Chapter 22: Townsman A Shows His Filial Piety (Part 2)

We set off, trailing behind Monica.

After about five minutes of walking toward the center of town, Monica came to a halt in front of an imposing stone building.

“Here we are. The only vacancy is on the fourth floor—the top floor. It isn’t very popular since the climb is such a chore.”

While she spoke, Monica used a master key to unlock the communal entrance and began heading up the stairs. Since our current home was on the fifth floor, the move would actually be an improvement in that regard.

“Now then, this is the room.”

As she opened the door and led us inside, I found myself looking at a three-bedroom apartment. It featured a private kitchen, a toilet, and even its own bath space. Pumping water up this high seemed like it would be a hassle, yet I noticed a faucet. How does that work?

“There’s a shared well in the courtyard for general use,” Monica explained. “But as you can see, this place is already equipped with the fixtures for a Water Magic Tool. Look, you just place a Water Magic Stone in this alcove next to the kitchen, and when you turn the handle, water comes out.”

Incredible. They even have systems like this here?

“Oh, and this over here is a Light Magic Tool. If you place a Magic Stone charged with mana here, it’ll light up.”

Monica demonstrated by placing a stone into the fixture. The ceiling immediately began to glow with a white light, looking for all the world like the fluorescent lamps in a school classroom.

“Um, Monica... are you sure about this? A room this nice for only a hundred thousand credits...?”

“It’s fine, Katerina. Allen is a promising adventurer. As far as I’m concerned, he’s an investment worth making.”

Looking out the window, the street below wasn't exactly a main thoroughfare, but it had a decent amount of foot traffic and was kept very clean. Security didn’t seem like it would be an issue here.

“Monica, thank you so much. We’ll take it!”

“Allen! You shouldn't just accept such kindness from—”

“Really, Katerina, it’s quite alright,” Monica interrupted with a smile. “When Allen becomes an even more magnificent adventurer, I’ll make sure he pays me back in full!”

“Monica...”

And just like that, our search for a new home concluded with the very first property we saw.

“Ho? So you settled on a place?”

“Yes, Master. I’ve decided to take Monica up on her offer.”

“Is that so? Good for you.”

Standing beside me, Monica gave me a playful wink.

One of the deadbeat seniors—one of the many veterans who spent their daylight hours drinking away their failures in the Adventurer’s Guild tavern—overheard Master and called out to us.

“Hey, hey, what’s the good news, Little Allen?”

There were so many of these deadbeat seniors that I’d lost track of which number this one was, but I at least remembered his name.

“Hello, Jereid-senpai. I’m moving to a new place with my mother.”

“Gah... to think that tiny Little Allen has finally grown up enough for that.”

“He’s still tiny,” Master added unhelpfully.

“So, when are you moving?” Jereid asked.

“Well, I was told we could move in immediately, so I figured I’d do it bit by bit when I have the time.”

“What? Don’t be stupid, let’s just get it over with! Hey, you lot! Our Little Allen is moving house with his mom! Let’s give the kid a hand!”

“Wait, I couldn't ask that of you. Don't you have requests to finish?”

“Hah! Listen to Little Allen trying to worry about me like he's a grown-up. You’re a hundred years too early for that, kid. Just shut up and let us help.”

For a deadbeat, he can be surprisingly cool sometimes. I felt a lump in my throat; their warmth was enough to bring me to tears.

“Allen, you really are blessed with wonderful seniors. Do you see? You must make sure to treasure people like this. Gentlemen, I am Allen’s mother, Katerina. Thank you for always looking after my son.”

“O-oh. I’m Jereid. Don’t mention it, ma'am. Little Allen is basically a son to everyone in this Guild.”

“Thank you so much. I can’t offer much in the way of a reward, but would it be alright if we accepted your help?”

“Gah, we don't need a reward. No one in this Guild is boorish enough to take money for this. Alright, boys! We’ve got permission from Little Allen’s mom! It’s festival time!”

Thus, for some reason, the entire flock of deadbeat seniors loitering in the Guild ended up helping us move in full force.

A small army of about thirty rough-and-tumble men began hauling furniture and tools out of our dilapidated apartment one after another, shouldering the load as they marched toward the new place.

I suppose they really were adventurers after all. While I struggled to pull a single handcart, the seniors carried our belongings as if they weighed nothing at all.

Meanwhile, my mother stayed at the new apartment to organize everything as it arrived.

The move was completed without a single hitch, and afterward, the whole group descended upon the Guild tavern.

“Everyone, thank you for all your help today,” my mother began, addressing the gathered crowd. “And thank you for always taking care of my son, Allen. Thanks to you, we were able to move into our new home safely. I’m sure Allen will continue to cause trouble for you in the future, but I hope you will continue to guide him with generous hearts. Now then, to your luck in battle and your continued happiness—cheers!”

The banquet began with my mother’s toast. For all their faults, the seniors here really were reliable, and they looked out for me. Now that I’d moved into a better house, I had to work even harder to ensure we could stay here—to ensure we could have a better life.

It wasn't just for my mother. Master, Monica, and all the senior adventurers here... I wanted to protect this future where everyone could live with a smile.

To do that, I have to find a way to stop the Scenario. I reaffirmed that vow to myself.

“Hey, Little Allen. Your mom is a total beauty. Maybe I should—”

“Master! Please don't hit on your disciple’s mother!”

I take it back! Everyone except for Master!