Chapter 224: Capital Moa
“How was the train journey, Sarya?”
“It was amazing! Even while I was sleeping, it kept moving, and we had to eat in the dining car while it was swaying!”
As they swayed in a luxurious carriage meant for the upper class, the three of them chatted animatedly.
“It was tough. First of all, Sarya, you should stop trying to climb onto the roof.”
“But I can see better from up high!”
“Wait, you mean the roof of the train…?”
They were heading to the apartment where the three of them would soon be living. It was furnished with the bare essentials, so they had only brought minimal luggage. Their living expenses would be covered by Duke Silverhead. For the time being, they were expected to acclimate to life in the capital and undergo practical training at the Duke’s residence.
After about an hour of bouncing around in the carriage, they finally arrived at their destination: a high-end residential area. The neighborhood was known for its safety, home to many officials who worked in the public office. Since they were technically serving at the Duke Silverhead’s estate, they would be commuting from this neighborhood.
“Here we are, our new home!”
“Wow, it’s so tall!”
As Sarya opened the front door, she dashed to the window. They were on the top floor of a three-story building. Although it was less popular due to the need to climb stairs, it offered the most spacious layout.
The apartment featured three private rooms, a living room, and a water area, complete with plumbing. The plumbing was a new technology that had become widespread in the past year, using a pump to draw water from a tank on the first floor to the upper levels. Typically, a hand pump would be installed in the water area. Fresh water was continuously supplied to the first-floor tank through pipes.
It seemed that the brain trust led by Amagio Salmon had made significant contributions to the facilities during the city planning phase. While technological advancements had been slow, they were now experiencing explosive changes due to the influx of Paraiso products.
“Oh, this is a Konro! The latest model that uses Burning Stone (Tone Mag)!” Sarya exclaimed, peering into the kitchen space set up in the water area.
“I heard they stocked up on the latest equipment… Oh! Could that be a refrigerator made by Paraiso?” Rinanel pointed out the refrigerator tucked away in the corner.
This machine, imported from Paraiso, had an unknown mechanism, but it was incredibly convenient as it cooled its contents when switched on. With this, the shelf life of ingredients could be dramatically extended, making it wildly popular among the upper class.
According to Amagio Silverhead, it was an incredible invention, but since he never revealed the truth behind it, it had gained acceptance as a useful tool. Of course, there were those who attempted to dismantle it to steal its secrets, but unfortunately, no one had succeeded in replicating it.
“A refrigerator?”
“It’s a machine that keeps things cold. We can have cold drinks anytime!”
“Wow…”
In terms of cold storage, Sarya was somewhat familiar with a cold room that used well water back in her village, so she didn’t quite grasp the significance of this refrigerator yet. It would take some time living in the city for her to appreciate its value.
In Capital Moa, while fresh water was supplied, it was only the lukewarm water that had been exposed to the outside air.
“…It’s an ordinary room. Nothing particularly suspicious, but I have concerns about security,” Ixia remarked as she inspected the apartment.
“Eh? But it has a proper lock!”
“That lock can be easily picked with a little effort. It should be replaced with something more secure.”
Ixia seemed dissatisfied with the current door lock. However, it was a modern cylinder lock. If they wanted something more secure, they would either have to pay a hefty fee for a custom lock or install one of the trendy Paraiso models.
“News of three women living together will spread quickly. That means unsavory characters might come around. We need to be cautious.”
“You’re so reliable, Ixia!”
“Common sense.”
“That’s not quite common sense… Ixia, where did you grow up…?”
Among the three, Rinanel was likely the most knowledgeable about the norms of the Kingdom of Repuitari and the capital Moa. She was from a well-known orphanage in the capital. Although there were several orphanages, hers was operated by Duke Silverhead. Furthermore, she had graduated from a training school funded by the Duke, ensuring her background was solid and her knowledge exceeded certain standards.
Though it was an orphanage, it could be considered an elite training institution.
“Well, your concerns are valid. Let’s consult with our caretaker about security. Perhaps through Duke Amagio’s connections, we can get something from Paraiso,” Rinanel suggested.
“Understood,” Ixia nodded, turning her gaze to Sarya, who was flicking the Konro on and off.
“Sarya, don’t waste it. The Burning Stone you use is Category 3. The average selling price is about 300 grams. It should last for about a year, but it’s not something to use frivolously.”
“Wha…! Is it really that expensive?”
“Haha. Well, technically, it’s considered part of the room’s furnishings, so as long as you don’t use it inappropriately, they should replace it without issue.”
With that, they had confirmed the apartment’s facilities.
“Alright, let’s head to the living room. Oh, since we’re here, let’s brew some tea. Please wait a moment.”
Sarya, unable to brew tea on her own, felt guilty making Ixia wait. So, Ixia decided to wait with Sarya in the living room.
According to the plan, Rinanel was responsible for managing their daily life. Although Sarya was a cohabitant, she was more like a guest. Becoming the village chief in the future meant she would join the ranks of the nobility.
On the other hand, Rinanel would always be treated as a commoner. Of course, if she worked at the public office and earned a position there, she could gain power equivalent to that of the nobility. However, for now, there were no connections to the public office, and joining a trading company seemed to be the most reasonable path.
However, completing this task for Amagio Silverhead could open the door to a recommendation for a bureaucratic position. Thus, Rinanel was highly motivated.
By the way, while Sarya had the impressive title of the village chief’s daughter from Duke Silverhead’s direct territory, Ixia was unaware of this. All she had received was a message assuring her of Rinanel’s credibility. Furthermore, she had been informed that if they could establish a good relationship, they could introduce each other to future work opportunities as colleagues.
If that happened, Rinanel might just secure a ticket to a bureaucratic position. This was none other than the word of Duke Silverhead himself.
“I’ve put water on the Konro, so it should boil soon. I’m sorry, but we only have one type of tea leaves. As for snacks, we only have long-lasting ones for now, so please bear with me.”
“Not a problem, Lady Rinanel. By the way, what about shopping…?”
As Rinanel unpacked the tea set from the box on the floor, she replied, “Usually, vendors deliver it. As long as you place an order. It seems to be the standard practice around here. Commoners have to go to the Morning Market themselves, though.”
Then, the three of them confirmed their plans for the future, and time passed as they prepared dinner and made their beds, marking the end of their first day living in Capital Moa.