SWNOVELXO Chapter 19: Minimum
Selina arrived at a spot by the roadside, near a stone wall, where carriages often stopped to take on passengers. Before long, a coachman on a four-wheeled carriage called out, offering public transport.
Upon approach, she noted the carriage's cramped interior. Some passengers had climbed to the roof for breathing room, while others sat shoulder to shoulder inside, silent but patient.
Fortunately, there were fewer than five commuters inside the one she boarded. Still, the space was far from comfortable for anyone of lofty stature.
The air inside was thick with the stench of sweat and damp wool. Selina nearly reconsidered and opted to walk, but pressed on. The other passengers, likely used to this, wore blank, indifferent expressions.
Adjusting her grip on the suitcase, she removed her sun hat and slouched slightly as she stepped aboard.
She was met with a handful of stares—some blank, others tinged with faint curiosity. The attention made her stomach tighten, a flicker of discomfort stirring beneath her composed expression. She offered a polite smile and nodded to the other passengers before taking the nearest open seat.
Beside her sat an elderly woman with limp, tired eyes. Her clothing bore heavy stitch lines, and her skin was pale and rough—clear marks of poverty.
At the coachman's call, the horses began to gallop. The carriage jolted, then gradually picked up speed.
Selina absently caressed the brim of her sun hat as she turned toward the glassless window. Vendors and cluttered buildings blurred past her view, followed by crooked lampposts lining the roadside.
An elderly man passed by outside—gray-haired, clothes patched with assorted fabrics barely held together. The city seemed riddled with poverty, far more so than she remembered from the middle districts.
Heavily populated areas never lack these kinds of people, Selina murmured inwardly, tucking a loose strand of silver hair behind her ear.
The carriage soon reached a wide intersection—Iron Cross Street, if she recalled correctly. Her mental map marked it as the convergence of four major roads from the West, North, and East Boroughs.
In the center stood the municipal square, vibrant with red-and-white tents. Clowns in absurd costumes handed out flyers to passersby.
A circus? Her gaze lingered on the booths, drawn to the velvet fabric fluttering in the wind, until the carriage rolled past.
Selina leaned back, folding her hands over her sun hat. The suitcase rested snugly between her legs as she steadied her posture.
Moments later, the carriage halted at Daffodil Street—a charming neighborhood of neatly lined terraced houses, framed by wrought-iron fences and ornate gates.
She slouched out of the carriage, withdrew a copper penny from her suitcase, and briskly approached the front to pay the coachman.
Earlier, she'd intended to hand him five pennies, oblivious to the standard fare.
Observing the other passengers had quickly corrected her. The realization brought a faint flush of embarrassment.
The coachman said nothing. With a curt tug on the reins, he drove off, leaving Selina behind.
Sun hat in place, she turned toward the row of houses, ready to pursue her objective: finding one to rent.
As she strolled the sidewalks, she took note of the well-dressed pedestrians. Men wore frock coats, carried canes, and sported top hats. The women clutched parasols over elaborately frilled dresses and bonnets.
So this is where the middle class resides... she mused, scanning the homes for rental flyers.
Cautiously navigating the modest crowd, she came upon a terrace building, bearing a multifaceted hipped-roofs, with three chimneys stood erected.
Its exterior was painted with brown and an occasional whiteness that accentuates its vintage-style design.
The place offers a close lawn by its door and a notice pasted by its wooden pane The house resembled its neighbors, save for its dim interior and closed curtains.
This should do... I wonder how much the rent is.
Intending to approach its entrance, a deep voice called out from across the yard.
"Miss! Do you plan on renting that place?"
Startled, Selina turned. Behind a trimmed hedge and iron fence stood a man in a frock coat and top hat, tipping his hat toward her.
Who is he? she wondered, brow slightly raised.
The man appeared to be in his late forties, with a round face, a bit of stubble, and a lean build. He stood just a little taller than her and bore a polite, almost affable smile.
"Haha! You must be wondering who I am!" he chuckled warmly. "I'm Marl Heath—or just Mr. Heath, if you prefer."
Selina returned the smile with practiced grace. "Mr. Heath, you seem familiar with this area. May I ask where I can file a rental application for this house?"
"What a well-mannered lady! Of course. Keep walking until you reach the end of the street, then turn left. After that, turn right, and you'll find the Yanzhi Housing Company. Oh, and feel free to take the flyer."
An enthusiastic man… people would surely grow fond of him over time, Selina briefly nodded before replying in a mellow tone, "Thank you. I appreciate your guidance."
She noted the house number—16—and took the flyer. As she tucked it into her suitcase, Mr. Heath called again.
"It's a pleasure, miss. Also, my wife just made Seared Battered Mutton. After you're done with the rental process, would you care to try some? She can bring it over—I promise it's worth it!"
Selina maintained her smile but blinked once, in doubt. Is this mandatory?
"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Heath, but I'll excuse myself for now."
He placed his hat over his chest and gave a gentleman's bow. Selina returned the courtesy before walking off with deliberate poise.
...
After a series of maneuvers, Selina arrived at a department building, with a sign over its left double door which reads; Yanzhi Working Class Housing Improvement Association.
They should really consider using an abbreviation... Selina turned the door's handles before gently pushing it open.
Inside, the lobby was quiet, only a handful of people lined up at the front desk. Some are issuing about rental fees while others diligently sign a contract. In the reception area two sofas are placed together facing a waist-level table with a door facing from the left.
The people are too occupied with their business that they didn't noticed Selina.
Selina took her sun hat off before briskly walking to the receptionist.
Behind the desk was a young man with thin build, blackish-brown eyes and neatly slicked black hair. He fell in a daze for a moment before briskly saying in a respectful tone, he asked "How may I help you today?"
Bringing her sun hat to her right hand, she took out a piece of paper from the leathered suitcase using her left. Offering the flier towards the receptionist.
"I'm here to rent a terraced house."
"Oh, then please wait for a moment" The young man replied as he went out of the counter and into a door at the side, behind Selina.
After ten minutes, the young receptionist returned, followed by a plump man with short black hair, dark eyes and short snub nose wearing a vested long sleeved white shirt.
"This is Mr. Groland. He's a real estate agent, he will assist you in choosing a rental house." The receptionist pointed his open palm towards Groland.
Groland raised his right hand to his chest and bowed in courtesy before introducing himself, "I am Morlon Groland. Just as Mr. Rowell have stated, I'm a real estate agent, so if you have anything to inquire, please don't hesitate to inform me."
Selina responded to their introduction with a polite smile, "Pleased to meet you."
"Oh, Miss please have a seat at the sofa, we'll prepare a cup of tea in awhile." The young receptionist, Rowell, gestured for the long upholstered seat by the short table.
Selina nodded before occupying a space of the sofa, while Groland took the other vacant sofa.
Contemplating for a moment. Selina asked in amiable tone, "May I know the requirements for renting a terrace building?"
"Of course, our requirements are minimal, we only request the renter's documents and we will forge a contract afterwards." explained by Gorland, resting his right hand over the sofa's arm.
Document? I don't have that! she mumbled under her breath before reckoning her situation. After fleeing the town of Milo, she would have to keep a low profile until she change her name through a reliable document dealer. Which is currently troubling her.
Should I just rent an apartment instead? But there's a possibility that the cult from Milo would track me down, endangering the tenants that are nearby... She pondered over her other options for shelter.
Seeing his client fell into a deep thought. Gorland broke the tension, implying "W-Well, it is for the safety of the neighborhood. A handful of individuals lately have been involved in crimes, which prompted us to include this requirement. Miss, please understand."
Snapping from her reverie. Selina responded with a dry smile, "Don't worry, I don't plan on violating the company's guidelines."
After a pause, she added, "Well, to be honest, there would be no need for browsing of potential houses."
Recalling the door number displayed from previous terraced house she have visited. Its close distance from the municipal square and the Iron Cross Street, she have already ascertain her decision for occupying it.
"Perhaps you've already decided a house that suits your taste?" Garland raised his brow slightly.
Selina nodded before replying "16 Daffodil street. I believe its suitable for me."
"Very well, since the house hasn't been checked for awhile. We'll need inspect the house of any required maintenance before we forged a contract. It is mandatory due to complaints we'd often get from loose pipes and leakage so I would advise to wait for a minimum of a day." Garland detailed the procedure to Selina.
After that, he relayed. "Our rental fee would range from nineteen soli notes to one pound notes depending on the house. And yours seems to be in a range of one pound, are you fine with that?"
Selina heaved a silent sigh of relief. This means she should have enough time to commission a document dealer to forge her an identity, and the money wasn't a problem for awhile. The only issue now would be to search for a reliable dealer, the possibility of con artists can't be dismissed.
"That won't be a problem." She replied with an amiable smile.
Garland let off a soft breath before bidding, "A pleasure doing business with you. Please return tomorrow afternoon for a follow-up."
Selina nodded in acknowledgement before propping herself from the sofa.
Rowell, the receptionist returned with a two silver plates serving tea cups. Seeing the lady stood up from the upholstered seat, he asked "Miss, going already?"
Selina turned her head towards Rowell, and nodded in contempt.
But before she could proceed to the door, she paused on her steps and redirect her gaze towards Gorland.
"Mr. Gorland, may I know the company's closing time?"
"Yes, our open time is seven in the morning before closing at seven in the evening." Gorland replied, exerting force to his back as he stands up.
"Thank you" Selina replied in modest before leaving the department.
...
Adjusting her sun hat, Selina made her way back to 16 Daffodil Street.
Passing the terraced house she previously encountered. She returned to the municipal square of the city.
Hand pressed to her sun hat, she navigate through the bustling streets packed with colorful attired clowns and spectating audiences.
Soon, she came across a three story building, with a flier over its entrance that offers travelers a momentary stay. A sign was posted over a hanged wooden board that reads; Polar Oysten Bar.
Upon entering the bar, Selina took note of the scarcity of customers inside.
The interior is furnished with woden tables, arranged in a parallel symmetry from each other, while on the corner are windows that led to a crowded street. On her left, was a flight of stairs leading to the second floor.
The possible reason for the lack of customers could be the daytime. The majority of customers are often the working class of society. They visit the nearest bar once evening took over, either to waste themselves in alcohol or to forget the life's problems even for a moment.
Selina made her way towards the counter with graceful steps. There, she occupied an available high-legged stool.
The bartender was a lean man, wearing a white long sleeves paired with a piece of a grey-black vest, with a proportional head and a short mildly messy hair that accentuates his lightly bearded face. One can assume he's between the age of fifty.
The man quickly noticed Selina's presence, turning his back to face the customer. He saw a silver-haired gorgeous woman from behind the sun hat.
Assuming a posture of elegance, Selina intertwined her hand on her thighs along with her sun hat before asking, "Sir, may I know your name?"
The man scrutinized Selina for a few seconds before taking a glass cup from the counter and wiping its surface. He replied with deep tone, "Edward. It's Edward Melvin."
Selina acknowledged his introduction with a nod before inquiring "I've taken an interest in the offer pasted on the door. May I know the price for staying a night?"
The bartender paused momentarily, before replying "For tonight it would be two soli."
Selina revealed a polite smile before taking out a two piece of paper. Etched on its surface is the face of the current king of Loen, King George Augustus III.
Slipping the two soli to the counter. The man fished out a spare key beneath, handing it over to Selina before taking the two notes.
"Second floor, room 035."
"Thank you." After stuffing the key to her suitcase, Selina ascended the stairs to the lobby's left corner, making her way to the last door of the corridor.
The door clicked open, her hand gently pushed it inward. Inside features a one-person bed, a wooden closet on the corner and a wooden set of table and chair beside a veiled windows. The room have a total of four glass windows, two ahead and one parallel to each other by the corner.
Selina felt a numb sensation after a long day of holding her baggage. Dropping her leathered suitcase onto the bed. She quietly massaged her shoulders, circling it momentarily before throwing herself onto the draped mattress.
Relaxing herself onto its soft surface, Selina began to ponder how she could find a trustworthy document dealer, I could consult the tarot club tomorrow afternoon. But the inspection of the house would be done by then.
The bartender seems to be know well around these part of the district. It's best to ask him later, Settling her mind, Selina's eyes dropped at a second, resting herself to sleep for awhile.