Arcadia I Chapter 8: Getting a job(2)

Read chapter 8 of Arcadia I by I_live_in_your_walls on NovelPedia.

“The only thing you’ll need to purchase this property is an ID and payment,” she said, closing the folder. “We generally take thousand-shilling notes, but paying in coin is also allowed.” ‘What a situation. I should have investigated the average property cost and the requirements to purchase one before coming here.’ “… Do you by any chance know where I can get an ID?” Raising her eyebrow, she said, “New to the empire, huh? You can buy an Ort citizenship ID for two thousand shillings or get an ID from the request hall after completing a certain number of quests.” “I’ll buy citizenship for two thousand,” I said, manifesting all the shillings from my inventory and dumping them onto the counter. “I see. Name and occupation?” ‘My name should be safe to give, but for my occupation? I’ll pose as a first-step knight since I can use aura now.’ “My name is Helix. I am a first-step knight,” I replied, showing the grey aura on my hand as proof. After a second of eye contact, she adjusted her monocle. Roughly half of the shillings disappeared into silver particles. “Your payment of two thousand shillings for an Ort city ID,” she said, materializing a card and handing it to me. On the left side of the card was an image of my current appearance, with my name and occupation on the right. A marker at the bottom right stated: "ID approved by Ort City Records Manager. " “Now, if you could please place your payment for the property.” I paused before speaking, “I don’t currently have the funds to buy that property yet. Is the request hall a place I can find work? And if possible, could you hold the listing for me while I acquire the funds?” “I’m sorry, but I can’t hold it for you." She closed the folder and put it away. "However, you have nothing to worry about. It’s extremely unlikely anyone else will try to buy it.” She then answered my first question. “As for the request hall, it’s a place where people put up temporary jobs or quests with certain rewards.” “I see. Thank you.” “Anytime.” As I walked down the steps of the city hall, I contemplated my plan of action. ‘I currently need to complete requests. Appearance is an important part of getting hired, so I’ll head to the blacksmith’s district to get a proper sword and a set of leather plate armor if possible.’ With those goals in mind, I passed the southern security gate and set course for the blacksmiths’ district. “Hahh.” I ran a hand through my crimson hair and slumped onto one of the soft, warm waiting-room couches. ‘To think the employer I just contracted with is under attack already. I just hope Gulung can pay me before his whole gang goes belly up.’ If I didn't get the money for my fall semester tuition soon, I’d be drowning in a lifetime of student debt. “Scarlet, the boss is calling for you. He wants a report on how Darion died,” Gulung’s third vice commander reported. He was an assassin whose name I hadn't even bothered to learn. “Sure,” I muttered. I entered Gulung’s penthouse office of the syndicate headquarters, greeted by the familiar, cold aesthetic of the marble floor. But something was off. ‘Why are there so many mirrors now?’ Compared to my first visit, the room was covered with them. Mantel mirrors, vanity mirrors, and even mirrored furniture lined the walls. “Is there a… er… reason for all these new mirrors?” I asked. Gulung turned away from the massive window overlooking the eastern district. Swirling a wine glass in his hand, he looked at me. “Ah, it’s just a new hobby of mine.” ‘Weird, but to be expected of a psycho.’ “Now, Scarlett,” Gulung said, his voice dropping. “Mind telling me how my second vice commander died? Especially with a Baron on our side, and no other rival organization present in the city?” “From what I gathered at the scene, the killer is a first-step knight," I reported, leaning against the doorframe. "He was coating his blade with trace amounts of aura. I tried to blow him to smithereens, but he managed to escape.” “Examining Darion’s wounds, the att