Chapter 11 - Florida Man Paid $100,000 to "Squat" Senator's Mansion
The three-story mansion's exterior featured carved wooden doors decorated with metal accents that gleamed in the sunlight. The brick walls appeared sturdy but were mostly covered in ivy and withered vines.
Felix waltzed toward the front door, minding his manners, and knocked three times. He crossed his arms and pretended to wait for a minute, hoping nobody would answer. As expected, there was no response. He grabbed the handle and attempted to open it.
*CLICK*
It was locked from the inside. Felix shrugged. Since the front doors were locked, he took several steps back to admire the mansion and look for a way in.
The mansion spread into two straight wings. All the rooms on the second floor had balconies supported by Roman pillars, providing shade for the windows on the ground floor. The tall and narrow glass windows allowed thin sunlight to pass through but protected the interior from bright rays.
Seeing the narrow windows, Felix gave up the idea of breaking in by shattering one. His attention returned to the wooden doors, wondering if he should force them open. Fortunately, he didn't need to resort to his intrusive thoughts. The doors were unlocked, and an elderly man gently pulled them open from the inside.
The elder wore a weathered and patched black butler suit. He had a long full beard and combed white hair, reflecting his age. The back of his hands bore long scars, likely from a blade or knife. His long sleeves concealed the rest of his bitter experiences, but Felix could tell he had been a seasoned fighter in the past.
"…Hello, sir. Who might you be?" the elder butler sized up Felix.
Felix coughed and adjusted his voice, stating his purpose. "I'm sorry to contact you so late. I saw the signboard saying this mansion is for rent or sale, and I'm wondering if it has been bought yet."
The butler bitterly smiled and nodded. "Our offer hasn't changed, sir. Which family are you from, by the way?"
"Ariel. My surname is Ariel."
The butler raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I haven't heard that family name before. Are you a noble from another country?"
"No, I'm just a wandering merchant who wishes to settle down in this city, and this mansion caught my eye."
"I see," the butler said, lowering his head slightly in disappointment. He disclosed a local fact and custom, "I'm sorry, sir, but this mansion can only be inherited or transferred to another noble in this country. Unless you hold a baron title or higher, you cannot purchase it."
"I'm here to rent it, though. I don't mean to rent the entire mansion; I just want a small room to sleep in and a bathroom to wash myself."
"Oh!" The butler beamed at Felix with a bright smile, his mood lifting. "I see. I see. Then, please follow me, sir. I'll show you the room. By the way, the rent is… hmm…"
The butler sized up Felix. Estimating Felix's worth, he came up with a price on the spot, as nobody had bothered renting their mansion anyway. "How about ten gold coins a night? Oh, meals and bathroom services included, of course."
A luxurious villa for rent in this district typically cost 50 to 100 gold per night, services included. However, their mansion was inferior to those establishments, so the butler didn't dare to charge Felix the same rate.
Felix had no issues with that. He fetched ten gold coins and paid the butler in advance. "I'll stay for one night, please."
"Certainly!"
The butler smiled and accepted the gold coin. He then guided Felix to the second floor in glee.
…
The interior of the mansion was gloomy and empty. Paintings and decorations were nonexistent. However, the hallway and floor were well-maintained despite the outward appearance.
Illuminating the hallway with an oil lamp, the butler introduced Felix to a room in the west wing. Inside, it featured a simple bed, a wooden chair, and a wooden desk. The butler opened the balcony doors, revealing the jungle-like garden.
The elder laughed bitterly and was about to close the doors in embarrassment, but Felix patted his shoulder. "Leave them open. This room needs fresh air."
"Understood, sir. Please enjoy your stay. Oh, breakfast will be served in your room. Whenever you have a schedule to leave or return to the mansion, please tell me in advance."
"Alright."
Out of habit, Felix took another gold coin and pushed it into the butler's hand as a tip.
The elder was surprised, "Em, sir?"
"A tip for your trouble. Take it."
The butler was silent for a moment and gave another meaningful look at Felix. He deeply bowed and receded, hiding his complex expression. Closing the door, the butler quietly left.
After the elder was gone, Felix let out a long sigh. He complained, "Man, my heart can't take it. I just have a soft spot for seniors."
"Yeah, I think so too. Anyway, I finally got a shelter! Hand me the quest reward!"
Felix referred to the previous main quest, which required him to either build or take shelter somewhere in this world.
Jessica slightly shook her head but faintly smiled.
Felix slapped his forehead in frustration.
*DING*
A quest screen appeared, informing Felix what he had missed.
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Main Quest #2 - Enter the Inner City
After securing a good source of mana, you are ready to interact with the locals. However, socializing with the commoners in the city isn't enough. To spread freedom and democracy in this world, you need influence. Therefore, get in touch with any local lord and enter their mansion. Once you manage to step into any noble family's house, a new road will open for you.
Mission: Enter any noble family's house or mansion.
Rewards: One Lesser Pill of Longevity and a Pocket Crude Oil Scanner.
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