Chapter 126 – Freedom Party’s First Base
Chapter 126
Freedom Party’s First Base
Date : Day 23 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Yelan browsed the folder which contained the documents. Her eyes moved quickly across the listings. Her fox ears twitched occasionally.
After a while she pulled three documents.
"Based on your criteria, we currently have three excellent options available."
Yelan carefully placed three documents atop the table. The documents were official-looking—bearing the Merchant Guild's seal and formatted with the kind of precision that spoke of bureaucratic attention to detail.
"All of them are open either for rent or direct purchase."
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina leaned slightly forward, listening to the fox-clan clerk's explanation with interest. The leather sofas creaked softly beneath them.
Yelan adjusted her glasses before picking up the first document.
"First option."
She opened the folder neatly. The pages spread flat against the table—revealing a detailed illustration of an impressive-looking building surrounded by extensive grounds.
"A manor located in the Administrative's District."
Her professional tone remained calm and precise as she listed the details.
“It exceeds your requested room count by two additional rooms, but otherwise fulfills every requirement. Six standard bedrooms. One master bedroom. A large kitchen. A big luxurious bathrooms. A reception room. A dining hall. A spacious yard and garden. A storage shed. And even carriage space.”
She tapped the document.
"It originally belonged to a minor noble house. He relocated to the capital several months ago, so the manor remains in excellent condition."
Then she added one final detail.
"The property also comes with an existing servant staff and private guards."
Hyoren's eyebrows immediately rose.
"Noble manor… I'm guessing it's not cheap?"
Yelan smiled professionally. The expression was polite.
"Well... That would be the downside of this property. The owner currently refuses direct sale. It is available for rent only."
Then she stated the number calmly.
"Ten million Kres annually."
Hyoren’s eyes widened instantly. For a moment, he genuinely became speechless.
Even Elise immediately shook her head. Her silver hair swayed lightly with the motion.
"We could technically afford that now… But that's excessive for us. Maybe we'd consider something like that in the future if it becomes necessary. But for now, it's too much."
Ina nodded in agreement.
"Having servants and guards sounds convenient. But their loyalty would still belong to the noble family who owns the manor."
Her cat tails swished slowly behind her.
"That could become troublesome later."
Yelan smiled politely before setting aside the first document and picking up the second.
"Alright... that's a fair concern. Then let's move to the second option."
She opened the folder neatly. The pages spread flat against the table—revealing a detailed illustration of a more modest structure than the manor they had just dismissed. The artwork depicted a practical building—two stories of grey stone and timber that looked comfortable without pretension.
"A two-story house located in the Residential’s District. It has four bedrooms, which exactly meets your minimum requirement. A kitchen. A simple bathroom. A dining room."
She tapped the document.
"The drawbacks are the size. The bedrooms are relatively small. And there is no garden. And because it is located within one of the more populated residential areas, there is no empty lot available for future expansion."
She paused briefly before adding the last point. Her fox ears twitched.
"And it is fairly far from the Adventurer's District. It is available for direct purchase at five million Kres. Or rent for two million Kres annually.”
Hyoren slowly nodded while processing the information.
"This one sounds decent."
He looked over the listed details again. His eyes moved across the page—taking in the specifications and comparing them against the requirements they had established.
"A bit expensive, but aside from lacking a garden, it does meet most of our requirements."
Elise tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Small... no garden... expensive… And far from the Adventurer's District too."
Her gaze shifted toward Ina. The look was direct—addressing a concern that affected someone other than herself and Hyoren.
"You'd have to walk pretty far every day to commute to work, Ina..."
Ina immediately shook her head dismissively.
"I don't really mind walking."
Her cat tails swayed calmly behind her.
"And the Residential’s District is safe and peaceful. The houses there are also well-built. Thick walls, sturdy foundations, decent neighborhoods. The price is worrying... But with the dungeon opening soon, Akela's economy will grow quickly."
Her amber eyes sharpened slightly.
"We should be able to afford it comfortably later."
Hyoren’s eyes widened slightly. Not because of the property. Not because of the price. But because of the conversation happening beside him.
Why was Ina naturally included in the discussion about the house?
The question surfaced without warning. Elise had casually mentioned Ina commuting from there. The phrasing had been so natural—so matter-of-fact—that it had slipped past his attention the first time.
Did that mean… Ina would live with us?
Hyoren’s mind immediately descended into confusion again.
Wait… What exactly did I miss here?
While Hyoren internally spiraled in confusion, Elise calmly continued the discussion as if everything was completely normal.
"Alright… We'll keep this one in consideration after we inspect it personally. What's the last option?"
Hyoren was still confused about the strange understanding developing between Elise and Ina.
But for now, he decided to push those thoughts aside and focus on the house discussion first. For the moment, the practical matter of finding a home took precedence over his confusion about its future occupants.
***
Yelan adjusted her glasses once more before picking up the final document. The paper crinkled softly as she lifted it from the table.
"Then, the last option."
She opened the folder. The pages spread flat against the polished wood—revealing an illustration that immediately drew the eye. The drawing depicted a substantial building—two stories of grey stone with a pitched roof and multiple windows that suggested generous interior space. The surrounding yard was depicted as overgrown—wild vegetation threatening to swallow the property whole—but the structure itself looked solid and well-proportioned.
"A property located in the Adventurer's District."
That alone immediately caught the attention of all three of them. A property in the Adventurer's District meant proximity to the Guild, to the shops they frequented, to the life they had built over the past weeks. It meant no long commutes, no crossing through multiple districts to reach their daily obligations.
"It's a large two-story manor that originally belonged to a wealthy merchant. Unfortunately, he went bankrupt two years ago due to a gambling addiction."
She continued reading calmly.
"The property has remained unsold for the past two years."
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina leaned forward slightly with visible interest. A manor in the Adventurer's District was prime real estate for them.
Yelan continued.
"It exceeds your requested room count. One master bedroom. Four standard bedrooms on the second floor. One guest room on the first floor. And one small servant room near the kitchen."
Then she flipped another page.
"There is also a very large storage room in the cellar. A stable in the yard with enough space for a horse and carriage. A large kitchen. A proper bathroom with a sizable bathtub.”
She paused a bit before continued.
“And the yard itself is quite vast. You could easily conduct mock battles there without disturbing neighbors. Or create a beautiful garden. That depends on your preference."
Elise's eyes immediately lit up at the mention of a large yard. The emerald irises seemed to brighten. A place for training. A place for gardening. A proper headquarters for the Freedom Party.
Then Yelan flipped another paper.
"And the price is relatively cheap. Purchase price, Two million Kres. Annual rent, Five hundred thousand Kres."
The three of them widened their eyes instantly. The reaction was simultaneous—three faces showing the same expression of surprised disbelief.
"That's so cheap!"
They spoke almost simultaneously. Their words were overlapped.
Elise immediately narrowed her eyes afterward. Her practical side activated instantly.
"There's definitely a catch. Right, Yelan?"
The fox-clan clerk smiled professionally.
"Of course. The Merchant Guild confiscated the property after the merchant's bankruptcy. However, nobody has purchased it since then."
She adjusted her glasses again.
"Because the manor has been vacant for two years, it requires repairs. Mostly cosmetic. The structure itself remains sturdy. But it will need extensive cleaning. Some repainting. Replacement of damaged furniture and fixtures. Minor repairs throughout the property."
Then she flipped to another condition report.
"The yard is also completely overgrown. It would require significant work to restore properly."
She placed the papers down afterward.
"However... The largest issue why this property remains unsold is the location."
Yelan's tone became slightly more careful.
"The property is located in the Entertainment District sub-sector of the Adventurer's District. It will not be quiet. You'll hear noise all the day, even late into the night."
Then she paused briefly.
"And... The former owner also operated a successful brothel. That establishment is adjacent to the property."
Ina's ears twitched immediately hearing that. Meanwhile Yelan simply continued professionally.
"That is the primary reason wealthy buyers refuse the property. And most adventurers in Akela cannot afford a manor large enough to justify purchasing it."
Then she smiled slightly.
"At least... until your party appeared."
Elise's pointed ears twitched thoughtfully.
"The property itself sounds ideal for us. We don’t mind the noise and location… What about projected repair costs and time?"
Ina quickly interjected before Yelan could answer. Her voice carried a note of concern.
"Elise, you're seriously considering this option? It's noisy. And... a brothel next door..."
Then she slowly turned toward Hyoren. The look she gave him was assessing—weighing his reaction to the implications of living adjacent to such an establishment.
"You sure about this?"
Elise suddenly chuckled softly.
"Ina.. We already live in the Adventurer's District. A bit of noise won't kill us."
Then her emerald eyes slowly shifted toward Hyoren.
A dangerous smile appeared on her face. The expression was sweet on the surface—but there was something beneath it that suggested consequences for wrong answers. Her lips curved upward in a way that might have seemed pleasant under different circumstances.
"And we don't need to worry about the brothel..."
Her voice remained sweet. The tone was melodic—almost musical in its delivery. But the sweetness was a veneer—covering something far more pointed beneath.
"As long as we keep Hyoren on a leash."
Hyoren instantly felt danger.
Elise was smiling. But her emerald eyes were sharp.
"You won't visit a brothel, right, Hyoren?"
Hyoren nodded so quickly and immediately raised both hands defensively.
"Of course not! Why would I visit one when I already have you, Elise?"
Elise's smile immediately softened again. The sharpness faded from her eyes—replaced by something warmer that suggested his answer had been satisfactory. Then she looked toward Ina triumphantly. The expression was smug—the look of someone who had just proven a point.
"See? We don't need to worry. As long as we properly take care of him, he won't bother looking at escorts."
Ina stared at the two of them for a moment before finally sighing in defeat. Her cat ears perked upward afterward.
"...When you put it like that, you're right."
Then she nodded slowly.
"Alright. We should consider this property seriously."
Elise immediately turned back toward Yelan.
"So? What about the repair costs?"
Yelan nodded and seemed to mentally calculate the necessary materials and manpower. Her eyes moved slightly—tracking numbers and estimates that existed only in her mind.
"With our partnered contractors... Approximately two million Kres. And around four to five days of work. The garden itself would not be restored yet. It would simply be cleared into an empty usable yard."
Elise nodded thoughtfully.
"That sounds reasonable. I actually want to design the garden myself anyway. And we'll need an open yard for training."
Then she quickly calculated aloud.
"So roughly four million total if we purchase and repair it..."
***
Yelan tidied the documents neatly before looking toward them.
"So? Would you like to inspect the properties directly?"
Hyoren, Elise, and Ina exchanged glances. Their eyes met briefly—communicating a shared understanding that words would have only slowed down.
As the party leader, Hyoren answered on behalf of the group.
"Yes, Yelan. Our final decision should be made after we see the properties ourselves."
Yelan nodded professionally.
"Understood."
The fox-clan clerk led them out of the Merchants' Guild Headquarters. The heavy door swung open at Yelan's touch—admitting them back into the bustling streets of the Merchants’ District.
"First, we'll inspect the property located in the Residential’s District since it's the closest."
The four of them walked together through the streets. Yelan led the way—her fox ears occasionally twitching as she navigated the crowds.
As they passed through another stone archway separating districts, the atmosphere around them noticeably changed.
The Residential's District felt like the complete opposite of the Adventurer's District. Peaceful. Quiet. Orderly. Rows of sturdy houses lined the streets neatly. There were still small grocery stores and various neighborhood vendors scattered around, but the overwhelming majority of buildings were homes rather than businesses.
No loud taverns. No drunken adventurers shouting
Instead, there were parks. Small green spaces dotted the district—providing places for residents to gather and relax. Children running around laughing. Housewives chatting beneath trees.
The entire district radiated a domestic warmth.
Before long, they arrived at the first property. It was a compact two-story house similar in design to the surrounding homes. There was no garden, only a small porch near the entrance.
Yelan turned toward them.
"Here is the first property. Shall we look inside?"
Yelan unlocked the door and began guiding them through the interior.
The tour was quick. Three small bedrooms on the second floor. One bedroom on the first floor. A modest kitchen. A compact dining room. A small but functional bathroom. Everything inside felt warm and cozy. Perfect for a small family.
But as Hyoren walked through the rooms, he immediately felt the limitation of the space.
Meanwhile, Ina looked genuinely happy while walking through the house. Her amber eyes softened as she touched one of the wooden tables lightly—her fingers tracing the grain with a kind of wistful appreciation.
"This house feels nice… I always dreamed about living in a place like this."
She looked around quietly.
"It feels warm."
Elise tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"This place definitely has a nice atmosphere. But... It's too inadequate for us."
Hyoren honestly agreed with both women.
Ina was right. The house felt peaceful. Comfortable. Domestic. A home rather than a headquarters.
But Elise was also right. It wasn't suitable for what they planned to become. The space was too limited. The location was too far from their primary activities.
"Ina's right. This is a really nice house."
His eyes swept across the rooms.
"But it's not the right place for us. We need a larger base for the party we're building."
Ina smiled softly afterward and finally relented. The expression was bittersweet—carrying both acceptance and a hint of disappointment at letting go of something she had genuinely wanted.
"I understand."
Yelan nodded calmly.
"Very well."
She stepped toward the door again.
"Then let's move to the second property. The noble manor in the Administrative’s District."
The four of them exited the small house together before leaving the Residential’s District behind and heading toward the district reserved for nobles, officials, and the ruling class of Akela. he two districts were separated by a small canal. They passed the bridge, and the atmosphere changed again.
The streets here were cleaner than anywhere else in Akela. Wide stone roads stretched before them. Decorative lamps stood at regular intervals. Carefully trimmed trees lined the pathways.
Then, after several more minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the second property. A massive manor built from polished white stone.
A spacious yard stretched before the entrance, large enough to accommodate several guest carriages at once. Decorative fountains stood near the center path. Iron fences surrounded the estate. Even the gate itself had armed guards stationed beside it.
Before they even entered, Hyoren, Elise, and Ina already understood the same thing. This place was not for them.
After briefly speaking with the guards, Yelan guided them through the gate. The men stepped aside at her approach—recognizing the Merchants' Guild clerk and understanding that she had business within.
The moment they stepped inside, luxury greeted them from every direction. Polished floors that reflected light like mirrors. Expensive carpets that seemed to swallow footsteps before they could make a sound. Crystal chandeliers that hung from ceilings high above. Maidservants quietly cleaning the halls.
Yelan calmly continued the tour. Everything was elegant. Perfect. But completely suffocating for Hyoren. He could already imagine himself accidentally breaking something expensive just by existing there.
After the brief tour ended, Hyoren shook his head immediately.
"This definitely isn't for us, Yelan."
He glanced toward Elise and Ina beside him. Both women nodded without hesitation.
Then Hyoren faced the fox-clan clerk again
"Thank you for showing it to us. But let's remove this one from the candidate list."
Yelan smiled professionally as expected. A merchant mind. The expression was understanding.
"Understood. I already had a hunch, but I still need to show this. Who knows you might be interested."
Then she adjusted her glasses lightly.
"In that case... Shall we visit the final property?"
***
Not long after, they returned to the familiar streets of the Adventurer's District.
The atmosphere immediately changed again. Crowded streets. Adventurers coming and going. Street vendors shouting loudly about weapons, potions, grilled meat, and dungeon supplies.
The rough and lively energy of Akela's adventurer culture surrounded them once more.
Then Yelan suddenly turned toward a side road Hyoren had never explored before. A sign above the street read "Wyvern Street". The moment they entered, Hyoren immediately understood what kind of sub-district this was.
Entertainment District.
The name was almost too polite for what it described. The area was dedicated to pleasures of various kinds—some innocent, others less so. The atmosphere was far brighter and more colorful than the rest of the Adventurer's District.
Buildings painted with vivid colors lined the streets—reds and purples and golds that seemed to compete for attention. Taverns blasted loud music even during daytime—the sounds of instruments and raucous singing spilling from open doors and windows. Brothels stood openly beside gambling dens and drinking halls—their purposes advertised with signs that left little to the imagination.
Women wearing heavy makeup and revealing clothes openly called out to passing adventurers, promoting their establishments or offering their services directly. Their voices carried over the noise of the street—pitched to be alluring rather than aggressive. Some stood in doorways while others moved along the street itself—approaching potential customers with practiced ease.
Drunken adventurers wandered the streets despite the sun still being high in the sky. Some were vomiting their guts out near the roadside. Others had already passed out completely on the pavement, ignored by the crowds moving around them.
Yet despite the chaotic atmosphere, security remained surprisingly strict. Knights still patrolled regularly through the district, keeping order with disciplined vigilance. Baron Akela clearly did not tolerate lawlessness.
They continued walking deeper into the avenue until they finally reached the end of the street and stopped in front of their destination—an abandoned manor.
The manor stood directly beside a massive luxurious establishment named “Succubus Lust.”
The brothel was bustling with customers even during the afternoon. Its doors swung open regularly—admitting adventurers who walked in with purposeful strides or stumbled out with satisfied expressions.
Meanwhile, the manor beside it stood silent. The contrast was stark—one building alive with noise and movement while the other sat quiet and empty.
The two-story building still looked sturdy despite its abandonment. The structure was made from stone and dark wood, painted red long ago, though the paint had faded badly with time.
The stone foundation clearly remained solid. The windows remained intact beneath layers of dust. The glass was dirty but unbroken.
The front yard was massive. A storage shed stood on the left side of the property. A stable large enough for horses and a carriage stood on the right. And from the spacing behind the building, it clearly had a backyard as well.
“Here we are. The last property. Shall we enter and look inside?”
The three of them nodded.
The stone walls surrounding the property still looked durable, and the iron gate felt solid when Yelan unlocked it.
The four entered together.
Their footsteps crunched against the wild grass. The front yard was heavily overgrown with weeds and wild grass. But Elise immediately saw potential instead of flaws. Her emerald eyes moved across the overgrown yard. This could become a proper garden. Or even a training yard.
Yelan unlocked the main door on the big porch. The door swung inward—releasing a breath of air that had been trapped inside for too long.
And the moment they stepped inside the manor itself, dust motes floated through the air. The smell of disuse was present—not unpleasant, but noticeable. Yet surprisingly, the condition was far better than expected.
No cracked floors. No rotten wooden planks. No structural damage. The floors were solid beneath their feet—the wood showing only the kind of wear that came from normal use rather than neglect. The walls were intact—the plaster undamaged except for some minor discoloration that would be resolved with fresh paint.
The building simply felt neglected rather than ruined.
They stood inside the main hall which was spacious. The ceiling rose high above them. The room could easily accommodate a dozen people without feeling crowded. And in the back, there is a curved staircase leading toward the second floor.
Yelan began explaining the layout while guiding them.
"On the left side are the kitchen, dining room, and servant quarter."
She gestured toward the opposite side.
"The right side contains the reception room and guest room."
Then toward the back. Her hand swept toward the space beneath the stairs—indicating the doorway that led to the promised facilities.
"And behind the stairs is the bathroom."
They inspected each room carefully. Their footsteps echoed against the wooden floors.
Yelan opened the kitchen area. The door swung inward to reveal a space that was clearly designed for serious cooking—large enough to prepare meals for a substantial household. The countertops were solid. Most furniture remained sturdy despite the dust covering everything.
"There are no kitchen appliances currently installed."
She adjusted her glasses.
"They were removed after the property became vacant. But the furniture itself should still be usable."
The three nodded while inspecting the place. Their eyes moved across the space.
Then Yelan led them toward the bathroom behind the stairs. And immediately, all three became impressed. The bathroom was made almost entirely from polished granite stone.
A large bathtub sat in the center. The tub was substantial—easily large enough for five people to soak comfortably. Three shower heads lined the wall beside it, alongside several faucets.
There was even a changing room before they enter main bathroom. The space was small but practical—providing privacy for disrobing before entering the main bathing area. With proper shelves to put clothes.
"This is the bathroom."
Yelan spoke professionally.
"The water and heating magic tools were removed, but the plumbing and overall structure remain in good condition. Only minimal repairs should be necessary."
Hyoren touched the polished granite tub. His fingers traced the surface—feeling the cool stone beneath the layer of dust.The material was quality—the kind of craftsmanship that would last for decades with proper care.
He immediately imagined soaking inside after exhausting dungeon runs.
"This bathroom is nice. I like it."
Elise and Ina nodded in agreement immediately.
Afterward, Yelan led them toward the second floor. The stairs creaked slightly beneath their weight.
The upper floor felt spacious and comfortable. The ceiling was lower than the main hall below—but still high enough to avoid any sense of crampedness. A shared living room occupied the center area.
The master bedroom faced the front yard. The room was the largest on the floor—its windows overlooking the overgrown yard and the street beyond. Meanwhile, two bedrooms sat on each side of the hallway. The rooms were smaller than the master bedroom—but still adequate for their purpose.
Meanwhile, the living room overlooked the backyard. The windows here faced the rear of the property—offering views of whatever lay beyond the overgrown vegetation.
Most rooms already contained furniture. Beds with frames that remained sturdy despite their dusty coverings. Wardrobes with doors that still swung on their hinges. Tables and shelves that showed only minor wear from their years of abandonment.
And the central living room especially caught their attention.
The space was designed for gathering—the kind of room where people would naturally congregate after a long day. Large sofas sat against the walls—their frames solid beneath the faded upholstery. Carpets covered the floor—their patterns still visible despite the dust that dulled their colors. A place where party members could gather together after dungeon runs. Simply enjoy peaceful moments together.
Eventually, they returned downstairs, and Yelan looked toward them.
"So? What do you think about this property?"
Hyoren exchanged glances with Elise and Ina before answering honestly.
"This place is perfect, Yelan. We don't really mind the noise or the location."
Ina nodded while touching the wall lightly. Her fingers brushed against the plaster.
"The structure is still sturdy. With proper repairs and maintenance, this place will become excellent."
Elise nodded as well.
"A perfect homebase for our party. Storage shed for our equipment and loot. A place to train. A place to relax. And multiple rooms for party members."
She looked around. Her silver hair swayed with every motion.
"The location is also good, regardless of the surroundings. Only five to ten minutes walk to Adventurer's Guild. It will be easy for Ina to commute."
She then asked another practical question.
"About the house appliances. I noticed all the magic tools were removed."
Yelan nodded.
"That's correct. Magic tools require periodic maintenance for their runic arrays. Since the house became abandoned, the Merchants' Guild removed all of them."
Elise tapped her chin thoughtfully.
"Can we order replacements directly through the Merchants' Guild? I want the house fully ready within five days before we move in."
Yelan smiled professionally.
"Of course. What appliances would you like installed? I'll calculate the total cost afterward."
Elise immediately began discussing things quietly with Ina. The two women leaned toward each other—their voices low as they exchanged ideas about what the house would need. Their heads bent together in consultation—their ears twitching occasionally as they caught each other's words.
Hyoren simply let them talk. Though honestly–he was still confused why Ina naturally kept getting included in discussions about their future house.
After several minutes of discussion, Elise finally turned back toward Yelan.
"We want a high-quality magic stove. Preferably one with four burners and an oven."
She tapped her chin again while listing more.
"A refrigerator and freezer. A time-dilation storage magic tool for preserving food. A high-quality water system for the entire house, including a heating magic tool."
Her pointed ears twitched lightly.
"And proper magic lamps. We don't need luxurious chandeliers, but every room should have reliable lighting."
Finally, she added the last thing.
"And temperature control for the entire house. We don't want to freeze in winter. And air conditioning during summer would be nice."
Yelan carefully noted everything down before calculating mentally. Her pen moved quickly across the paper. Her eyes shifted slightly as she processed the numbers.
"All of this would increase the total by another two million Kres."
She looked at them. Her expression was professional—delivering the number without judgment or pressure.
"So the total cost will be Six Million Kres. Including property purchase, repairs, furniture restoration, and appliance installation. Would that be acceptable?"
Elise and Ina exchanged glances before nodding together. The motion was simultaneous—two people reaching the same conclusion without needing to discuss it further.
"That's reasonable."
The manor, while big and well-featured, was nowhere near as luxurious as the noble estate in the Administrative District. The comparison was almost absurd—one property designed to impress, the other designed to function. But this place felt practical. Efficient. Lived-in.
And most importantly–this would become a base for the Freedom Party.