Outside the guild at dusk...
—"Well, I've got some errands tomorrow. See you later," I said.
—"Hmph! Fine. Don't drag the party down," Maya huffed, arms crossed.
—"See you later, Ren... and you too, Maya..." Zara muttered, scowling.
They walked off in opposite directions—but not without one last rivalry-fueled glare.
Alright, time to rest at the inn. Big day tomorrow.
Next morning...
I rose early to make the most of the day. As I left, the innkeeper greeted me:
—"Good morning, Mr. Mizuno. Off already?"
—"Morning. I'm planning to buy my own house. Time to move on."
—"Wonderful! Though I'll miss hosting an S-Rank like you."
—"Thank you for everything!"
Time to find a realtor. The innkeeper had mentioned agencies that help buyers—like an estate office. Following his directions, I spotted a large, official-looking building.
Real estate must thrive in Lumis. Being a key city, demand's probably high... Hope prices aren't insane.
A well-dressed man approached inside:
—"Welcome! How may we assist you?"
—"Hi. I'm looking to buy property. Do you have listings?"
—"Of course!" He handed me a document. "Seeking something central?"
—"Actually, I'd prefer outskirts—maybe with farmland."
—"Let me find suitable options."
One listing stood out: a sprawling mansion on the edge of town, priced suspiciously low.
—"This one... seems too cheap for its size," I noted.
—"Ah, that... It's excellent, but..." He lowered his voice. "There's an issue."
—"Issue?"
—"It's in Lumis's eastern woods. Monster sightings surged there years ago, so it's been vacant since. And... occupied." His tone darkened.
—"Occupied? Isn't it for sale?"
—"It is. By specters—ghosts, to be blunt. The woods' danger and haunting deter buyers."
I pondered. The price was tempting, but monster-infested woods? And it's huge... Do I need a mansion?
Suddenly, a chill down my spine.
—"REN! THIS HOUSE IS PERFECT!" Purin's voice exploded in my mind.
—"Purin?!" I yelped aloud.
The agent stared.
—"Eh... just a sneeze!"
—"No worries! Need more options?"
—"Mind if I step out to think?"
—"Take your time!"
Outside, I whispered:
—"Purin, why's that house 'perfect'?"
—"IT'S HUGE! Room for our ten children!"
—"TEN?!"
—"Yes! And don't fear ghosts—your divine blessings counter them!" She giggled. "A haunted house is romantic~ We could 'get scared' and cuddle..."
—"Enough!" I flushed. "Seriously, the ghosts aren't a problem?"
—"Nope! As my chosen, you naturally repel them!"
—"Thanks for clarifying..."
Back inside:
—"Welcome back! Decided?"
—"I'll take the mansion."
—"A-Are you sure? Sales are final. We have safer options—"
—"I'm sure. Friends will help with the... issue."
—"Very well. Let's finalize the paperwork."
After signing, the weight of my decision hit me outside.
Now... to convince Maya and Zara to help exorcise it.