“Such a miscalculation…”
Holding the list of property prices she had written down, Lulumia let out a low whimper, so dejected that even the plump, aqua-green dragon tail behind her dragged limply along the ground.
Eno, standing beside her, could only look on helplessly.
“The Noble Street is right next to the business district, and Mia wants a workshop with a warehouse attached. There’s no way it’s going to be cheap.”
“That’s not really the issue…”
The real problem was that in this world, shops could only be bought and sold, not rented.
After leaving the temple, Lulumia had asked Eno—who was familiar with the commercial district—to take her to a real estate agent.
Even though the agent offered a discount upon seeing Eno, it couldn’t make up for the fact that the shops themselves were just too expensive.
Lulumia’s thinking was far too modern; from the very beginning, she had assumed that commercial property transactions here worked like rental systems in the modern world.
Who could’ve guessed that, from shops to residences, all properties could only be purchased with permanent ownership?
Even when Lulumia took the initiative to request a long-term lease, the answer was still a firm no.
The agent even gave her a look as if she were a weirdo, bombarding her with questions that sounded suspiciously like an interrogation, clearly treating Lulumia as someone with ulterior motives.
Only after Eno promised that Lulumia would behave did the agent, with obvious reluctance, take Lulumia to meet a few shop owners.
But the answer everywhere was the same: no renting.
Their mentality was still stuck in the mode of only wanting to sell, never to rent.
Lulumia guessed this was due to the underdeveloped productivity of society in this other world.
After all, there was no comprehensive household registration system here; who knew what kind of people tenants were?
If they damaged the property during the lease, sorting out compensation would be a tangled mess. Worse, if tenants secretly used the shop for illegal business, the owner could be implicated.
Even with a deposit taken in advance, in a time without surveillance and where enforcing laws was difficult, deposits didn’t really help much.
So it was easier just to make a one-off sale and be done with it.
As for why the original owner was able to rent a place in the first place, it was because she had rented a Public House on Noble Street.
These Public Houses were meant as temporary residences for nobles coming to the capital on business, especially those from the borders.
If Eno hadn’t been by her side, Lulumia probably would’ve been kicked out as a suspicious character the moment she mentioned wanting to rent.
After all this questioning, the result was clear—even the cheapest shop cost at least five hundred gold coins to buy, which was way beyond Lulumia’s budget.
“Tch.”
Lulumia bit her lip, frustrated and unwilling to accept defeat.
Who would’ve thought she’d hit a wall at the very first step?
Her lack of understanding about this world’s society meant her knowledge was useless—a feeling like punching cotton, all strength wasted.
If only someone familiar with business in this world could guide her.
Lulumia sneaked a glance at Eno, only to find Eno looking back at her, a gentle, comforting expression on her face.
She shook her head inwardly—Eno probably couldn’t help her.
First, Eno wasn’t from the capital and didn’t know the local scene.
Second, she wasn’t from a merchant family, so she lacked a business sense.
“Should we look at properties farther away? The houses in the West Suburb are pretty cheap.”
“That’s probably all we can do…”
The West Suburb was close to the Slum District, while both the docks and the business district were on the east side of the capital.
Whether for transporting raw materials, collecting news, or building a reputation, the West Suburb was the last choice.
But a lack of funds was an insurmountable obstacle; there was no choice but to accept this option.
Anyway, Newspapers would ultimately be sold through Pavilions and newsboys; the production location didn’t matter much.
Lulumia could only comfort herself with this thought.
“Want to check out a real estate agent in the West Suburb? It’s close to the slums, but the Church has a strong influence there. As long as it’s daytime and you show you’re with the Church, hardly anyone will trouble you.”
“Let’s hold off on the housing for now. Eno, I want to check out a jewelry store,” Lulumia suddenly changed the subject, “preferably one that does custom orders.”
“A jewelry store?”
What for?
Eno was about to ask, but soon that holy face was overtaken by a mischievous glint.
“Got your eye on someone? Planning to buy a gift for him? Who is it? Let me see what sort of person stole away my precious little darling.”
“It’s nothing like that,” Lulumia’s forehead was covered with black lines.
She was only ten years old, no age to be talking about romance.
Besides, she was cute, talented, and had the smarts of someone from the 21st century—she wouldn’t look twice at the locals, unless the other party was on Eno’s level of beauty, in which case… she might just be tempted.
She replied, half-joking, “If you were a man, Eno, maybe I’d think about it.”
“So a woman’s no good? But your big sis here likes little Mia so much—ah, I’ve fallen for someone I shouldn’t.”
Watching Eno pretend to wipe away tears in mock heartbreak, Lulumia was momentarily speechless.
She dropped her adult attitude and instead put on a little girl’s cute innocence.
Blinking big eyes and tugging at Eno’s sleeve, she pleaded pitifully.
“I’m still too little right now… wait—wait until I’m grown up, then I’ll marry Eno, so you can’t marry anyone else until then.”
Eno couldn’t help but cover her mouth, laughing.
“All right, all right, if you’ve grown as tall as I am and you haven’t changed your mind, then I’ll consider marrying you. There are a lot of bad women and bad men in this world, so don’t let them steal your heart away.”
“I’m definitely going to marry Eno!”
If I’d reincarnated as a handsome young man, I’d have already stolen your heart away.
Cute on the outside, Lulumia was muttering to herself inside.
She couldn’t figure out if Eno was just teasing her because she saw her as a kid, or if people in this world didn’t care about same-sex love at all.
Come to think of it, wasn’t same-sex love quite common among Middle Ages nobles?
Lulumia secretly sized Eno up. In terms of both appearance and aura, Eno was absolutely stunning.
Dressed in a white church outfit, her long light-blue hair lent her an air of natural sanctity—though she sometimes showed a teasing side.
Although her chest was a little underdeveloped, that was probably just her age.
Looking at the S-shaped curve from her waist to her thighs, it was clear that when she grew up, Eno would be amazing—an irresistible beauty even to other girls.
Damn, who’s going to be lucky enough to marry Eno?
Lulumia ground her teeth. In her heart, she thought: as long as I’m alive, no one—man or woman—will get past me.
If anyone tried to get close, she’d just cling to Eno’s white stockings and squeal, “Mama~ who’s this person~?” and scare them off.
Poor Eno had no idea she’d already been cast in the role of single mother in Lulumia’s secret script.
Happily, she led Lulumia into a nearby jewelry shop.
“Welcome, may I help you?”
Noticing Eno and Lulumia’s neat, presentable clothes, the young clerk’s attitude became more attentive.
“We sell everything here, from magic tools to ordinary jewelry.”
“She’s the one to ask.”
Eno gestured to Lulumia. Before the clerk could speak, Lulumia stated clearly, “Do you do custom jewelry? It doesn’t need any magical properties, but the material must be sturdy and lightweight.”
“Custom sturdy and lightweight jewelry… Understood. Please wait a moment, I’ll fetch the shop’s goldsmith.”
The clerk guided them to a sofa, poured them tea, and headed to the back of the shop.
With another clerk’s help, Lulumia took the opportunity to learn about prices and various magical tools.
The Newspaper would carry lots of business information in the future, so it was important to understand other industries ahead of time.
She also asked for some paper and a pen to sketch out the design she wanted made.
Before long, an elderly man with prominent cheekbones and sharp eyes pushed aside the curtain and entered.
His hair was graying, but he was vigorous, exuding a certain integrity.
The moment Lulumia saw him, she sensed he wasn’t easy to deal with.
“Who wants something made?”
“I do. Here’s the sketch.”
The old man put on a monocle and examined Lulumia’s drawing.
Then he frowned.
“There are no measurements, just a sketch. How am I supposed to know what size you want? Ridiculous.”
He impatiently shoved the sketch back at the clerk.
“Next time, check what the customer’s drawing is before calling me. Wasting my time.”
“Wait,” Lulumia called out, “I was in a rush and didn’t get a chance to mark the measurements, but I promise, if you make this, it’ll be good for you. Can we sit and discuss it?”
“Go play, kid. I don’t have time for pretend games.”
The old man took off his monocle and walked straight into the back room, voice tinged with anger at being disturbed.
“Calling me before the lady’s order is finished? Sounds like you don’t want this job!”
But before he could go through the curtain, a girl with an unmistakable air of nobility emerged first.
She looked about twelve or thirteen, with a soft, pretty face and wisteria hair tied in a side ponytail over her left shoulder.
She wore a fine indigo off-shoulder dress.
She nodded at both the old man and Eno, her gentle, sweet smile and impeccable manners marking her as a well-educated noble girl.
Though she wasn’t quite as beautiful as Eno or Xinleila, she made up for it with excellent fashion sense—light makeup, balanced features, long curled lashes, rosy lips, and a graceful collarbone highlighted by her warm, infectious smile.
It was easy to imagine that, once her figure developed further, she’d soon become the goddess of the academy, idolized by the boys.
But this girl’s appearance put Lulumia instantly on guard.
Not only was she one of the original owner’s creditors, she had also, taking advantage of the original’s naivety, been quite close to her.
To put it simply, her preferences weren’t exactly “normal.”
“What’s wrong? Why so upset, Master?”
The girl teased, but her gaze landed on Lulumia, and she gave a playful wink.
The goldsmith snorted, “A newbie doesn’t know the rules, my lady, no need to concern yourself. What you ordered is more important.”
“No need to be mad, I’m not in a hurry,” the girl laughed, stepping forward and naturally placing her hand on Lulumia’s shoulder.
“Besides, this guest is my classmate and close friend. We can’t treat her poorly.”
“She’s your classmate?”
The goldsmith was startled, then looked embarrassed, turning to Lulumia with an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were the lady’s classmate. My mistake, my mistake.”
He retrieved the sketch from the clerk and smoothed it out.
“Just tell me what size you want.”
“No need, I’ll handle it. I can’t turn away a classmate who comes to my door.”
With that, the elegant girl took the sketch and glanced at it.
She didn’t mention it right away, but instead warmly took Lulumia’s hand and sat down with her.
“It’s been so long, Mia. I heard you almost got torn apart by the Fourth Princess. Is that true? Are you okay?”
Her softly made-up face was full of concern.
Her gentle hands caressed Lulumia’s shoulders and collarbone, so tenderly that Lulumia got goosebumps all over.
She quickly scooted away and replied stiffly,
“I-I’m all right. If I’d been torn apart, I wouldn’t be sitting here.”
“That’s true.”
The girl breathed a sigh of relief and let go of her hands, then turned her curious gaze on Eno.
“And this is…? You must be with the Church?”
She stood and, with flawless poise, performed a curtsey to Eno.
“Nice to meet you. I am Tilan Cassandra, third daughter of the Cassandra Baron Family, currently a first-year student in the Water Element Class at Saint Ystl Academy, and Mia’s classmate. Please, just call me Tilan.”
“My name is Eno, chosen as the Saint Child of the Gofen Parish.”
“Oh! You’re that immaculate Saint Child! I’ve heard so much about you—your presence is truly remarkable. I apologize for not greeting you properly at once.”
Tilan was visibly startled and bowed hurriedly.
Eno smiled and shook her head.
“No need for such formality. I’m just accompanying Lulumia while she shops.”
“You’re shopping with Mia…? But Mia shouldn’t know anyone from the Church.”
“That was true up until two weeks ago,” Lulumia cleared her throat, making a point to set boundaries with Tilan.
“Tilan, Eno saved me from Ryan—she paid to have me released. I’m now Eno’s magical automaton.”
“Uh…paid? I thought you were free?”
Tilan was stunned, swaying on her feet.
Lulumia quickly added, “Yes, and Eno even caused a rift with the Fourth Princess over me. She treats me very well.”
Tilan frowned, lifting Lulumia’s hand in concern.
“Didn’t we agree? If you had trouble, you’d tell me. The Church’s inner circles are complicated—it’s dangerous for you there. The Church is not for you.”
Biting her lip, Tilan seemed to make up her mind.
Her pretty violet eyes took on a resolute glint.
“I can’t let you be in danger.”
She stood solemnly, right hand over her left chest, and bowed to Eno.
“My sincerest apologies, Saint Child. Would you be willing to transfer Mia’s ownership to me? However much you paid to rent her, I’ll offer more—just so my dear friend won’t become a casualty of the power struggles.”
“I promised her, if she was ever forced to be bought by someone, I would be Mia’s hero and save her from disaster!”
At the last word, Tilan stared unwaveringly at Eno, her gaze filled with steadfast determination.