Chapter 99: Moving In
The day after I finished organizing around the livestock shed, the butler informed me that the prospective tenants were Dean and Chris. I had expected this, and since Ash and the others were okay with it, the three rooms on the second floor were filled.
Dean and Chris were overjoyed with their new beds and the makeshift closet. Especially Chris, who usually didn’t wear armor, seemed thrilled that he could store his plate mail.
If we were certain about facing a big foe, it would make sense, but just thinking about walking through the forest in full plate mail sounded exhausting. It was completely unsuitable for regular adventurer activities.
The plate mail I saw was beautifully maintained, silver with golden patterns, so Chris might really be a knight after all.
Now, the two newcomers, Retze, Ash, and I were having tea on the first floor of the rented house.
“So, when are we going to the brothel?” Dean asked with a smirk.
“Why do we have to go all the way to the Fortress? It’s such a hassle,” I replied, especially since we’d have to ride a horse.
“Going all the way to Anoma’s Fortress…!” Chris exclaimed, his expression one of despair.
“Are you saying the brothel is a hassle?!” Dean continued, “A beautiful courtesan would be surprised if someone more handsome than her showed up as a guest.”
Before Dean could say anything further, the butler interjected.
Ash probably wanted to change the subject before things got too graphic. While “courtesan” refers to high-class prostitutes, it seems to carry a more refined meaning here, implying a respect for their skills.
“Do you know where ‘Getsurakukan’ and ‘Heavenly Bliss’ are located…?” Retze muttered.
Stop bringing the conversation back to that!
“Putting the brothel aside, Gene, is there anything you want? We’ve enjoyed the cow, so it’s not really a gift,” Retze said, noticing the butler and my gaze.
I had a feeling Retze would eventually realize that Ash was a woman. Dean was mumbling something about how I used to run around all night when I was Gene’s age, but I decided to ignore it.
“Oh, right. In about a month and a half, a family of friends will be coming to Kanum, so I’d appreciate it if you could keep an eye out for them.”
“Friends?” Retze asked, surprised.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just thought you were averse to people. I didn’t expect you to use the word ‘friends’ instead of just acquaintances.”
It wasn’t that I disliked people; I just had a problem with those around my sister—though most of my narrow social circle consisted of her acquaintances.
Even though I knew there were different people out there, I couldn’t shake off my distrust of humanity.
“Gene is a good person. If someone can’t be your friend, it’s just that they can’t return your heart.”
Wait…! Ash, stop saying embarrassing things after being quiet all this time! And your face looks scary!
I couldn’t help but avert my gaze.
“Indeed! Gene is a fine man! When your family arrives, let me know, and I, Chris, will show them around this town!”
Hearing it from someone who usually acted embarrassingly made my heart calm down.
“What will you do with the third floor?” the butler asked, inquiring if he should keep it vacant for the family.
“Don’t worry about it. They have kids, so they might want to live somewhere with more children around to play with. If it comes to that, I can lend them the second floor of my house.”
“If it’s in a month and a half, this area should be available, but the interiors might be tricky. The official guild hunts have ended, but most people still think it’s dangerous because of Amedeo’s entourage lurking around.” Dean said, lifting his cup to sip his tea.
“The three Gold Rank adventurers have moved to the Fortress City, but many are still trying to relocate to the center,” he continued. The center had the ‘Spirit’s Branch’ as a refuge in case of emergencies, and more importantly, other houses provided a shield, making it safer within Kanum.
I found it hard to believe that people living in the center were cramming more people into one room. Sharing a room with strangers in such cramped quarters seemed absurd.
In contrast, the area we lived in, still haunted by memories of destruction, was unpopular. I suspected that the value of the house had decreased since I rented it, and even more since I bought it.
“If it comes to it, I’ll offer our third floor as well.”
“Thank you. We’re fine since we have this place available.” There’s no need for such a dangerous suggestion that could reveal our genders, Ash. I could clear out my entire house if needed.
“Then let’s leave the house behind… No, let’s buy it.”
Hey, butler. What are you planning to do with the house behind us? Didn’t you just say to leave it empty?
Everyone except Ash exchanged silent glances with the smiling butler before looking away.
“Wasn’t it only allowed to buy two houses within the walls?” It was also not permitted to have two houses in prime locations or to buy two close to key points like gates or towers.
“Yes. Since you already own a house and this rented one, I will. However, I have a small request… We can discuss that later.”
“Hmm?”
—The request that came later was to connect Ash’s house and the one behind it through the attic. Apparently, he thought of it after seeing me open the back door to my house. Maybe it was for securing multiple escape routes?
What would happen if Dinoss didn’t choose the house the butler bought? When I asked, he said they wouldn’t rent out the attic but would try to rent the first to third floors to a normal family or two.
Given En’s situation, Dinoss would probably be pleased to have more escape routes. Well, where he chooses to go is up to him.
Wait? Aren’t there a lot of people around me who are being targeted? Are those two normal?