Buying an Estate

After everyone had obtained Maslow Alliance identification, the convoy soon entered Ellendal Harbor. The streets were neat and tranquil, with guards patrolling back and forth, their eyes sharp as hawks. Anyone caught littering was subjected to severe fines and whipping as a warning to others.

Shops lined both sides of the streets. Even Ellendal, located on the outskirts of the urban district, displayed an extraordinary level of prosperity. Most shops sold handicrafts, local delicacies, and all kinds of seafood brought in through the harbor. Green even noticed a store specializing in pearl blind boxes. From time to time, customers could be seen fiercely haggling with shopkeepers over prices.

The members of Green's convoy looked around at everything with curiosity. Under the guards' guidance, Green decided to hire a guide. Such guides were everywhere in Ellendal, and they had even formed organizations resembling travel agencies from his previous life. Green specifically chose a guide officially arranged by Ellendal Harbor. Though the price was slightly higher, they were honest and reliable.

Led by the guide, the convoy traveled along winding roads. After roughly half an hourglass, they arrived at a spacious open area. At the far end stood an enormous six-story gray-white stone building. A small road extended beside it, leading to an open expanse where a few carriages were parked. Green swept his gaze over them and found that most bore the emblem of the Lodin Kingdom.

As the convoy entered the road, someone emerged from the stone building holding a sign and directed Green's convoy to park.

The degree of commercialization really is high. They even have dedicated greeters, Green thought.

Following the greeter's instructions, Green's carriage quickly stopped in the open area. Smiling, the greeter walked toward Green's convoy. Green got out of the carriage as well.

"Sir, welcome to the Ellendal Trike Guild. My name is Enfia, and I am an employee here. I am sure this place will make you feel completely at home. How may I assist you?" After introducing himself, Enfia bowed to Green with an amiable smile.

Looking at the handsome blond, blue-eyed man before him, dressed in a black tailcoat with laughter in his eyes, Green could not help but sigh. He truly had a refreshing presence.

"Enfia, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Green. I need an estate, preferably somewhere secluded. Do you have anything available?" Green stated his request directly.

"Sir, a request such as yours is no difficulty for the Trike Guild. Please come with me." Enfia responded respectfully.

Green gestured for the convoy members to wait there while he followed Enfia into the stone building. Its interior was luxuriously furnished. Crystal chandeliers glittered brilliantly, the stair railings were crafted from pure silver and engraved with exquisite patterns, while the chairs were made from precious wood that gave off a faint fragrance.

People came and went inside the stone building, all led by employees like Enfia. Enfia brought Green before a massive sand table.

"Mr. Green, based on your requirements, there are currently three estates available for selection. All three are located along the inner edge of Ellendal Harbor's urban district, with beautiful surroundings and pleasant scenery. Most importantly, they will not be disturbed by the outside world." Enfia deliberately emphasized the words "will not be disturbed by the outside world."

After the reminder from the guards at the city gate, Green naturally understood what that meant.

After Enfia had thoroughly introduced the environments of the three estates, Green ultimately chose one east of the city. The main reason was that it was closer to Ellendal's public library, making it easier for him to gather knowledge.

"Mr. Green, this estate costs approximately 2,500 gold coins. Have you made your decision? We also offer rental services."

A small estate cost 2,500 gold coins. It was indeed expensive, but considering the hidden benefits the guards had mentioned, it was worth the price.

"I'll take this one. Please lead my convoy there." Green made his decision without hesitation.

"Certainly, sir." A flash of excitement passed through Enfia's eyes. Clearly, selling an estate would earn him a considerable income as well.

Although the stone building was crowded, few people ultimately bought estates. Most chose to rent instead. While rentals came with many restrictions, they were relatively inexpensive. The overwhelming majority of merchants and nobles chose to rent.

After seeing Green back to his carriage, Enfia immediately led out a horse and rode ahead of Green's convoy to guide them.

After traveling for some time under Enfia's lead, the convoy soon reached the estate. The carriage road leading to it was rather narrow and unsuitable for the convoy's larger vehicles. Enfia and the convoy members all got down and proceeded along the road to the estate on foot.

Green got out and looked ahead. Though it was only a small estate, its grounds were by no means small. Perhaps because it lay at the edge of the urban district, the estate covered a considerable area. The first thing he saw was the wall surrounding it, roughly two meters tall and painted white. At its center stood iron gates that opened inward. There was a little dust on them, but not much, showing that someone cleaned them regularly.

Inside the estate was a huge pool, with a fountain standing at its center. Beyond that, the most eye-catching sight was the heart of the estate—a magnificent seven-story villa.

Green took in the surrounding environment and nodded in satisfaction. The 2,500 gold coins had not been wasted. After having Aishweil hand the 2,500 gold coins to Enfia, he instructed everyone to begin cleaning the castle and familiarize themselves with its layout.

Everyone in the convoy was extremely excited. This estate meant they no longer had to sleep in the open, and now had shelter from the wind and rain. Even more people looked at Green with fervent expressions. To them, Green was practically their savior. Without him, if they had been driven into the slums, they might not even have left behind corpses. As for the women, merely thinking of the conditions in the slums filled their eyes with terror, and they looked at Green with ever-deepening reverence.

As for Green himself, he felt as though some burden had suddenly vanished, leaving his heart settled. Perhaps the farming instincts from his previous life had stirred; after gaining a patch of land of his own, they had been effectively soothed.