps as we made our way to our room.

Golden wall cast a warm glow, and the faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.

I swiped the keycard, and the door clicked open.

The moment we stepped inside, we instinctively exhaled. The suite was spacious, with four large beds covered in crisp white sheets, a massive window showcasing the city’s glittering skyline, and a lounge area with a fancy-looking mini-bar stocked with premium drinks.

Serina let out an impressed whistle. "Damn, they really went all out."

Hina stretched, rolling her shoulders. "Ugh, I need a bath. I feel sticky from all that walking."

Billie, who had been quiet the entire time, finally pulled off her oversized coat and cap.

The moment she did, the room went still.

Her hair tumbled down her back in perfect waves, and her sweat-soaked clothes clung to her body, outlining every curve. The fabric was practically stuck to her skin, highlighting a figure that most girls would kill for.

Serina stared, blinking. "Uh..."

Hina crossed her arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "You could’ve taken that off earlier. You were suffocating in that thing."

Billie simply shrugged. "It was fine."

Yeah, sure. Her damp clothes said otherwise.

I averted my eyes, clearing my throat. "Anyway, you guys can shower first. I’ll go later."

Serina flashed a playful smirk. "Oh? Trying to be a gentleman now?"

I rolled my eyes. "I just know better than to fight over the bathroom with three girls."

Hina nudged Billie. "You go first. You need it the most."

Billie gave a small nod and disappeared into the bathroom.

A second later, we heard the sound of running water—shwaaahhhh—followed by the hiss of steam filling the air.

Serina stretched and flopped onto the bed, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Man, this is heaven. Feels nice to just relax, right?"

I muttered, "It won’t feel nice when you have to wake up early."

Serina shot me a look. "Don’t ruin the mood, party pooper."

I ignored her, reaching for my phone. But after a few minutes, a dryness in my throat started nagging at me.

I sighed. "I need water."

Hina gestured toward the mini-bar. "Help yourself."

I stood up, stepping into the small kitchenette. But just as I reached for a bottle of water, my eyes accidentally landed on the open bathroom door.

And that’s when I saw her.

Billie.

She was standing in front of the fogged-up mirror, a towel draped around her neck—but completely topless. I could see her mounts and sensitive peeks.

Her greenish white damp skin glistened under the bathroom lights, and she was casually wiping her chest with a small towel, completely unaware of my presence.

I felt my brain malfunction. My instincts screamed at me to turn away, but my body was frozen in place.

It was only when Billie finally noticed me that she gasped, her eyes widening as a deep red blush spread across her face.

She whipped around, covering herself with her towel. "E-Esther—!"

Shit.

I immediately spun around, hands raised in surrender. "SORRY! SORRY! I didn’t see anything!"

(Total lie, I definitely saw something.)

Billie squeaked, her voice flustered. "I—I should’ve changed inside!"

I nodded furiously. "Y-Yeah! You really should’ve!"

I was about to bolt out of there when suddenly—

"Pervert."

Hina’s voice came from behind me, smug as hell.

I turned to see her leaning against the wall, arms crossed, a wicked smirk on her lips.

Serina peeked over her shoulder. "What happened?"

Hina grinned. "Esther walked in on Billie changing."

Serina’s eyes lit up in amusement. "Ohhhh? Naughty naughty."

I groaned. "It was an accident!"

Hina tapped her chin, pretending to think. "Hmmm. Accident? Or was it fate?"

"It was a damn mistake, Hina!" I grumbled, rubbing my temples.

Hina and Serina exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

I glared at them. "You two are the worst."

Hina gave me a mocking pat on the back. "Don’t worry, we won’t judge. Well... not too much."

Serina grinned. "At least now we know Billie’s got a killer body under all those layers."

Billie groaned from inside the bathroom. "Can you guys please shut up?"

I sighed. "When will this end?"

I flopped onto my bed, covering my face with a pillow.

This was going to be a long night.