Even with all of his knowledge, he wasn't sure what was going on with Melly. He could only chalk it up to her being a bit weird.
With Melly completely changed, they arrived at the wall of the Imperial Capital.
As soon as Skymender stepped out of the carriage, the gate guards bowed, clearly familiar with him. He did not need to be searched or have his identity checked. This also went for Melly, who was with him. Hope would not enter the Imperial Capital. She turned away, and began another ten day long journey.
Skymender knew the place rather well by now, and soon reached the noble district. Long ago, he had expected that he would end up staying with his aunt during his time at the Imperial school, but he would have never guessed the wealth he would amass.
Any noble was qualified to purchase a house in the noble district, though as a member of a Barony, he only qualified to purchase those on the outer ring.
If it was Baron Sky himself, it would be different, but Skymender was only a noble through blood, not title. If he wanted a title, he would have to accomplish great things for the Empire or inherit one.
Skymender's wealth over the last few years had reached an unprecedented degree.
All he had to do was go somewhere to purchase it. This was not a simple process, as it required not only an immense amount of wealth, but approval from the Emperor himself.
There was only one place that sold houses in the noble district. It was at the Inner ring, and though Skymender did not qualify to purchase a house there, he was absolutely allowed to go anywhere in the noble district.
He made his way to the shop. It was a large building, as some sales were worth more money than even most nobles would make in a year.
Skymender entered, and the woman at the front desk, whose job was essentially to stand straight and look pretty, opened her closed eyes.
She saw Skymender, who looked rather young, but he could no longer be described as a child, as well as Melly, who followed behind.
"Welcome, sir. What can I do for you?" She asked with a bow.
"I would like to purchase a property on the outer ring." Skymender said.
She nodded. "Please follow me. I can take you to a room, and will notify someone to come and speak to you."
Skymender followed her to a room, which was luxurious. She brought him some tea, and he waited with Melly.
As they waited, Melly spoke.
"You don't have to limit yourself to the outer ring." She said.
Skymender looked at her with confusion for a moment, before realizing what she was saying.
"Are you sure? Would your parents mind?" He asked.
She shook her head. "They shouldn't. Besides, as long as I'm living there, it is not lying."
Skymender nodded. Naturally, since she was the daughter of a duke, she had the qualifications to purchase a house in the middle ring. If it was her parents themselves, then they would qualify to purchase a house in the inner ring, where only the greatest of nobles stayed.
Although a house in the middle ring was far, far more expensive than one in the outer ring, Skymender could afford it, though just barely.
He would spend at least half of the wealth he had painstakingly earned through threats, robbery, extortion, and, of course, assassination.
After around 20 minutes, an old man entered the room. "I apologize for the delay, news of buyers was unexpected. What can I do for you?"
"I want to buy a house in the middle ring." Skymender said.
The man looked surprised. "You are Skymender, right. I apologize, but you only have the qualifications to buy a house in the outer ring. This is not something decided by me, but by the Emperor himself."
Melly spoke up. "I want him to buy the house using my qualifications."
The man looked at her with confusion, clearly not recognizing her.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?" She was clearly not old enough to hold a noble title.
"I am the daughter of Duke Mel." She said.
The man nodded. "I see, Melly, right. I apologize. In that case, let's look at the houses in the middle ring."
He stood up and opened a drawer at the side of the room, pulling out three papers.
"Each paper lists the available houses in the three directions, not including the direction behind the Imperial Palace that is used for other things. There are also plots of land, where you can build your own houses." The old man explained.
Skymender looked over the three papers, and focused on the direction nearest to the Imperial school.
Each listing had multiple pictures, descriptions, and prices.
Of the ten or so houses, Skymender focused on two of them. He wouldn't mind building his own, but he didn't feel like waiting, and all of the prebuilt noble houses were designed with incredible skill. He also didn't have enough money to make a house fulfilling all of his desires regardless.
"I would like to visit these two. If neither satisfies me, I want to buy this plot of land." Skymender said.
The old man nodded, clearly happy. It sounded like Skymender would be spending money no matter what.
"No need to wait then, Mr Skymender. Let's go."
Skymender and Melly stood up. They followed the old man out of the building and into a carriage.
They lightly chatted while the journey took place.
Quickly, they arrived at the first house.
It was two stories tall, made mostly of wood, and had three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It also had a living room, and an entrance hall.
It was one of the smaller houses, but something too big would cost Skymender far too much, and he didn't really need any more than this.
After looking around, Skymender didn't like it much.
He kept it in mind while they rode the carriage towards the second house.