Tragedy of Divinity

Chapter 60: A Place to Call Home

The streets of Loyrn buzzed with life as Lucian, Seraphine, and Quintin made their way through the residential district. After countless nights spent in the tavern's cramped quarters, surrounded by the smell of stale ale and the occasional drunken brawl echoing through the halls, they had finally decided it was time to settle down—at least temporarily.

"About time," Lucian muttered, his dark eyes scanning the rows of homes lining the cobbled street. "I was starting to forget what a proper bed felt like."

Quintin strolled beside him, whistling as he took in the sights. "I dunno, I kinda liked the tavern. Free entertainment every night—someone's always picking a fight."

Seraphine, walking ahead of them, rolled her eyes. "Yes, because nothing says relaxation like dodging barstools and listening to someone snore in the next room over." She adjusted her pack on her shoulder, her violet eyes gleaming with excitement. "This house better be worth it. It cost a fortune."

"Not just a fortune," Lucian corrected. "Nearly half a million pieces combined."

Quintin, hearing the figure, whistled again, this time in awe. "Half a million? You two are nuts. I wouldn't spend that much even if I had it."

"That's because you don't have it," Lucian replied dryly, casting a glance at Quintin. "And because you didn't contribute a single piece to this house, you can thank us later."

Quintin shrugged, unfazed. "Hey, you didn't ask me to pitch in, so technically, that's on you. Besides, I'm the comic relief of this team—I contribute in spirit."

Seraphine let out a laugh. "Comic relief doesn't pay the bills, Quintin."

After another turn, they arrived at their new home. The house was larger than they had expected, with two stories, a slanted roof, and a small garden out front. The wooden exterior was painted a deep chestnut, with clean white shutters on the windows. It was nestled in a quiet corner of the district, far enough from the bustling markets to offer peace but close enough for convenience.

"Well, this is it," Lucian announced, walking up to the front door and unlocking it with a heavy iron key. The door creaked open, revealing a spacious interior with polished wooden floors and tall ceilings.

Quintin rushed inside first, his boots echoing against the floorboards. "Whoa! Look at this place!" He spun in a circle, taking in the living area, the large stone fireplace, and the kitchen visible through an open archway. "We're moving up in the world!"

Seraphine followed more calmly, setting her pack down by the door. "It's nice. Definitely better than the tavern."

Lucian stepped in last, closing the door behind him. "It should be. For the amount we spent, this house had better be the best thing in Loyrn."

Quintin immediately started exploring, running up the staircase two steps at a time. "Let's see what we've got upstairs!"

The second floor consisted of three bedrooms, each with its own window overlooking the city. Quintin poked his head into one room, then another, before pausing in the hallway. "Uh, wait a minute," he called down to the others. "There's a problem."

Lucian and Seraphine exchanged a glance before heading upstairs.

"What is it now?" Lucian asked, already sounding exasperated.

Quintin gestured toward the bedrooms. "Why do I have to share a room with you?" He pointed to the largest bedroom, which had two beds. "And why does she," he added, pointing at Seraphine, "get her own room? Seems unfair."

Lucian sighed, crossing his arms. "It's simple. She spent more money on the house than I did—230,000 pieces from me, 430,000 from her. You, on the other hand, didn't spend a single piece. So logically, Seraphine gets to decide what she wants, and she wanted her own room."

Quintin blinked, looking genuinely surprised. "Wait, wait, wait. She spent 430,000 pieces?!" He turned to Seraphine, incredulous. "Where did you even get that kind of money?"

Seraphine smirked. "I have my ways."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "She's right. It's none of your business how she got it. The point is, she earned it, and she deserves her own space. You, on the other hand, get to share with me because, frankly, you're lucky we let you live here rent-free."

Quintin groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. "This is favoritism. Nepotism! Discrimination against the comedy department!"

Seraphine laughed again, leaning against the doorframe of her room. "It's not discrimination, Quintin. It's just common sense."

Quintin shot her a mock glare. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"

She shrugged, still smiling. "I mean, I did just secure myself a private room. So, yeah, a little."

Lucian shook his head, already walking back downstairs. "Quintin, stop whining and start unpacking. If you're lucky, I might not kill you in your sleep for snoring."

As Lucian disappeared downstairs, Quintin turned back to Seraphine, who was now arranging a few personal belongings in her room.

"So," he said, leaning against the doorway, "you really spent 430,000 pieces on this place? What happened to saving money for emergencies?"

Seraphine glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "This is an investment, not a luxury. Having a permanent base in Loyrn will make things easier for us in the long run—less time wasted looking for a place to stay, fewer expenses on taverns, and a place to store whatever treasures we find."

Quintin tilted his head, considering her words. "Huh. When you put it like that, it almost sounds… responsible."

She rolled her eyes. "Almost. Now, if you're done questioning my financial decisions, I'd like to finish unpacking."

Quintin raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll go set up my half of the shared room. But don't blame me if Lucian and I start arguing over who gets the bed by the window."

As Quintin retreated to his new room, Seraphine couldn't help but smile to herself. The house might have been expensive, but it already felt like home—chaotic, full of banter, but undeniably theirs.