Chapter 2: Aiming for a Slow Life

☆18 Building a House in Celestia ①

I had originally wanted to build a house in the countryside and live a slow life. But now that I was raising Kagutsuchi, living near the city was even more impossible. 

This guy would probably grow over two meters in length as an adult. And more than that, Hellhounds were just too dangerous as magical beasts. 

However, if I lived too far from the guild, that would also be inconvenient. 

I mulled over the idea of finding a place not too close yet not too far from the capital Eldora. As I did, I suddenly realized something. 

“Even if I say I want to build a house, how do I even buy land? Do I need some kind of construction permit or something?” 

Would I have to get permission from Celestia’s lord? Or would I negotiate with some kind of landowner? 

As I thought about my future while tending to Kagutsuchi, a mix of anxiety and excitement welled up inside me. 

“In the city, sure. But in the countryside, as long as you have land, you should be able to build however you like. The real hassle is going to be buying that land.” 

Gald answered bluntly. 

Since I safely brought Elysia back yesterday, I could sense that his hostility toward me had slightly softened. 

“I don’t know the market price, but with the money I got from Lilith yesterday, I have about fifteen gold coins. Would that be enough?” 

Fifteen gold coins—roughly equivalent to 15 million yen. 

Was that enough? 

“For just the house and land? Yeah, probably. But…” 

Gald trailed off. He was gazing upward in thought. 

“If you include the infrastructure for daily life, maintenance, water supply, magic-powered utilities, and furniture, you’re going to need at least double that amount.” 

—Are you serious?! 

There wouldn’t be many lucrative quests like the last one, right? 

What was I supposed to do? Kagutsuchi would grow up before I could save up that kind of money. 

At this rate, I wouldn’t even be able to afford an inn… 

As I sat there, dumbfounded and feeling lost, Elysia gave me a bright smile. 

“I’ve actually been wanting to buy a vacation home in Celestia as well. How about this—I’ll sell you a portion of the land on a loan. You can pay it off by deducting a portion of your earnings from accompanying me on future adventures. How does that sound?” 

“Lady Elysia, this is the first I’ve heard of this………” 

Fia sighed as she spoke. 

“Oh? But you liked the natural scenery around Celestia, especially the lake near Eldora, didn’t you?” 

“Well… yes, but…” 

“Then it’s decided! Once we return, please take care of the arrangements.” 

Fia and Gald exchanged reluctant glances. But they ultimately nodded in agreement. 

They probably knew better than anyone that once Elysia set her mind on something, there was no stopping her. 

◆◆◆

By the time we returned to Celestia, the season had shifted to autumn. 

During the month-and-a-half journey back, Kagutsuchi had grown so much that it no longer fit inside my backpack. Its growth rate was insane… 

At several inns along the way, it was turned away from staying in rooms. I had to tie it up in stables instead. 

Even so, it never barked unnecessarily and behaved well. 

Its red eyes must have been unusual, as other travelers often found him adorable and frequently asked what breed he was. 

Of course, I couldn’t just say, “Oh, he’s a Hellhound.” So, I kept dodging the question with, “Just a mixed breed.” 

Once we arrived in Eldora, Fia immediately got to work. She handled all the necessary paperwork. 

She arranged meetings with the lord and craftsmen. She was busily sorting through documents. 

—I’m counting on you. 

She seemed experienced with administrative work and smoothly handled everything on her own. 

Within just a few days, she had arranged for Elysia to formally attend the signing of the contracts. 

Honestly, I had underestimated Fia. But I decided to change my attitude. 

The land Elysia purchased included a vast, beautiful meadow near the lake, a dense forest, and a quiet valley with a flowing stream. 

It was about a ten-minute carriage ride from Eldora, or roughly an hour on foot. 

When I asked how much of this land she had bought, she casually answered, “Everything you can see from here.” 

—I was speechless. 

On top of that, she was planning to have a road built as well. 

How much did all of this cost…? 

I nervously asked Fia. She then replied with an exasperated look, “Even if you lived a hundred lives, you still couldn’t afford it.” 

“Souta, with this much land, Kagutsuchi will have plenty of space to run around even when it gets bigger, right?” 

Elysia said with a smug look. 

“I only need a small portion of this land, so I’m not paying for the rest.” 

“I know. I’m just saying I won’t get mad if Kagutsuchi wanders into my land to play.” 

Elysia smiled. 

I let out a deep sigh internally. 

How many adventures would I have to go on before I finally paid off this loan? 

I thought I had finally gained my freedom, but now it felt like I was even further from it than before.