The Dorm House

The spacious interior was bathed in ample sunlight, with mana lights illuminating areas untouched by the outdoor lighting. As they entered, the group found themselves in an entrance hall, its size resembling that of a normal living room. Directly opposite the entrance stood a staircase leading upstairs, while on either side of the entrance were two doorways.

Opting to explore the right side first, Thea's group funneled through the doorway and discovered a decently sized dining room.

In its center, a round dining table and chairs were set for ten people. A decorative couch adorned the right side of the room, while a cabinet holding plates and cutlery occupied the opposite corner. Another doorway stood on the right side, its entrance distinguished by saloon doors. Peeking through the gap, Thea caught a glimpse of what lay beyond – an industrial kitchen.

"I wonder how the larger kitchen looks, especially if this one is already so spacious," pondered Thea as she surveyed the well-equipped culinary space. From stone ovens to mana-powered metallic fridges, everything she needed was at her fingertips. There was only one thing missing—a fryer.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen anything fried yet. Even the donuts I had back at home were baked apparently. This might be a worthwhile future investment," Thea contemplated, her mind teeming with numerous business opportunities.

Curiously, Lily approached Thea, standing beside her. "What are you planning now?" she inquired.

"Do you know what frying is?" Thea asked, her mother's response holding the potential for future endeavors and income.

"Frying? No, I haven't heard of it yet... Why?" Lily responded, her curiosity piqued.

"Hmm, I'll show you tomorrow or the day after... Do you think you could get some cooking oil, and in large quantities?" Thea asked.

"I'll need to purchase some, but it shouldn't take more than a day or two. Are you planning to cook something?" Lily inquired, her excitement growing.

"Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. By the way, could Mel and Elize come and work here?" Thea questioned as she exited the kitchen, the others following suit.

"It shouldn't be a problem for Mel, but as Elize is the head maid at the manor, she might need to make arrangements and train a substitute. However, she should be able to join us here in a few weeks," Lily explained.

"Alright... Now, do we head upstairs or explore through this door?" Thea mused, gesturing towards the other doorway in the entrance room.

"Hmm, the rooms upstairs are mostly storage and servant quarters, so we can skip those for now," Lily suggested.

"How do you know?" Thea asked, curious about her mother's insight.

"A skill," Lily responded cryptically, leaving it at that.

"Boring," thought Thea with a tinge of disappointment before turning her attention to the other door. As she pushed it open, a grand living room revealed itself. A fireplace adorned the right side, surrounded by cozy couches. Towards the back, another staircase led upstairs, and to the right, yet another door beckoned.

The group briefly explored the living room before stepping into the doorway on the right. Inside, two spacious rooms unfolded before them. The left one appeared to be a study area, while the right one seemed dedicated to sparring.

Comments and thoughts were exchanged as they surveyed the rooms before returning to the living room and ascending the stairs.

Upstairs, they discovered two bedrooms and a large bathroom—one normal-sized bedroom was located next to the large bathroom and, opposite them, a colossal bedroom. The only adjustment needed was the size of the bed. Currently, a simple king-sized bed occupied the space, but for the activities Thea had in mind, it wasn't enough.

"Do you think I can bring my bed from home?" Thea inquired of Lily.

"Why not," Lily replied, accommodating the request.

Interrupting their conversation, John interjected, "I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but do you two realize that the gate will close after we go back?"

Lily answered with a gentle smile, "I am aware of that."

Though her response addressed the question, their curiosity remained, prompting John to inquire further. "How do you plan on bringing her bed here, if the gate closes?"

"With magic, of course," Lily responded, her smile remaining.

"...Never mind," John relinquished with a sigh, realizing the futility of his inquiry.

"Anyways, now that you girls have seen the house, do you want to stay with me?" Thea asked the twins, her question carrying a dual meaning.

Blushing, the twins nodded in agreement. Observing the scene, Lily turned to John and suggested, "I think we should go. Give the girls their clothes and belongings, lets go grab a coffee. We still have some things to discuss."

John was taken aback by Lily's words, or rather, Zyla's words, as he saw her now. Nonetheless, he accepted the suggestion. Giving the twins two storage bags each, he showered them with hugs and kisses before being led away by Lily.

Lily had also embraced Thea and Mia, slipping a bluish stone into Thea's hand. "This is a message stone. Contact me later," Lily instructed before departing with John, leaving the four girls standing there, contemplating the new chapter that lay before them.