NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8 - Episode 008: Headhunter, Buying a Store and Home
Episode 008: Headhunter, Buying a Store and Home
The next day, when Ack woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.
Despite usually waking up at the slightest threat, yesterday he had slept deeply. It was the most relaxed he had been since before joining the mercenary group. Perhaps he was getting a bit complacent due to the peace.
Tina and Snow were still sound asleep, their gentle snores filling the room. They must have been tired from the journey.
“Ugh, mmm…”
Because he had slept for a long time, Ack’s body was stiff, so he stretched widely to avoid waking the two.
“Kyu?”
At the sound of Ack’s movements and voice, Snow’s ears twitched, and he woke up, lifting his head.
“I’m going to the Adventurers Guild. Watch over Tina for me.”
“Kyu!”
As Ack got out of bed and prepared himself, he instructed Snow.
Since there wasn’t much to do for Tina at the Adventurers Guild, he decided to go alone to check yesterday’s monster appraisal results.
“Ack-sama, the appraisal is complete. Please come this way.”
“Got it.”
Guided by the receptionist, he was led to a waiting room.
“Please wait a moment.”
The receptionist left and returned a few minutes later with several staff members carrying many bags.
“Here is the appraisal amount.”
“1248 gold coins.”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, it’s fine.”
One gold coin was enough for an average person to live comfortably for about a month. This amount was over a thousand times that. It was more than enough to buy a store and home. However, Ack’s rewards during his mercenary days were even greater. With the Morning Star Falcon backing him, victory was always assured for their faction, so it was only natural.
And Ack had amassed a considerable amount of funds.
“We look forward to your next visit.”
Once back at the inn, Tina was awake.
“Don’t leave me behind.”
“My apologies.”
After pacifying Tina, who clung to him, they headed to the Commercial Guild.
“Welcome. What can I help you with today?”
“I want to open a café.”
“Huh?”
When Ack stated his request, the receptionist’s eyes widened.
While she wasn’t scared, she was surprised because a rugged-looking man like a warrior or martial artist had uttered the word “café,” which didn’t seem fitting.
“Is something wrong?”
“N-no, nothing at all. Well, regarding the registration with the Commercial Guild, purchasing real estate isn’t allowed initially. You’ll have to start with leasing. However, with a certain amount of upfront payment, or if you have a significant backer, there are exceptions.”
The receptionist at the Commercial Guild continued the conversation, trying to gloss over the situation.
Since he couldn’t freely renovate if it was leased, and he didn’t want to deal with operating while worrying about damages, Ack wanted to purchase the land along with the building.
He didn’t have any backing as he was far from the country he used to serve as a base.
But he did have money.
“What’s the cost for Silver Rank?”
“It would be 1000 gold coins.”
“Then here.”
“Huh?”
Ack took out a bag from his magic bag containing coins and handed over the amount equivalent to 1000 gold coins.
The receptionist was once again dumbfounded. Who would have imagined that someone with the appearance of a mercenary would possess such a large sum of money?
Realizing that he was indeed a valuable customer, the receptionist hurriedly made the guild card.
“So, what kind of property are you looking for?”
“I want a spacious property with a store and home, with plenty of room for Tina and the cute monsters.”
As expected, he wanted Tina and the monsters to live comfortably in a large space. Therefore, a property with a spacious yard where Tina and the familiar monsters could run around without feeling cramped, and with an interior that didn’t feel claustrophobic, was essential.
“In that case, it will be a suburban property. Is that okay?”
“No problem.”
In the city, land was limited, which meant houses tended to be small. Therefore, outside the city, where land could be obtained in abundance, the size of the house could be more generous. However, in that case, there was a possibility of the house being attacked by monsters. But with Ack or Snow around, that wouldn’t be a problem.
“Understood. There’s only one property I can introduce you to. Would you like to see it?”
“Please.”
“Very well. Please wait in front of the main entrance, and I will guide you.”
Ack and the others boarded the carriage provided by the receptionist and headed to the suburban property.
“Here we are.”
The place they were led to was surrounded by a wooden fence, and the yard was so spacious it almost resembled a ranch.
In the center stood a house with a slightly faded but charmingly colored roof.
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s good.”
“Kyu!”
The first impression was a pass for Ack, Tina, and Snow.
“Well then, let me show you inside.”
Ack and the others followed the receptionist inside.
The interior had a fantastical atmosphere that seemed like a place where a wizard would live, with a stylishly designed shop space.
In addition, the living space included a spacious bedroom large enough to fit a big bed for Ack and Tina to sleep together with their familiars, as well as a bath big enough for them to bathe together with the familiars, and even the hallway was spacious enough for Ack and Tina to walk side by side with plenty of room to spare.
“I’ll buy this.”
“Thank you very much.”
Finding no drawbacks, they decided to buy the property and land on the spot.
“With this, that land and property are now yours, Ack-sama.”
Returning to the Commercial Guild, they completed the purchase process, and Ack finally obtained the shop he had been longing for.