Chapter 14 - Buying an Inn

Theo didn't forget to change his features and increased his height to the maximum making himself look 15.

Walking around, he could see more commoners, working man and mercenaries than he would near the academy. He could see the city walls as he walked which he found to look much more intimidating than the one from his territory.

To his surprise, the outskirts seemed really clean with not alot of beggers beggers and quite a few patrolling guards. This should be because it's the capital so security and the likes are better.

As he walked, he noticed a lady who seems to be in her late 20s with a child in hand going in and out of all the inns, restaurants and bars.

He then looked at their status window.

Name: Emma White

Species: Human

Age: 25

Danger level: 4.5

HP: 500/500

Stats :-

Strength: 19

Agility: 23

Dexterity: 21

Stamina: 20

Intelligence: 22

Perception: 18

Name: Thomas Smith

Species: Human

Age: 7

Danger level: 1

HP:

Stats :-

Strength: 2

Agility: 3

Dexterity: 2

Stamina: 2

Intelligence: 5

Perception: 3

Walking up, he could hear the inn keeper say,

"You should look elsewhere, we dont provide a place to stay for the emplyees plus we are not in need of cooks nor any job hires at the moment."

Looking slightly dejected, she continued but was stopped by a teen with black hair, blue eye and a face that looked above average who seemed to come from a rich family, most likely being a noble family. The teen then asked,

"Hi, what kind of job are you looking for?"

Realising that this might be an opportunity to get hired she immediately replied,

"Good day, I am originally a cook but I am not picky at the moment. I don't have a place to stay with my son as our house and money we're taken by the bank after my husband passed away." The lady continued, "I am not looking for a high wage but I hope that the job can provide me a temporary residence until I can have the wage to rent a new place."

Understanding the situation and why it looked like it was so difficult for her to find a job, thinking he could get some help from her.

"Are you familiar with the area? I'm planning to open an inn however, I'm not sure where I can buy an inn nor people I can hire. If I can find a satisfactory place, I could hire you as a cook after a short interview. I'll let you stay in one of the rooms after as well." Theo then continued, "Ah where are my manners, I am Asher Röthlister, you can call me Ash."

He has already thought of an alias when he changed his disguise. He could use the inn to collect information and start from there.

"I am Emma, I moved here more than a decade ago, I know the place like the back of my palm. If you're starting an inn, I suggest that the area around the city gates are a good pick. However, the buildings near the city gates tend to be more expensive so others choose to open their inns at the inner outskirts. May I know what your budget is Mr. Ash?"

Theo liked her answer as it contained all the information he needed. His family has been sending him money which he didn't spend much of. Since he was able to make a few high graded weapons, the swords and daggers he made were bought by a high price. Thinking of the total coins he made and saved from his allowance, it seems to be a little over 70 gold coins. It has to be noted that a single gold coin is enough for a common family of 4 to live comfortably for a year.

"My budget is at 60 gold coins." Theo thought that he should keep some for emergencies.

"Oh, that's more than enough. An inn on the outskirt wouldn't cost more than 20 gold coin. With that, you could open an inn in the city center." Emma told Theo realising he didn't know the property values in the capital. "With your budget, you could open an inn in the city center. The inns in the city center could earn higher profit as well since that's were the richer people would stay."

Theo was hoping to open his inn for travellers, adventurers and the likes, it would also be easier to collect information from them, opening an inn in the city circle would give against that idea.

"It's alright, I am hoping to open an inn for travellers and adventurers. This way, I could listen to interesting stories of their encounters and adventure when I'm at the inn." Theo mentioned his intentions.

"I know just what you're looking for." Emma said excitedly as the chances of her getting hired would be higher if he opens an inn on the outskirt instead of the city center. She talked about the place while bringing Theo there. " There's a place near the city gates. It used to be a popular destination runned by an elderly couple. They have retired but plans to sell it and travel with the money. People who were interested left after hearing the price. I'm sure it's the right one for you."

During the whole conversation, Emma's son studied Theo quietly then followed them.

The inn is located 3 streets away from the main street that runs from the gate to the city center. He liked that it wasn't too out in the open but not secluded.

The inn is 4 storied tall with a clean look on the outside. He could see a wooden plate above the door which seems to be where the sign used to be.

Emma knocked on the door which had a CLOSE sign. It is then opened by a healthy looking old man. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm interested in buying your inn, may I have a look around?" Theo replied.

Seeing that the potential buyer to be a rich noble teen, he let them in.

The inside is rather spacious, although it is currently empty, Theo could imagine how it would look. A bar at the end with a door on one side which leads to what he assume is the kitchen and stairs on the other.

Theo was glad to see the place being rather clean and doesn't need much renovation when he takes over. The 3 floors above the bar were the accommodation with 5 rooms in each floor.

Satisfied, he asked the man, "How much are you selling for?"

"23 gold coins, no more, no less." Which made Emma gasp as she never imagined it to be higher than 20 gold coins.

"Deal" Theo's budget was originally 60 gold coins anyways, so he didn't mind much.