For selling the potions, I received a total of 2000 platinum coins from the Kaerius company. After withdrawing the amount, I set off to find a suitable house. I figured the money would be enough. I had consulted with Airi and we figured that this city would be the best for settling down since it was a neutral country and there were hardly any conflicts with the neighboring countries. I enthusiastically explored Astrya's complex streets filled with engrossing sights and impressive buildings. It was quite different from the cities of Earth. The air was filled with alluring scents from Alchemy shops, mingling with the lively sounds of busy markets. The mix of diverse races going about their business made me feel that I was truly in a fantasy world.

Weeks passed as I ventured alone and carefully scouted various properties, considering factors like proximity to the adventurer guild, markets, and magical landmarks. I had conversations with nearby residents and they provided valuable perspectives on the neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics and charisma. I learned that the northern part of the city had larger mansions and an expansive market because it hosted nobles and rich merchants. The distance to the different guilds was also within a walking distance so I leaned more towards buying a house there. The middle part of the city hosted government buildings, the royal palace and the two big towers. Other parts of the city were filled with tall colourful buildings, markets and inns. The wide road and the sidewalk were beautifully paved lending a metropolitan vibe to the city. The big buildings cast long shadows on the pedestrians passing below. The architecture I saw was a testament to the city’s rich history.

However, finding the perfect home turned out to be more difficult than I thought. The decision between a smaller house or a more elaborate mansion put me in a bind. Airi wanted me to buy a bigger mansion as she wanted to make adjustments to the house for future purposes so I consented.

Eventually, I availed the services of a broker. A small quaint building stood near the northern market. I was referred to the broker by Amelia's grandfather while talking with him about my intended purchase. I knocked on the door and a servant in a butler suit opened the door and bowed to me.

"Hello, I'm Rayce. I'm looking for Mr. Leighet."

"Welcome, Sir Rayce. The master is awaiting you in the living room." He said while bowing.

I was carefully guided to the living room by the servant.

A burly man with fair skin wearing a suit was sitting on a sofa and drinking tea. He had a fedora on his head. He got up and smiled as soon as I entered the room.

"Welcome, you must be Sir Rayce." He said, slightly tipping his hat.

"Hello Mr. Leighet, it's nice to meet you."

I said extending a hand which he shook.

Then he motioned for me to sit on the sofa opposite him. The room was skillfully decorated with antique furniture and modern elements mixed in lending the image of a conserved office.

“Sir Jinet informed me that you were looking to buy a property,” He said getting straight to the topic.

I nodded in response.

“Yes, I was looking for a house preferably in the northern side of the city."

“I see. Then, I assume you are looking for a mansion.”

“Yes?”

“I apologize. The northern part of the city is mostly filled with mansions as many nobles from Astrya, as well as other countries, buy properties there.”

(Master, I'll say it again. We need a mansion.)

“I see.”

“If you are looking for a mansion, there are many houses left unused by nobles which are now on the market. But the price would be a little on the higher side.”

“Hmm. May I know how much it would cost for such a mansion?”

“The starting price will be 8000 platinum coins.”

I was short-sighted. The prices were quite high for the houses on the northern side of the city.

“I see. In that case, it seems, I'm quite short.”

Sensing my hesitation, he clapped his hands.

“You don't need to worry about that. I was informed that you were a businessman and were a business partner of the Kaerius company, so I will negotiate with the owner to provide you with an installment plan regarding the payment. Will that be to your liking?”

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

(Master, that'd be great. You will be able to earn the rest of the money quite easily. I'll help!)

“Hmm, yes. That would be very much appreciated,” I nodded.

“That's great to hear!”

He smiled and quickly called his butler. After informing him to arrange a car, we set out. He knew the city well and as the butler drove us towards the northern side, I was shown various options with large gardens, some with fountains and some with large unused lands but none of them caught my interest. Eventually, we arrived at an estate with an expansive land. A large mansion painted in white gleamed brightly in the sunlight. It was a magnificent mansion that sat on a large property with ample land and a large garden.

The mansion, standing gracefully in the residential part of the city, boasted a rich charm. The street it was on was named High Street and it was the second house on the road. Five houses adorned this street, all notably larger in size compared to residences in other sections of the city. The broker informed me that all of those houses were occupied by nobles and merchants.

As I looked at the house, the sheer magnitude of this estate made me really excited as I pictured not just a home but it being a part of the experience that I will gain in Thieca. It contained a staggering amount of rooms with servant quarters, ballrooms and endless hallways. He told me that, the house belonged to Count Hovenheim, a distinguished noble of Astrya. It was recently occupied by his daughter and since she had recently gotten married, it was put up for sale. I walked around the estate and I could see vast unused lands that were left unattended. Flower gardens adorned the surroundings, but they appeared neglected and hadn't been tended to in a while.

(Master, we could build herb gardens for potions in the empty space.)

(That would certainly be ideal for potions.)

I agreed with Airi. This seemed convenient, for my potions business at least.

The broker informed me that the house was priced at 11,000 platinum coins. He told me that I had the option of opting for an installment of 12 months. The financial aspects will be handled by the broker.

As we were busy talking, a car soon drove up to the mansion. It was a new type of car I hadn't seen. It was reminiscent of a vintage car of 1930s Earth with a long snout. A well dressed gentleman in his later years stepped out of the car followed by servants and quickly walked up to us.

The broker bowed politely and I followed suit.

“Count Hovenheim, thank you for giving us your valuable time,” the broker said.

The count waved his hand as if to dissuade him from being too polite.

“Is this the person?” He asked, extending his hand to me.

“Yes, this is Sir Rayce who will be buying the house.”

“Hello, Count Hovenheim, it's a pleasure to meet you.” I said and shook his hand.

“Hmm, likewise.” he peered at me and chuckled.

"You're......quite young."

"Ah-haha. I get that a lot."

“It seems Avim found a buyer quite soon. I had put up the house for sale only two months ago. These types of house takes atleast a year to sell if they sell at all."

I nodded. It seemed reasonable taking into account the price of such houses.

"This house has been in my family for almost 120 years. But my son didn't want to keep it due to it being too much work managing both our family estate and this house.

"I hope you take good care of the house. It contains a lot of memories.” He said almost with a reminiscent look in his eyes as he looked towards the house.

“Of course. You can entrust it to me.” I said smiling.

“Haha, that's fine then.”

The broker signaled to me and I bowed to the Count and left them to talk. I slowly went around the house looking at places that I could alter to my liking with Airi constantly giving me inputs. The hall in the center of the mansion was massive with few furniture already set and a beautiful chandelier adorning the ceiling. As I walked through the hall I saw many doors that led to smaller rooms which I assumed were servant quarters. The second floor contained the study and a big library and a few smaller rooms. There were many bedrooms on the third floor and the master bedroom on the was also massive and you could see the large wall that encircled Astrya from the window. That wall was truly enormous. The house had three floors and even a basement which I left for another time.

Soon afterwards, as I was strolling through the mansion, the Count and Mr. Leighet came back.

"Avim tells me that you are affiliated with the Kaerius company." The Count asked inquiringly.

"Yes, I'm an alchemist. I provide them with potions from time to time."

The broker was smiling at the count.

"I see. As Avim must have informed you, the price was 11,000 platinum coins. But since you are pretty young and it looks like you just started your business, I am bringing it down to 9,500 platinum coins."

"Ah, he has also informed me about your situation. You can pay me in installments through Avim as you both have agreed."

"Thank you."

I bowed thankfully.

"It's fine. It's fine." He smiled while moving his head.

"It's quite fortunate to be acquainted with a good alchemist. Also, please give my regards to Count Jinet. I hope to have tea with him soon."

"Of course. I will convey it to him." I said smiling.

"Please look after the house." He said after giving the house a last look.

He smiled and then after shaking my hand, he made his way back to his car. The servants followed him. We also made our way back to the mansion.

As we walked along the estate, the broker shared tales of the mansion's history. He informed me that before Count Hovenheim, many years ago, the princess of Astrya also used this mansion for a few years and that it was initially with the royal family. When a big war broke out with the monsters, the royal princess took refuge in this very mansion, and due to the intricate setup of the mansion, the monsters who ventured inside were unable to harm the princess. This happened before the commission of the magic towers when Astrya was just like any other city. As he continued, its storied past echoed through the grand halls and countless chambers making me more curious about Astrya's history.

We then made our way back to the broker's office. I provided him with the 2000 platinum coins as a deposit and after signing the document that initiated the installment, I was finally given the key. Now, the mansion was rightfully mine. I could even feel Airi getting excited.

After thanking the broker, I made my way back towards the mansion. It was still afternoon and the sun shone brightly reflected in the streets below.