Darius and co moved on to the next property which was near the city entrance. This was another good plot, as visitors from afar would usually directly go into the closest shops, looking for the things they needed.
Darius sized up the plot and realized it was big enough to build a small inn, which was the usual around this area. Most of the shops around here were inns and very few were service establishments.
However, he had other plans for the property after he inspected it carefully and received the deed. With that out of the way, the group finally exited the city through the main gate under the curious eyes of the guards.
There were quite a few farms and windmills around Listo, as well as large warehouses dotting its surroundings. Darius was obviously skeptical as to the wisdom of this. If an army were to attack, wouldn't they practically be killing their source of food without even having to enter the town?
However, he also understood that Listo was a commercial town, not a military one. It had been built with trade and commerce in mind, not defensibility from attacks.
Besides, this was a world of magic and dragons. They should have many means to protect their goods and warn of danger long before it actually arrived, so there was that as consolation.
The group had to go out a bit and towards the western side of the town's wall. There, they finally encountered the plot for Darius' own warehouse, windmill, or farm, whichever he chose.
It was about as large as he expected, almost 50 acres. With this, he could either go for a very large crop farm, animal farm, refinery, or storage facility. For now, Darius was undecided so he simply accepted the deed and stored it.
"Alright then. For our last stop, we're headed to the Lands Commission. There you can get your deeds verified and logged, and they will also help you contract some architects and builders to work on your properties." Shanks informed Darius with a smile.
Darius nodded and the carriage rushed back into the city. They meandered through the busy streets, abusing the City Lord's bureaucratic privilege to arrive at their destination, the Lands Commission.
It was a small governmental building near the northern end of the town, which was where many other such buildings had been constructed, even the town hall. Darius noted that it was quite old but well-maintained.
The party disembarked and entered the building. There was a notable crowd inside, different people either coming to settle disputes on the land title or coming to verify their deeds like Darius.
Noting the ever-present queue of bureaucracy, Darius frowned slightly. However, Shanks simply smiled and led the party through all the lines right into the main office of the Land's Commissioner.
After knocking on the door silently, it was opened by a short secretary who stared at the group with confusion. Once she saw Darius and Shanks, though, she quelled her questioning expression and smiled politely.
"How may I help you?"
"Tell that grumpy bear Bistro that Shanks has landed." Shanks replied arrogantly, which shocked everyone around him, including Derek.
The secretary was stunned for a long while and didn't know what to do. Should she actually go through with it and tell her boss such an outrageous line? If she didn't get fired, she definitely wouldn't end up in a good spot either!
However, as she was trapped in her dilemma, a rough and lively voice echoed from within the office.
"Why do I hear the voice of a bastard? Old dog Shanks, is that you screeching at my door?"
Shanks' face darkened as his lips twitched, but he replied straight away. "Old fart Bistro, I see you're still alive and healthy. Hmph, an old thing like you should happily pass away and find a nice coffin!"
Despite his dark tone, the person in the office laughed happily and retorted. "Hahaha, while you are still alive and kicking? Then who would come to your funeral and insult you when you can't fight back?"
Damn!
Shanks was left speechless and decided to concede. Noting his old friend's silence, the voice from inside spoke proudly. "Hurry up and welcome Sir Shanks in. Don't you know what kind of offense it is to barr the way of a Royal Guard?!"
Once the secretary heard this, she immediately panicked and quickly opened the door to let the party in with a subservient bow. Shanks only smiled lightly and led the group in.
As for Darius, Derek, and Gunner, the three youths were still digesting the banter between the duo, the insults, praises, and hidden messages that only men could understand.
Once inside the office, they saw it was quite spacious and well decorated, with a large desk in the center carved with floral patterns where a handsome middle-aged man with slightly greying hair sat. There were many bookshelves behind his desk and another smaller desk nearby for his secretary.
The floor was naturally carpeted and there were many cabinets for storing folders and documents compiled by the commission. There were also a few paintings and potted plants arranged neatly.
Shanks walked around the main desk and hugged the man who sat there, who had stood up to greet his old friend.
Land Commissioner Bistro was a man as tall as Shanks, similarly well-built making him look less like a pencil pusher and more like an ex-rugby star. With his broad shoulders, thick jaw, and long legs, Bistro was definitely ex-military in Darius' opinion.
This should also be how he and Shanks knew each other. Darius was even willing to bet he was part of the Equality Faction and, like Shanks, retired from a high position.
Bistro wore a proper noble's attire which was similar to a modern suit, only with less buttons and more clasps. Darius had to admit he looked quite dashing, which further increased his respect for the man.
Bistro was just like that. The older man had an air of utter reliability and trustworthiness. He looked like the type who in a situation you left your child in his care, he would quite literally die to keep them safe just because of a promise.
