Chapter 65: Buying a house
The couple finally boarded the train and began their journey back to Tokkarion.
The magic train glided smoothly along its tracks, carrying them away from the shimmering canals and ancient ruins of Vellamo. The landscape shifted gradually—from the lush, water-soaked greenery of the western coast to the rolling hills and dense forests of the interior, and finally to the familiar, bustling outskirts of the capital.
Gabriel and Lilith sat in their private cabin, their hands intertwined, their eyes watching the passing scenery. The pendant Lilith had found in the underwater ruins rested against her chest, its surface cool and smooth. She touched it occasionally, her fingers tracing its edges.
Neither spoke much during the journey. There was a comfortable silence between them—the kind that needed no filling.
The train pulled into Tokkarion station in the late afternoon. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long golden shadows across the city. The streets were alive with activity—merchants hawking their wares, children playing in the squares, adventurers returning from their quests.
The couple stepped off the train and made their way through the familiar streets. The city welcomed them back like an old friend.
Their first stop was the Adventurer’s Guild.
The building was as bustling as ever. Adventurers of all ranks milled about, their voices creating a constant hum of activity. The quest boards were covered in parchment, and the receptionists worked tirelessly behind their counters.
Elfie spotted them the moment they entered. Her green eyes widened slightly, and a knowing smile crossed her face. She gestured for them to follow, leading them through the crowd and up a flight of stairs to the guild master’s private office.
Basil sat behind his large oak desk, his feet propped up on the surface, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. He looked up as they entered, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Welcome back," he said, his voice carrying a note of mock formality. "Seeing you so carefree, it seems that you have successfully managed to clear the dungeon."
Gabriel didn’t bother with pleasantries. "You already knew we completed it since a few days ago. Let’s not play that game."
Basil laughed—a deep, booming sound that filled the office. "Hahaha! You are no fun. But fine, fine. Thank you for successfully getting rid of that dangerous dungeon. The kingdom owes you a debt of gratitude."
He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a sleek black card, sliding it across the polished surface. "Here’s your reward—100,000 gold after taxes. Not bad for a few days’ work, eh?"
Gabriel took the card, his fingers closing around it. He smiled—a small, satisfied curve of his lips. "Not bad at all."
Lilith, standing beside him, leaned forward and gave Elfie a teasing grin. "Missed me, Fifi?"
Elfie’s eye twitched. "Don’t call me that."
"Fifi," Lilith repeated, her voice dripping with mock affection. "Fifi, Fifi, Fifi—"
"Get out of my guild," Elfie said, but there was no real heat in her voice.
Gabriel chuckled and placed a hand on Lilith’s lower back, steering her toward the door. "We’ll be going now. Thank you, Basil."
"Anytime," the guild master called after them.
"And if you ever want to tackle another dungeon—"
"We’ll let you know," Gabriel said, and they stepped out into the corridor.
Outside the guild, the evening air was cool and fresh. The couple stood on the bustling street, the sounds of the city washing over them.
"We need a place to stay," Lilith said. "A permanent one."
Gabriel nodded. "I agree. Let’s find a house."
Following Elfie’s suggestion—she had scribbled a few recommendations on a piece of parchment before they left—they made their way to the upper district, a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood that housed the city’s wealthier residents.
The district was peaceful, its streets wide and clean, its buildings elegant and well-maintained. The homes here were not the cramped, multi-story structures of the lower city, but spacious villas with gardens and courtyards.
They found the first property on Elfie’s list—a villa that stood at the end of a quiet street, its facade a warm cream stone, its roof tiled with dark slate. A wrought-iron gate led to a small garden filled with flowering bushes and a gently bubbling fountain.
Lilith’s eyes lit up. "This one."
They approached the villa and entered, a real estate agent—a nervous young man with a clipboard—following close behind.
The interior was stunning.
A spacious living room dominated the ground floor, its windows tall and arched, letting in streams of golden light. A fireplace of white marble stood at one end, its mantel carved with intricate floral patterns. The floors were polished oak, covered in places with thick, woven rugs.
There were four bedrooms—each one spacious and airy, with large windows that offered views of the garden or the city beyond. The master bedroom had a private balcony and an ensuite bathroom with a large soaking tub.
But the highlight was the pool.
It was located in the back garden, surrounded by a stone terrace and shaded by a pergola draped with climbing roses. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the sky above.
Lilith walked to the edge of the pool and knelt, trailing her fingers through the cool water. "I love it," she said softly.
Gabriel stood beside her, his eyes scanning the garden, the villa, the view. "Then it’s ours."
The real estate agent—who had been hovering nervously behind them—perked up.
"Excellent choice, sir! The asking price is 70,000 gold, which is quite reasonable for a property of this caliber—"
"We’ll take it," Gabriel said, cutting him off.
The transaction was quick and efficient. Gabriel handed over the black card containing their reward, and the real estate agent processed the payment with trembling hands. Within an hour, the villa was officially theirs.
They received a set of keys—heavy, ornate iron keys that felt substantial in their palms.
Lilith held them up, letting them catch the light. "We own a house," she said, her voice filled with wonder.
"We own a house," Gabriel repeated before adding face filled with emotions.
’’Our first home in this world.’’
They stood in the middle of the living room, the evening light streaming through the windows, their faces soft with happiness.
The next few days were spent furnishing the villa.
They visited markets and shops throughout Tokkarion, selecting furniture and decorations with care. Gabriel chose a large, comfortable sofa in deep burgundy, along with a heavy oak dining table that could seat eight. Lilith selected soft, colorful rugs and thick curtains that would keep the rooms warm and cozy.
They bought a massive bed for the master bedroom—a four-poster crafted from dark wood, its canopy draped with sheer white fabric. They found a vanity for Lilith, its surface inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Gabriel chose a sturdy desk for his study, its surface smooth and polished.
They bought paintings for the walls—landscapes of mountains and seas, portraits of figures from ancient history. They filled shelves with books, some from the markets, some from their own collection. They placed flowers in vases, their petals bright and fragrant.
The villa slowly came to life.
It became theirs—a space that reflected their personalities, their tastes, their love.
Gabriel went out for some fresh air.
°°°
He returned to the villa as the sun began to set, its golden rays painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
He opened the front door and stepped inside.
The living room was lit by the soft glow of magic lamps while the fireplace crackled gently, its warmth filling the space. But the room was different from how he had left it.
In the center of the living room, a large table had been set.
It was covered in a white cloth, adorned with candles and flowers. Plates of food sat on the table—roasted meats, fresh bread, colorful vegetables, and a bottle of chilled wine. The aroma was warm and inviting.
Lilith stood beside the table, her silver hair loose, her dress a soft, flowing fabric that caught the light. She smiled at him, her crimson eyes soft and warm.
"Surprise," she said, her voice gentle.
Gabriel stood in the doorway, his heart swelling with emotion looking at his woman.
"You did all this?" he asked.
"I wanted to surprise you," she said. "For everything. For the house. For the journey. For the future."
He crossed the room and took her in his arms, pulling her close. "You’re the best surprise I could ever have."
She tilted her face up to meet his gaze. "I love you, Gabriel."
"I love you too, Lilith. Always."
They kissed—a soft, tender kiss that spoke of home and belonging and forever.
And in the villa that was now theirs, they sat down to share their first meal together in their own home.
The candles flickered. The wine flowed. The laughter echoed.
And the house, once empty and silent, now felt truly alive.
Their first night was uneventful, they simply sleep, nestled in each other arms. They slept soundlessly.
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