Leaving the office, I rushed towards the lodgings at full speed.

It was already close to mealtime, and as I wanted to eat at the fair, we should make haste.

But first things first, I quickly stored the 50 silvers that Zelindo passed me for buying the items on his list. I am unsure about robbers and so on around here, but losing either mine or, worse, Zelindo's money wasn't something I wanted to do.

Speaking of funds, I quickly counted in my head and found that I was pretty rich now. At least for someone who had worked what, less than a week in this world? Not all had come to me for work, but even so, money doesn't smell - that's something I learned back on Earth.

In any case, I had over 15 silvers worth before and did not spend anything. And I got 25 more from Reuben.

[1 Galden, 29 Silver Crowns, 3 Town Coppers, 3 Small Coppers. Counting as small coppers, 408.]

One of the coins Reuben had placed in the purse he gave me was gold, and I only noticed after storing it. My first gold! And I got 50 more waiting for me!

***

"I got us a house, as well the permits." Confirming there was no one except the girls in the reception room, probably waiting for me, I made a triumphal entrance while holding the key in one hand and the scrolls in the other.

I expected surprise, amazement, or at least some kind of "O!" reaction but got nothing except a couple of nods. The hell?!

"Ehmm, are you not curious?"

"Oh, sorry. We did not mean to drop a bucket of water on you. Please tell us about it." Angelique slightly smiled as she spoke.

As for Kierra, she shook her head and then exclaimed, "Amazing news!" And then followed with the logical questions that I did expect since the start, "Where's the house? How did you get it? Any conditions?"

I did answer the questions and added mine right after, "What happened? You either knew already, or your minds are somewhere else."

"Ahaha, sorry, that's my fault. Zelindo asked me about you, and I was sure that he would convince you with a house and permits." A burst of melodious laughter followed by an explanation of what happened came from the second floor's stairs. Raising my head, I saw Gris as she began descending.

"I'm so easy to read? I thought I did not even mention staying here for sure. And Gris, nice to see you back to normal."

"You aren't easy to read, but your worry for the girls is. I do not know how you would act alone. But making them live in the slums? Or leave the city right away without a clear destination and protection? No way." She lightly smiled, and then as she sat on a chair nearby, she added in a lower voice, "And thanks for not prying."

"Mmm, anyway. We do not know where's the house." Kierra suddenly jumped on her feet and motioned for Angelique to follow, "Let's find Falko and ask him to get someone to lead us there.

After they left, I sat down near Gris and asked her if that was a planned action as well.

"I told them that I would like to speak with you when you return. But Zelindo probably tasked you with something, and I have a few things to do. I remember that I did thank you for your actions during the attack but never did anything to show them." Her voice trailed off, and then she added while looking into my eyes, "What do you say about meeting tomorrow night for a couple of drinks?"

"Agreed, but I do not know any places here."

"No worries, I will come to your house. There is also the matter of the loot-money." She nodded and then went on her feet before saying her farewells and going out.

A drink with Gris? Nice! I do wonder about the reasons, though. Her thanking me for my actions? I think that isn't something required. But well, a beautiful girl and going somewhere wasn't so bad. Oh hell, why am I lying to myself? It is great!

Kierra and Angelique returned just a couple of minutes later. Finding no signs of Gris, Kierra turned towards me as to ask. But I acted first and explained she was busy today. "We will meet tomorrow."

Then, I changed the topic and asked if they found Falko or someone else to show us our provisional residence.

"Mmm, there is no need. The house is easy to find. Let's go?" Angelique shook her head as she motioned for us to start moving. Strangely proactive we are?

***

The house wasn't hard to find indeed. It stood on the same street as the Guild, just two buildings from the street corner.

It was on the same side as the passage towards the Guild, so I at first wondered if only the second floor would be usable. But no, as we opened the heavy wooden door and entered, I found no signs of the passage.

A reception room about five meters to each side met us as we entered. A dining room of the same size was visible on the right, and on the left side, there were two doors. One led to a toilet, which was already surprising for me, while the other turned out to be a storage space.

Passing through the reception, or living room, we found a corridor and a staircase that led to the second floor. There were also two doors near the stairs. The one to the right led to the kitchen, while the left led to another storage. No yard or garden, and several storage rooms? A merchant house indeed.

Each room was functionally furnished. But from the lack of any decorations and dust, everything was probably just brought in recently. Something easy to confirm because every piece of furniture did not show any wear at all.

Moving on the second floor, we found ourselves in a corridor with seven doors. The first we opened turned out a toilet, while the closest to it was a bath (Kierra's words, as nothing except a wooden tub and a draining pipe was inside). As for the other five doors, each led towards a decently sized bedroom with either one or two beds each. Each had a window, and I chose the one that faced the street. While the girls, to my surprise, chose a two beds room that had windows to the back, towards a brick wall.

My selection wasn't just because of the window but because it was the only room with a wardrobe and a desk. About three meters wide and slightly longer, it was enough for me.

My mana sense had not activated even once, so there was nothing magic in the house. So, lamps and fire, huh? I will need to learn some safety measures. The girls are okay, but me?

The bathrooms had a system of pipes, which meant the city had both sewage and running water. Not bad!

Thus, overall impression - a (very!) good place.

Special mention, the small fireplace with a sidewall chimney in the dining room! First time I see a diagonal chimney pipe. I wonder, where does the smoke end?

"Examine everything, and find anything that is missing to live here. We will go to the fair as soon as we finish, and we should buy what we can for ourselves as well." Giving the instruction, I also acted on it.

_______

Bed sheeting and even towels, both new, were present in all rooms.

Cutlery and kitchen utensils were also present in the three square meters kitchen. It had a fire stove, an oven, and boards hung as tables or shelves on two walls. So although cramped, it was even more complete than I expected.

Except for food, and writing implements that I would need, I could not find anything to add to my list.

But when Kierra and Angelique finished their speed run, I found myself with a far more complete list.

"Cleaning implements"

"Firewood and coal"

"Lamp oil"

"Another set of towels"

And so on.

Special mention, a three-minute-long list of different preserved foods that Kierra considered a must to have.

"I doubt we will be able to buy it all today. So let's concentrate on what we need to spend a day here. Thus, lamp oil, food, and maybe something else? Also, do not forget that we still have the supplies bought for the travel."

"Mmm, we can go buy the rest from the shops over the next few days." Kierra agreed, although a bit disappointed. She enjoyed shopping (for necessities only, though), or maybe haggling, and so she looked forward to spending today doing it.

***

My inner clock said we left the house somewhere close to the 7th fire hour. I may be slightly mistaken, but it was indeed somewhere an hour past our usual mealtime with the caravan.

From what I knew, the fair was somewhere near the plaza of Megvuroz. The problem was, where the hell was that plaza?

Thankfully we did not even need to ask, as when we entered the stream of people moving on the main street, I overheard several passersby discussing going there. And so, shamelessly followed after them.

***

Well, what I can say, it was impressive indeed. Just five minutes of walking and the stores ended, or better said, the two-storied buildings were replaced by far bigger and taller ones, with far different signs hanging from their fronts.

Some of the signs weren't even the typical wooden board hanging from an iron pole but in place beautifully carved on the stones of the building's front walls.

And while some were drawn and would require me to think about what they meant, it wasn't hard to determine we had arrived at the business and city center.

[Scribe Guild] Read below a beautiful set of crossed quills.

[City's Archive] Read directly on the stone plaque above the door of a fort-looking building.

[Guard's Captainship] A set of spears around a shield carved on the almost black stone of the building. So basically, the central police station? I can need it at some point, so I 'Recorded' the location to make sure I will always find it.

There were others, which included inns, taverns, official buildings, a hospital, etc.

As for the Plaza, it appeared from nowhere. Almost as if the buildings on the left side suddenly disappeared and left an enormous, not smaller than half a kilometer open space. Or I would assume it was so, if not that I could not see even a single meter without a stall, a wagon, or people.

But actually, my attention was attracted first by the enormous building on the opposite side. It was half walled, with the front being left open, and allowed to see a small yard filled up with flowers. The building looked like one of the famous palaces from Earth, like a smaller, not more than a few hundred square meters, copy of the Winter Palace. But as it was white and pastel-toned, the Royal Palace in Madrid fits better.

"Is that the Viscount's palace?" I wondered aloud, and surprisingly, got an answer from someone of the people around, "You aren't wrong. It is indeed."

But not seeing anyone looking at us, I could only assume it was a kind soul.

_*_*_*_

The first stalls that we visited went along the rim of the plaza, and obviously, they were food stalls. The aroma from a few of them had already reached my nostrils. And the plan was to eat while asking around to find all the merchants I had to anyway.

"Ok, Kierra, Angelique, listen. I do not know much about the local food, so you can choose whatever you want. And before you say anything, it is my treat. And anything we buy today is paid for by me as well." It could appear that I was rude, but I already saw how Kierra's eyes had been moving from stall to stall while examining the items and even prices that some had. That could only mean she planned to save money as always and would choose the most inexpensive.

In the end, the girls picked a stall that sold grilled sausages accompanied by a vegetable mashup. Pretty decent quality, and just a copper per portion! It seems I failed to make them spend at least something.

While the girls did not ask for anything, I bought a couple of apple pie slices from a woman selling them nearby as dessert for them. And for myself, it was a glass of cheap wine to wash down the flavor. The sausages were not bad, but for my liking, it was just too fatty, and I disliked the remnant taste. Blessed be the health of an apostle - I could not worry about catching some weird disease by drinking from a communal cup!

***

Having finished with the food, we began moving around the fair. Most of the stalls were of the everyday sort, a wooden desk with either a sign or a small roof above, but some were far more impressive. And one of the latter was my first target. Zelindo did not give me many details, but he told me to buy the items from all the merchants with either the guild logo or a cartwheel one.

So noticing the coin and wheel on the unwheeled wooden roofed wagon that served as the stall, I immediately approached.

"Can I help you with something, young man and ladies?" A sickly looking, pale-skinned, with baggy eyes, man asked right away in a surprisingly snappy tone.

"Mmm, I am here to buy a few things for the new house my boss finished. Do you have [Flick Orbs]? And [Fiery Blocks]?" My list included several quasi-magic items, as one of Zelindo's men noticed that the amount sold (or better said, paid taxes for!) and the amount they had brought into the city did not match. Thus, he suspected either a forgery or someone trying to make a side business under the Guild's permits.

Notes:

A Flick Orb was like the natural [Light Orb]. Its light was dim, and it would only work for a few minutes after being shaken. In short, a safe alternative to a candle.

A Fiery Block is a small stone plaque that will heat up by itself. Small and not hot enough to be used for cooking, but can warm water and retain the food hot. Called a quasi magic item that imitates a spell. But in truth, a natural reaction with water.

"Please sit down on the bench here, and I will present you the ones that I have. But you are lucky, young man. I am one of the last merchants to have some of them, directly from the Bigradh's artisans!" The merchant's voice and manner immediately changed to an extremely friendly one.

After some more similar speaking, and the guy attempting to charge almost four times the price Zelindo mentioned, I grew tired of dealing with him. Thus, I activated the secret weapon - Kierra!

And a couple of minutes, we left an almost weeping merchant after buying three orbs and four blocks for the price of six silver (such items are valued somewhere around a silver each). An entire silver crown less than Zelindo's price!

We only needed to buy two or three of each, but the free block was indeed a good thing. At least for our home!

***

Similarly, sometimes separating with me arriving alone or the girls going by themselves, we visited the seventeen stalls in Zelindo's list. And obtained at least 10 of each of the following:

[Flick Orb]

[Fiery Block]

[Black Hill Ink Block]

[Blood Ink Powder] Actually, I suspect it's cinnabar or something lookalike to it. The most expensive item on the list, three town coppers being the lowest price!

[Brass Plate] I was surprised when told about them by Zelindo, but seemingly, a copper plate was cheaper to make.

[Bronze Knife] Could be counterfeited. But I wonder, with iron and steel around, who uses bronze knives? But it was an offering item for one of the Ten as I overheard one of the merchants. And also a trademark for scribes, as Angelique suddenly shared with me.

[Crystal Cup] Most likely quartz. And even without checking, I was sure that one of them was fake. While most felt cold to the touch and did not warm right away, one did!

And with all that, we were finished. Slightly over an hour, and only spending 39 coins! The stuff could occupy a small cart, but I recalled a trick from a novel and had been storing everything into a burlap sack. And from there to inventory as soon as I could. Same with my wallet, which only had a few coppers, and I used the opposite way to retrieve the money.

***

Finished with work, we made another run, buying what we needed ourselves. Most of the stuff for today was food, as the prices for most preserved goods were low, at least in Kierra's opinion. As for me, some of the blocks of ink would be real, and I planned to pay Zelindo for them.

What put me into problems was buying paper. Simply because I had zero thoughts that such an amount of types existed. The logic was more or less easy to follow, with the whiter or more resistant being more expensive. But the names? [Skint] [Dryad's Leaf] [Temple Pergamin]

In the end, I asked what was the most resistant one and ended with a halfa (yes, they sold it by weight) of letter-like (about 2/5 smaller than the A4 I based sizes on) paper called [Lover's Lament]. It wasn't very white, but what do I care? It ascended to 3 silver crowns, so the cost is almost a silver per kilo. Steep, huh.

After buying an ink set, and a bunch of quills from the same merchant, I mainly finished my business. And from that moment, followed after the girls as their porter and wallet.

We bought salted, dried, and other kinds of preserved meats and fish. Kierra also selected three halfa of different grains. We had some wheat in my inventory, but whatever, it was just a town copper for the three halfa.

A stone worth of different vegetables soon followed, and this time I did not store it into the sack and carried them around. It was already strange that we had walked so much and had nothing on ourselves, right?

Seeing something that resembled (and were) tomatoes, I bought some of them. Crazy expensive, though. It seemed that it was a rare thing around here, as it came from the central region. Kierra looked at me as if I was crazy, but I just shrugged and explained I wanted to cook something.

And, if you buy tomatoes to cook something, what follows next? Cheese, flour, a jar with baker's yeast, etc. Indeed, the plan to bake this world's first pizza was on since I saw that oven!

I did not look much at the more costly goods, but there were a lot of them around. The most expensive were jewelry (although most silver with no gemstones), books (over five silver the cheapest, although I understand the reason. The paper wasn't cheap, and knowledge should cost as well, right?), among other things like silver cutlery and so on.

I did not see weapons or armors, and it was surprising, but then I recalled that no one was armed around, concluding that probably there was a law against weaponry inside the city?

And probably the only thing that I went against Kierra's and even Angelique's wishes was when I saw a tent that had the sign of [Ready Clothes]. Their reasons were easy to read, as they considered that overspending on clothing wasn't right. But I wanted at least a couple of changes of clothes, and I wanted them now. And not by forcing Kierra to act on her words from back in Churg and sew something or searching for a tailor.

Three silvers later, I was now the owner of two sets of similar clothes as I was wearing, a short leather coat and another pair of boots. The shirts and pants would need to be slightly fixed. But the coat and boots fit perfectly. This latter was rare, considering I was taller than most of the people I saw around!

***

Anyway, finishing everything and buying a couple of meat pies and a barrel of fruit juice, we left the fair and returned to what would be our home, for hopefully, the next six months.

Leaving the slightly pouting Kierra (because I spent 14 coppers in total for ready food at the fair) and the always calm Angelique there to make themselves at home, I quickly rushed to the Guild.

Zelindo had told me to avoid much interaction, and so I simply walked towards the same residences we had been staying in as if nothing. There, after asking Wilfred as the only present to please call Falko, I returned to the room I had been staying in before and slowly placed each of the bought objects while recalling what merchant had sold me what. I did separate them in the inventory as bundles, but I would need to describe the merchants whose names I did not ask.

***

Most of Zelindo's suspicions had been right, and three of the merchants were selling fake or forged items indeed. "A lower number than I suspected, but far higher than I wanted." He told me as his fist landed on one of the Blood Ink blocks and the outer layer shattered. And below it, a simple piece of wood could be seen. A similar story happened with six more ink blocks and a couple of other items in other manners. A bronze knife that snapped in two after falling on the ground. And a [Flick Orb] from the first merchant that cracked after being shaken the second time.

"Do you need me to do something about them?" I asked after describing the stalls and merchants for each case.

"No, as you understand, I could have solved this by myself since the start. But decided to try you." He shrugged.

"And?"

"Well, it was inconceivable to fail anyway. And I have the next task ready, but it will be one that you can attempt only in a week." He changed topics after slightly smiling at his joke about failing.

"Understood. Do I need to prepare something?" A week before my actual first task? Not bad!

"Hmm, yes. Get yourself a set of leather clothing, like the Guild's guards use and if you want, buy yourself a weapon. If not, I will send you one later." He nodded and explained, but before I could ask anything else, he motioned for me to don't, "I will not reveal anything about the matter but don't worry, it is not fighting."

"I see. If there is no preference for weapons, I will get one myself. I was planning to find an instructor anyway." It was indeed something that I had thought of before. After all, it was clear that my playing around at Sepyre's divine whatever did not serve for anything in a fight.

"Good, take care to remain alive until the next week then." Zelindo lightly chuckled as he said it, but his eyes had not a sign of laughter as they scanned the fake items.

I wanted to return him the money that we did not spend and to pay for a few of the good items, but Zelindo did not want any, "Take everything except the fake ones. Oh, and leave me that crystal cup you assumed to be not true crystal. You are right, but it's actually something far more valuable, and I just want to ask the idiot who sold it to you how the hell did he mistake common crystal with alchemical one?"

Already outside, I recalled where I had heard the term alchemical crystal. Azar mentioned it once and told me that a pebble (+600 grams) costs five gold coins, at least. No wonder Zelindo did not care about anything else. He had gotten a cup worth something about six gold coins just like that!

***

Three hours later, with the moon already shining over the city, I returned home. The girls had lighted a few oil lamps and were waiting for me in the dining room. After speaking with them for half an hour and retelling them everything that I had learned or happened back in the Guild, we all decided to sleep early.

Although Kierra did not want to, I tried persuading her to accept the remaining silver crowns during the previous talk. And in the end, she only took three of them after I used the most substantial reasoning for her, "You know I will not be able to manage the house. It will fall on your shoulders for now. Thus, even if you do not want the money, remember what we are, and what we could be, missing!"

But while I know what to do with most of the free items from Zelindo, what the hell do I need several brass plates? Or bronze knives? Well, the inventory space is close to unlimited, so screw it, let them remain there.

And now, on a bed that I can consider my own (at least for some time), it is time to 'Record' everything that has happened from my last recording.