The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 150: A costly residence

Chapter 150: A costly residence

"The date of the feast is revealed. It’s tomorrow night."

"Okay."

Althea raised her brows. She didn’t expect such a listless reply to her announcement. She looked suspiciously at Hex as they ate their breakfast. It was a rare instance of seeing him look tired.

"Didn’t you sleep well?" She asked when Hex yawned for the tenth time.

"I slept well but it was too short," Hex grumbled. He arrived late last night. He had barely slept a couple of days, relying on his superior body and energy levels to push through. But once he relaxed, the fatigue caught up.

"Are you joining the training today?" Althea asked.

"No. I have another thing to take care of," Hex replied, which caused Althea to look a bit dejected.

Hex didn’t notice it though. His plans for today occupied his mind.

’I need to find a place I can give as residence to both the Union and Tarquin. The sooner I start to refine, the quicker I can increase my strength.’

As soon as they were done eating, Hex left the barracks and made his way to the market district. After wandering on his own the past two nights, he could easily find his way around.

He didn’t rush his journey. He first modified his appearance to transform into Mike. He then strolled around. The City’s view differed during the day. It was louder and livelier. The stream of people was so large that the wide paths were filled to the brim.

He visited some of the stalls underway to taste things he had never heard of before. He liked the different types of grilled fish and fish balls especially.

After some fun, he reached the road with inns and other buildings offering residence. The road was called Wash ’n Sleep Street.

’A very apt name,’ Hex mused as he watched the rows of buildings on both sides of the road. There were inns and houses of various sizes. Some looked new, some old. Some looked expensive, some even had beggars lining up.

"Do you need help, sir?" A teenage boy walked up to him and asked. He was wearing a long white robe with a red vest. His hair was wrapped in yellow cloth.

Hex had noticed a few teenagers in similar clothes, talking and guiding people.

"I am Armin, and for one, Ster, I can help you find a place to your liking and according to your requirements."

Hex had exchanged some refined demon crystals at the barrack for Sterren. Compared to the unadorned coins, Sterren were black and circular with stars engraved in them. There were coins with one star, five stars, and ten stars. The number of stars on them indicated the value of the Ster.

"Summarize the best options to take as a residence. They should have the option to rent on a monthly basis," Hex said, handing the boy one with one star on it.

The boy happily pocketed the Ster and started to give a brief description of the places that met Hex’s conditions.

"That’s the Serenity Inn, offering all types of rooms. They are a bit pricey but are popular with older folk. They limit noise, have dim lights, and plenty of feather-cushioned seats, where guests spend hours reading or chatting. The price ranges from ten to fifteen Sterren per night."

"The castle-like building is called the Red Tower. It has large rooms, which are divided over the different towers, based on luxury and amenities. The cheapest rooms are twenty Sterren per night."

"That one there looks small but it’s actually a large estate. Its name is The Garden Room. They offer standard rooms, with a bed and a work room, each opening up to the garden in the middle. The garden has a fountain and a few gazebos to relax in. Their price starts at fifteen Sterren per night. Food and other services can be added but will cost extra."

"And there is one more. B-But I am not allowed in. It’s the one at the end of the street. The name is Embrace. They have nice rooms, offering food and drink. And they offer companions for the night. Handsome men and beautiful women, depending on the taste of the guest. They charge thirty Sterren per night."

The exorbitant prices caused the corners of Hex’s lip to twitch. He couldn’t imagine people paying such high prices for a place to rest. And there was even one among them offering companions.

’The sad thing is, the persona of Mike I created would choose the most expensive one.’

Mike was a lecherous guy, who wished to travel and enjoy life. A person like that would not mind spending a bit extra for his pleasure. And with his capabilities as an Adept Refiner, he should be able to afford such an accommodation.

With a sigh, Hex made his way to the one called Embrace. The building was three stories high and looked well-maintained. Its doors were made from carved wood and were guarded by two huge men.

’Using Knights as sentries? This place has some serious background.’ Hex sensed their power levels at once. His apprehension towards the place lessened significantly.

The men didn’t move or greet as he entered through the doors. Hex found himself inside a carpeted hall with exquisitely decorated walls and columns. There were cushioned seats and a wooden counter, behind which two extremely beautiful girls stood. They were dressed in classy dresses, highlighting their beauty.

’I assumed they would have nude men and women prancing around. It seems they are a bit classier.’

"Welcome to Embrace. How can we assist you, sir?" One of the girls behind the counter asked politely, giving him a warm smile.

Hex stated his purpose of requiring a room for a month, with the option of increasing the length of the renting period.

He was helped swiftly. He paid a thousand Sterren tipping the girls generously. Seeing his diminishing wealth, Hex cried inwardly. But he had to maintain his fake persona.

’I finally understand why the nobles and wealthy do useless stuff. Perhaps they feel like I am feeling now. But for appearance’s sake, they have to do it anyway.’

He declined to take residence immediately, saying he had some other stuff to take care of. In a sense, it was true. He dropped by the Union building. Neither Bella nor Laila were in, so he left his information with the person in charge.

With everything set and done, he returned to the barracks to relax. The remainder of time passed quickly.

It was soon the night of the governor’s feast. Hex readied himself.

’Let’s see what you will try, Prince. But no matter what happens, I am not giving the deed to someone else.’

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