The morning in Kyoto was crisp, filled with the scent of pine and the distant rhythm of temple bells. After their shocking but exciting first purchase from the system shop, Phuby and Hana had barely been able to sleep. The traditional villa they now owned in the Gion district wasn't just a digital acquisition—it was real, legally theirs, with papers already resting in their luggage.
Still in their yukatas, Phuby and Hana sat on the veranda of their ryokan, sipping warm hojicha while looking out over the garden. A koi pond rippled gently before them, reflecting the early sun. The moment felt surreal.
"You're seriously thinking about getting land too?" Hana asked softly, glancing at Phuby.
He nodded, stretching his arms behind his head. "Yeah. The system shows a few countryside properties—old farmland, forest areas, even an abandoned temple plot. All discounted. I was thinking... why not build something from scratch? Maybe a future retreat or even a place for your parents to visit."
Hana's eyes lit up. "You'd let my parents stay in a place like that?"
"Of course," Phuby replied. "They've accepted me more than I could have hoped for. Besides, I want you to have somewhere that feels like home even when you're not in Tokyo."
A blush crept onto her cheeks. "Then… let's do it. But let's pick it together."
Phuby pulled out his laptop and opened the system Shop again. The listings refreshed, showing several rural properties near Kyoto:
1. Mountain View Cottage Site – Higashiyama Forest
✦ Discounted Price: Rp3.000.000.000
✦ Description: A scenic, elevated area surrounded by old trees. Zoned for residential building. Cherry trees line the slope.
2. Riverfront Farmland – Kameoka Valley
✦ Discounted Price: Rp2.800.000.000
✦ Description: Quiet open fields by the river. Ideal for a peaceful countryside retreat or a family garden project.
3. Old Zen Garden Ruin – Sakyo District
✦ Discounted Price: Rp4.500.000.000
✦ Description: Former monastery grounds. Includes partial foundation of old structures, bamboo groves, and a spring.
Hana pointed at the second listing. "This one. Kameoka Valley. It's not too remote, and by the river? Imagine how peaceful."
Phuby smiled and confirmed the purchase.
> ✅ Purchase Complete
✅ Cashback: Rp5.600.000.000 Credited
💰 New Balance: Rp20.358.000.000
Moments later, a soft knock echoed from the hallway. When Phuby opened the door, another legal envelope lay neatly on the tatami—ownership documents for the Kameoka Valley land parcel, fully registered in his name.
"This is just unreal," Hana whispered. "We literally own two properties in Kyoto now."
"And I still have twenty billion left to spend," Phuby said with a laugh. "At this rate, we're going to end up as Kyoto landlords."
Just as they were folding the documents into a folder, there was a knock again—this time not from the system. It was Mrs. Wulan and Hana's mother, Aiko-san, coming in with bright smiles and breakfast trays.
"Good morning, newlyweds," Aiko-san said in English, playfully. "Sleep well after... everything?"
"Mom!" Hana whined, red-faced.
Mrs. Wulan laughed, placing down the food. "I see the two of you are already building an empire. What's next? Buying half of Kyoto?"
Phuby chuckled nervously. "Maybe not half. Just enough."
After breakfast, the families gathered to plan the remainder of the week. Though the wedding had happened, the extended celebration wasn't over. Hana still wanted to take her friends to visit the new house. Her father, Haruki, was excited at the idea of visiting the countryside land parcel too.
They agreed to have a blessing meal at the traditional villa tomorrow, inviting the local imam and some new friends they'd made at the Kyoto mosque.
That afternoon, the couple visited the property in Kameoka Valley for the first time. The air was fresh with hints of pine and river mist. Hana removed her shoes and walked barefoot across the earth.
"This," she said, "is our future garden. Maybe even a second home."
Phuby just smiled. "And maybe someday, a place for our kids to run around."
She paused, turned, and gave him a long look—equal parts startled and touched. "You're already thinking that far?"
"I'm already this lucky to have you," he replied. "Why wouldn't I?"
She didn't respond right away. Instead, she took his hand, leaned against his shoulder, and stared out toward the river.
From a short distance away, a camera clicked silently. Unbeknownst to them, Hana's mother had tagged along with a telephoto lens again—documenting every moment for the family album.
---