Tyrone was the strangest name SJ had heard for an orc. Jay's friend was dressed in similar clothing to those at the wagonistas in Killic: a bright, crisp linen shirt and dark cotton pants, with the addition of a cloak. His cloak was made of shimmering material, and his dress reminded her of magicians, who only had the top hat missing.
"Tyrone, this is SJ."
"Hello, Tyrone," SJ said, shaking his hand. "This is Cristy."
Smiling broadly, Tyrone took Cristy's hand. "Princess Cristy, I assume?"
Cristy giggled in response. "No, just Cristy."
"I would have sworn you were a princess," Tyrone grinned. "Jay didn't give me any details apart from asking about various prices. Can I ask what you are after exactly?"
"To be honest, I am not sure exactly myself yet. The only stipulation I have is that it requires yard space to allow for barrel manufacturing and easy access for collection."
Tyrone had a fine white strip of a beard which hung from his chin, and he stroked it thoughtfully. "Umm. There are a few places which may suit those needs. What is your rental price range?"
"I think you misunderstood. I want to buy outright, including the deed."
"Oh," Tyrone's smile grew broader, if possible. "How much is your budget?"
"I won't know until I see the right property. If you can, just show me what you have that meets those basic needs."
"Of course. There are only two properties currently for sale that would meet the requirement. One is towards the outer wall, the other towards the inner wall. Which would you like to see first?"
"Which is the nearest?"
"Let's go to the outer wall first."
Jumping in the cart, Tyrone directed Jay to the first property. As they approached the outer wall, the streets naturally narrowed, and the corner where the building was situated was tight. Although it could accept a wagon for collection, it was not the easiest to access. SJ had made her mind up as they approached.
"This won't do, sorry," SJ said.
"Do you not wish to look around? It is a three-bed property with a large yard area."
"No, thank you. Let's see the other one."
Tyrone looked slightly hurt at not being able to show SJ around but directed Jay back towards the inner wall area of District 11. The property faced the inner wall along the wide street around the outside of the whole inner wall.
"This property may not look all it is," Tyrone warned as they approached.
The building was three storeys high. The ground floor had a set of double doors and a single door to the side. Climbing from the cart, Tyrone walked to the single door.
"Please," Tyrone said, standing to the side, allowing them in. Jay had parked the cart outside the broad street and joined them inside.
Entering through the door led into a hallway, and halfway down, a set of stairs began. To the right of the door was another single door. Tyrone took out another key and opened the door. While lacking a yard area, the building had a space equivalent to a triple garage. The double doors at the front led into an area where at least three or four wagons could be positioned well. The area was twice the size of Yawnee and Lurtew's yard space. A row of wooden benches along the rear of the garage area would be perfect for them to store all their tools.
Nodding appreciatively, SJ returned to the hall and went up the stairs. The stairs opened into a landing area with three doors coming off it. At the rear was the kitchen area, and to SJ's surprise, it overlooked a small patio area filled with potted plants. Other buildings enclosed two sides, with a high stone wall on the third. A door opened at the end of the kitchen to reveal a set of wooden steps leading to the small yard.
The other two rooms on the floor were an office area and a lounge, which stretched across the front of the building. The building was also on a corner plot, allowing for extra windows. A set of stairs directly above the first set led to the next floor, which held a bathroom and two bedrooms.
"Does the property have running water and waste?" SJ asked.
"It does," Tyrone said.
"Including hot?"
"Ah, no. Unfortunately, if you wish for hot water, you must enquire at the mage guild. They can supply you a monthly fee to maintain the correct mana levels."
There was a narrower set of steps leading up again on this floor. SJ climbed the stairs and was met by a single door. The door opened into a single large room. It reminded SJ of a studio apartment. The roof of the building slanted down one side, yet not at a height to impact a standard-sized humanoid. There was also a balcony at the front, and SJ crossed the room and walked outside. The balcony allowed for a clear view over the inner wall.
The building was perfect for what she wanted. Turning to look at Tyrone in the eyes, she said, "How much?"
Tyrone couldn't help but smile. "This property requires a deposit of fifteen gold, and then payback rates can be confirmed depending upon how long you wish to pay."
"I think you are mistaken again, Tyrone. How much to buy it outright now?"
Tyrone wasn't used to dealing with the statement about paying for the building outright. His expression told the story: "Erm, the value in Asterfal is 45 gold."
"I assume you get a commission on sales?"
"Yes."
"So you normally get a commission on the 15 gold initial sale value?"
Tyrone frowned, "Yes, why?"
"If I purchased the building now, I assume the commission you make would be much higher than normal then?"
SJ could notice the colour in Tyrone's cheeks as he answered. "Yes. It would be much higher than normal."
"I assume you do not often sell buildings like this outright?"
"No, not often."
"If I paid you forty gold now for this building, do you think the seller would accept it? Rather than waiting for their money on payments."
"I can't answer for certain, but I guess they may."
"How long would it take you to confirm?"
"I should be able to contact the owner and ask."
"Well, what are you waiting for then?"
Tyrone stood still momentarily before turning in a flourish and disappearing down the stairs as fast as he dared. SJ understood enough about the trade and sales of Amathera from conversations with Zigferd and Alice about how many of the more expensive items were sold. It was like the wagonistas with payments. Paying outright for something was always the most viable option.
The building would be perfect for SJ's plans. She was currently level 19, and as soon as she reached level 20, she could create a second portal. That meant she could port directly to Asterfal as needed and always port back to Farleck cottage. She couldn't return to the Killic cottage without using another soul stone, but flying from Farleck to Killic didn't take too long. Also, the balcony was perfect. She would use the top floor and have the balcony to come and go without worrying about being seen by anyone. It faced towards the inner wall even better, with no buildings looking over it.
Yawnee and Lurtew could live downstairs and complete their work as required, rent-free as long as they maintained the place. This didn't bother SJ and made her happier that someone was living there normally.
"This place is huge," Jay said once Tyrone had left.
"It is perfect. Cristy, do you think Yawnee and Lurtew would live here?"
Cristy giggled. "Oh, yes. It's perfect."
They headed back downstairs, chatting about the various features of the property while waiting for Tyrone to return. A while later, puffing, Tyrone arrived back at the house.
"I have spoken to the owner. It was a strange conversation. I told them you had offered forty now, and they immediately said no less than forty-three. When I explained you were a fae from the tower, he laughed. He said you have met and would let you have it for forty."
"Who is it?" SJ asked.
"I can't divulge my client's name, but he said if you asked, he said to say Kylian." Tyrone looked confused.
SJ turned and looked at Jay, who shrugged in response. Dash was Jay's old and now Kylian's promoter, who was the only person SJ had met with any relation to Kylian. The chances of her buying a property that belonged to one of the fight promoters in a city the size of Asterfal was a sign of good fortune.
"So, when can I transfer the deeds?"
"If you return to the office with me, you can sign all the paperwork and transfer the deeds now."
"Excellent, let's go then," SJ said.
They left the building, locked the door, and returned to Tyrone's office. Tyrone didn't stop talking the whole time, and she could hear the excitement in his voice. His office was no more than a single room with a small shop front. Jay waited outside while SJ discussed the last details with Tyrone and paid the forty gold. Tyrone's eyes bulged at seeing so much gold in one go, and he quickly locked it in a small chest. Handing the deed over to SJ, he allowed the transference, and the details and names were changed on the deed.
"Congratulations! You are now the successful owner of one of the finest properties in Asterfal," Tyrone beamed.
"Thank you. All I need now are the keys," SJ smiled.
Tyrone flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry," he stammered, digging the keys from his pocket.
"Thank you," SJ said, taking them and adding them to her inventory. SJ stood to leave, and Tyrone walked her outside back to the cart.
"Please, if you need anything else, let me know," he said, waving as Jay moved the cart off. Tyrone continued grinning and waving until they turned a corner.
"He was nice," Cristy said.
"Only because he called you princess," SJ said.
"No. He was nice anyway. The princess's comment was just a bonus."
Rolling her eyes at Cristy, SJ chuckled. "Let's let Yawnee and Lurtew know they have a new home.
"Can they really live there?" Cristy asked.
"As long as they want to," SJ smiled.
"Thank you, SJ," Cristy said as a tear formed in her eye.
"Anything for family, remember?" SJ said.
Cristy threw her arms around her and hugged her, and SJ returned the sentiment.
Arriving back at their home, Cristy couldn't hold back the excitement. Babbling at the pair of them as the door was opened.
"What do you mean?" Yawnee said, confused.
"SJ just bought a house you can live in," Cristy said.
"Sorry? What?" Lurtew said.
"Holy trolls warts," Cristy said, exasperated.
"Cristy! There is no need for language like that," Yawnee scolded her.
"Well, listen then. SJ has just bought a house, and you can live there. It is by the inner wall in District 11."
Both Yawnee and Lurtew stood open-mouthed. Lurtew was the first to gain speech back.
"You have bought a house in District 11. There is no way we can afford the rent on a place like that," Lurtew said.
"You don't need to pay rent," SJ said.
"Sorry?!" Yawnee said.
"You can live there for free. I need a home for when I am in Asterfal on business, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get you out of District 3. As long as you look after the place while I am not there, that is all I ask. There is enough space on the ground floor to make your barrels."
Neither Yawnee nor Lurtew could reply. They were both in shock.
"I need to get back to the tower. Jay, can you please help them begin moving?"
"Yep. No problem at all."
SJ removed the keys to the house from her inventory and handed them to Lurtew.
Lurtew just stared at the keys as SJ walked towards the rear yard.
"I will come and check on you later," SJ called as she shrank and took off as soon as she did.
"You still continue to amaze me," Dave said as SJ flew back to the tower.
SJ didn't respond, as she was thinking about all the things she would need for the house. It was much larger than the other properties, and she wanted to get the upstairs furnished as soon as possible.
"Oh no," Dave said.
That pulled SJ from her thoughts. "What?" she said, since she was flying.
"You will spend the rest of your time in Asterfal shopping."
"No. I am going to ask Yawnee to do it for me. I have other work to do."
"You do. We only have about 8 hours left on the quest."
SJ had been thinking about the class quest, on and off, and felt more uncomfortable as time passed. She knew she had to complete it to progress in her class, but this would be her first unknown target. Everyone else she had killed previously she had justification for.
"I know," SJ sighed.
Landing behind some trees near the tower, SJ grew and casually walked towards the entrance again. No one reacted to her appearance, having adjusted her dress as she had landed back to its original beautiful form. Entering the tower, the guards nodded politely.
"That was new," Dave said.
'Strange,' SJ thought.
Even in the late afternoon, the foyer was busy, and as SJ entered, several beings looked in her direction.
'Why are they looking at me?'
"No idea. I can't see anything unusual," Dave said.
Frowning, SJ walked to the desk. A very tall female elf with piercing green eyes addressed her as she did.
"Ambassador SJ."
"Yes?"
"Her Worship is waiting to see you in the reception hall."
'Why does Petunia want to see me?' SJ thought.
"Where is the reception room?"
"Ah. That reminds me. Here," the elf said, handing SJ a scroll.
SJ unrolled the scroll, seeing the drawings of the tower the scribe had completed for her. "Thanks," SJ said, finding the directions to the reception hall. Walking down the corridor indicated on the drawing led her perfectly to where she needed to go.
Entering the reception hall, SJ saw Petunia sitting in the front seat. Sitting next to her was an elderly elf who seemed deep in discussion.
SJ walked through the hall, her footsteps almost silent.
"We must seal their fate," SJ heard the elf say, her increased senses allowing her to pick up his quiet tone.
"Petunia?" SJ said as she approached.
Turning, Petunia smiled, a sparkle in her eyes. "SJ. Thank you for coming."
"Have you been waiting long?"
"No. We only arrived a short while ago."
"What do you need?"
"We have a delicate matter to discuss with you, and unfortunately, we think you may be the only one who can help."
The comment intrigued but also concerned SJ. "Help with what?"
"Oh. Please accept my apologies. This is Tanias, Isavil and Fasvil's father."
The elf looked ancient, and SJ didn't even know what age he might be. "Tanias, nice to meet you."
"It is my pleasure. I just wish it was under better circumstances." His voice was still young and strong.
"What circumstances do you talk of?"
"I have received news that Isavil is to be married to an elven lord in our capital."
"Is that not good news?"
"No. He is not a nice elf. He has a horrible reputation but is related to the elven king, who has persuaded him to make Isavil his wife."
"I see. How can I help, though?"
"We need you to persuade Zigferd to marry Isavil within the next 72 hours."
"WHAT?!"
"The message was received this morning, and the lord's envoy is en route to collect Isavil. This entire issue can be prevented if she is married before he arrives."
"72hrs. Didn't you say this has been happening for forty years?"
"Yes, and Zigferd has loved Isavil the whole time. He is just a stubborn, hogling-headed idiot," Petunia huffed.
"How do you think I can persuade him? If you haven't managed to in forty years."
"He needs to understand the dire consequences she faces if she is forced to marry the lord," Tanias said.
"You should set up a shop, 'SJ's—Assassin and Matchmaking Services,'" Dave said.
'I am not sure the title is catchy enough,' SJ thought sarcastically.
"Why can you both not persuade him?"
It was the first time SJ had seen Petunia look slightly uncomfortable as she shifted in her seat. Frowning deeply, SJ asked Petunia, "What did you do?"
"Nothing any doting mother wouldn't do," Petunia said, her cheeks colouring.
"Petunia?"
"I may have embellished a story slightly in the past."
"And?"
"And Zigferd nearly killed an elf due to it," Tanias said.
Knowing how calm and stable Zigferd usually was, whatever Petunia had done must have been severe for Zigferd to react that way.
"I am not sure I want to know," SJ sighed.
"Will you try?" Tanias said.
"I can't promise anything, but I will do what I can. I haven't seen Zigferd since this morning, so need to find him to catch up on today's happenings."
"Thank you," Petunia said, taking SJ's hand.
"As I say, I will try."
