Chapter 21: The New Residence

"A magic book? What kind of magic book?"

Ethan’s direct, soul-piercing question left Ivy in silence. The truth was, she had no idea what kind of magic book the Witch of Winter had left behind, nor could she imagine it. Even if she did know, she wouldn't tell Ethan.

A monumental grimoire left by the most brilliant elemental evoker of the former Empire.

That title alone was enough to make countless people lose their lives.

She shook her head. "That is not something you need to concern yourself with."

"Then... what if you never find it?"

"One year."

Ivy knew what Ethan was worried about and held up an index finger. "If it isn't found after one year, I will fulfill my promise and recommend you for a position in the Intelligence Department at the General Bureau."

"It's a deal!"

Ethan was still young; he could easily afford to wait a year. Besides, he could use the time to focus on running Old Ethan's Magic Scroll Shop and save up enough for living expenses before heading to the General Bureau in the Imperial Capital.

He added, "In that case, I won't disturb you any further. Miss Chloe and I will be heading back now."

"Back? Back where?"

Ivy tilted her head in confusion, and the golden cowlick on her head rose up as well.

"Back to the guild to pack my things. Since I've jumped ship to the Containment Bureau, I need to clean out my old room."

The only thing Ethan felt a slight tinge of regret about was the room on the second floor of the guild. It had been an employee perk, allowing him to live there rent-free for two years and saving him a significant amount of money.

"Where do you plan to live?"

Although Ethan could be infuriating at times—not only was he annoying, but a single sneeze of his had once caused her to teleport into the ocean—he was now working under her, so she felt obligated to keep an eye on his daily life. Plus, Ethan had just spent a large sum of gold lions on books, so his savings were likely depleted.

This was Ivy’s first time being a supervisor, and she was determined to be a responsible one.

"The small wooden cabin in the mountains. It's actually quite nice if you tidy it up a bit."

Ethan was an eternal optimist. Despite the cabin’s minor flaws—such as the fact that corpses had been dragged into it, the scene had resembled a cult ritual with blood splattered everywhere, several people had died at the doorstep later on, their cremated ashes had been buried in jars under the dirt at the entrance, the cabin was in disrepair, it leaked during rainstorms, and the door provided almost no security at night, allowing any passing beast to wander in—it was, if one chose to ignore these things, quite a nice place.

The guild had long forgotten they owned that property outside the town, so they surely wouldn't mind if he and Miss Chloe stayed there temporarily.

The mountains and nature held a unique charm; even the former Master of Lukming had once used the words, "Truly nice, living in the mountains is truly nice," to express his love for the wilderness.

"People can live in that dump?"

Ivy blurted out, her cowlick shaking violently as if warning Ethan that his plan was ill-advised.

She had been to that mountain cabin. If she had to live there, she would probably be covered in hives within two days.

"And what about Miss Chloe? She’s in a growth spurt and has an astonishing appetite. You can't possibly afford her food costs now, can you?" Ivy said. "Don't get me wrong, Miss Chloe is a member of our station, so I naturally need to care about her well-being."

Ethan pursed his lips; he suspected that Ivy and her cowlick lacked respect for nature.

He understood the logic, but if he had the money, who wouldn't want to live in a nice house?

Regarding Miss Chloe's appetite, Ethan’s plan was to trust in nature. Nature always provided gifts, and the wild was home to many kind-hearted beasts, like the Great Boar King, who simply couldn't bear to see other creatures go hungry.

Seeing Ethan fall silent, Ivy suddenly said, "What do you think of the apartment next door?"

Ivy lived on the most prosperous street in Riverwood. It was a detached duplex apartment building specifically designed for Riverwood’s upper crust—wealthy bankers or shop owners. There were several such luxurious apartments situated along the newly paved main road of the town.

"Living closer will make discussing work much more convenient. According to the regulations, the Containment Bureau also provides housing for key personnel."

"Is the apartment building next door owned by the Containment Bureau?"

"It can be."

Those three short words were enough to send a shock through Ethan’s young heart. When the noble Miss Ivy spoke of buying an entire apartment building, she didn't even blink. To her, this seemed to be just a mundane part of daily life, as common as eating or drinking water.

"Thank you for the organization's attention and for your leadership's promotion!"

What else could he possibly say?

"Coo!"

Miss Chloe, who had been hiding under the table, walked over and bowed gracefully to Ivy to express her gratitude.

Ethan always felt that this little hen was getting smarter by the day.

"Once you’ve finished packing your things at the guild, just move in next door. Your ID for the Gear City branch won't arrive until tomorrow night, so get some good rest until then."

Ethan agreed, but in reality, he was prepared to pull an all-nighter. He intended to study "Simple Magic Scroll Production Procedures" throughout the night, aiming to turn the 20 sheets of energy-storing parchment he had bought into Frostbolt scrolls before his official start date. He had been itching to get started the entire journey back.

It was dusk by the time he finished the handover and carried his luggage to the new apartment. Riverwood remained under martial law, and the streets were deserted. Before leaving the guild, he had made sure to take the bread provided for the hunters as a final parting gift to serve as Miss Chloe’s dinner.

Standing at the doorway of the apartment, Ethan felt as though he were in a different world.

Two years after transmigrating, he finally had a new home, rather than just a small room where he lived at the mercy of others.

Although this was nominally an employee benefit from the Containment Bureau, he still found it hard to take a step inside. Expensive-looking vessels were arranged on the coffee table in the living room, and the grandeur of the parlor was the first thing to catch one's eye upon entering.

He also had a private bathroom and a separate study.

He arranged a bedroom for Miss Chloe. The little hen timidly examined the soft, large bed, and only after receiving Ethan’s permission did she hop onto it joyfully. She curled up into a fiery red ball, her eyes narrowing into slits as she sank into the warm blankets.

"This will be your room from now on."

"Coo!"

And he, Ethan, was about to officially step into a brand-new world.

This grand, luxurious apartment gave him a new goal: to become a self-taught magic scroll maker. Once he expanded and strengthened his business, perhaps in the future, he could rent a house this grand in the Imperial Capital as well.

He walked quickly into the bedroom and placed "Simple Magic Scroll Production Procedures" on the desk.

The large oak desk was spacious enough to hold all 20 sheets of folded energy-storing parchment.

With a heart full of excitement, Ethan turned to the first page.

It was time to begin!