The first rays of sunlight crept through the wooden shutters, their soft glow falling across the modest room. James stirred awake, the quiet hum of the village morning filtering in through the walls. His gaze fell on Ofelia, still sound asleep, her breathing soft and steady. She lay curled under the blanket, her hair spilling over the pillow. Peaceful moments like this were rare, and James found himself hesitating before leaving the room.
Carefully, he slipped out of bed, dressed in silence, and made his way downstairs. The inn's common room buzzed softly with the murmur of early risers. Marlin, the innkeeper, was already at his post behind the counter, greeting guests as he prepared breakfast trays.
"Morning, lad," Marlin said with a wide grin as James approached. "Didn't expect to see you up and about so early."
"Morning," James replied with a smile, keeping his tone polite. "I'm here to grab breakfast. She's still sleeping."
Marlin raised an eyebrow, his grin growing mischievous. "Ah, I see. Quiet night, was it? Not a sound from your room. I was starting to wonder if you two had fallen into some kind of coma."
James blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "Uh... we—"
"Not even a creak of the bed," Marlin continued, clearly enjoying himself. "You keeping things proper, or are you just shy?"
James felt the heat rise to his neck but forced himself to stay composed. "We were tired, Marlin. Long day yesterday."
Marlin chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Tired, eh? Well, I suppose I shouldn't meddle. But just saying, lad—keep her happy and well-fed, and you'll be just fine."
James sighed, choosing not to engage further. "I'm just here for breakfast."
"Alright, alright," Marlin said, still chuckling as he loaded a tray with fresh bread rolls, slices of cured meat, and two mugs of steaming tea. "Here you go. Breakfast is included, so no need to pay. Just make sure you eat enough to keep up your strength."
"Thanks," James muttered, balancing the tray as Marlin called out one last comment.
"Enjoy it, lad!"
James shook his head, muttering under his breath as he climbed the stairs. When he re-entered the room, he found Ofelia still asleep, her face half-hidden beneath the blanket. Setting the tray down on the table by the window, he called softly, "Feli. Breakfast is ready."
Her eyes fluttered open, emerald-green irises catching the morning light. She stretched slightly, blinking at him before murmuring, "Morning."
"Morning," he replied with a faint smile. "Marlin was blabbering as always, but he made sure we were well fed."
Ofelia rubbed her eyes as she sat up, her movements slow and careful. "What did he say?" she asked, her voice still heavy with sleep.
James hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "He... might've made some comments about how quiet we were last night."
Her eyes widened in alarm, and her cheeks flushed a deep red as she pulled the blanket tighter around herself.
James raised a hand, trying to calm her. "It's not what you're thinking. He's just teasing. I told him we were tired, and he dropped it."
Ofelia's hands gripped the blanket, her gaze flicking to the door as though expecting someone to burst in. "But... he thinks... everyone thinks—"
"Nobody thinks anything," James said firmly, his tone gentle. "Marlin's just being nosy. It's fine."
Her blush deepened, and she sank lower into her seat, clearly mortified. "I... I don't want people thinking... things," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
James sighed, moving to sit across from her. "Feli, nobody's judging you. Trust me. It's just Marlin being Marlin."
She nodded faintly, but her embarrassment lingered. Even as they began eating, her gaze remained fixed on her plate, her movements small and timid.
After a few moments of quiet, James set his cup down. "I'll head to the City Clerk's office after breakfast," he said, steering the conversation away from Marlin's teasing. "Might as well get those house prices while we have the time."
Ofelia nodded, her gaze softening. "You mentioned it yesterday," she replied quietly. "Do you really think we'll find something affordable here?"
"Could be," James said, leaning back in his chair. "This is still a village, and the demand for property probably isn't as high as in the bigger towns or cities. It's worth checking."
She hesitated, setting her bread down. "But... we're not staying here, right? You said we'd wait and compare prices."
James nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Exactly. This is just the first step. We need a proper place eventually, but rushing into it would be a mistake. I want to see what's out there before making any big decisions."
Ofelia relaxed slightly, though her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her cup. "It... it would be nice to have a real home," she said quietly. "Somewhere safe."
James's expression softened. "We will," he said firmly. "Not just a place to sleep, but a proper home. One where you can feel safe."
Her eyes flicked up to meet his, the sincerity in his tone momentarily rendering her speechless. She nodded slowly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, James."
"No need to thank me yet. Let's see how expensive these places are first." He chuckled with a wink, trying to ease the weight of the moment.
Her smile widened just a little, and she picked up her tea again. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asked after a pause, her voice tinged with hesitation.
James shook his head. "You can stay here and rest if you want. I'll only be gone for a little while, and I doubt the City Clerk's office will be all that exciting."
"Probably not," she admitted with a small laugh. "But... you'll tell me everything when you get back?"
"Of course," he said, standing and stretching. "You'll be the first to know. In the meantime, just relax. Marlin's already done enough teasing for the day."
Her blush returned, but she managed a faint laugh. "Please make sure he doesn't come up with anything worse while you're gone."
"I'll do my best, but even I can't promise anything" James replied with a smile, picking up his coat. "Finish your breakfast. I'll handle the rest."
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After a little talk with Marlin, James went out, the air outside was crisp and cool as he stepped onto the main road. Unsure of the City Clerk's office location, he stopped a passing villager, a middle-aged woman carrying a basket of vegetables. "Excuse me," James said politely, "Could you tell me where the City Clerk's office is?"
The woman paused, smiling kindly. "Certainly. It's just down this road, past the fountain on your left. You'll see a sign above the door."
"Thank you," James replied, nodding his gratitude. Following her directions, he made his way toward the center of the village. Shopkeepers were setting up their wares, and villagers chatted near the fountain, the scene filled with the simple charm of daily life. James took in the sight, appreciating the lively atmosphere as he approached the office.
At the inn, Ofelia carefully gathered their used clothes, determined to make herself useful. The innkeeper had pointed her toward the washbasin in the back, where a sturdy clothesline stretched between two wooden posts. Ofelia worked methodically, scrubbing the fabric clean and wringing out the excess water. The task felt grounding, a small way to contribute to their shared efforts.
Meanwhile, James arrived at the City Clerk's office, a modest building with a neatly painted sign. Pushing the door open, he was greeted by the faint scent of parchment and ink. The clerk, an older man with glasses, too big for him, perched on his nose, looked up from his desk.
"Good morning," James said politely. "I'm here to inquire about property prices in the village."
The clerk adjusted his glasses, studying James briefly before nodding. "Of course. Are you looking to purchase immediately, or just gathering information?"
"Just gathering information for now," James replied. "I'd like to understand the options available."
"Very well," the clerk said, pulling out a ledger. "Properties in the village vary depending on size and location. We have smaller cottages starting at five gold coins, while larger homes closer to the center can range up to twenty gold coins."
James nodded thoughtfully, taking mental notes. "And what about taxes or additional fees?"
"Annual taxes are minimal here," the clerk explained. "Five silver coins per year for most properties. There's also a one-time registration fee of ten silver coins upon purchase."
"That's helpful to know," James said. "Thank you."
The clerk adjusted his glasses again. "Would you like to see a specific property? We have a variety available depending on your needs."
James's interest was piqued. "Actually, I'd like to see the property valued at twenty gold coins. Could you show me where it is?"
The clerk adjusted his glasses, his expression growing more serious. "Normally, sir, we require proof of financial resources before arranging property viewings—to ensure we're not wasting time."
James nodded, understanding the man's reasoning. He reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a small leather pouch, opening it to reveal twenty-five gold coins gleaming in the light. "Will this suffice?" he asked calmly.
The clerk's demeanor shifted immediately, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Certainly, sir. Please follow me."
The older man led James out of the office and down the bustling road, retracing the path James had taken earlier. They stopped in front of the fountain he had passed before, where the water sparkled in the morning sun. Opposite the fountain stood a charming, well-maintained property. Its stone walls were sturdy, with ivy climbing the sides, and the windows were framed with polished wooden shutters. A small garden surrounded the house, vibrant with flowers and neatly trimmed hedges.
"This is the property," the clerk said with pride. "A prime location in the heart of the village. Well-maintained and ready for immediate occupancy. The well is not far, making it convenient to fetch water. The house boasts four bedrooms with large windows that allow plenty of natural light to fill the space. Additionally, there are two storage rooms that the previous owner used to store merchandise."
James took in the sight, imagining what it might be like to call this place home. He nodded thoughtfully, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Curious, James asked, "Is the house currently occupied? I'd like to see the interior if possible."
The clerk shook his head. "No, sir. It's unoccupied at the moment. Follow me, and I'll show you inside."
Unlocking the door, the clerk guided James into the house. The interior was unfurnished, with bare wooden floors and clean, pale walls. James immediately noticed the lack of electricity, a fact that mirrored his earlier observations at the inn. Despite this, the home had a rustic charm.
In the kitchen, James inspected the features with interest. The countertop was wide, providing ample workspace. A wood-burning oven stood to one side, and a recessed area with a drain leading outdoors served as a washing station for vegetables and dishes. On the wall, a sealable opening functioned as a waste disposal chute—simple but efficient.
Moving to the bathroom, James noted its thoughtful design. For privacy, an alcove housed a Turkish toilet crafted from ceramic—a marked improvement over the wooden version he'd encountered at the inn, which was little more than a hole in the ground occasionally emptied and cleaned. This version seemed more sophisticated, using a small amount of water to carry waste away, though the concept still unsettled him. In the center of the bathroom was a drain, but there was no bathtub or shower—only a practical setup that allowed water to flow out of the house after cleaning or bathing. It was functional, but James thought to himself that if he were to purchase the house, he'd need to make several modifications to suit his tastes.James took a step back, imagining the potential of the house despite its differences from what he considered modern conveniences. "It's unique," he murmured to himself. Curious, he tapped lightly on the walls, testing their sturdiness. The solid sound reassured him, and he found himself wondering if the insulation was adequate. From the feel and sound, it seemed to be well-constructed, another point in this house's favor.
The clerk smiled faintly, his tone conversational. "This particular house belonged to a merchant. The man passed away recently, and his wife decided to sell the property to the City Clerk's office before moving closer to her family."
James thanked him again and stepped back into the sunlight, his mind already calculating their options. Before returning to the inn, he turned back to the clerk. "Do you happen to have a property around ten gold coins? I'd like to compare."
The clerk nodded thoughtfully. "We do have a property at that price range. Smaller than this one, of course, but still a good option. Would you like to see it?"
"Yes, please," James replied, his curiosity piqued.
"Follow me," the clerk said, locking the house before leading James toward another part of the village. They walked down a quieter street until they arrived at a modest property. The house was smaller, with two bedrooms and a simpler exterior, but still well-maintained.
"This house has a more compact design but retains the essentials," the clerk explained. "It's suitable for a small family or someone starting out."
James inspected the exterior and nodded thoughtfully, though it didn't have the grandeur of the first property. He turned to the clerk, gesturing toward the house.
"The walls seem less sturdy," James commented, lightly tapping one. The hollow sound confirmed his suspicion. "And the soundproofing?"
The clerk gave a small shrug. "This is a simpler construction, sir. Adequate for its price range, but it won't block out noise as effectively as more expensive homes. A good option for someone starting out or on a tighter budget."
James nodded, his gaze shifting to the narrow streets and the worn-down state of the neighborhood. "And the area? It seems… less affluent."
The clerk smiled faintly. "It's a working-class district, yes. But the residents are honest folk, and the community spirit is strong here."
"I see,... there is no need to see the interior." James said. "Thank you for showing it to me. I'll think about it."
The clerk nodded respectfully. "Of course, sir. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask. I should mention, however, that the first house we visited might not remain on the market for long. If you're interested, please don't hesitate to come find me as soon as possible," he added with a smile.James nod and turned, leaving the clerk behind as he made his way back toward the inn. His thoughts turned to the two options, carefully weighing their differences in quality, location, and price. To be frank, the second house wasn't even a contender; its flaws were too significant compared to the merchant's house. Now he was really curious about the difference between town.As he walked back toward the inn, he found himself thinking of Ofelia's earlier words about safety and a real home. It wasn't just about practicality anymore—it was about building something lasting for both of them. On his way, his attention was drawn to a stall selling cloaks. The display caught his eye, especially a long black cloak with a hood. Remembering the unease Ofelia felt when walking armed near the Labyrinth and the wary glances from the villagers, James decided it would be a good idea to get her something to cover both her armor and her elven features if she wished.
He approached the stall, where a middle-aged woman smiled warmly at him. "Looking for something, sir?" she asked.
"Yes, that black cloak," James replied, pointing to the one that caught his attention. "How much?"
"Fifty copper coins," she said without hesitation.
James raised an eyebrow, sensing room for negotiation. "Fifty seems a bit steep. How about thirty-five?"
The woman chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh no, sir. This is a fine cloak, worth every coin. I can lower it to forty-five, but that's the best I can do."
"Forty-three, and I'll take it now," James countered with a small smile.
The woman considered for a moment before nodding. "Alright, forty-three it is. You drive a hard bargain, young man."
James handed over the coins, taking the cloak and folding it neatly under his arm. "Thank you," he said, pleased with his purchase. It felt good to prepare for Ofelia's comfort and safety, even in small ways.
At the inn, Ofelia hung the last piece of clothing on the line, stepping back to admire her work. The simple act of washing and drying their clothes felt oddly satisfying. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was part of something—no longer a burden, but an equal.
When James returned, his coat dusted with sunlight, he found her in the yard, her hands lightly brushing off droplets of water from her skirt. Their eyes met, and James smiled.
"I've got some information," he said, his tone warm. "Let's talk about it inside."
Ofelia nodded, following him back into the inn, the faintest hint of hope flickering in her chest.
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Once back in the room, James unfolded the black cloak and held it out to Ofelia.
"First, I thought you might like this," he said, his voice gentle. "It's long enough to hide your armor, and the hood can help cover your features if you ever feel the need."
Ofelia hesitated, her emerald-green eyes widening slightly as she reached out to touch the fabric. It was soft but durable, the kind of cloak that could last for years with proper care.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She draped the cloak over her shoulders, fastening the clasp at her neck and pulling up the hood experimentally. She shifted slightly, testing her movements, and noted with relief that the cloak did not restrict her. Satisfied, she returned her gaze to him, her emerald eyes soft with gratitude.James nodded in satisfaction. "It suits you. And it'll keep you comfortable and safe."
Ofelia glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You didn't have to do this."
"Maybe not," James replied, his tone light. "But I wanted to. Consider it one more step toward making things a little easier for you."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away, adjusting the cloak to better fit. For a moment, she felt a rare warmth bloom in her chest, the weight of his thoughtfulness settling over her like the cloak itself.
After giving his small gift and sitting on the bed with Ofelia, James explained to her what he had learned about the two property and prices in the village.
"Today, I visited two houses. The first was a merchant's house: well-built, spacious, and in a prime location. Its stone walls are impressively sturdy, providing a strong sense of security and comfort. The house features four generously sized bedrooms, each with large windows that invite an abundance of natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bathroom is spacious and thoughtfully designed, while the kitchen boasts a wide, functional layout perfect for daily use. Additionally, there are two well-sized storage rooms that the previous owner—a merchant—used to store his goods, adding a layer of practicality and versatility to the property."He paused, letting the details sink in, then continued. "The property's price is twenty gold coins, which is fair considering its size and location. There's a small garden and it's right in front of the village fountain. But I also asked about another house, one priced at ten gold coins."
Ofelia's emerald eyes brightened with curiosity. "And how does it compare?"
James leaned back in his chair, considering his words. "The second house is more modest, with only two bedrooms and a simpler exterior. The walls feel less sturdy and don't seems to block out sound well. The neighborhood is a working-class district—a bit poorer but hardworking and tightly bonded, according to the clerk. It's a decent option for someone starting out or on a tighter budget, but it's not as impressive as the first house."
"Do you have a preference?" Ofelia asked hesitantly.
James offered her a small smile. "In this case, I do have enough money to buy the merchant's house without hesitation. It's well-suited for what we need even a bit bigger then what we'd need, also the location is excellent. But it's a big investment, and I want to compare prices in other towns before making a decision."
Ofelia nodded, her fingers absently adjusting the clasp on her new cloak. "It's a wise idea," she said softly. "A home should feel right, not rushed."
James nodded, appreciating her agreement. "Exactly. This is something that has to last."
After that talk, the two of them decided to take a peek at the market in another town. They gathered all their belongings, just to be sure, carefully organizing them. Ofelia packed their immediate necessities into her satchel and James bag, while James placed the items they didn't need right away into his Item Box Skill. The skill's storage capabilities continued to amaze him, as the items disappeared into the void-like space with a faint shimmer.
Once everything was sorted, they made their way downstairs to inform Marlin of their plans. "We're heading to the merchant town of Edima today," James explained. "We'll be using the adventurer portal service and should be back by evening if everything goes well."
Marlin gave them an understanding nod, his hands busy wiping down the bar. "Edima, eh? A bustling place. Keep your wits about you there; merchant towns can be tricky. Without proper protection or caution, you might find yourself caught in a bad deal or tied to an unfair contract. Some even finish their life as slave when meeting pretty bad luck. Stay sharp, and make sure you watch each other's backs. Safe travels, and I'll have your room ready when you return."
With Marlin's words of caution in mind, James and Ofelia stepped outside, the portal service their next destination.