After a few minutes of waiting, a maid approached them and offered a polite nod. "The contractor is waiting for you in the tea garden," she announced, gesturing for them to follow her.
As they walked through the grand corridors, Leo glanced around, scanning the mansion for any sign of Justin. "Excuse me," he asked the maid, "there's a guy named Justin. I haven't seen him around."
The maid gave a small smile. "Mr. Justin is currently out running some errands for the contractor," she replied.
Leo nodded in understanding. "Alright, thanks."
As they approached the tea garden, John's curiosity got the best of him. "Leo, is that big, cool-looking guy in the garden—the one who's a bit intimidating—the contractor?"
Leo nodded. "Yeah, that's him. And he's the one who's going to remove the slave mark."
"Oh, right," John murmured, glancing at Leo's forehead. "I did notice your mark was gone. It's… strange not seeing it."
Leo smiled, feeling a surge of pride. "And soon, yours will be gone too."
They continued forward, but just then, the familiar chime of the system echoed in Leo's mind, startling him. *"Your daily quest hasn't been announced yet,"* it said in its usual clear tone, *"but it will activate as soon as you enter your new home. Complete it within today to avoid penalties."*
They settled into their seats, a quiet tension lingering as they waited for the contractor to speak. After a moment, Aisen Drego leaned back, eyeing John with a playful smile. "You know, your friend here actually looks pretty strong," he said, chuckling. "Does he want to do some odd jobs too after he's freed?"
John, knowing his own limits, laughed nervously. "Uh, no… I think I'll pass on that offer. I'd rather be a blacksmith, forging strong weapons from powerful monster parts."
Everyone laughed at his response, and Aisen nodded thoughtfully. "If you're serious about becoming a blacksmith, I know someone who could teach you. There'd be a fee, of course, but it's an option."
As the laughter died down, Aisen cleared his throat. "Alright, let's get down to business. John, come over here so I can place my hand on your head."
John approached, and Aisen smiled as he rested his hand on John's head. "Well done, John. I'm pleased to say that I, Aisen Drego, have accepted your payment." you are now free from slavery.
Instantly, the mark on John's forehead began to fade, erasing the last sign of his bondage.
Leo watched with a smirk. "When you removed my mark, you didn't even touch my head. What was up with that?"
Aisen looked at him, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "You know, I wondered that myself. I forgot to place my hand on your head, but the mark faded on its own. Maybe it has something to do with your unusual strength."
Then, turning to a nearby maid serving tea, Aisen asked, "Has Justin arrived yet?"
"Yes, sir," she replied. "He's on his way here."
Aisen nodded. "Good. Justin is bringing the home guide, so you two can choose your houses. I'll also provide you with some starting funds, and if either of you needs work, I can help find something that fits."
He gestured to the tea and biscuits in front of them. "In the meantime, enjoy. Justin should be here shortly."
Leo and John exchanged excited glances as they sipped their tea, feeling the weight of their old lives finally lifting, replaced by the thrilling promise of what lay ahead.
As they enjoyed their tea and biscuits, Justin entered the tea garden. Leo waved at him, and Justin returned the greeting with a nod. He handed a document to Aisen, giving a concise report on his earlier errand, before pulling out a large, leather-bound book along with a detailed map. He placed both carefully on the table.
Aisen grinned as he looked at Leo and John. "Alright," he said, "let's pick out your new homes. I've got some options here. Lean in, and let me know if anything stands out."
Justin opened the book, revealing pages filled with illustrations of various properties spread across the region. Each page showcased a grand mansion, impressive in its own way, though none as lavish as the contractor's estate. Some were located in lively areas with bustling towns nearby, while others were more remote, nestled in tranquil forests or perched in scenic countryside spots.
John's eyes lit up when he spotted a mansion in a quiet village, its design reminiscent of an old forge, complete with a private smithing area and storage for equipment. "That one!" he exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement. "It's perfect for blacksmithing."
Aisen nodded approvingly. "Good choice, John. Close enough to town for resources, but with plenty of space for a forge."
They continued flipping through pages, and Leo held back, scanning each option carefully, waiting for something to resonate. Then, as Justin turned to another page, Leo felt a subtle chime from the system in his mind. *"That one. Pick it."*
Leo looked closely at the mansion on the page. It was a grand, expansive structure situated high in a remote, forested mountain range. The property featured wide, open grounds and breathtaking views of the valley below. It was secluded but not isolated, with enough space for all sorts of additions, including training areas or gardens.
Leo pointed at the sketch with a grin. "That one. I'll take it."
Aisen raised an eyebrow, impressed. "That's a bold choice. Secluded up in the mountains, peaceful but far from the nearest town. Are you sure?"
Leo nodded, unfazed. "Absolutely. The more peace and quiet, the better."
Aisen chuckled. "Alright then." He handed each of them a large, intricately engraved iron key. Reaching under the table, he brought out two hefty pouches filled with gold coins, sliding one to each of them. "Here's some starting gold. Use it wisely."
Leo and John exchanged excited looks, clutching the heavy pouches in their hands, the weight a tangible promise of freedom and new beginnings.
Aisen turned to Justin, giving him a nod. "Justin, guide them to their new homes and help them settle in."
Justin saluted, gesturing for Leo and John to follow him. They thanked Aisen and, with keys, gold, and dreams of their new lives in hand, they left the tea garden, walking beside Justin, their steps filled with excitement and anticipation for the journey to their own mansions.