Silence fell for a moment. Leonard's colleagues gaped. 27 Gold Pieces divided by three was a very large amount for a guild employee bonus.
"A-Are you serious, Young Master?" asked Leonard, his eyes radiating sincere gratitude and increasing respect. "Giving that much money to us?"
"I am serious. Do I need to sign a statement letter to make it valid proof?"
"Of course, Young Master. Procedure remains procedure so we are not accused of corruption or embezzling guild funds!" answered Leonard while smiling broadly, handing over parchment paper and a quill.
With fluid hand movements, Kazien wrote a short statement regarding the remaining purchase money given as a legitimate gratuity to the employees on duty. At the end of the letter, Kazien affixed his signature and the Altavis family crest stamp he carried.
Leonard and his two colleagues sighed in relief and happiness after receiving the letter.
"Thank you very much, Young Master!" said Leonard sincerely. "Then, for the certificates... under whose name will these houses be issued? Is it under all of your names?"
Kazien was silent for a moment. He just realized one crucial thing in his plan.
Ah, damn. I forgot to ask for the personal data and full names of those assassins, he thought. I can't use my name for twelve houses at once, that would be too suspicious.
"Not under my name!" answered Kazien. "And honestly, I don't have the list of prospective owners' names yet. In that case, Leonard, can you follow me to the Altavis residence now? We'll handle the signatures and data collection there directly. There are many people you have to register."
Leonard, who certainly didn't want to disappoint his client, especially after receiving a big bonus from him, immediately nodded firmly.
"Of course. I will go with you, Young Master. I will bring the complete documents right now."
Not long after, the two of them walked together back to the Altavis residence. But upon arriving there, Kazien did not take Leonard into the magnificent main mansion. He instead led Leonard to a carriage parked without horses in the yard.
Leonard was a bit confused seeing Kazien knock on the carriage door, but he remained silent waiting professionally.
The carriage door opened. Zeto, the leader of the assassin group, stuck his head out.
"Good morning, Young Master..." greeted Zeto respectfully, slightly surprised to see Kazien already in front of him. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Zeto, gather your members now!" ordered Kazien to the point. "I have bought twelve units of houses for you and also all your members. The location is close to here. Can you all come out or gather to sign the documents for the ownership of this house?"
Zeto froze in the carriage doorway. His mouth opened slightly, his eyes trembling looking at his master. He truly couldn't believe that Kazien had bought houses for them without his knowledge.
"H-Houses...? Are you serious, Young Master?"
"I never joke around. Hurry up!" urged Kazien.
With overflowing enthusiasm, Zeto went back inside the carriage. "Everyone! Gather in the living room! Young Master brings good news! We have houses!"
Kazien turned to Leonard standing beside him. "Let's go inside, Leonard."
Leonard looked at the carriage hesitantly. "Go inside the carriage, Young Master? But... didn't you say there are many people? will it fit if we go in there?"
"Just go in first." chimed in Kazien, spontaneously.
Leonard stepped up the carriage stairs hesitantly. However, as soon as his feet crossed the threshold, the doubt on his handsome face vanished instantly, replaced by an expression of extraordinary astonishment.
The inside of the carriage wasn't a narrow cabin. It was a spacious luxury residence. High ceilings, long corridors, and a magnificent living room stretched out before him.
"Y-Young Master..." Leonard's voice caught. His eyes swept around the room in amazement. "What kind of carriage is this? Isn't this already like a mansion?!"
"Because our mansion couldn't accommodate everyone here, I deliberately made this carriage as their temporary residence." answered Kazien casually while walking in.
Leonard was stunned and amazed by Kazien's greatness. As a merchant who often sees magic tools, I know very well the value of dimension magic. But making a 'walking mansion' like this? That's a different level!
Leonard observed his surroundings with awe.
Amazing! He is truly amazing! Leonard shouted in admiration internally. I suspected Young Master Kazien wasn't an ordinary noble, but his abilities truly surpass common sense!
Not long after, Zeto and all his members had gathered in the dimension carriage's living room. Their faces looked beaming. Leonard, though still a bit shocked by the carriage interior, immediately returned to his professional mode. He guided them one by one to fill in personal data and sign house ownership documents.
Amidst the busyness, a small boy about five years old separated himself from the crowd. He walked unsteadily approaching Kazien who was standing supervising the administration process.
The child looked up, staring at Kazien's face with a gaze full of curiosity. His round eyes stared intently at the silver-haired figure.
Kazien noticed the boy's presence. His gaze softened. He crouched down, aligning his height with the boy.
"What is your name, champ?" asked Kazien kindly.
"Virgo!" answered the child loudly and cheerfully. "What is Brother's name?"
"Virgo? Nice name. I am Kazien Altavis."
Virgo tilted his head, staring at Kazien's perfect facial features. "Brother, your face is really handsome... shining like the moon. May I touch your face?"
That innocent request made some adults nearby hold their breath. However, Kazien just smiled and nodded.
"Of course!"
Virgo's small hand reached out hesitantly, then touched Kazien's cheek. The tiny fingers stroked Kazien's face slowly, feeling his skin. He smiled kindly, letting the child feel every gentle touch of his tiny hand.
"Do you still want to touch my face?" asked Kazien gently.
Virgo nodded enthusiastically. Without hesitation, Kazien immediately reached out and picked Virgo up into his arms, making the child laugh happily.
Kazien then looked towards the crowd of adults queuing up.
"Who are Virgo's parents?" he asked loudly.
A well-built man with a face full of scars immediately raised his hand. His face was pale, looking very panicked. He rushed forward, breaking through the queue, and immediately bowed deeply in front of Kazien.
"I-I am! My name is Virgil, Young Master." said the man with a nervously trembling voice. "Forgive me! Forgive me for my son's insolence in touching and stroking your face!"