Puzzletober 2025: Murky

(Last updated ~2 hrs. post-posting: "should not exceed" -> "should not be less than") The newcomer enters a small glade with a square-shaped lake. The lake is about 9 yards wide in each direction and its murky water hides the floor past the shore. Not too far in the distance are five people making conversation. He walks up to them. The first to notice him is a man in a dull but well-ironed coat. He slides an unprotected hand out from a long sleeve to provide a handshake and introduces himself as Victor. The newcomer says, "Are you the innkeeper?" Victor replies, "Yes. Were you looking for a room?" "My car broke down about half a mile down the road. I'm going to need a place to stay for the night." Victor thinks for a bit, looking from something to something else to the inquisitive looks from the patrons, before finally saying, "I suppose I can make an exception to the reservation rule. Welcome to the hotel. I'll get a r...