Chapter 36 Home is Where The Heart is

Eznho and Budoy wore fur coats while they traveled towards the middle district entrance. Budoy was like a tour guide and was enthusiastic to introduce every place they passed by which added to Eznho’s knowledge. The further they went inside, the place started to become more organized and the buildings were designed decently. People were somewhat neat and tidy and it was rare to see a person who wore dirty and ragged clothing.

Finally, they reached the bridge entrance that connected the outer from the middle. A tower was erected where some guards in full armor were keeping watch. A line of people and carriages were waiting while the guards inspected each and everyone. The duo joined the queue and waited for their turn. A man was even arrested when he tried to use a fake residency badge.

“Tsk, stupid plebians who think they can trick their way inside,”

A young man in a fancy white fur coat who was riding a three-meter-long white direwolf snorted in disdain when he saw the scene. It was obvious he came from a rich background, upon arrival he did not line up and directly went to the gate and the guards did not even bother to inspect him after showing a badge. A look of envy could be seen from everyone including Eznho and Budoy.

“Truly the rich and powerful can do anything they want,”

Eznho felt dejected while looking at the young man.

“Don’t worry big brother, I know you can achieve that one day,”

Budoy commented when he saw Eznho’s reaction. Eznho just smiled back and did not comment, they waited for a little over thirty minutes before their turn.

“Purpose of going in the middle district?” the guard asked casually.

“To buy a house,” Eznho answered back.

“Hmmm? Any proof of the ability to buy one?”

The guard was a little surprised when he saw how young Eznho and Budoy were.

“Will this do?” Eznho was straightforward and brought out his bank card.

“Yup, Just open it up and let me scan if you really have the money. The minimum amount needed is five thousand gold coins. An entrance fee of a hundred gold coins each is needed, of course, if you acquire your residency you can come and go as you like.”

The guard briefly explained and brought out a thin rectangular metal that had formation runes on it. Eznho placed and his card above it while scanning his thumbprint. His remaining balance was a little under nine thousand gold coins and the two hundred gold coins for the entrance fee was deducted.

That much? How rich is this city?

Eznho was taken aback by the number of gold coins needed just to enter the district. He could only imagine how money the city generates every day.

“Okay, all good, you can go. Make sure not to cause any trouble inside and not fall into the river.” The guard did not delay them any longer and gave them some sort of a ticket.

Eznho entered the large opened gates together with Budoy but he did not expect the bridge to be just a simple brick bridge. The architecture was so simple, it looked like a normal twenty-meter wide bridge. Eznho was a little bit skeptical but he continued to walk and went to the side where he could clearly see the frozen river below.

He was shocked when he saw a rather large shadow passing by under the bridge, he estimated the length to be at least fifteen meters long but he could not clearly see the shape.

“What was that?” He blurted out.

“Aquatic beast,” Budoy responded with a serious tone.

“No wonder people are only allowed to use the bridge,” Eznho inhaled heavily while looking at the frozen river.

“Of course, if people tried to cross the river, they would end up as food for the beasts,”

Budoy spoke with fear in his eyes, he pictured the river being dyed red by blood. They walked for a short period of time, the bridge was only a hundred metes long. They saw a similar tower and they easily passed when they presented their ticket.

Upon entering the gates, they were awed by the scenery. The streets were clean and there were no vendors scattered around. The buildings were designed beautifully, everything was neat, you could feel the presence of law and order.

People passing by were wearing luxurious clothes, carriages were being pulled by beasts. Some palanquin were even being carried by a group of people. The duo stood there in shock, all they could think about was how people here lived in luxury while the outer district was like a slum. It took some time for them to adjust their mentality, it was already lunchtime so they needed a place to eat and they also needed information.

They immediately found a restaurant named Good Taste Restaurant. It was a three-story building, the first floor was full so they had to go to the second floor but with an extra payment. They were shocked by the prices, the lowest dish cost five gold coins. They could only close their eyes as they ordered.

I would not even survive here for a year if I don’t find a source of income.

Eznho was smiling bitterly while trying to think of a way to earn money.

“No wonder only the rich and nobles live here,” Budoy spoke in a soft voice while observing his surroundings.

“You’re right, we should probably start looking for jobs. By the way, have you tried cultivating?”

Eznho was a bit curious, basing on his observation, Budoy was a stronger than the other kids with the same age.

“I tried, but they said I don’t have the talent and my body cannot absorb heavenly energy,” Budoy answered with a downcast face.

“Don’t worry, cultivation is not everything.” Eznho tried to console Budoy.

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The food came moments later bringing a mouthwatering aroma. Both of their stomachs started to grumble.

“Let’s hope it’s worth it,” Budoy commented and took his first bite.

Yum! This kind of food exists?

He uncontrollably smiled while chewing and tasting the food. It was the most delicious food he had ever tasted.

“This is worth it,”

He could not help but exclaim, Eznho nearly laughed when he saw Budoy’s reaction but restrained himself. Tasting the food also brought him joy but he behaved himself and did not act like Budoy.

“Phew, I am stuffed. I could eat in here every day,” Budoy spoke with delight as he tapped his bulging stomach.

“Do you have the money to spend?” Eznho asked teasingly.

“Well, that would be up to you right, ‘big brother’” Budoy retorted with a mischevious look.

“Hmph, what do you think of me? Your personal bank?” Enzho answered back.

.....

After digesting their food, they walked out of the restaurant and headed for the Land Distribution Office after confirming its location. It was located about ten kilometers from the restaurant, places could easily be found due to the proper arrangement of and construction of establishments and roads.

The office building was large, there were four imposing red columns in front of it. A signboard was hanging by the entrance indicating the name of the establishment. Two intimidating guards were stationed beside the door. Ezhno and Budoy composed themselves and entered.

The hall was wider than it looks from the outside, it could easily accommodate hundreds or even thousands of people. A good-looking female attendant in a red dress immediately met them with a charming smile.

“How may I help you, young sirs?” She inquired.

“Uhmmmm, we-we are here to buy a house,” Eznho got a little stiff.

“Okay, follow me,”

The attendant invited them with an amicable smile and ordered someone to take off their fur coats. People who are able to buy houses in the district usually have deep pockets. They were taken into a small room where a middle-aged man was sitting.

“They are here to buy a house,”

The female attendant announced and immediately departed after giving the duo a seductive smile which made them blush.

“Good afternoon, young sirs, please take a seat. My name is Jones, I am one of the land distributors. How may I address the both of you.”

The middle-aged man stood and greeted with respect.

“Thank you, my name is Eznho and he is my little brother Budoy,” Eznho answered courteously.

“Good names, are you new here?” Jones inquired.

“Yes senior, we just arrived from far away,” Enzho answered vaguely.

“Okay, so what kind of house are you looking for?”

Jones sensed that Eznho wasn’t willing to talk about his background so immediately got to the point.

“Just a little one, there is only a few of us so, I don’t need a big house,”

Eznho answered honestly which made Jones a little disappointed but did not show it. This transaction would not give him a lot but it was still money so he maintained his good attitude, besides, he did not know their background.

“You’re in luck, someone a while ago just posted his residency for sale. Small houses are rarely being sold these days, if you don’t buy it now somebody will. What do you say?”

Eznho was delighted when he heard the good news, he was kinda pessimistic about it. After all, the cheapest house would be the most sought after by people.

“Ahem, may I know the details?” Eznho tried to hide his excitement.

“The price is five thousand gold coins plus five hundred as a registration fee with a total of five thousand five hundred gold coins. The house could hold ten people with ease and comfort, this type of house should be worth more than this but the owner is in a rush to sell it. You are really lucky, What say you?” Jones smiled while explaining.

Over five thousand! And that is the cheapest?

The duo was once again shocked by how pricey the houses were, they did not expect this kind of price. But at least this price comes with security and safety, that’s what mattered the most for Eznho.

“Can we at least see the house first?”

“Sure, no problem.” Jones brought out a scroll and opened it.

A formation lit up and showed a small hologram of a courtyard. The size was approximately two hundred meters squared. The space was wide enough for the four of them to stay in. It had a fountain and a garden that could be used by his aunt and little Aiza as a recreational activity.

Wow! This is worth it!

Eznho was amazed and immediately had the urge to buy it straight away but he restrained himself and showed a calm demeanor.

“What do you think?” He casually asked Budoy.

“Hmm, it’s barely passable but it will do for now.”

Budoy answered nonchalantly but deep inside he was also excited to live in such a house. Eznho thought for a while before answering.

“Okay, we’ll take it,”

“Haha, good, good, you have made the right decision.”

Jones was quite happy to easily dispose of this house when not even a day has passed since it was up for sale. They immediately proceeded with the process and the house title was transferred under Eznho’s name.

“Now that all is done, I must remind you about a few things, you can only acquire ten residency badge. With this badge, the holder can come and go inside the middle district without much restriction. If a badge is missing, please report it immediately as to avoid people sneaking in. The badges are blank right now, all you have to do is press your thumb for identification. Make sure not to lose the blank ones, please. Also, the scroll that I have given to you is your proof of ownership, you can keep it to yourself or you can go to the bank and put it in there, up to you. Every year you have to pay five hundred gold coins as a form of registration. This year is paid for you so you don’t have to worry about it, for now, you can pay it by bulk if you want, for example, you pay a thousand and you don’t have to bother paying for two years.”

Five hundred a year? Why didn’t you say earlier? Arg!

Eznho felt helpless as he tried thinking of a way to earn money while Jones patiently explained.

“As for the other details, such as laws and regulations you can read it at home. If you have any questions, you can come here anytime. You can start moving in tomorrow, any more questions?”

“Uhmmmm, none, for now, thank you,”

Despite the large sum being spent, Eznho was excited to go back and announce the good news. The duo bowed and left Jones who continued to do his job. They bought food on their way home which they shared with Minchin and little Aiza.

The most excited one was little Aiza who was jumping around and started to pack her things right away. She could not wait to go and transfer to their new home. Eznho was quite satisfied with the result and so after dinner, everyone packed their things and got ready for tomorrow.

The same night, Eznho could not sleep and was unable to decide what he should do next. He was still hesitant whether to continue his cultivation or just live a simple life. But on the other hand, it would be hard for them to earn money to sustain a good living condition inside the middle district. What he needed now was guidance.

Knock! Knock!

He was jolted back to reality when a somebody knocked on the door.

“Come in,” He wondered who could it be.

“Little Ez,” Minchi slowly opened the door and showed a doting smile.

“Aunt, do you need anything?” Eznho was confused by the visit.

“Little Ez, we need to talk,” Minchin answered with a serious tone.

“What is it about aunt?” Eznho got up and sat on his bed.

Minchin did not answer and went to the bedside and sat down, then looked at Eznho with worry.

“What are you planning to do from now on? I know living in the middle district would need a lot of money. How do you plan to sustain it? I can work but I am sure it will not be enough,”

Eznho let out a big sigh when he heard the question.

“Honestly, aunt I don’t know what to do right now,”

“Little Ez, you don’t have to burden yourself that much, we can always go back to Sin City,”

Minchin tried to console him, he could feel Eznho’s hardship.

“I know aunt Minchin, but I don’t want to live under someone's foot anymore. I don’t want us to live like stray dogs who the rich and powerful could do anything they want against us. The only thing I want is for you and the others to live happily and peacefully and I think we can achieve it by living in the middle district. It would not be easy for anyone to bully us anymore,”

Eznho answered with determination.

“I know it would hard to keep this up without sufficient money but I have a way, it’s just that I don’t know if it is the right thing to do. Tell me, aunt, am I a bad person?”

He became emotional and looked at her aunt in the eyes.

“What are you talking about? Of course not!” Minchin was taken aback and hugged Eznho tightly.

“You can tell me anything little Ez,” She could see the confusion in Eznho’s eyes and she wanted to help him.