The next day, Reuben came to meet me in the study, guided by Elias. He informed me that the servant quarters had been completed. I was surprised by the speed of dwarven construction, as it was much faster than I had initially anticipated.

I went out with him, and a four storey white building sat on the assigned land. It was quite well constructed. It effortlessly blended in with the tall buildings on the horizon. I went inside and looked at the rooms. They were quite spacious, having ample space for two people. I called the servants and asked them to choose one room each for themselves. They were quite grateful and praised the facilities. Alina had brought her son and he was running around looking at every nook and cranny. His name was Mathias and he was a ten year old child. After looking at their happy faces, I told them to start bringing their belongings inside.

(Doesn't it look good?)

(Yes, master. It does look good. I'm impressed by the skills of the dwarves.)

(Haha.)

I looked at Reuben and he was smiling. I guess nothing beats getting praised for your own creation. I took him back to my study and after signing the papers that stated the completion of the project, he said farewell and left. The total cost of both constructions came up to 30 platinum coins. They had even put in furnishings in all the rooms, so I was happy to pay the amount requested. Reuben left with a smile.

After seeing Reuben off, I went to meet Revati. The dwarves constructed the entrance to the underground laboratory in the basement of the mansion. The basement contained a big cellar for storing wine. Due to how it was constructed, I figured it was used as a storm cellar as well, at one time. I went down to the wide cellar and made my way towards the door at the end of the long passage. There were many racks set up on the walls for storing wine. The dwarves had even renovated the floors and painted the walls, so the cellar gleamed, illuminated by small lamps attached to the walls.

After reaching the end of the passage, I stood in front of the door that led to the laboratory. It had a mechanism installed by Otien that required authentication to go inside. It was basically putting your hand against the door and the door opened after verifying the person. It reminded me of the fingerprint sensors that came with smartphones on Earth. I went inside and Revati and Otien were working on the washing machine. It had been taken apart, and Revati was fiddling with it, while Otien was hovering around her, talking.

The laboratory had also been decorated by Zena. Large tables were set up on various corners of the room and tools and other items were set up on them. Most of them were what Revati had salvaged from the shelter and repurposed. A table was set up for me to work on potions as well.

"Hey, Rayce," Revati greeted me.

"How is it coming along? Any progress?"

"We're almost done. Come look at it."

It was one of the most basic washing machines with a drum that washes and dries clothes. Revati had engraved a magic circle near the motor and small blue colored lines ran on the inside of the machine. She informed me that those lines were made after powdering the Energons and making a paste. Then the paste was used as ink to draw the lines.

She even took apart the motor and made it anew. It now ran on Energons and the magic circle even made the machine lighter. It had been perfectly reborn for a magical world. After assembling it, she turned on the machine. We put some clothes inside and started the motor. It made whirring sounds and started to run. I looked inside the transparent plastic cover and water was being created using magic, and the clothes washed.

(Master, it's really well made.)

(I know, right. Well, I did expect it from someone that came from an advanced civilization)

"How long will it last?" I asked Revati after the machine stopped spinning.

"It should last for at least 30 washes on a type 1 Energon." She replied.

Revati had classified the Energons according to their size. Type 1 was the smallest Energon, no bigger than a marble. And they were quite cheap, so I hoped this could be used by commoners as well.

"Will it be possible to create the whole thing here? Or do I have to buy them from the shop and give them to you?"

"Hmm, it'd be better to manufacture these here but it'll be tiring if I remake them one by one."

"You should contact someone for that. Otien and I can make the motors and inscribe the magic circle. But to create the whole thing, we'd need craftsmen."

"Alright, I'll contact and hire some dwarfs to build the rest of the parts." I said.

"Also, I don't think they have plastic here. I'm working on an alternative for that."

"That'd be great."

"And, what about the Orichalcum?"

"I'm sorry. I haven't found it yet. I'll go and ask someone now."

"Okay."

Dwarfs would be the most viable option, as they were the best craftsmen. So once again, I made my way to Mathilda's shop.

"Hey, it's you again. Has the construction been completed?"

"Yes, It was very well done. They were great builders. Thank you for introducing them."

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"I'm happy to hear that!"

"So, how can I help you today?" She asked.

"I was looking to hire some dwarven craftsmen and blacksmiths. Also, I'd like to buy some orichalcum if you have any."

"Hmm, orichalcum is hard to come by."

"I was looking to make some engraving tools. But if you have them, I can just buy them from you."

"I see. Engraving tools can only be brought from the tower, but I don't think you will find any orichalcum ones. Give me a few days. I'll see if I can get my hands on some orichalcum. And what about the dwarves?"

"Well, actually, I'm starting a company and have our first product. For mass production, I'd need the help of some dwarves."

"I see. So you need craftsmen and blacksmiths. I'll look around. Most of them either open their own shop or join other workshops. I'll see if I can find any unemployed ones."

"Thank you."

A few days later, Mathilda came to our house.

"Wow, so you live here. It's quite grand."

"Haha, your uncle said the same thing."

"Haha."

"Alright, I found some orichalcum." She said.

She took out a small pouch and spilled the contents onto my desk. It was a transparent, golden-colored, shiny lump of ore.

"It's a very small amount, but if you are looking to create some engraving tools, I reckon it would be enough. It is strictly regulated by the government, so it's hard to find in large quantities."

(Master, that should be enough for the tools.)

(Alright.)

"Thank you. It should be enough. How much will it be?"

"It's usually 5 platinum coins per ingot. But you can just give me 2 platinum coins for this amount, we'll be okay."

"Alright."

I took out the money and gave it to her. She looked happy as she counted the money.

"About the dwarves, there is a group of dwarves that have just arrived in Astrya from the north. Their tribe is famous for being very good craftsmen, and they are coincidentally looking for jobs. Would you like to meet them?"

"Sure. That'd be immensely helpful."

I went with her, and she led me to an inn. The inn was called 'The Evening Dew'. There weren't many people inside. Few people could be seen coming in from time to time looking for breakfast.

As we waited, a muscular dwarf came down the stairs. He saw us and made his way to our table.

"Hello, I'm Bjorv." He said, introducing himself. He nodded to Mathilda.

"I'm Rayce."

"I heard you were looking for dwarves."

"Yes, I was looking to hire a few of them."

"I see. What was it that you needed to make?"

"Oh, it's an item that we had been developing, so I needed it mass-produced."

"I see. We can definitely do that."

"It would need to be confidential, though. I will pay the market rate for your services, but I would require strict confidentiality."

"Hmm, we can take care of it. Nothing's more important to us dwarves than discretion regarding crafts."

"Sounds great. I'm thinking of buying a property near the market that will double down as a workshop and a shop. I'll even build living quarters inside."

"Hmm, that'd be helpful."

"How many of you are there?"

"Including me, there are 8 dwarves."

"Alright, I'll hire all of them."

"Thank you." Bjorv said, bowing to me.

"I think I'll need the help of Reuben again." I said, turning to Mathilda.

"Alright, I'll let him know."

I needed to buy a business property in the city so I went to meet Mr. Leighet again. The same butler greeted me and led me inside.

He was talking to a young lady, with papers strewn on the table between them. As I went inside, their eyes turned to me.

"Sorry for the intrusion."

"Isn't it Sir Rayce? Welcome. We're just finishing up."

He said, smiling and pointing to the sofa, for me to take a seat. I took a seat next to the lady. They continued talking for some time. I understood that she was selling a property near the market and was looking for buyers. I interjected them.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help but overhear that you were selling a property near the market."

"Yes, Lady Nilena had come on behalf of her father to register the property for sale."

"If you don't mind, may I take a look at it?"

"Were you looking for another property?" Mr. Leighet asked, surprised.

"Yes, I was looking to buy a property in the market for business purposes. In fact, I came here today to ask you about that."

"I see. In that case, if the young lady has no objection, I can show you the property," he said, looking at the lady.

"No, that'd be really helpful," she said, smiling.

"I'm Nilena Himery. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Rayce. It's my pleasure."

After introductions, we made our way towards the Meridian Market.

We soon reached the southern part of the market where there were many big shops selling various items. I could see vehicles, appliances and even high end clothes. People in expensive looking clothes were walking around looking at the shops. We soon reached a corner and a four storey building came into view. Mr. Leighet pointed at the building and said it was the one that has been put up for sale. He said it used to be a clothing store when it was in the Himery family.

We went inside and the building looked perfect. They was enough space to display items and even empty floors which could be turned to living quarters. Next to it, there was an empty plot of land that was used as a garage. I seemed like the perfect place to set up the workshop.

"I like it," I said, turning to Mr. Leighet.

"That's great."

I looked at Lady Nilena and she was smiling approvingly.

"May I know how much the price will be for the whole property?"

Mr. Leighet looked at Nilena and she nodded. Then he turned back to me.

"The Himery family is asking for an amount of 6000 platinum coins."

"I see. Is there a chance to get any discounts?" I asked.

"I could ask my father to reduce about 500 platinum coins but I'm afraid we would not be able to provide any more discount than that," Lady Nilena replied.

"I see. In that case, please. I would like to buy the property as soon as possible."

"Would be be paying the money upfront?" Mr. Leighet asked.

"Yes, I would."

After booking the property, I bade them farewell. I went back to the estate with a promise to meet again tomorrow.

Elias welcomed me. He was waiting near the gate as if he instinctively knew when I was coming back. I smiled at him.

"I hope your business went well," he said.

"It did. Thank you. We'll soon be busy. I'd like you to come with me tomorrow and watch a few things."

"Of course, Sir."

"Shall I ask the maid to start preparing lunch?"

"Yes, please."

He went back to the mansion and I leisurely strolled inside. Ashryn was sitting in a chair that had been set up by Zena near the garden. I made my way up to her.

"Hey, Rayce. How's everything going?"

"It's going well," I said smiling at her.

"Someone came from the merchant association with a letter. Elias has it."

"I see. It should be the license."

"I see."

"Are you bored?"

"Haha, not really. But I'd like to go on a quest soon."

(Master, you need to go on a quest as well. Also we need to increase your circles soon. Your body has already adjusted to this world.)

(I-I see)

"Hmm, I want to go on a quest as well. Why don't we do that the day after tomorrow?"

"Can we? Alright! I'll find a good quest for us to take on."

"Alright. Come, lets go and have lunch. I've already asked the servants to prepare it."

"Okay!"

We went in and saw Revati coming up from the basement with Otien. We went inside the dining hall together.

While having lunch, I informed Revati about the dwarves and the property I was buying. She agreed that it was a good idea and that she couldn't wait to see the finished product. She told me to bring the dwarves to the mansion and that she'll show them the blueprint she had made for the machine. I agreed. They will be the ones working together so the sooner I introduce them, the better it will be.

We finished our lunch and went outside to bask in the sun that had reached high up in the sky.