43: Chapter 43 Buying a House! A King-Size Bed! Awesome! Snowy Manor!

The next morning, at Red Maple Manor.

In the master bedroom on the top floor.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting warm patches of light onto the messy silk sheets.

Rowan moved the boneless, soft arms wrapped around his neck and got out of bed.

He stepped onto the floor barefoot, leaned over to pick out his clothes from the scattered pile, and dressed unhurriedly.

Lady Lillian let out a soft moan and turned over. Her silky hair spread across the pillow as she slept soundly, the lingering traces of last night's frenzy still visible on her face.

...

The morning light grew a bit brighter.

After the two were dressed and had finished the breakfast meticulously prepared by the servants, they headed out together.

"Are you really going to buy property in Gino City?" Lady Lillian asked, leaning against the carriage window with some curiosity.

Then she added, "Real estate in Gino City isn't cheap, especially decent noble manors."

"I need a place to stay and socialize," Rowan responded simply, revealing a bit about his specific budget.

He had already exchanged most of the gold coins obtained from Mist Castle into credit vouchers from the Vilantia United Bank through reliable channels in Ice Lake City.

It was a significant sum—3,890 gold coins.

When Lady Lillian learned of Rowan's expected price range and requirements, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

She looked Rowan over again.

This little baron from a remote territory seemed to have more... substance than she had imagined.

However, she knew better than to ask more, and instead, her interest grew even higher.

Lady Lillian came from a local business family, and her advantage as a local was fully displayed now.

She helped Rowan filter out the flashy but impractical or poorly located options and took him directly to see several truly high-quality manors for sale.

In the end, they set their sights on [Snow Velvet Manor], located in the northwest corner of Gino City, near a section of Still Lake.

It was a quiet spot amidst the hustle and bustle, not far from the city center and the cathedral district, and the environment was serene.

The main building of the manor was a three-story white stone villa with a distinct Northern architectural style, elegant lines, and many floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.

The manor covered about fifty acres and included a meticulously maintained lawn garden, a small vineyard and wine cellar, a greenhouse, a stable, and a small grove of snow maple trees growing along the shore of Still Lake, offering beautiful scenery.

The interior decoration was not outdated; the previous owner was a viscount with good taste, and it had been kept in excellent condition.

The furniture was mostly a combination of solid wood and velvet, with every detail showcasing understated luxury.

What satisfied Rowan the most was the master bedroom on the top floor.

The room was exceptionally spacious with an excellent view.

An entire wall consisted of floor-to-ceiling windows, facing the dreamlike snow maple grove and the tranquil lake surface.

In the center of the room stood an unforgettable, massive twelve-poster bed.

The bed frame was carved from dark, precious night sandalwood, with intricate and exquisite star patterns winding around the pillars.

The mattress was soft and elastic, covered with several layers of the finest velvet bedding and silk sheets.

The entire bed was luxurious, sturdy, and exuded a peaceful yet alluring atmosphere.

Rowan made the decision on the spot, purchasing Snow Velvet Manor and the existing team of servants for 3,600 gold coins.

This included the gardener, chef, maids, butler, and so on.

The transfer procedures were completed quickly with the help of Lady Lillian and the agent.

At night, on the top floor of Snow Velvet Manor.

The new owner's first night.

Rowan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the snow maple grove, which looked as if it were draped in silver gauze under the moonlight, and the shimmering lake surface.

The new butler had already retired with the servants.

The manor was completely quiet.

"Aren't you going to invite me to spend... this first night in your new home with you?" Lady Lillian approached from behind, her arms winding around his waist like a water snake, her voice filled with lazy temptation.

She seemed particularly spirited today and had no intention of returning to her own Red Maple Manor.

Rowan turned around, looking at her face, which was illuminated by the moonlight and the warm indoor light, making it look exceptionally vivid. A hint of a smile flickered deep within his calm eyes.

Testing the sturdiness of the new bed seemed like a good idea.

"It would be my honor, my lady."

He leaned over, scooped her up, and tossed her onto that luxurious and soft big bed.

The velvet curtains fell...

The night was still long, enough for them to explore every corner of this big bed to their heart's content...

The next day, near noon.

Lady Lillian finally left Snow Velvet Manor, her gait seemingly adding a few extra touches of unusual Charm compared to other days.

Rowan saw her into the carriage and watched her leave.

He returned to the master bedroom of Snow Velvet Manor.

A lingering, enchanting fragrance remained in the air, interweaving with the morning breeze that carried the cool scent of snow maples from outside the window.

He stepped into the adjoining luxurious bathroom to wash away the subtle traces left by the night's indulgence.

Then he changed into a clean, sharp, dark gray casual outfit.

Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his collar.

Since the newly purchased manor was settled and that sturdy big bed had passed its initial inspection...

Then, it was time to invite Priestess Aria to come and discuss some of his confusion regarding the doctrines of the Dawn.

He left the bedroom and walked down the spiral staircase.

Butler Horn was already waiting respectfully in the foyer.

"Master, the carriage is ready."

"Hmm," Rowan said in a flat tone. "Everything as usual; just keep an eye on the manor."

"Yes, Master," Butler Horn bowed slightly.

The carriage drove out through the ornate iron gates of Snow Velvet Manor.

The autumn afternoon sun was bright but not scorching, and the sky was a clear, high, azure blue.

Dawn Cathedral, in the afternoon.

There were not many believers praying, and the air was filled with incense.

Rowan was no longer a stranger to this place.

He nodded slightly to the welcoming monk, informed him of his pre-arranged prayer, and walked toward the prayer room in the wing.

The door to the prayer room was ajar.

He knocked gently on the door.

"Please, come in." Aria Windsor's voice came from inside, still clear and cold, but Rowan keenly caught a hint of imperceptible fatigue.

He pushed the door open and entered.

Aria was sitting behind the desk by the window, with thick files and maps spread out before her.

She was wearing a moon-white priestess robe today, simple in style, yet it still outlined her graceful curves.

Hearing footsteps, she looked up.

The moment she saw who it was, her ice-blue eyes fluctuated slightly, almost imperceptibly.

"You have come," she said, her voice steady. "Is today's scheduled prayer because... you have encountered some other trouble?"

Rowan walked to an appropriate distance in front of the desk and performed a short salute.

He did not answer her question directly, but said:

"May the Goddess's light dispel your fatigue, Priestess Aria. You look a bit tired."

Aria turned her head slightly, avoiding his overly intense gaze, her fingertips unconsciously brushing the edge of the files. "There are some cases recently... that are quite tricky."

"It is precisely in these turbulent times that the cornerstone of faith becomes even more important." Rowan took the conversation naturally, then steered the topic toward the purpose of his visit:

"I have recently been rereading some chapters of the records of the dawns break, and I suddenly have some new insights and confusion."

"I wonder... if you have any spare time today, Priestess, to provide me with some guidance?"

"I have newly acquired a quiet residence in the city, by the lake, with a decent view. Perhaps it is more suitable than this solemn prayer room for delving into some questions that require calm reflection."

He paused, his amber eyes gazing at her with a touch of just-right anticipation. "Of course, if you are busy with official business..."

He did not finish his sentence, but his Charm skill was quietly activated.

Aria was slightly stunned upon hearing this.

A private invitation to his residence?

This was a step further than the previous tavern discussion, and also more... presumptuous...

She instinctively wanted to refuse.

However, when she looked up and met Rowan's eyes, which were filled with anticipation, she hesitated.

Finally, she nodded gently, her voice a little softer than usual. "Very well. Resolving the doubts of a devout believer is my duty after all."

"I certainly won't let you down." A faint smile curled the corners of Rowan's mouth.