"So is the place?"
I looked at the two-story house in front of me, Elda and Albert stared at it along with me.
"It sure is..." Albert answered.
The house was not that grandiose rather it was plain and simple in looks. Wooden frame covering the exterior with bricks holding the foundation of its base. Some windows closed near the door while a balcony was on the second floor.
Compared to the places surrounding us it was still in better shape and form. This was the Merchant's District, not the market itself, so not much crowd has been gathering here.
Using carriages I could see the merchants going to their workshops.
"Is there not a place to keep a carriage here?"
I asked the man in front of me, he was dressed nearly with a monocle over his right eye, a tailored vest and pants that had a gold line stitched along the sides, and a cane that had a white tip. He was the land broker, Mr. Christopher.
He looked at me with a smile and nodded, "Indeed there is, young lord. The stables are around the corner. Your carriage will be well taken care of."
"Do we need to buy a place there or is it about renting?"
Elda was perplexed by my questions since we had never discussed anything about the carriage.
Her initial thoughts seem to be saying.
'Where did the carriage come from? We don't even have one?!'
But she knew how to follow the flow of the conversation and nodded her head as if it was all planned.
"Ah, renting is quite popular around here, young lord. We can discuss the rates once you've inspected the house. I'm sure it will meet your expectations." Mr. Christopher replied, his smile never wavering.
"We are willing to pay 70 gold for this house and we both know the price is at its peak due to recent events, so how about giving us a discount on the stable rent?"
Elda asked eagerly, Albert meanwhile continued to look around the area once again.
Mr. Christopher' smile grew slightly wider at her proposal, "Ah, quite the sharp negotiator, aren't we? But I'm afraid the stables operate independently from the housing market. However, if you decide to rent the house for an extended period, I'm sure we can work out something beneficial for both parties."
"Mr. Christopher' there seems to be a misunderstanding, I don't plan on renting this house but rather buy it."
I said with a small smile, my hands holding a small bag which upon shaking gave the coins a jingling sound.
Mr. Christopher' smile faded a bit at my words but quickly regained its composure, "Ah, purchasing it outright, I see. That is quite an investment for a young lord such as yourself. The current asking price for this property is 90 gold coins, but for you, I'm willing to make it 80 gold, considering the recent disturbances."
"The Temple will be the observer for this deal, are you sure you want to make too much profit? Instead of making a good connection." I asked, keeping my expression in check.
When Elda and Albert had contacted the dealer they never specified if they wanted to buy the house or rent it. This has led to the greed of the broker getting over him.
And why will it not be? Due to the fight between transcendents and the monster's wave the city was in shambles, many people died and properties were damaged. Buying something at a turbulent time is pure stupidity that any merchant will never do.
But I am not any merchant, all of this is for nothing but a long-term goal. To buy me enough time to gather the people that I needed.
Mr. Christopherlooked at me with a hint of confusion and then at Elda and Albert before sighing, "Very well, young lord. For the sake of your esteemed patronage and the goodwill of the Temple, I shall honor your offer of 70 gold coins. But I must remind you that the stables will require a separate negotiation."
"Sure I don't mind, how about showing inside first."
Mr. Christophernodded and pulled out a set of keys, "Please follow me."
The house's interior was surprisingly spacious and well-kept. The wooden floors creaked softly under our footsteps as we entered the main hall. The walls were lined with portraits of stern-looking merchants, probably the former owners who had made their fortune in the bustling city. The smell of aged parchment and dust filled the air, hinting at a library or study nearby.
Mr. Christopherled us through the ground floor, showcasing a modest kitchen, a spacious dining room, and a parlor that could easily host small gatherings. The place had a certain charm to it, despite the wear and tear from years of use. It was clear that it had been a home to someone who valued comfort and practicality over opulence.
"This place is quite good actually." I smiled and looked at the Christopher.
The broker nodded, pleased, "Yes, it has served its previous owners well. The upper floor holds three bedrooms and a study. The master bedroom even has a balcony overlooking the district."
"Alright, I will buy it. Where do I need to sign?"
Mr. Christopher' eyes lit up with excitement at my decisive response. He led us to a small table in the parlor and pulled out a thick file. With a flourish, he unfurled it, revealing the sales contract.
"For the witness signature, you can give the contract copy to Temple," I said while signing swiftly, the guild card has been used as my identification these days. The only problem with it will be my wrong rank.
And I don't plan on updating it…
My unnatural speed of rank up and enlightenment will only cause problems.
Mr. Christopherhanded over the contract, his eyes slightly wide at the mention of the Temple, "Of course, young lord. I shall ensure that a copy is delivered to them immediately. Now, if you'd be so kind as to confirm the amount and your identity..."
"My identity card as rank 1 awakener and here is the money..." I tossed both of them toward him and took a seat in the chair.
Mr. Christopher' eyes widened at the sight of the gold coins clattering on the table, but he quickly regained his composure and took the card with trembling hands. He glanced over the details, his eyes scanning the document, and then back at the gold.
"Alright, we are done with all the formalities then Young Lord."
Mr. Christophersaid after counting the gold coins thrice. He handed over the identity card to me and placed the contract aside.
"I will contact you later for more purchases, make sure to give a good discount next time Mr. Christopher."
He nodded vigorously, his eyes not leaving the gold coins, "Of course, young lord. It's been a pleasure doing business with you. Now, if you need any help moving in or have any other needs, please don't hesitate to contact me."
"No it's alright, you can take your leave now."
Mr. Christophernodded and after giving us a final smile, he took his leave. Elda and Albert looked at me in amazement.
"What?" I asked as I looked at them.
"You just bought a house!" Elda said, her voice filled with excitement.
"So? It's a house, not a home." I said and walked towards the small parlor taking the head seat.
One of the main reasons for buying this was that the furniture came along with it, This would save me the time to buy a new one and since it gave an antique look it made it look much more splendid.
"Boss so we are also going to stay here from now on?" Albert already knew the answer but was still hesitant about it.
"Yeah... You both can take a room on the upper floors as well, just leave the study and master room for me."
"Should we clean this place?" Elda asked, already taking out a broom from the corner.
'Right, She used to be a maid.' I thought in amusement, habits sure die hard.
"Sure, let me help as well," I said and stood up only to be stopped by Elda.
"You are our employer, why will you work?" She asked.
Albert unknowingly even had started nodding along with Elda. "Yes, we will clean this place to the best of our abilities."
"When did you become so obedient?" I frowned at Albert's behavior. This guy has been acting suspiciously these days. I squinted my eyes at him but he skilfully dodged my gaze.
"Well, Boss, do you want me to say that you acted really like a young noble, who only spends money?"
He said nonchalantly and took a seat on one of the single-seater sofas, Elda seeing him sighed and also took a seat at the corner of the room.
"What does that have to do with cleaning the house?"
I was left speechless at how quickly the topic had changed, but he needs to be interrogated now.
"I—"
Before he could speak Elda interrupted as clasped her loudly for both of us to hear and spoke clearly with a cheeky grin.
"He has been trying to be polite since he will be working officially for you. That's why he stays silent nowadays."
Albert's eyes widened a bit and his cheeks turned a shade of red.
"Y-You had promised you wouldn't tell him!" Albert shouted his ears red as he clenched his fist.
That was very nice of him actually... He has a crude way of talking and is very honest with his emotions.
But for his good efforts let's keep his pride intact.
"Alright I understand, Albert thank you for your efforts but I would appreciate your regular behavior rather than you acting suspiciously, Also let's clean this place."
Under my stern voice, they both could only nod in agreement.
Elda didn't show any more resistance to my help and let me take part in cleaning.
The dust was soon in some hours cleaned off as we all took a breather. The bags had been placed in their respective room.
This way I finally had some space in my storage bracelet.
"So who is gonna cook?"
Albert asked as he slipped into the couch, and melted effortlessly in its embrace.
"I can cook," Elda offered, "but it's been a while since I've had a proper kitchen to work with."
I stared at her and realized it's also been months since I had proper homemade food as well.
"I will leave it to you then."
Elda nodded with a smile, happy to have a task to do. She disappeared into the kitchen and the sound of pans clanging and water running filled the house.
After some twenty minutes, the scent of fresh food filled the interior of the house, taking both me and Albert out of our dazed looks.
We both stared at each other and then nodded.
"I will bring the plates to the table, go help her bring food," I said and got up.
Albert nodded his head as he stretched his arms and followed me into the kitchen.
The table was soon set by me as both Albert and Elda came with trays in hand holding the food.
The aroma of roast chicken and steamed vegetables filled the room, making my mouth water. It was simple but it smelled heavenly after months of eating in the taverns.
"This is surprisingly good!"
Albert muttered taking his first bite.
"Oh, If you don't like it, no need to force yourself to eat Albert."
Elda said with a small smile playing on her lips, even though she was smiling a spark of annoyance was undoubtedly present in her eyes.
"I n-never said that! Yes, you should ask boss, he hasn't said anything yet. "
Throwing the blame at me Albert looked at his food and started ignoring everything that surrounded him.
Elda looked toward me with a hint of challenge in her eyes. I took a bite of the chicken, savoring the tender meat and the blend of spices. It was indeed delicious.
"It's good."
Saying anything else would be dangerous it seems, a small amount of praise should satisfy her for now.
Or so I thought...
Elda lowered her head and muttered in a small voice.
"I will make it better next time."
Hearing her words my lips curled up and I glanced at her.
"I look forward to your next dish."
Her eyes immediately lit up once again as she nodded vigorously.
"Do so!"
"Oh, also what's the story of Undying? I heard about it in Temple."
I asked while taking another bite of my food. Elda frowned and looked at Albert before speaking in a firm voice.
"It's more like a fairy tale... But now I might think it's true."
"Fairytale, How so?"
"Mn... simply because it is really absurd and told to children as a bedtime story." Elda nodded as she brought the spoon to her mouth. Albert, taking this chance, interjected.
"Well Boss doesn't have any memories of his past, So we should assume he knows almost nothing about the world."
"Ah, That's true."
Elda nodded as she heard Albert's words.
'Only at times like these do they get along very well.'
"Yes, you are correct so now tell me. I was told in the Temple I would get my reward from Lord Undying himself."
Hearing my words they both stopped in their tracks and slowly turned to look at me.
Their faces visibly turned pale, as Albert spoke, his voice strained and startling.
"B-Boss tale of Lord Undying is almost five centuries old."