Chapter 165: Living Together
He told the shop owner that he liked the furniture’s quality and asked to be introduced to the original workshop. He also registered himself as a valued customer.
Then, to reward the clerks for their hard work, he gave them a small tip and arranged for tea, sweets, and wine to be served.
In no time, the shop turned into a small party, with everyone drinking together.
The shop owner, who had just made a big sale, was in an excellent mood.
It was then that Shiao Yi appeared.
Dominic gave him a small nod, then told the shop owner that they had found a cart and that all the furniture had been transported.
The owner was shocked, but Dominic brushed off his questions and quickly left with Shiao Yi.
Outside, Shiao Yi turned to him with the smile of a mischievous child who had just pulled off a prank.
—So cute!
It took all of Dominic’s strength to resist the urge to hug him right there on the street.
Just how far would this man keep lifting his spirits sky-high?
Back at the house, they argued playfully about where to put the bed and tables, shifting things here and there until they were satisfied. With Shiao Yi’s telekinesis, moving furniture around was no trouble at all. Truly, such a power was convenient.
When Dominic spread brand-new sheets over the bed, an overwhelming urge came over him to push Shiao Yi down onto it. But the sun was still high and he knew Shiao Yi would probably hate it.
Then he suddenly realized—they didn’t even have towels or a single change of clothes.
Starting a new life required so many things.
Here, nothing came ready-made.
They had to buy and prepare every single thing themselves.
This made Dominic reflect on just how spoiled his old life had been.
He had accepted it without question, as though it were only natural.
As a knight, he had traveled through many towns, villages, and provinces.
He had been traveling to Dalmasca as well, and he had witnessed many different ways of life.
Yet, looking back, he realized that the rich, comfortable life of nobles was something that only a small handful enjoyed.
Most people had to work hard just to survive, and many still struggled to get by day to day.
He had seen those lives with his own eyes, yet he had felt nothing at the time.
That lack of concern, he now realized, was nothing more than arrogance born from privilege.
How shameful.
Dominic told himself that if he wanted to be worthy of Shiao Yi, he had to polish himself further, discipline himself harder and grow into a better man.
Lambard finally returned while carrying loads of supplies.
There was so much that his arms weren’t enough—he had to use a cart to bring it all.
The brooms, buckets, water jars, dishes, pots—one after another, it was like he was performing magic.
There were even towels, underclothes, and spare clothes for the meantime.
What a sharp, attentive man. Clearly, his long years of service as a retainer had not been wasted.
When Lambard finished arranging food from the street stalls onto the table, he surveyed the spread of items and nodded his head in satisfaction.
"This should be enough for now. The rest of Lord Dominic’s belongings and clothing will be delivered later, so with these basics, you’ll be fine for the time being."
"I also need to bring Marengo here. I’ll go to the estate once," Dominic said.
"I will fetch him," Lambard replied at once. "The Old Master has been staying in the mansion constantly. It would be better if you did not go near him. If he catches you, you might end up locked away."
"That can’t be..." Dominic muttered.
"You never know," Lambard said quietly. "The atmosphere there is filled with killing intent."
Dominic wanted to hold his head in his hands. His father’s obsession was beyond reason—it looked like a sickly madness. Did he truly want so badly to force him to marry others?
At that moment, Shiao Yi stepped closer and clung gently to Dominic’s arm. Seeing Shiao Yi’s worried expression, Dominic nodded once, then bowed his head toward Lambard.
"Please bring Marengo here tomorrow."
Lambard smiled warmly at Shiao Yi as if to reassure him and then left.
Suddenly, Dominic became very aware that only the two of them were left. From this moment onward, he and Shiao Yi would live together in this house. A house of only two people—their home.
Why did this realization shake him so much?
Why did it fill him with such happiness, mixed with embarrassment that made his heart beat strangely?
When Dominic looked at Shiao Yi, he saw that Shiao Yi’s face was also red, his movements restless and awkward as if he, too, did not know what to do.
"L-let’s clean up! The kitchen first!" Shiao Yi blurted out while grabbing the bundle of dishes and rushing toward the door that led to the cooking area.
"Yes, that’s right," Dominic thought.
They had to sort through the piles of supplies first.
Taking pots and other items in hand, he followed Shiao Yi into the kitchen.
It was fun—asking each other, Where does this belong? Where should we place this?—and slowly putting things in their proper places together.
At the same time, Dominic was amazed at how many small items were truly needed just for daily living.
By the time most of the things had found suitable spots, the sun had set.
They lit the candles on the table and the wall sconces, filling the house with a gentle glow.
The front entrance opened into a small hall.
Beyond it was the living room, which connected to the kitchen and a hallway.
The hallway stretched alongside the living room, with a staircase to the second floor, and further down were the bath, the toilet, and at the end, a door leading out to the courtyard.
The courtyard could also be reached from the kitchen since the well and washing area were located there.
Upstairs, there were two rooms.