Chapter 108: Home

I decided to follow Jill, who seemed willing to take my order. It seems like he’s going to gather all the details about the house they’re going to build.

He led me into a cluttered room in the back. This doesn’t seem like a place to receive clients.

“Hey, since I brought a customer, could you make some tea? Come this way, Yuta.”

Jill is so laid-back. The professional atmosphere of the architecture company outside has completely vanished, and now it feels like a carpenter’s workshop.

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

I want a wooden house, but the land of death has harsh environmental conditions. Without proper maintenance, it would deteriorate quickly. But I still want the warmth of wood. For now, two rooms would be enough for me, Sara, and the others. But it would be better to have some extra space and accommodate more people if needed.

“I want storage space and a total of five rooms. Additionally, a living room, kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. The exterior should be made of stone, while the interior should have a warm feel with abundant use of wood.”

“Hey, hey, that’s going to be quite big. Can your magic bag handle all the storage?”

“Don’t worry. It has a considerable capacity, so it won’t be a problem.”

“How much, specifically? It would be a disaster if it doesn’t fit.”

“Well, it will easily fit something of this size,” I said, referring to the building, which is just a little bigger than an Assault Dragon. It could even fit in the magic bag that was in the treasure chest, so there’s no problem.

“Hmm, that’s quite impressive. If you sell that magic bag, you can have a mansion in the Labyrinth City without going through all the trouble.”

That may be true, but I want a house in the land of death as my base. The Labyrinth City isn’t as comfortable, and I have no intention of selling the magic bag.

“Perhaps, but I’m really fond of the location where I want to build the house. I don’t plan on giving up.”

Even if zombies wander around and Wraiths and Ghosts start flying nearby, that place feels important to me. When you put effort into something yourself, you naturally develop an attachment to it.

“I see. Well, alright then. Let’s finalize the details.”

While sipping on the tea that was brought in, I discussed with Jill the kind of house I wanted, occasionally conveying requests from Dyne and Dolly. I had thought about getting a treehouse as well, but building just one house is already a huge undertaking. Maybe next time.

By the way, Bell and the others got bored and started playing tag inside the room. They were so excited just a while ago, saying, “Let’s play house.” Kids are fickle.

Dyne insisted that the bathroom should be spacious, and Dolly showed a preference for the quality of wood. Although it shouldn’t be used for a while, since it’s not a sanctuary.

“That should cover it. However, it’s going to be quite expensive. Do you have enough money?”

Indeed. I might have gotten carried away and made some whimsical requests. The size has become larger than planned, and the interior woodwork and magical tools are said to be expensive. I didn’t even know there were magical tools. It seems they are high-end items that weren’t available within my usual range of activities.

I’ve walked quite a bit in the Labyrinth City, but I haven’t stepped into any high-end shops, so I guess it can’t be helped. Anyway, I’ve decided to buy the tools to heat the bath and the magical toilet. They say the place where the house will be built will be leased from the store. It’s convenient not having to go to the construction site.

“How much will it cost in total?”

“Well, I can’t give you an exact estimate for everything, but it would be around 70 million eltos. Can you afford it?”

…I can afford it. But when you hear such a large amount of money, your heart starts pounding. Maybe I got a bit carried away.

Regardless of the land price, the cost for just the structure is quite substantial. Is it okay to decide now? I suddenly became sober when I heard the price, after being carried away by the momentum.

Calm down. Stay composed. …If I wholesale the herbs to Marie, I could buy three houses. I feel like it’s not a problem. Let’s go for it.

“There’s no problem. When should I make the payment?”

“Well, you’re an adventurer, right? In that case, we’ll need full upfront payment or a guarantor. And keep in mind that 70 million is just an estimate, so there might be some variation.”

It’s frustrating how adventurers are not trusted, but it’s a profession where it’s not uncommon to lose your life, so it’s only natural to take precautions. Just paying a deposit and having the house completed, only for the client to die or disappear, would be too risky.

“I understand. Then, here you go.”

I hand over seventy platinum coins.

“A quick decision, huh? Normally, people would take more time to think. You don’t look like it, but are you rich? …Well, never mind. I’ll make the contract, so keep the money safely.”

Well, that might be true considering the value of the herbs. It made me feel relieved. It’s a price I can afford even if things don’t go as planned.

“Understood. How long will it take until completion?”

“Hmm. With this size and the interior woodwork, I’d say around twenty days.”

“Is it going to be that quick?”

Normally, it takes months for a house to be completed. The bed I bought before took ten days, but a house in twenty days? It clearly doesn’t add up.

“Huh? Well, we have the materials, and our craftsmen are a group of dwarves. So it’s a piece of cake for us. Especially since your order doesn’t require intricate work or decorations, it won’t take much time. I’ll go make the contract, so wait a moment.”

Wow, this is like a fantasy. No, the real impressive ones are the dwarves. Now I’m really curious about elves and succubus.

“Oh, wait a moment. I want some hardware for installing two doors. Can I buy them here?”

“Hmm? Doors, huh? You can buy them here, but do you know the dimensions?”

Should I take the portable base and have them install the doors? That would be too exaggerated. Maybe I should buy slightly larger doors and adjust the base to fit them.

“If they’re single doors and slightly larger, there’s no problem. Please go for a subtle design.”

With the order finalized, I see Jill off as she walks away briskly.

“Yuta-chan, it looks like we’re going to have a nice house. I wonder where I should choose for my room?”

(There won’t be a room for Dyne this time since we have fewer rooms. I specifically said that once it becomes a sanctuary, we’ll build a bigger house. So please be patient until then.)

“Oh, that’s right. I should let Nomos know to do his best.”

Nomos seemed fired up about making alcohol, so I think he’s already doing his best even without being told.

Dyne and Dolly are getting excited about the house they’re going to build. But as I listen, they’re talking about troublesome things. I hope they don’t suggest running water through the house or anything like that. It’s not impossible, but I prefer a normal house.

While I’m adding comments to Dyne and Dolly’s conversation, I pass the time by observing Bell and the others. Eventually, Jill returns after taking quite some time.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Here’s the contract. The price has gone up a bit to 72 million eltos, including the door. Is that okay with you?”

“No problem.”

I sign the contract and make the payment. I unexpectedly managed to acquire my own home quite easily. In Japan, it’s even difficult to save up for a down payment.

…Ah, my hard-earned savings. I wonder how they’re doing now? If things were going to turn out like this, I should have spent my savings and enjoyed myself. The thought of my hard-earned savings being depleted strikes a blow to my heart. It’s dangerous to think about Japan.

I manage to gather myself and receive the door first. Since I might not be in the labyrinth city when the house is completed, I leave a message with the mighty-armed Torque’s inn and leave the shop.

(Phew, it took quite some time, so I should take a look at the furniture store and then return to the inn.)

I missed lunch, but it’s not a problem for anyone else except me. However, I want to make sure Bell and the others have a chance to eat since they’re looking forward to it.

“That’s right. Now that I have an idea of the kind of house Yuta-chan wants, Your Oneechan will find the perfect furniture for you.”

“That sounds good. I’ll help too.”

Dyne and Dolly are happily discussing things. They seem quite energetic. Even in another world, no matter how old they are, even if they’re spirits, women might still love shopping. In times like this, it’s best to remain silent and leave it to them.

I head to the furniture store where I bought beds for Sara and me. They don’t have beds, but they have quite a selection of furniture, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

I arrive at the furniture store and greet the old lady. I’ve been here four times in a short period, so the old lady seems to remember me. Well, I placed a detailed order when I bought my bed, so I feel like she remembers me from that time.

While I’m talking to the old lady, Dyne and Dolly are carefully examining the furniture to see if there’s anything suitable. And through me, a conversation starts between the old lady and Dyne and Dolly.

I thought it was best to remain silent, but in my case, it was impossible. The conversation couldn’t progress unless I spoke up.

Not only the items in the store but also the things the craftsmen at the furniture store can make and the materials, I ask detailed questions, and by the time the conversation finally ends, it’s almost dusk.

The old lady is still full of energy, but I’ve reached my limit. I can take a brief rest when a customer comes in.

I don’t know what sparked the old lady’s enthusiasm, but she’s passionately talking about furniture, and Dyne and Dolly are eagerly engaging in the conversation. I’m just repeating Dyne and Dolly’s words like a robot.

It was a mistake to send Bell and the others to play a while ago. They seemed bored, so it could have been a good excuse to wrap things up.

“Thank you for answering all my questions. When the house is completed, I’ll come to pick up the furniture I ordered.”

“Don’t worry about it. You ask sharp questions even though you seem uninterested, so I had fun too. If there’s anything lacking, come buy it again.”

“Yes, thank you.”

The sharp questions were actually asked by Dyne and Dolly. It’s not wrong to say that I seem uninterested. Since it’s my own house, I intended to choose the furniture with enthusiasm, but I got carried away by the women’s momentum.

No, actually, I was planning to just check out what kind of furniture they have. But somehow, I ended up placing an order.

“That was fun.”

“Yes, she had proper knowledge, and it was very informative.”

“That’s right. It also gave me some ideas for our rooms.”

Accompanied by cheerful Dyne and Dolly, I return to the inn. I want to play and be healed by Bell and the others. I receive the key from Martha and go to my room.

“Yuta, welcome back.”

“I’m back, Silphy. Thanks for accompanying Sara and the others. Did anything happen?”

“No, they seemed to be having fun. The adventurers heard rumors about you having a spirit escort, so they were afraid and didn’t come near. They only moved away when they noticed us.”

It’s true that having a great spirit as an escort makes it reasonable to keep a distance. After listening to Silphy’s story, I summon Bell and the others and play with them to my heart’s content, replenishing my energy. Now I can do my best tomorrow.