Nestled deep within the heart of the Temple of Luthernia lie a sacred chapel dedicated to the Goddess of Light. This grand temple was a labyrinth of devotion, adorned with various chapels where priests and priestesses engaged in daily rites and rituals. However, this certain chapel stood apart from the others. It was used solely by the Saintess of Luthernia and also served as an oracle chamber.

This sacred space was carefully guarded, entrusted to a select few holy knights, for those not directly chosen by the Goddess will receive divine retribution should they cross its threshold. This measure ensured that the Saintess remained protected and the holy revelations were kept safe from irresponsible disclosure.

The interior was surprisingly humble than other chapels. There were no pews, only red carpet that ran like a river of blood, leading to a magnificent pedestal. Upon this pedestal stood the statue of the Goddess, proud and tall in her splendor. The statue glowed with an ethereal light and her ever-smiling visage radiated a warm, welcoming blessing.

At the foot of this statue was the Saintess herself. She was deeply engrossed in fervent prayer, her delicate fingers clasping a pendant that glimmered softly in the ambient light. This ritual was more than an unwavering devotion; it was her life. As the Saintess of Luthernia, she was the pillar of faith in this capital and her “divine-touched” status made her prayer especially potent due to her connection and belief to the Goddess of Light.

However, her prayer carried a greater weight than usual. She focused her mind, determined to open the portal between mortal and sacred planes. Taken out from her robe was a vial of demon blood as a form of sacrifice, which was placed at the offering table in front of the pedestal. She attempted to reach out to the deity, seeking an audience through the statue.

Yet there was no response from the goddess, her prayer left unanswered.

She heaved a sigh, feeling lost and helpless.

The weight of her responsibility fell on her shoulders like a giant boulder, crushing her fragile mind and body. She was powerless in the face of turmoil that threatened the safety of the people. First was the mana leakage of unprecedented magnitude that she could not even identify and then a recent bombing that claimed several hundreds of innocent lives.

They managed to provide shelter and aid to the refugees, yet the uncertainty in this chain of events left everyone weary and paranoid. No one knew about the true cause of the tragedies that befell the farming towns beyond the border and they had to resort to petty tricks, such as labeling them as ‘demon attacks’.

The Saintess ceased her prayer, dejected and exhausted. Her title and responsibility took a toll on her health and mind.

“Oh, the Gods’ Chosen…” she whispered weakly. “When we need you the most, you vanished…”

===

“Welcome!” a bespectacled woman in uniform greeted a black-haired middle-aged man. From the looks of his clothes and mannerisms, he was definitely a commoner. She guessed he was likely a farmer or perhaps a craftsman, someone who toiled under the sun or in a workshop.

Yet, despite his friendly appearance, a nagging intuition told her that this man was not simple.

She sighed, pushing up her glasses as an attempt to calm her mind.

“Welcome to Luthernia Guild Hall! How may I serve you today?” she asked, putting on her most professional smile.

“Hello, I’m looking for a house…” his voice was steady but laced with uncertainty. “I was told that you handle almost anything…”

“…!” her interest piqued.

Looking for a house, he said?

While it was rare for a commoner to buy a house, it was shocking to see one coming through the door, declaring his intention outright. Commoners typically lived in shared housing thanks to the grace of the Temple, and the idea of buying a private house was way beyond their reach. It typically required years of saving, often spanning generations, to afford even a modest dwelling.

A wicked idea formed in her head. He looked so naïve and good-hearted. Surely, he wouldn’t object to pay… a little more fee for her own pocket?

“Certainly, sir…?” she looked at him expectantly, awaiting an answer.

“It’s Danaj.”

“Yes, Sir Danaj. What kind of house would you like?” sweetly, her voice dripping with feigned enthusiasm as she reached behind her for a document on a nearby shelf.

“I’m looking for a two-story house with a garden or field, preferably on the city's outskirts. I’m not sure if I can afford a house within the city walls hahaha.”

As she listened to him, a sense of disbelief struck her, halting her movements entirely. Slowly, she turned her head, green eyes locking with his brown ones—hers filled with alarm, while his radiated calmness.

“Sir, you are looking for a house beyond the border?!”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Her alarmed shout echoed in the reception area. Heads snapped in her direction, and the ambient murmur faded into an awkward silence. The tension in the room thickened as if everyone was suddenly aware that something significant was at stake.

“W-Why? Is there a problem? Are commoners no longer allowed to buy a house outside the city gates?”

“No! No, that’s not it, sir!” the receptionist exclaimed, her voice rising in urgency, “have you heard of the news? Demons attacked two towns beyond the gates yesterday! It is very chaotic and dangerous out there! And for your safety, we will not offer any property outside of the city walls.”

“Oh, my god! What a disaster… T-Then can you find me an affordable house for rent? I’d prefer something close to the temple if possible.”

“Oh, are you a priest?”

“Haha, no. I just feel safer with them nearby.”

“May I know what is your budget, sir?” she asked further. “For your information, renting a house monthly near the temple would be four hundred silver coins or four gold coins, fifteen silver if per day. Keep in mind that this price doesn’t cover water, food, or furnishings. Of course, the high cost of living is due to being within the temple’s perimeter and having two sick tickets for free examination and cure per month.”

Caught off guard, the man’s expression shifted from surprise to concern, “Oh, no that’s so expensive… I only have five gold pieces to buy a house. Please, is there a place I can buy but still within the city walls? Preferably under four golds?”

“Hmm, it would be tough, but let me see what I can find for you.”

She snickered inwardly. Of course she had sooo many options for him, including the temptation to pitch a haunted house at an exorbitant price. After all, this was an opportunity to take full advantage of an unsuspecting buyer.

===

[Host.] a familiar window appeared beside him.

[“I know.”] Zalstrahvi answered inwardly, looking at a transparent window above the receptionist’ head that clearly stated her intention to scam him, thinking of him as an easy target.

Even without The Eyes of Truth, he clearly understood what she was about to do, based on her reaction and behavior.

[You don’t want to say anything?]

[“Why? Being taken advantage of is also considered being a human, no? You told me to experience something new first hand and here I am doing exactly what you have told me.”]

The system did not say anything else, seemingly defeated.

“Unfortunately, sir, we don’t have anything close to that amount in the city center, but…” she trailed off, flipping the documents far back, revealing several paintings of old house amongst lush golden wheat farms. “We have these three houses no one is interested in. They are still within the city walls but quite far from the city center, so you need to walk a few kilometers to reach a temple-managed farm and market nearby to buy supplies, and additional kilometers to reach the city center.”

His eyes fell on one of the houses. The location was pretty ideal for him, far enough from the city center to live without being disturbed by noises and within walking distance of one of the perimeter gates. It was made of wood, clearly indicating its usage as a house for commoners. Dwellings made of wood were cheap to build and maintain, yet definitely at risk of flame—unlike the brick or stone mansions and houses nobles and the upper society resided in.

“I’ll take this one,” he tapped on a painting with a small smile. “I like the design, and the lawn adds a touch of tranquility.”

“Excellent choice, sir,” she beamed, closing the book in a smooth movement. Her arm reached below the counter and with a practiced ease, she produced a neatly folded property purchase form, its parchment crisp and barely creased, and passed it to him without delay.

Her eyes darted around as if she was searching for hidden observers, then slowly inched closer, whispering, “For your information, sir, a two-story house with a spacious lawn like this typically goes for around 6 to 7 gold pieces. However, I can make an exception for you because you appear to be a hardworking and honest man. For you, it will be exactly 4 gold pieces.”

Oh, here it comes, he thought inwardly.

“Oh, I didn’t realize that was the case! Then I will gladly accept your offer,” he replied, masking the amusement in his voice with genuine appreciation. “Thank you so much.”

“Then, please stamp here,” she pointed at a designated space on the form meant for the buyer's signature while handing him the buyer’s stamp. His eyes glanced at the document on her hands.

The language remained the same as 600 years ago.

“…” he received the stamp in silence, passing her the usual apathetic yet curious look before a mask of kindness took over his expression.

Instead of suggesting he read through the document, she pushed him to seal the deal without knowing anything. It seemed she genuinely believed that as a commoner, he couldn’t possibly read or comprehend the document, thus deemed him unable to write or sign his own name.

He secretly flashed an evil smile.

“Here you go. Stamp it like this, right?” he passed the document to her. She acted as if she was meticulously scrutinizing every detail.

“Yes! This is perfect. We will inform the property owner shortly to notify them that their property has been sold. Congratulations on your new home!”

She placed the stamped form inside a sphere-like device that floated gracefully above the counter. It had a smooth surface and a slit in the center where the document slid effortlessly inside. The sphere flashed for a moment before ejecting two identical documents.

“…may I ask what is that?” he pointed at the curious object.

“Oh, this is called copy sphere, which functions exactly like the name implies; it creates duplicates of important documents.”

She gathered two newly ejected forms and stored them inside an important-looking drawer. The original document was then handed back to him. “Please keep this purchase form safe. Don’t lose it as it proves your ownership of the property you just bought. The two copies of this form will go to us and the owner. Once again, congratulations! Would you like to be escorted there and be shown around, perhaps?”

He shook his head, a polite smile on his face. “Oh, no, it’s okay. I wouldn’t want to impose on a guild hall employee any further.”

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out four gold coins and placed them on the counter. Leaning in closer, his expression shifted slightly as he whispered something to her, his voice dropping into a lower, almost sinister tone.

“...enjoy your pocket money, Livry.”

Straightening up, he resumed his previous jovial demeanor and turned to leave.

The receptionist’s eyes widened in disbelief and shock, realizing that she was caught red-handed by the man she thought to be innocent and trusting. Several moments later, a rush of adrenaline and fear compelled her to spring into action, and she dashed after him. With this information, he could report her to the authorities or even blackmail her! She was truly at the mercy of that commoner!

“W-Wait, please!!”

However, the moment she opened the guild hall entrance door, the short-haired man was nowhere to be found. The bustling crowd outside continued about their day—unaware of the unexpected interaction that had just happened within the guild hall.