Room 14 (Taxes)
A man in maids outfit was looking worried as the hellkeeper just paced around the reception area.
“We must be able to do something. Sugar, in the Justice Department. How.” The man stopped in front of the maid. “Come on Polites. Say something.”
Polites looked at the Hellkeeper. “You’ve asked the same questions for the last five hours.” He pointed out.
“And you still haven’t answered me!” The hellkeeper yelled.
“Because there is nothing you can do!” Polites yelled back. “They’re in the Justice Department now. You can’t do a thing.”
(Really? The guy who deals with gods as if they’re children. You’re telling that person that he can’t do anything. Yeah, good idea man. Good idea.)
“I know that. But that doesn’t mean I just need to accept that.” Lukas said.
“I fear you’ll ha-” Polites started before he went completely silent and stared at something behind his boss.
“What?” The hellkeeper asked. When he followed Polites stare he saw a middle aged man in a white toga standing near the check-in.
“Oh no.” Lukas sighed. “What does he want?”
“Dear Lukas [REDACTED], protegee of the eternal one. Seeing your earlier reaction, I think you remember me. I hope only fond memories.” The man said
“I wouldn’t bet on it.” The Hellkeeper said dryly. “State your business.” he continued.
“As you remember my name is Kerunt. Greek god of Finances and I’m here to collect taxes.” Kerunt said. In his left hand he held a big book. His right hand was hidden behind his toga. “Let’s see. Hellkeep, Hellkeep… Heaven… Ah. Hellkeep. You owe the state of Olympian rule 1463 Soul Coins.” Kerunt said while looking in the book. His eyes travelled along page after page until he found his next debt to collect.
“You owe the state of Egyptian oppression 387 Soul coins.”
Lukas laid a pouch on the counter. “It’s all in there. You can count but I don’t have all day.”
Kerunt looked up from his book in surprise. “Okay…” He took the pouch tentatively.
The God turned around and walked onto the street. When he was sure the hellkeeper wouldn’t follow him, he opened the pouch and started counting.
“Now that’s handled. How do we get Sugar out?” Lukas asked.
“Nope, not dealing with this. I’d rather go clean room 69.” Polites said while running up the stairs.
Lukas stood behind the reception area for 15 minutes before he came up with an idea.
Wifi wandered into the room the moment the hellkeeper started looking into the possibilities. “You want to go on an adventure with me?” Lukas asked hopeful.
“Prauw?” Wifi miauwed confused.
(Poor creature, being forced to go with that lunatic of a Hellkeeper)
“Great!” Lukas yelled in excitement. He tried to grab Wifi but got met with claws sinking into his hand. “Okay, okay. No touching. I get it.” He said sadly.
The door to the hellkeep opened and a god with little wings on his sandals stood in the opening.
“It’s been a long while since I’ve seen you.” Lukas said when he noticed the God.
“I know. I was just wondering how it was going.” The man said while walking towards the reception desk.
“What do you want Hermes?” The Hellkeeper demanded.
“Why do I always need to want something? Can’t I just want to know how you’re doing?” Hermes said.
“You forget I’ve dealt with many gods before. They always want something.” Lukas said absentmindedly.
“What’s on your mind? Taxes came round?” Hermes asked in a teasing tone.
“Now I know you did it. Could you just leave my inn for now. I’ve got bigger things to deal with.” The Hellkeeper said in a careful neutral tone.
“Something bigger than me? How’s that even possible.” Hermes said while laughing.
“The door’s there.” Lukas said while pointing at the door.
“I’m supposed to be the messenger but message received I guess.” Hermes said while leaving the inn.
Lukas sighed while looking at travel-ads again.
