The Spearmaster and the Black Cat
chapter-154-1

Chapter 154.1

Chapter 154 – Buying a Big Mansion

“Here, I have been entrusted with this envelope . I’ve been recommended your place since I want to buy a house . ” (Shuuya)

I handed Chianelas’s letter of introduction to the black-haired clerk .

Seeing the envelope, the elderly office worker reveals a flustered expression .

“…T-This is… Excuse me, but please wait a moment . ”

The clerk dashes inside the store, holding the letter after humbling himself .

“…As expected, it looks like an introduction letter from the leader of a big company has an instantaneous effect, doesn’t it?“ (Rebecca)

Rebecca says while watching the clerk who disappeared in a hurry .

“I wonder whether I ended up putting him in a bind . ” (Shuuya)

“Nn, don’t worry . Shuuya, you’re a good customer . ” (Eva)

Eva consoles me with a serious expression on her face .

“That’s right . Even though you don’t have an appointment, Master, on top of being endorsed by a big businessman, you are an important potential client for this company, someone who’s trying to buy a big property . ” (Viine)

Viine supplements, obviously agreeing with Eva’s opinion .

“You’re correct . ” (Shuuya)

I nod with a smile while looking at the faces of Viine and Eva .

At that point, a fat woman appears from inside the store, with swollen cheeks and a broad nose .

It’s obvious at first glance that she’s a big shot, going by her extravagant silken clothes . I reckon she is the president of the Melson Company .

The president-like woman closes in at a quick pace .

“I’m very sorry for having kept you waiting, dear customer who brought the letter of introduction . My name is Carol Melson, and I’m the acting president of the Melson Company . ”

“It’s not a problem . I’m Shuuya Kagari, here to look for a property . ” (Shuuya)

Once Carol-san hears my name, a wide smile blooms on her face, full of warmth and politeness .

“Thank you very much . Please follow me to the inner room then . ” (Carol)

She lifts up a part of the counter, making a path for us, and once we pass through, Carol-san guides us inside the store’s inner section .

Passing through a corridor, we are welcomed by a parlor; it is neither small nor big .

There’s a leather-covered sofa at the side, with a low table and chairs beside it .

Plenty of expensive-looking paintings cover the walls illuminated by a crystal light source’s bright light, which has been installed at the ceiling .

“Please sit down over here . ” (Carol)

I make myself comfortable on the sofa since I was urged to do so by Carol-san with a smile, while she sits on a sofa chair across us .

She seductively crosses her thick legs, befitting the stature of a female merchant . However, I keep myself in check by not staring at her .

“Well then, please allow me to start the business negotiations . Shuuya-sama, what kind of real estate have you in your mind?” (Carol)

What kind, huh?

Well, I guess I will tell her what comes to mind .

“I’m looking for a big mansion with a vast ground, which is relatively close to the labyrinth and conveniently situated for shopping . ” (Shuuya)

Hearing my wishes, Carol-san inclines her head and ponders a bit while slackening her double-chin .

“…Is that so? Then look at these documents: there are several properties . The first is close to the magic block, west of the noble district . The second is near to where royalty lives in the east of the noble district . The third one is within reach of the Second Ring Road, south of the noble district . The fourth is not far from the martial arts district and the Great Vice Arena . The fifth is in the eastern warehouse area, nearby the Heim River . And the sixth residence is located in the south, parallel to the Third Ring Road . ” (Carol)

Carol-san smoothly explained the information about the properties without even glancing at the documents, which were made out of parchment, placed on the table .

It looks like she remembers all of the particulars, as expected of someone affiliated to a big company .

Now then, which should I choose from the manors she mentioned just now?

Pictures have been drawn on the info pages to make the selection easier .

The buildings in the noble district appear luxurious and grand .

Among the choices, the property located close to the martial arts district and the Great Vice Arena has caught my fancy .

Let’s ask her about it .

“…Please give me the details about the fourth listing . ” (Shuuya)

“Sure . It’s a large property located in the martial arts district . In the past, it was the dojo of a distinguished spearmanship school, but the owner of the building apparently died in a tournament battle in the arena . Since there were no relatives, it was put up for auction, and the Melson Company bought it by outbidding the competition . ” (Carol)

Hee, since it’s a former dojo, it will surely be spacious; that’s a plus .

I guess I will have a look at that place .

“How much does it cost?” (Shuuya)

“Because of its vast area, it’s 600 platinum coins . However, because of the introduction, I will give you a special price of 550 platinum coins . ” (Carol)

Even with the discount, it’s still expensive .

But I have enough dough . Without using the large platinum coins, half of the money of Eribol—which I obtained the other day—will vanish though .

“…Do the other properties have prices in that range, too?” (Shuuya)

“Yes . The ones in the noble district are even more exorbitant . ” (Carol)

So there are some that cost even more, huh?

“Fine, but I’d like to tour that property right away; is that possible?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, there’s no problem with that . Please wait a moment as I will call for a carriage . ” (Carol)

“Got it . ” (Shuuya)

Carol-san stands up and leaves the parlor .

“You made up your mind rather quickly, without even negotiating, but is that really alright?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca asks with a questioning look while tilting her head .

“I have no problem with the price as it is . However, I haven’t decided officially yet . If I like it after having a look, I will settle on it without looking at other properties . ” (Shuuya)

“…Humph . ” (Rebecca)

Rebecca looks unhappy at my answer . Was there something wrong with what I said?

“What? As I will be the one to decide, it shouldn’t be a problem, no?” (Shuuya)

“That’s true, but…” (Rebecca)

“Nn, Rebecca . Frustrated expression . ” (Eva)

“Eeh! Hey, Eva! Something like me being frustrated… uuuh… I actually am…” (Rebecca)

Seemingly embarrassed for having been pointed out directly by Eva, Rebecca honestly admits it with her cheeks becoming bright red . She pulls up her knees on top of the sofa and buries her face between them, not willing to look at others .

The growth panfree she’s wearing below the red slitted skirt becomes visible, however .

I gotta say, her posture is somewhat cute, though .

“Haha . ” (Shuuya)

As I am laughing, Carol-san shows up in the parlor .

“I prepared two carriages for you, dear customers . Are the slaves waiting outside yours, Shuuya-sama?” (Carol)

“Yes . ” (Shuuya)

“I see . Then let’s go outside as I will personally guide you to the property in the carriage . ” (Carol)

“Roger . Rebecca, stop pouting and hurry up . ” (Shuuya)

“I know, I know!” (Rebecca)

Leaving the Melson Company’s store, three carriages with the same sizes as the ones we boarded with Moras are waiting for us .

“These are our rides for the trip . Please, get on . ” (Carol)

Next to Carol-san, who has guided us to the carriages, people of the Melson Company, her subordinates, are standing at attention . It looks like they will go with us as well .

The slaves, Carol-san and her subordinates, and me and my friends board separate carriages . Once Carol-san’s carriage starts moving, our’s departs as well .

Driving for around an hour, we arrive at our destination .

I check the scenery through the carriage window . We haven’t stopped at the main street, but a place that is facing an alley .

Everyone gets off the carriages and looks at the nearby building . From their reactions, I suppose this is the place .

There’s a massive black door in the outer wall, and on the other side of the alley, I can see a wooden signboard that has 【Tomas Peerless Sword School Dojo】 carved onto it .

As expected, this is a section of the martial arts district, huh?

Even the people traveling in the alley are somehow strong-looking, or maybe that’s an influence of the place .

At this point, Carol-san addresses us while taking along a male subordinate .

“This is the previously mentioned mansion . I will open the door right away . ” (Carol)

“Yes . ”

Carol-san unlocks the black gate made out of stone and wood . She plants her legs firmly and presses both hands against the door to flung it open by herself .

“…President, we will help, too . ”

“Humph, I’m fine!” (Carol)

Refusing the offer of assistance with those words, she throws wide the big door by herself like a high-ranking sumo fighter, taking the first step inside the mansion .

That gate looks heavy, so Carol-san must be strong to be able to do the job without any help .

We also follow her lead and pass through the opening .

A spacious courtyard awaited us on the other side, greeting us with open arms .

Indeed, I guess this place had really been a dojo .

Immediately after entering the grounds, a stone paving is spread out, covering the whole area . It has been laid out after being finely colored in order to create a pattern of circles and crosses .

There are scratches on the stone surface and also parts where the ground has sunken slightly .

I’m sure they carried out intense training or matches here in the past .

While thinking about the scars of the fierce fights back then, we reach the center of the courtyard .

Outside the great circle covered by the stone pathway, a lawn is extending outwards .

Continuing from the courtyard, a huge Western building imposingly towers deeper inside .

It’s a three-story building made of wood and white stone pillars .

From the first to the second floor, there are cross-shaped window frames . What’s more, a small, asymmetric tower stands in a conspicuous place, left of the second or third floor .

I can also spot a veranda-like structure from the courtyard .

There are various large and small roofs with triangle shapes that have steep angles .

Furthermore, I can see a big chimney on top of the wall on the other side of the veranda .

It’s refined with a Romanesque-styled design .

Two balanced, well-grown, big trees, each located next to the left and right corner of the big mansion on the lawn, give the whole scenery a nice accent, like icing on the cake .

Southwest of the courtyard, there’s a stable, and to the southeast, there’s a huge arbor with a smithing workshop and tools visible inside .

“…Hee, it’s quite spacious . ” (Rebecca)

“Nn, spacious . ” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva voice out their impressions while walking across the stone-paved courtyard .

“…Master, are we going to live here?” (Viine)

Viine asks me .

“I do like the courtyard . But I also want to check out the interior before deciding . ” (Shuuya)

“Okay . ” (Viine)

She bows her head in my direction . She’s not the only one, though . For some reason, the other slaves lower their heads, too .

“As you wish, let’s go to the main building located in the north . ” (Carol)

Carol-san shifts her eyes towards the Western-styled structure .

So, that’s the main building .

Certainly, it’s the biggest one around here, after all .

“Roger . ” (Shuuya)

With the plump Carol-san taking the lead, all of us quickly walk across the gray stone paving .

There’s a small stairway at the entrance of the said building, which is one level higher than the others . The entrance also has an arch .

Once we climb the small stairway, we arrive at the door . On both its left and right sides, there are fenced-in, terraced passages that continue towards the garden .

These terraces are perfect as a place to drink tea while lying on a hammock or chair .

It would probably be nice to watch the training or the two trees growing on the lawn from here . I can easily imagine myself doing so .

“I will open the door right away . ” (Carol)

As I’m engrossed in my illusions while watching the area around the entranceway, Carol-san opens the door for us .

“Please, come inside . ” (Carol)

While saying so with a patient smile, she swings the door open and keeps it like that with her plump right hand .

In addition, she presses her body against the door’s side with a thump, making sure that it doesn’t close automatically .

“President, please let us help you this time . ”

Watching the situation of their president actively tiring herself, the employees of the Melson Company seem to be worried .

“It’s alright . I should loosen my body once in a while . Rather than that, you guys go and check the contract documents in advance . ” (Carol)

Carol-san appears to have no intention of listening to her subordinates’ opinions .

“Y-Yes . ”

The employees affirm reluctantly, still not willing to see their president like that .

I’m sure that she’s frantically trying to sell the property to me .

Now then, I suppose I will have a look at the house’s state .

“Then excuse me for entering…” (Shuuya)

I step into the main building as the first . Inside, there’s a spacious living room, and a big, solid, long table with chairs—that seems to be used for conferences—lining up in the middle . On the right side, there’s something like a bar counter with shelves that had various kinds of fruits on them .

Since there are cupboards, ingredient shelves, and water jugs visible behind the counter, I guess that place serves as a kitchen .

On the left side, compact bookshelves, bookcase stands, small vases, a complete tea set, and a small table have been set up .

Twilight’s sunlight shines through the cross-shaped windows that seem to be made for archers to shoot through them . The orange-colored light irradiation creates lines and spaces, obviously giving the whole room a warm ambiance .

It was a living room that would perfectly fit as a model for a painting .

Really nice…

“Now, come on everybody, please get in as well . ” (Carol)

As I’m inspecting the room, Carol-san calls out to everyone who was still waiting at the house’s entranceway .

“Nn . ” (Eva)

“Well, excuuuse me then . ” (Rebecca)

“Okay . ”

“Yes!”

Each person, including the slaves, enters the building .

After them, Carol-san comes in, bringing her subordinates along .

Given that the size of the living room surpasses 25 tatami, there’s still plenty of room left, even after a big number of people have entered . It does not feel crowded at all .

Sitting down in a chair and spending my time here isn’t really a bad idea either .

Once I begin thinking something like that, Carol-san approaches me with sweat running down her forehead .

“How is it, Shuuya-sama?” (Carol)

Let’s tell her my true opinion as I simply love this place .

“Oh, I like it . ” (Shuuya)

“Fufu, is that so? Let me give you some additional information then . Water jugs, a washstand that allows to drain the water, various kitchen utensils, cooking ingredients, and a bag of salt have been prepared in the kitchen on the right side of the first floor . If you hire a kitchen maid, she will be able to start cooking right away . There are more than ten big rooms, including guest rooms and bedrooms if you follow the inner corridor on the first floor . There is also a passage leading to a toilet and a bathroom that are capable of draining water deeper inside the first floor . Plus, there are a few dozen private rooms on the second floor, which is accessible through the stairs in front . Since all of them possess fireplaces, they are also kept warm during winter . ” (Carol)

Carol-san provides further details while smiling happily . Using her eyes and both hands, she emphasizes the strong points of the second floor .

“That chimney, huh? I will check it out later . Well then, I think I will take this place . ” (Shuuya)

“That’s great news for us, but is it really suitable to only visit the main building?” (Carol)

I can imagine most of it, though .

“In that case, just give me an explanation . ” (Shuuya)

Upon my prompt reply, Carol-san dons a somewhat thoughtful expression and then begins to talk while signaling a subordinate standing next to her with her eyes .

“…I see . On either of the courtyard, there are boarding houses that were formerly used by the disciples . They are connected through the two corners on the left and right with the big front gate we used to enter the grounds . Of course, you can directly access their common-use rooms through the courtyard . Southwest of the courtyard, you will also find smithing rooms . To summarize it, it’s a plot with a courtyard in the middle, the main building in the north, the large front gate in the south, boarding houses in the eastern and western direction, a smithy in the southeast, and the stables in the southwest . ” (Carol) (T/N: I used cardinal points here because the Japanese use above, below, etc . which makes absolutely no sense in English . )

Hmm, I see . Although she has mentioned a smithy, I think we will leave it alone for a while since none of us possess the necessary skills .

And I guess the entirety of this property is contained in a quadrangle plot .

“…Understood . ” (Shuuya)

“Okay . Then please sign this document, and pay the price . My name has been already noted down, so the contract will become official with your signature, Shuuya-sama . ” (Carol)

In the middle of Carol-san’s explanation, one of her subordinates has placed documents, a quill, and ink on the solid table .

The paperwork is, in fact, contract parchments, piled on each other in two layers . However, just in case, I check them with Magic Observation . As expected, there’s nothing odd about them .

『Your Excellency, we are going to live in this place, right?』 (Helme)

Helme appears in my vision at this point .

『Indeed . Are you going to come out of my eye and check this house later?』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, indeed . 』 (Helme)

Oh, it looks like she has the will to leave my eye for a change . That’s nice .

『Got it . But, since we have many things to do, we will postpone that for later, okay?』 (Shuuya)

『I shall obediently wait, no matter how long it might take . 』 (Helme)

『Okay, later then . Disappear for now . 』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, Your Excellency!』 (Helme)

Helme vanishes while twirling around . During the telepathic communication, I signed the contract papers in front of me .

Next, I take out the specified amount of platinum coins from my item box .

“I guess that should cover the costs?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, certainly . Congratulations, the contract has been established . Here are the keys for the front gate and a bundle of keys for the main building . As you can see, we have prepared three duplicates of the keys . Now then, with this, you have officially become the owner of this mansion, Shuuya-sama . Teres . Take this . ” (Carol)

Carol-san spoke quickly, picked up one of the contract parchments on the table, and ordered her subordinate to store it away .

The place he puts it into is a leather bag similar to an attache case . Chianelas owed a similar one, too .

Subsequently, she counted and stacked up the platinum coins with an earnest expression befitting a merchant belonging to a big company .

I look out over the living room—where my friends are—while gazing at its appearance .

“Finally a house owner, huh…?” (Shuuya)

Somehow, it’s profoundly moving and satisfying, more so than I thought .

“Master, congratulations . Are we finally going to move out of that inn?” (Viine)

“Yes . We have to bring over our luggage later . ” (Shuuya)

As I have a private talk with Viine,

“Nn, congratulations, Shuuya . ” (Eva)

“Shuuya! You’re unfair~ But, congrats . ” (Rebecca)

I was happily praised for having obtained a new home by Rebecca and Eva .

“Thank you, Eva . Rebecca, there were some unnecessary words in there, but still, thanks . ” (Shuuya)

“Master, congratulations . ”

“”Congratulations . ””

“Grats . ”