Chapter 73 - 72: Madam Misu

Chapter 73: Chapter 72: Madam Misu

As the largest city in the Bremen region, Bremen City had more than one gate, unlike Hogan City. Gaode took a detour of less than half a two-hour period, choosing to stagger his arrival from the caravan and enter through another gate: the River Gate. Bremen City saw massive daily foot traffic. Even with multiple gates diverting the crowds, it remained bustling. Thus, when Gaode strode steadily into the city, he drew no attention.

Only a group of plainly dressed teenagers loitering near the gate took notice. After a brief exchange among themselves, a youth in a coarse linen shirt approached him.

"Hello, sir. Do you need a guide? I am very familiar with most of the city, and I even know exactly where the roaming street vendors have set up today.

"Whether you are looking for accommodation, trying to find someone, or seeking work, I can show you the way."

Gaode’s travel-stained appearance and the baggage he carried clearly marked him as an outsider. Being new to the area, it was indeed necessary to have a local guide. He thought for a moment before asking the crucial question: "What are your rates?"

"Sir, 1 Silver Coin will hire me for the entire afternoon!" the linen-clad boy said happily.

"Deal. Lead the way." Gaode fished 1 Silver Coin from his pocket and tossed it to the boy.

Well-versed in the principle of keeping one’s wealth hidden, Gaode kept the pouch containing most of his Gold Coins tucked safely inside his shirt, carrying only a small amount of loose change in his pocket for daily expenses. This ensured that he wouldn’t expose his wealth and draw the prying eyes of opportunistic thieves whenever he needed to pay for something.

During his journey, Gaode had already planned out where he wanted to go and what he needed to do upon entering the city. His first order of business was to rent a house. Barring any accidents, he would be staying in Bremen City for quite some time, making a hotel unfeasible and far too expensive.

"Sir, if you are looking to rent a house in Bremen City, you have plenty of options," the boy, whose name was Leman, explained in detail after hearing Gaode’s request.

"First, the area with the best environment and the strictest security is undeniably the Deep Flow District. The Nobility, top-tier wealthy merchants, and Mage lords of the city mostly live there.

"However, houses in that district rent for over 200 Sean Gold Coins a year."

"Great, I don’t even need to think about that one," Gaode praised sarcastically in his mind.

"Next are the houses in the Siren District. That is the most bustling main commercial hub in Bremen City. Living there is incredibly convenient, and the environment is excellent. Of course, the rent isn’t cheap either. It generally ranges from 100 to 200 Sean Gold Coins a year."

"Great, I still don’t even need to think about it," he thought.

"Then there’s the Devis District. Devis Street is lined with small shops, and while it doesn’t compare to the Siren District, it still counts as a commercial area with good security and convenience.

"The annual rent for a house here is usually between 20 and 100 Sean Gold Coins.

"Following that is the Camond District. There are many small workshops around Camond Street, and the residents are mostly local artisans.

"Alternatively, there are houses in the Techton District, which are generally occupied by employees of the city’s stores.

"The housing conditions in these two districts are considered lower-middle tier. Naturally, they are cheaper, with an annual rent of around 20 Gold Coins.

"As for the cheapest houses in Bremen City, those are in the Hogan District. Renting a room there only costs 2 Silver Coins a week, which comes to just 5 Gold Coins and 4 Silver Coins for a whole year."

Gaode finally caught on. The names of the districts and streets within Bremen City were directly named after the various cities in the Bremen region. Tragically, the absolute cheapest housing in all of Bremen City was located in the Hogan District. Having just left Hogan City, Gaode had no desire to take a trip down memory lane. He eliminated the Hogan District without a second thought.

"Take me to Camond Street," Gaode said to Leman after a moment’s consideration.

"Sir, Bremen City is quite massive, and the districts are spaced far apart. We are currently at the River Gate, and it’s a solid six or seven kilometers from here to Camond Street!" Leman reminded him tactfully.

"Good heavens!" Gaode thought, taken aback. At a rough estimate, the sheer size of Bremen City could rival a third- or fourth-tier city from his previous life.

"Let’s take a carriage there, then." Gaode was very receptive to advice.

"Sir, we can wait here for a few minutes. The next public carriage to Camond Street will be arriving shortly."

"A public carriage?" The term sounded novel. Clearly, Hogan City didn’t have such a thing; it was highly likely exclusive to a large metropolis like Bremen City.

"Yes, a public carriage costs 2 Copper Coins for a short trip and 4 Copper Coins for the full route. From here to the Camond District, it’s only 4 Copper Coins per person. If we were to hire a private carriage, it would cost at least 16 Copper Coins," Leman calculated for him.

"Alright, let’s wait then."

About three or four minutes later, accompanied by the CREAK CREAK of wooden wheels, a platform-like carriage pulled by two horses rolled into view and came to a halt near the River Gate. Nearly twenty people stepped down from it.

The carriage had two levels with the door positioned at the rear and fifteen functional windows. It could seat twelve people inside, while the open-air second level on the roof could hold another fourteen, accessible via a ladder. The driver sat atop the roof, and a staff member stood by the door to collect fares. This was indeed a novel sight for Gaode.

"Two people, to Camond Street." Gaode pulled out 1 Silver Coin and handed it to the fare collector.

"Full route tickets are 4 Copper Coins each. That’s 8 Copper Coins for two. Here’s your change of 4 Copper Coins!" The worker took 4 Copper Coins from a cash box and handed them to Gaode.

"Thanks." Gaode pocketed the change and led Leman up to the second level of the carriage.

After waiting in place for about ten minutes, the carriage filled up with passengers and set off. As they traveled along the street, they passed houses with chimneys, some even boasting garden-like courtyards. Passengers constantly got on and off along the way. Because these public carriages lacked designated stops, they simply followed a fixed route, stopping wherever hailed and allowing people to board at will.

The ride was smooth without much disruption. About forty minutes later, Gaode arrived at Camond Street.

"Lead the way to 267 Camond Street," Gaode said with clear intent after disembarking.

"No problem, sir. Follow me," Leman said confidently.

Guided by Leman, Gaode arrived at 267 Camond Street, a semi-detached, two-story house. It featured intricate carvings and a solid stone foundation. Various flowers were planted on both sides of the entrance, showing that the homeowner had refined tastes. The linen curtains in the windows fluttered gently in the breeze. By the door, two wisteria vines grew upward, intertwining all the way to the window, adding a touch of rustic charm to the building.

Gaode walked slowly up the stairs in front of the house, raised his right hand, and knocked lightly on the wooden door.

A dozen seconds later, the heavy wooden door opened. A woman dressed in an ankle-length silk robe stood in the doorway, looking at Gaode with considerable wariness.

"Who are you?"

"Hello, I am looking for Mrs. Misu," Gaode said with a smile.