Chuck had a lot on his mind. He had a banquet to attend in two short weeks that he wasn’t looking forward to. He had nothing appropriate to wear to said banquet. The governor had given him his first month’s stipend, but he had no idea how much it was since he wasn’t familiar with the currency. Heck, he didn’t even know how many days were in a month or how long a year was in this world. He felt he needed to start school all over again just to learn the common sense of this world. It would be nice to be able read the language as well. Chuck was now riding with Fol who was personally showing him to his new house. It was supposed to be near the governor’s mansion. He would have preferred if it was a little closer to the alchemy guild. There were a few ideas he wanted to run past the guild and some projects he wanted them to work on. His pickup and other items were sure to elicit a ton of questions as well. Chuck wasn’t going to complain about a free house though.
As they rode in the carriage, Chuck asked Fol where the bugs had come from. Evidently the survey team was exploring a cave when a hole opened up and the bugs started pouring out. Half the team was killed and the bugs chased the survivors to the nearby outpost. Fol said Feli was recalling some of the territorial troops to kill the bugs. They had only gone a few blocks when they stopped in front of a tan two story house. There was a low stone wall around the property and the yard was a little overgrown. There was a stable next to the house but it wouldn’t be big enough to fit the pickup. It looked like there was enough room to build something bigger if he tore down the stable. Chuck would have to put that on his to do list. Fol said the previous owner was arrested for treason and executed. The property was then seized by the governor. Chuck didn’t know what to think about that but followed Fol inside nonetheless.
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There was a layer of dust on everything and it looked like most of the furnishings had been left behind. All the furniture was oversized but he could make do for now. There was a kitchen, dining room, one bedroom, and a bathroom on the first floor. There were three bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor. Chuck didn’t know what he would do with so many bedrooms. It was a good problem to have though. There was a large fireplace on the first floor and an overgrown garden area behind the house. Fol wished him luck and told Chuck he would see him at the banquet before leaving. Chuck had brought his bag with him so threw it on the dining room table and poked around for cleaning supplies. Luckily he found some in a first floor closet. He opened all the windows and started cleaning.
It took him a couple hours but he finished cleaning both floors. The cupboard and what he assumed was a magical refrigerator were empty. The stove appeared to be magical as well and he didn’t know how to work either of them. It would be nice to have a maid or someone who knew what they were doing. Chuck didn’t know if he could afford to hire one or even how to go about it. He was at least able to figure the sink out. He didn’t know if it was magic as well or where the water came from but it worked. The first thing he would need was food. Fol had told him where the nearest grocery and general goods stores were. Chuck didn’t feel nearly as confident walking on the streets by himself so put on his hooded poncho. He grabbed a few coins out of the bag he had been given and put it and his pack in a closet in the first floor bedroom. He wished he had a safe or something to put the money in. Chuck thought about bringing everything with him but he was afraid of being robbed on the street. He locked the house behind him, using the key Fol had given him. It was time to explore the city.