Chapter 18: [18] Poverty
Aiden listened attentively as Eiri presented her recommendations.
"Aiden-san, Property No. 233 is a three-story building with six rooms, a basement, a kitchen, a study, a dining room, and a living room. It also features a small garden and a training room, with all furniture and facilities in excellent condition."
"Despite its location in the Amor Square area, it's not directly on the square, so it's relatively quiet, as the surrounding houses are not currently leased or for sale. The overall atmosphere is peaceful, but the rent is on the higher side. Including furniture usage fees, the six-month rent amounts to 400,000 valid."
"Regarding No. 66 Daedalus Street, I believe you're aware that it's located in an impoverished district. It's a two-story building with five rooms, a living room, a kitchen, a dining room, and a large courtyard. While it doesn't come with much furniture, it should meet your needs. The rent is more affordable at 250,000 valis for six months, but there are more residents in the vicinity."
As Aiden absorbed Eiri's descriptions, he carefully examined the documents in his hand. Property No. 233 at Amor Square and No. 66 at Daedalus Street: they were both recommended because they essentially met Aiden's requirements. From the information provided, their interior décor seemed similar... simple and minimalist. However, their architectural styles were vastly different, with No. 233 resembling a Western-style villa, while No. 66 had a more single-family home vibe.
No. 233 appeared to be significantly more expensive than No. 66, but quality came at a price. It did sound appealing, whereas Daedalus Street's No. 66 seemed too chaotic and easy to get lost in. Aiden felt a tug of interest. "What's your suggestion, Eiri-san?"
After a few moments of contemplation, Eiri offered her opinion. "If your funds allow, Aiden-san, I would recommend Property No. 233 at Amor Square. Not only does it meet your requirements, but as a newly minted adventurer, you'll likely be shuttling between the Dungeon and Orario frequently. No. 233 is closer to the Dungeon entrance, with surrounding shops and facilities more readily available."
"Compared to No. 66 at Daedalus Street, I personally favor the one at the square." Aiden lifted his glass, taking a sip of water, and grinned.
"However, before making a decision, I suggest both of you visit the sites in person." Eiri warmly advised.
"That's what I had in mind too. What do you think, Hestia?" Aiden set down his glass, signaling the end of his drink. After all, without firsthand investigation, they couldn't make an informed decision. If the actual properties were vastly different from what was described in the documents or by the staff, it could lead to complications. A little reconnaissance before renting was essential... no amount of wealth could replace prudence.
Hestia, sensing Aiden's concern for his wallet, whispered softly, "Aiden, perhaps we should consider No. 66 at Daedalus Street."
Aiden caught onto Hestia's apprehension, giving her head a gentle pat. "Don't worry, Hestia. Though funds are tight now, renting the property at Amor Square is still within our means."
"Alright, Aiden, but don't overexert yourself." Hestia smiled reassuringly.
"Oh, Eiri-san, have you had lunch yet? If not, you should go ahead and eat. We're in no rush." Aiden glanced at his watch, considering the time.
"Thank you for your concern, Aiden-san. I've already had lunch. If you're free, we can head out now." Eiri replied, retrieving the keys from inside the house.
A row of trees stood tall on either side of the street, bringing not only fresh air but also a serene atmosphere. Guided by Eiri, Aiden and Hestia stepped into Amor Square Property No. 233.
From the outside, the house didn't appear very large. Upon entering the courtyard, the first thing that caught their eye was the neatly trimmed lawn. Inside, to Aiden's surprise, although there was some dust on the floor tiles, it was nothing more than what one might expect from a household that hadn't been cleaned for a day or two. A coat rack stood in the entrance.
Following Eiri into the living room, they found a set of sofas, with a row of windows on the right side facing the lawn and small garden outside. Instead of a television, there was a fireplace in the modern family living room. Moving on to the kitchen, Aiden noted the wide array of utensils and tableware available.
Next were the bedrooms and study, each piece of furniture covered with a layer of dust cloth to ensure cleanliness and save the occupants from the hassle of cleaning.
Under Eiri's guidance, Aiden and Hestia toured the house and found themselves thoroughly satisfied with it.
During the signing process, Aiden learned that Eiri was an employee of the guild, and this property belonged to the guild as well. Because of Hestia's divine status, her credit served as collateral, eliminating the need for a deposit... a fact Aiden had known beforehand and one of the reasons he dared to rent this house.
"Aiden-kun, is this our new home?" Hestia asked, her excitement palpable.
"Yes, indeed. This is our new home."
"Fantastic! I adore you even more now, Aiden-kun!" This time, Hestia didn't leap onto him but instead cheered jubilantly on the spot.
Seeing Hestia's powered armor constantly in motion as she jumped around, Aiden couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Such a scene could only belong to the heavens.
After an afternoon of effort from Aiden and Hestia, the entire house was revitalized.
In the evening, after testing his strength in the training room of their new home, Aiden sat on the bed, looking at the dwindling sum in his purse. "Damn, I've unknowingly spent so much, and it's only been a few days. Could it be that I've also received the blessing of becoming a god of poverty?"
Shaking his head, Aiden recalled the plot of the Devil May Cry series. Suddenly, he remembered a detail he had previously overlooked... the Sparda family, aside from Sparda himself, were all incredibly impoverished.
Dante's office would have its utilities cut off due to unpaid bills. Nero's own life hadn't been particularly prosperous after the dissolution of the Order of the Sword. While the fourth series was marked by a low-key luxury, by the fifth series, the pressure of life had turned Nero's wardrobe into a collection of ordinary, even somewhat shabby clothes (several of his undershirts already had multiple holes).
As for Vergil, although he maintained his status as the older brother and boss, upon his return from the demon world, when he staged a showdown with Nero, his clothes were also somewhat tattered.
As for V, the human aspect of Vergil, his situation was even more dire. In the official novel, in order to get Dante to take on jobs, he even resorted to robbing pedestrians. The clothes he wore were contributed by a small-time hoodlum. Aside from their charisma and charm, poverty seemed to be the only thing passed down through generations of the Sparda family.
Could it be that poverty was truly the fate that the Sparda family could never escape from?
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