The Spearmaster and the Black Cat Chapter 154 part1

“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. Shuuysama, 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, Shuuysama?” (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 verandlike 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, Shuuysama?” (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, Shuuysama.” (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, Shuuysama. 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.”

————- End of Part 1 ————-

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Translation Notes:

Chapter end