Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 22
The following morning, during breakfast, it seemed that the members of Soul’s Guidance were a bit restless. However, the day passed without any particular incidents, allowing us to relax at a leisurely pace.
The next day, we once again challenged the A-Class Dungeon.
We aimed to conquer the first fifteen floors in a single day, and I swiftly dispatched the bosses on the fifth and tenth floors with my Shockwave. Each floor had three bosses, and with just three swings of my mace, the three bosses were crushed and sent flying. The members of Soul’s Guidance could only manage a wry smile at the spectacle. In truth, I noticed a few of them gazing at me with a look of sheer admiration, which was far better than being feared.
The ethereal boss on the fifteenth floor, the Elemental Phoenix, was taken care of by Sfenia and the others using their magic, and we spent the night in the safety zone of that floor.
After finishing dinner, we had some free time to spend either inside or outside our tents.
In addition to playing cards, we had also been experimenting with a version of Reversi, as well as a board game similar to backgammon that was said to be popular in the Imperial Capital. Larni, Karma, Sfenia, and Shizuna were all engrossed in these games. Geshura, even at this moment, was diligently tinkering with her magical tools, while Sakurahime watched her with keen interest.
I was busy boiling water in front of a cooking stove when Freinir leaned against me and began to doze off. As I pulled a blanket from my Item Box and draped it over her shoulders, Mariane emerged from the tent and sat down beside me.
“Souji-san, may I have a moment of your time?”
“What’s up?”
“I’ve been thinking for a while, but how about purchasing a house in the Imperial Capital?”
“A house?”
Her sudden suggestion made me raise my voice slightly. I could see the ears of Larni and Karma, who were playing some distance away, perk up at the sound.
“Since there are about two months until the martial arts tournament, I believe it would be more convenient to buy a used property and live there rather than staying at an inn.”
“Are there even used properties in the Imperial Capital?”
“Yes. Nobles and merchants tend to move around quite a bit, so I think there are several large properties available that could accommodate all of us. Since you are a count in the Empire, getting permission to buy should be quite easy. In fact, they might even be eager to sell to you.”
“…Is that really the case?”
At the very least, it seemed that His Imperial Majesty wanted to maintain a good relationship with me, so Mariane’s suggestion of buying a house in the Imperial Capital would likely be welcomed. However, I also had to consider that, from the perspective of those in power, I might be seen as a potential threat. It wasn’t something I could think about too simply.
Still, if I focused solely on the benefits for us, it would be fine.
“Buying a house would mean investing some wealth, and I believe it will be necessary in the future. Even if you were to become a lord within the Empire, you would still need a house in the Imperial Capital.”
“That’s true… though I’m not really thinking about becoming a lord at this point.”
“What’s this? Sounds like an interesting conversation?”
Larni, Karma, Sfenia, and Shizuna, having keenly overheard us, approached. Freinir, who had been leaning against me, seemed to wake up as well.
“We were just discussing the idea of buying a house in the Imperial Capital. Since there’s still a long way to the martial arts tournament, it might be more convenient to buy a used house and live there.”
“Wow, that sounds great! Having your own room would definitely be more comfortable. Staying in a fancy inn is nice, but it can feel a bit stiff.”
“Exactly! As beastfolk, we have this instinctual desire for our own territory. I’m all for buying a house.”
Larni and Karma nodded in agreement.
“However, if we’re going to live in a house, we’ll have to do a lot of things ourselves. We’re used to camping, but isn’t laundry and cleaning a hassle?”
As someone who had lived as a commoner, I thought it was only natural to do those things, but in this world, especially among nobles, that wasn’t the case. Soul’s Guidance had also grown accustomed to high-end inns, so I needed to clarify this point.
But when I asked, Sfenia and Shizuna tilted their heads in confusion.
“Souji-san, if you buy a large house, it’s normal to hire servants. Since you are a count, it’s unthinkable for you to do the cleaning yourself. I like that you don’t think that way, though.”
“Indeed. Souji-dono must focus on what only he can do. Moreover, hiring people is an important responsibility for someone in a leadership position.”
“Oh, I see… that’s a good lesson.”
I understood what the two of them were saying. Updating my perspective on these matters might be urgent for me. It was akin to the mindset of a manager or even a company president in my previous life.
“Mariane, if we decide to buy a house, who should we consult first? Since I’m a noble, I can’t just go about it recklessly.”
“Let’s consult the Grand Master. He holds a title and owns a house in the Imperial Capital, so he should be knowledgeable about this. You can also inquire about hiring servants through him.”
“Then let’s discuss it with him when we return. But first, is everyone in agreement?”
Before I knew it, everyone had gathered around me, so I wanted to confirm.
Sakurahime said, “I have no objections. I believe it’s a very good idea,” while Geshura added, “I too find it beneficial. An atelier is essential for my research on magical tools.”
Freinir, still waking up and a bit confused, listened to my explanation and said, “I support the idea of buying a house. However, I feel that it may not be the Imperial Capital where you truly belong, Souji-sama. I believe there is a more fitting, promised land awaiting you.”
She said this while striking a pose as if in prayer, which was rather unexpected.
Regardless of whether such a grand place awaited me, it seemed that the consensus was in favor of buying a house in the Imperial Capital.
However, a house? I hadn’t considered it at all, but now that it was mentioned, the idea of purchasing one didn’t seem bad.
Moreover, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of buying a house. It was a clear sign of my commoner roots, but seeing everyone so enthusiastic made me realize that such feelings might not change based on one’s upbringing.