LOM: Lord of Mysticism

2, 4, and 6 Daffodil Street had grayish blue terrace buildings with multifaceted hipped roofs. The place did not have lawns, gardens, or porches, and the entrances directly faced the street.

Scarter opened the door, introducing, "Our terrace houses do not have foyers, so you enter directly into the living room. There's an oriel window facing Daffodil Street, so there's pretty good lighting."

Klein, Benson, and Melissa were greeted by an area more spacious than their previous two-bedroom apartment.

Klein looked around and confirmed that it was a crude, open-style concept. The dining room and the living room were not separated by any partitions, but they were also far from the oriel window, making those spots rather dim.

"Behind the dining area is the kitchen, but we do not provide any appliances. Opposite to the living room is a small guest room and a bathroom…" Scarter walked around and described the layout of the house.

After looking around the first floor, Scarter brought the three siblings to the staircase next to the bathroom. "Down below is the underground cellar."

They nodded casually and followed Scarter to the second floor. "On my left, there's a bathroom. On the same side, there are an additional two bedrooms. It's the same layout on my right, but the washroom on this side is next to the balcony." As he spoke, he opened the bathroom door.

The bathroom had an extra bathtub. Like the other bathroom, there was an accordion door next to the toilet.

"The balcony is small, so you won't be able to dry too many clothes in the sun at a time. There is a complete underground drainage, gas piping, meter, and other facilities. It is very suitable for you gentlemen and a lady like yourselves. It only requires thirteen soli of rent and five pence for use of the furniture weekly. In addition, there is a deposit that amounts to four weeks of rent." Scarter stood at the end of the corridor, explaining.

Klein stepped back and looked at Benson. At that moment, he had a feeling like he was 'unleashing Benson.'

Benson looked around before saying, "We should take a look at other houses. The dining area's lighting isn't good, and the balcony is very small. Look, only that bedroom has a fireplace, and the furniture is too old. If we move in, we have to at least change half of these…" He pointed out faults in a hurried tone and spent ten minutes persuading Scarter to lower the rent to twelve soli and the furniture usage fee to three pence, while rounding up the deposit to two pounds.

After paying the deposit and first week's rent, Klein and Benson's remaining money added up to around nine pounds.

Standing before the door of 2 Daffodil Street, they each held a bunch of copper keys.

"It feels like a dream." After a while, Melissa lifted her head to look at the future "Moretti Residence," speaking with a low yet unsteady voice.

Klein wasn't as emotional. "We need to change the locks of the main door and balcony door as soon as possible."

"There's no hurry. The reputation of Tingen City Housing Improvement Company is very good. The rest of the money is for your formal suit. However, before that, we need to pay Mr. Franky a visit." Benson pointed in the direction of the apartment.

The siblings knocked on their landlord's door. Mr. Franky declared imposingly while his short frame perched on a sofa, "You know my rules. No one is allowed to be behind on their rent!"

Benson leaned forward. "Mr. Franky, we are here to give up our lease."

"Give up your lease? No! We have a contract, and there's still half a year left!" Franky glared at Benson.

Benson looked at him seriously. "Mr. Franky, you should understand that you could be making more money."

"Make much more?" Franky asked with interest.

Benson explained. "The two-bedroom unit was rented to the three of us for five soli and six pence. But if you were to rent it to a bigger family, they would be willing to pay more instead of staying at Lower Street, where it's ridden with crime. I think six soli would be a reasonable price. Besides, you are certainly aware that rental prices have been increasing in recent years."

"But... I need time to look for a new tenant." Mr. Franky said.

"I believe you can find one very quickly in a couple of days. We will pay for the losses you incur during this time." Benson decided.

Franky nodded. "Alright then, let's sign the termination of contract."

Klein now understood how easy it was to 'convince' Mr. Franky.

With the problem of the contract resolved, the three siblings first helped Klein buy his formal wear and then got busy with moving out.

---

The next morning.

The hot sun outside the window set in the west, and golden rays shone through the oriel window, scattering across the desk's surface. Klein looked at the rack of books and notebooks arranged neatly before putting an ink bottle and a fountain pen on the table.

Klein stood before a full-length mirror with no cracks, smoothing out his collar and sleeves of his shirt. His outfit included a white shirt, black tuxedo, silk top hat, black vest, a set of trousers, boots, and a bow tie.

Klein felt that his reflection in the mirror exhibited greater scholarly qualities and made him look more handsome.

Click! He closed his pocket watch, putting it into his inner pocket. He then took his cane, hid his revolver, and took the tracked public carriage, arriving at Zouteland Street.

Stepping into Blackthorn Security Company, he saw Rozanne.

"Good morning, Klein. The weather is great today," Rozanne greeted him. "To be frank, I have always been curious. In such weather, don't you men feel hot wearing those formal suits? I know for a fact that Tingen's summer isn't as hot as the South's, but it is still summer."

"It's the price of style," Klein replied. "Miss Rozanne, where's the Captain?"

"Same old place." Rozanne pointed inside.

Klein nodded and went through the partition, knocking on Dunn Smith's office door.

"Come in," Dunn said. When he saw Klein in a set of nice formal wear, he nodded.

"Have you decided?" he asked.

Klein answered seriously, "Yes, I have made a decision."

"Tell me your answer." Dunn said.

"Seer!" Klein replied.