Chapter 137
Chapter 137.1. The Third Year at the Academy - Castle of Sorrow (1)
As I nodded, Samini stepped forward.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all. It was quite enjoyable. Besides, it seems you'll be selling us some spare magical tools."
"Got it. We'll talk later."
Samini casually made his request, and though I was exasperated, I agreed.
Watching this exchange, everyone's eyes subtly gathered.
"Ted. I know this is bad timing, but there's something else for you."
When I called his name, Ted's expression stiffened.
"I want to give you the rights to my home and the apartment building behind it. Ah, I know you have things to say, but hear me out first." I preempted Ted's objections to suppress his resistance.
"For me, this house was Seren's life. I repaired it myself and learned so much here. But after I leave, the rights will revert to the Merchant Guild. Like the magical tools, who knows whose hands they'll end up in. I want you all to make good use of them."
"W-wait—hold on! A house is too much!"
Ted couldn't help but shout, but I raised a hand to stop him.
"Yeah, you're right. A house is too much. Even I'd refuse. So I came up with an alternative."
As Ted looked puzzled, Samini handed him a document.
"This is a rental agreement."
"Rental...?"
"I'll remain the owner, and you'll be the tenant. I'll be upfront—I don't want to trick you. If you ever want to buy the house or the apartment building, the rent you've paid will be deducted from the sale price. Essentially, the longer the contract, the cheaper the future purchase price. Of course, I'm not forcing you, but think about it. Between a refugee and an adventurer living in the refugee district, who would the guild trust with bigger jobs? Even more so for clients. If you aim higher, you should leave the refugee district, no matter how attached you are."
Ted fell silent, glancing briefly at Quince and Kyle.
In the end, that's what it came down to.
Right now, Ted and the others could easily afford to stay at a cheap inn.
Yet they remained in the refugee district because of Quince and Kyle.
Perhaps there were still children they were looking after.
That's why I bought not just the house but also the apartment building.
It might be cramped, but a good number of people could sleep there safely.
"I think it's a good idea."
Elliott voiced his support to Ted, who was still hesitating.
"Ted, the refugee district has its limits. The conflict between Taklaz and Wolbar has made the area even more dangerous than before. Here, you'd be among familiar neighbors, and the security is much better. And, on a personal note—Nils and I haven't found a place to live yet. If we could rent a room in the apartment building, it'd be a huge help."
"Yeah, it'd be more comfortable than a cheap inn."
Nils agreed with Elliott's words, and for some reason, Jonas also raised his hand.
"Then, I'll rent a room too."
"Huh? What about your dorm?"
"After graduation, you two will probably look for a place to stay, right? I thought I'd join you. It's saving money, after all."
At his shameless remark, not just Nils but even Elliott looked exasperated.
Hearing this conversation, Ted let out an exaggerated sigh.
"So I'm stuck taking care of you all till the end, huh? I'll never be able to repay this."
"Take it easy. I mentioned the future earlier, but if you're dead, it's all for nothing. Oh, and about the apartment building—I've renovated the garbage dump in the back. Lily, it's small, but it's now a field."
At the word "field," Lily rushed to the window in a panic.
"There's a large cloth—"
"I kept it hidden until the reveal. Why don't you take a look at the rooms too? Emily, Ginny. Could you show them around?"
"Y-yes!"
Led by the two girls, everyone headed to the apartment building.
I stayed behind in the living room with Samini, watching them go.
The badly deteriorated rooms had been secretly repaired.
They'd be surprised when they saw inside.
"Well, it seems things went as hoped."
"Lord Alter, you're quite the worrier. Not just the house, but even those magical tools—you're giving away so much."
"Don't look so greedy. Make do with the spares."
"Of course. By the way, could you sell me that floating plank?"
"Ah... I forgot about that."
The now-spacious living room was being elegantly patrolled by the small roof spirit.
The roof spirit by the wall also shifted as if reminding me of its presence.
"They're the guardians of this house. I'm not selling them. I'll have to leave them to Ted too."
I poked the small roof spirit to move it aside, then pulled out a set of leather partial armor from the magical bag, Telpas Bag.
"What's that?"
"Some defensive gear I forgot to mention. They're still growing, so even if I had it custom-made, they'd outgrow it soon. Partial armor is less affected by body size, and they can share it."
Under Samini's lukewarm gaze, I stacked the armor.
The materials were Dokkol and oak leather, with fabric from the merchant Hans used for the lining. None were magical tools, but they were well-crafted by Katy.
And the two-handed mace that Gemma often swings around—I remade it into a weight-enhancing mace. It's heavy even now, but when activated, it becomes incredibly weighty. Just lifting it would be a struggle.
Lastly—this one.
I placed two knives on the table.
Both were magical tools with [Weight +2] and [Piercing +1].
I experienced [Weight] during the Jarid battle, but its true effect is on the target it pierces.
Light warriors and scouts often favor them, and Oze probably uses a weighted knife too.
Five years ago, it was Roland who stopped Eras Rhino's [Charge], but just before that, Oze's throw had slowed it down. Thinking back, that was likely the effect of [Weight].
As I gazed at the knives, I recalled the girl I met at the martial arts tournament.
She has her own life. It's not my place to interfere.
But if she were to join Ted and the others, a weighted knife would surely be of great use.
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