CHAPTER 167: SHERFILIA'S HOME

After collecting the rewards, there were still other matters to attend to today.

Lin Mo went to a tavern near the City Lord's Mansion and sat for a while. Not long after, a golden-haired girl pushed the door open.

Finnie, wearing a plain white casual outfit, looked exceptionally pure and innocent. Her adorable face was delicately carved like jade, making people want to take a bite and taste her.

"Mr. Lin Mo, sorry to keep you waiting."

As she spoke, Finnie took out her wallet: "The reward for this mission..."

"This doesn't really feel like a mission, does it?"

Lin Mo interrupted her, "Strictly speaking, it was just a Call to Arms."

If they calculated this as double rewards again and took another payment from Finnie, he and Ellie together could earn nearly two thousand five hundred Gold Coins. This was undoubtedly a huge sum, and it probably wasn't easy for Finnie either.

If this had been when they first met, Lin Mo might not have hesitated - only a fool would pass up free benefits.

But now, being quite familiar with Finnie, it didn't feel right to keep taking money from her.

Especially since this technically wasn't even a mission... They had already received payment once before, and he really couldn't bring himself to ask for more.

Constantly taking from Finnie - even with her gentle, accommodating personality - would surely make her unhappy over time.

Lin Mo had truly come to see her as a teammate and friend, so naturally he considered her feelings.

Even from a more pragmatic perspective, he couldn't focus solely on immediate small gains. To properly rely on a wealthy lady, the most important thing was to continue building closer relationships - you need to cast a long line to catch big fish.

"Is that so?"

Finnie initially wanted to insist, but after Lin Mo declined several times, she didn't persist.

"By the way, Mr. Lin Mo, about the manor you mentioned before - I asked Mother last night, and she said you can live there freely. It's not far from the City Lord's Mansion..."

"That's wonderful."

Since it was Finnie's mother, City Lord Bessie, who said so, Lin Mo wouldn't stand on ceremony.

"Shall we go there now?"

Under Finnie's guidance, the three of them arrived at the manor she mentioned.

"So big?!"

The moment they stepped into the manor, Lin Mo's gaze swept across both sides - the space was frighteningly spacious.

By rough estimate, it had to be over twenty thousand square meters!

Having such a large manor in this prime downtown location could only be described as befitting a city lord.

"Such a huge place - are you really sure we can just live here freely?"

Even the usually carefree Ellie felt somewhat embarrassed.

"It's fine. Mother said that you... we have made many contributions to Silverstream City recently, so these small matters don't matter."

"We," huh?

Lin Mo smiled knowingly - it seemed this little priest wasn't going to escape his team.

"By the way, there's one more thing..."

Finnie suddenly showed a somewhat embarrassed expression: "For the next few days, I might need to take some time off."

"What's wrong?"

Lin Mo was momentarily surprised, then realized something: "Are you about to advance?"

"Yes!"

Finnie nodded, clearly very happy, "Thanks to Mr. Lin Mo taking me out for adventure training, I've been able to progress so quickly... Over the next few days, I plan to properly prepare for my advancement. Once I reach level 2, I'll be able to help Mr. Lin Mo even more." 𝘳ᴀℕȯ𝔟Ě𝐒

"Great, do your best!"

Lin Mo nodded, offering encouragement.

Finnie soon bid farewell and left to attend to her own matters. Lin Mo, meanwhile, went with Ellie to the Adventurer Commercial Street to purchase some supplies.

The soil in the manor was already good enough, so they only needed to buy some seeds for Lena. These special crop seeds were indeed more expensive than ordinary ones, but since Lena was just starting out, she didn't need those very precious crops, so it wasn't too outrageous - just a few Gold Coins would suffice.

After completing everything, they went to the inn to move all their necessary belongings, including Lena's things, then checked out.

From now on, they no longer needed to stay at the inn.

As evening approached, Lin Mo and Ellie went to the association to pick up Lena after work. However, unlike usual, they didn't go to a restaurant for dinner, but directly brought the cat-eared girl to the manor.

"Where is this..."

"A manor we borrowed from Finnie. We'll be living here for the foreseeable future."

"Eh?!"

Lena looked at the enormous manor before her, her eyes filled with shock.

For someone who had grown up in poverty, such a luxurious manor would normally make her feel unworthy even from a distance, let alone actually living in one.

"Is this really okay?"

Lena looked somewhat uneasy.

"Of course it is."

Lin Mo rubbed her head - the feel was as comfortable as ever.

"Come on in."

Ellie pulled her good friend into the manor, pointing to the open spaces on both sides: "You can use all of this area from now on. Plant whatever you want."

Before Lena could fully process her shock, Ellie pulled her into the manor's villa.

The interior was exquisitely decorated, yet not overly lavish, making it very comfortable to look at.

The living room was frighteningly wide - easily two to three hundred square meters. A silver tea table held gleaming cups, with some pastries and tea placed beside them.

The far end of the hall was divided into two sections - one side was the dining area, with a slightly smaller space next to it being the kitchen. In the kitchen stood a magical energy refrigerator. When Lin Mo opened it, he found pre-mixed chilled fruit wines and other non-alcoholic beverages inside.

There were also fresh ingredients - both vegetables and meat - almost like being back in modern times.

So good...

The inn they had been staying at was actually quite nice and comfortable, but it was slightly inferior to the rest rooms specifically prepared for Bronze-rank and above adventurers at the association. And those rest rooms were completely outclassed by the villa before them.

Going up to the second floor revealed several rooms.

Each room was very spacious. Pushing the doors open, the beds were neatly made, the floors clean and tidy - clearly someone had been maintaining them regularly.

Lin Mo chose the master bedroom, while Ellie naturally picked the room next to his, with Lena taking the one next to that.

Every room was very spacious and specifically equipped with separate bathrooms and shower areas.

Lying on the soft large bed, feeling his whole body sink into it, Lin Mo couldn't help but sigh: "Being rich is really nice."

After lying down for a while, Lin Mo prepared to go downstairs to cook.

That's right - since the manor had both a kitchen and ingredients, and today happened to be free, Lin Mo planned to cook himself, which is why they hadn't chosen to eat out.

However, just as he reached the downstairs area, the sound of a key turning in the villa's main door echoed through.

What's going on?

Wasn't this the city lord's villa? Why would someone... Could it be Finnie?

Or perhaps a maid coming to clean?

"Creeeak—"

The door slowly swung open, revealing a "young girl" wearing a maid outfit and of petite stature.

Well, she looked like a young girl in appearance, but her actual age was several years older.

Beautiful ivory-colored short hair covered half of her eyes, while the visible golden pupil met Lin Mo's gaze expressionlessly.

Although almost no emotional fluctuation could be detected on the surface, Lin Mo felt that she seemed surprised.

"Why are you here?"

Lin Mo asked somewhat puzzled.

"......"

Sherfilia remained silent for two seconds before speaking: "This is my home."

"Eh?"

This time it was Lin Mo's turn to be stunned.

"Your home? Don't you live in the City Lord's Mansion?"

Moreover, when he had asked Finnie, he specifically inquired about "vacant" manors.

"I have a room in the City Lord's Mansion too, but I occasionally come back here to stay."

As she spoke, Sherfilia changed out of her black leather boots. Her slender, smooth calves instantly caught Lin Mo's attention.

Sherfilia's feet were as petite as she was, looking like they could be completely held in one's hand.

After changing into indoor shoes, Sherfilia raised her head and, following Lin Mo's gaze, bluntly stated: "Please don't direct your strange, unfulfilled fantasies toward me, Mr. Pervert."

If this had been Lin Mo right after his transmigration, he might have been too embarrassed to speak. But now, having been "battle-hardened," he very naturally responded: "Nonsense, this is just an appreciative gaze..."

Sherfilia rolled her eyes at him, then ignored him and headed straight for the kitchen.

Opening the refrigerator, she took out vegetables and meat. Just as she was about to close it, she paused, then took out three times the amount.

Was she planning to cook?

Watching her busy figure, Lin Mo exchanged a look with Ellie and also entered the kitchen.

"Do you need any help?"

Sherfilia looked up, unusually showing an expression - her eyes filled with deep skepticism: "A maid's work is tiring. Please don't create unnecessary trouble for me."

"......"

She really didn't mince words.

Just like Lin Mo's first impression of her, she had a somewhat "sharp-tongued" quality.

"I can cook. It's not like you haven't seen me during our adventures."

And eaten quite a few times too.

Sherfilia thought for a moment. Although his methods were relatively simple, the taste was indeed good.

But she still waved her hand: "Even so, it's not necessary. Please wait patiently."

"Alright then."

Since she insisted, Lin Mo gave up, happy to be idle - just sitting and waiting for the meal to be served.

So he turned to leave, but was suddenly stopped by Sherfilia.

"Wait a moment..."

Lin Mo turned around, meeting that golden eye.

"Was it Miss Finnie who asked you to come, or Lady Bessie?"

Though unsure why she was asking this, Lin Mo thought for a moment before answering: "It should be considered City Lord Bessie?"

After all, Finnie had gone to ask her mother, who then said they could live here freely.

"...I understand."

After speaking, Sherfilia turned back to continue her cooking preparations.

Lin Mo went to the living room, where Lena sat somewhat nervously on the sofa, daring only to perch on the edge, still curiously yet anxiously surveying her surroundings.

This situation would improve after living here for a while.

In comparison, Ellie was much more at ease. Aside from her initial surprise, she was now very naturally lounging on the sofa, eating pastries.

"This is delicious! Lin Mo, you should try some too."

Saying this, she directly brought the pastry to Lin Mo's mouth, completely unaware of Lena's strange gaze.

That look contained quite a bit of resentment. Lin Mo chuckled awkwardly, taking the pastry with his hand before putting it in his mouth.

"The taste really is good."

They didn't have to wait long - about half an hour later, Sherfilia emerged from the kitchen carrying plate after plate of exquisite dishes.

Lena and Ellie proactively went to help. Sherfilia didn't refuse, but slightly bowed to each in thanks.

When it came to etiquette and professional standards...

It seemed Sherfilia was always like this, as if being a maid wasn't just a job to her, but an identity.

Lin Mo took his seat at the table. Sure enough, Sherfilia stood by his side, showing no intention of sitting down.

"Join us to eat?"

Lin Mo tried to persuade her.

"Don't mind me. Please enjoy your meal."

Sherfilia didn't directly answer, but these words amounted to a polite refusal.

To be honest, Lin Mo felt somewhat uncomfortable having someone standing beside him while eating.

But this was Sherfilia's principle - even Finnie couldn't persuade her otherwise - so he didn't waste effort trying.

The cleanup after the meal was also handled by Sherfilia, making Lin Mo genuinely feel somewhat embarrassed.

After all, she was someone else's maid.

Returning to his room, he naturally washed up first. Wearing pajamas as he stepped out of the bathroom, Lin Mo used wind-attribute magical energy to dry his hair while thinking about tomorrow's plans.

Finnie needed to seclude herself to prepare for advancement, Landon and the Azure Orchid Team members also needed rest, leaving only him and Ellie.

With just two people, it didn't seem worthwhile to specifically take on missions.

Might as well go to the outer areas to kill some Goblins.

Perfect opportunity to practice those lower-level skills.

This way it would be relaxed, yet the speed of improvement wouldn't be slow.

The situation between Silverstream City and Roland Forest was becoming increasingly complex and unclear, and Lin Mo felt some pressure. No matter what, he couldn't stop his pace of growing stronger.

For the next few days, he would thoroughly train on those ordinary Goblins!

"Knock knock knock—"

Right at that moment, knocking suddenly came from outside his door. Lin Mo immediately understood and got up to open it: "Ellie, you've come..."

His words suddenly stopped because the person outside wasn't Ellie, but Sherfilia holding a tray.

This was genuinely somewhat awkward.

"Your after-meal fruits."

Sherfilia walked into the room as if no one was there, placed the fruit plate on the table, then turned to leave.

As she was leaving, she suddenly glanced at Lin Mo, inexplicably making him feel some pressure.

Was it his imagination?

He always felt that Sherfilia had been slightly more polite to him recently, but the way she looked at him carried a bit of an "interrogation" vibe.

Lin Mo could actually guess some reasons, but he didn't like to assume things, so he shook his head and put it out of his mind.

After a while, more knocking came.

Lin Mo opened the door - this time it really was his big-tailed wolf coming...