Isabella’s Alternative

“Why don’t you want me to buy a house?”

I asked calmly. I thought Isabella must have a reason for saying this.

“First of all, there aren’t many houses you can buy in the Labyrinth City with the 200 gold I brought. You said you were thinking of a house on the outskirts of the city, right?”

“That’s right.”

“You won’t be able to find a good house even there. The housing prices in the Labyrinth City are really beyond imagination.”

“How much do houses on the outskirts cost?”

“At least 150 gold. Depending on the size, it can go up to 250 gold. Considering the location, it’s an absurdly high price.”

It was certainly unreasonably expensive.

“Additionally, for houses on the outskirts, land managers are likely to refuse occupancy except in certain areas.”

“Because we’re adventurers? Oh. Let’s continue this conversation over there.”

A plaza appeared as we were walking down the street. We sat side by side on a bench there.

“To continue what I was saying, yes. Adventurers are a profession that citizens particularly dislike.”

Although the Labyrinth City was entirely sustained by adventurers, paradoxically, it was also the least welcomed profession.

Well, that was because there weren’t many normal people among adventurers. It would be strange if someone who risked their life exploring the unknown had a completely sound mind.

“In the end, they’ll likely introduce us to streets where only adventurers live, even within the outskirts….”

“Then there would essentially be no difference from living near the labyrinth.”

“Exactly. And it might even be more dangerous. The fact that people go through the trouble of living there means they all have their reasons.”

That was problematic. What was our original reason for not wanting to live near the labyrinth? It was all because of security.

But if there was no difference, this was certainly an issue that needed more consideration.

“So what would you prefer? You must have an alternative in mind to bring this up?”

“Yes.”

Isabella nodded confidently.

“I would like you to rent a house, Master.”

“Rent….”

It’s not that I hadn’t thought about it. I just concluded that buying would be better than having monthly payments.

“Why do you suggest this?”

“Firstly, the biggest reason is that we can’t buy a house that would satisfy you with the money we have.”

“What kind of house do you think I want to buy?”

I was curious about this.

“You’re planning to give each of us our own room, aren’t you?”

“What makes you think that?”

“When I entered your inn room, I noticed you and Senior Inis use separate beds. So I thought perhaps you respect your slaves’ privacy.”

I smiled at Isabella’s deduction.

“That’s right. I plan to give each of you a room.”

“Really?”

Inis, who had been quietly listening, asked with wide eyes.

“Yes. Don’t you like that too?”

“I’d be fine sleeping with you, Master. No, I think I’d prefer that actually….”

“Personally, I would prefer to have my own room. I tend to prefer being alone. Ah, of course, that doesn’t mean I dislike being with you, Master!”

Isabella hastily waved her hands and made excuses.

“I understand. So what are the other reasons for renting?”

“Secondly, it’s for mobility and safety. There’s a street not far from the labyrinth that city guards patrol frequently. If we live there, it would be good for both travel and security.”

“Such a place exists?”

“Yes. Plus, there’s a city carriage stop, making it very convenient to travel to other streets.”

In simple terms, it meant a prime location with good transportation.

“That certainly sounds good. Are there other reasons?”

After that, Isabella continued to argue for renting by citing various reasons. I was already convinced, but I listened quietly out of curiosity about what she would say.

‘Nobles with education are certainly different.’

I glanced slightly at Inis sitting beside me. She was absentmindedly watching passersby. She looked like she had absolutely no thoughts.

“Why are you looking at me?”

Sensing my gaze, she immediately met my eyes. It was truly ghost-like perception.

“…Nothing.”

“So what do you think, Master?”

“Alright. Let’s go with renting.”

“Thank you!”

Isabella bowed her head with a bright face.

“I should be the one thanking you.”

Perhaps due to memories of living in Korea, I had become somewhat fixated on real estate. For a young person living in Seoul, owning a home was nothing short of a lifelong goal.

If Isabella hadn’t opposed my opinion, I might have bought a subpar house.

“Shall we go look at houses right away?”

“Yes.”

It was best to proceed immediately once such discussions arose. If postponed, it would be endlessly delayed.

“Let’s go.”

“I’ll contract for this house.”

To cut to the chase, Isabella was extremely helpful. After hearing my conditions, she immediately went to the land manager and found a house.

“Understood. Then let’s proceed with drafting the contract.”

The land manager nodded with a tired face. Judging by his relieved attitude, Isabella must have been quite demanding.

“Here is the contract. Please check it thoroughly and sign.”

I took the document handed by the man and checked it. Confirming there were no issues, I passed it to Inis first.

“Check it.”

It never hurt to double-check these things. Inis read the text with a serious face and then handed it to Isabella.

“It seems fine to me.”

She said cautiously. Judging by her lack of confidence, she wasn’t entirely sure.

All of our attention turned to Isabella. She glared at the document with a furrowed brow, and soon nodded.

“It seems fine to me as well.”

At those words, the land manager let out a deep sigh. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. Indeed, not just anyone can be a public servant.

“Good. Then, please sign.”

As he said, I picked up the fountain pen. But I felt a strange energy. I frowned slightly.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. By any chance, is this item from the contract demon?”

“That’s correct. We use such items when proceeding with contracts like this. But why do you ask?”

“No reason.”

I shook my head and signed.

“Good. With this, the contract is complete. I hope you live well in that house. Please note that if rent is late, the guard force will be dispatched immediately.”

“Understood.”

I shook hands with the land manager. He bowed and went outside. I sighed deeply and leaned back in my chair.

“Are you tired?”

“Yes. This isn’t an easy task either.”

Trying to find a house in a single day had drained a lot of my energy. It seemed like we should return to the inn and rest for today.

“Let’s go back.”

“Yes.”

We got up and left the building. We walked down the street and entered the inn. There, we saw Muffin’s face.

“You’re back early today?”

She glanced at the time and spoke with a bright smile.

“Yes. We didn’t enter the labyrinth today.”

“What would you like to order?”

“Stew and grilled meat. And a mug of beer each.”

“Understood~”

“Ah. Wait a moment.”

I took out ten silver coins from my pocket and handed them to her. Muffin received them and widened her eyes.

“What’s all this for?”

“Could you get us an extra room? We need a place to stay just for tonight.”

“…Are you planning to change inns? And this is too much for a single night’s rent?”

“I’m not changing inns, I’ve found a separate house. Since I have more slaves now, that seemed more convenient. Ah. Keep the change. It’s the last tip I’m giving you.”

Muffin nodded.

“I understand. But it’s a bit sad. There’s no one as kind as you….”

“You just miss the good tipper, don’t you?”

“I won’t deny it.”

She smiled slightly and turned around. She headed straight to the kitchen and soon returned with food.

“That’s a lot.”

“You said you’re leaving. So this is on the house. Dad says eat as much as you want and drink as much as you want.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it. Considering all the tips I’ve received, this is minimal.”

Muffin said with a smile.

“But I’m glad. Leaving because you found a house means you’re leaving on good terms, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I think you’re the first adventurer I’ve seen leave on such good terms. Most lose a limb and are forced into retirement. Or they just disappear without a trace.”

Given the nature of the adventurer profession, that was unavoidable.

“Ah. Was I talking too much? I’m just sad to see you go… Enjoy your meal. I’ll withdraw now.”

She waved and disappeared back into the kitchen.

“Isabella, you really worked hard today. Inis, you worked hard too.”

“It’s nothing. It’s only natural as a slave.”

“But I didn’t do anything?”

I smiled and stroked Inis’s head. She wasn’t wrong.

“Now, let’s eat and drink to our heart’s content today. Especially you, Isabella. It’s your welcome party, so eat a lot. Understand?”

“Yes!”

Isabella said with a bright smile.

“Ugggh….”

Isabella made a stupid sound with her head on the table. Inis and I watched her blankly.

“Master. What should we do about this?”

“Let’s go upstairs.”

I had no idea she would be this weak to alcohol. To think she’d end up like this after just three mugs of beer. In the future, it would be better to either limit her or not let her drink at all.

“How are you going to arrange the rooms?”

“You and Isabella sleep together. I’ll sleep alone for a change.”

“…Yes.”

Inis answered, sounding disappointed.

I knew what she was hoping for, but I was tired today. Besides, it felt a bit awkward to do such things with Isabella around.

Inis supported Isabella as they climbed the stairs. When they reached the end of the corridor, I slightly opened the door for them.

Whoosh-

Upon entering the room, she immediately threw Isabella onto the bed. Inis sighed deeply and sat on the empty bed.

“Good job.”

“It’s nothing. It wasn’t that hard.”

“Then sleep well. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes. Good night, Master.”

I waved my hand and went out into the corridor. I searched for my room with the key Muffin had given me.

Creak-

The size of the room was neither too big nor too small. It had a similar feel to the first room I had used.

Click-

I locked the door and took off my robe. After removing all my equipment, I lay flat on the bed and was about to fall asleep when.

Knock knock-

Someone knocked on my door.

‘Is it Inis?’

Did she come looking for me out of disappointment? Just in case, I put on my robe, grabbed a dagger, and approached the door.

“Who is it?”

“Oppa, it’s me, Muffin. Could you open the door for a moment?”

“Muffin?”

I put the dagger back in the drawer and pulled the handle. As the door slowly opened and her figure became visible, I couldn’t help but freeze in place.