The sign read "Graham Bakery" in Loenese.
Leon was getting familiar with his surroundings, as he spent most of his life in poorer areas. If he wasn't a transmigrator he wouldn't know how to properly carry himself and behave, he would have just been another street rat.
They are still watching, I wonder if they know about my criminal life, they must know.
If it was the Nighthawks there was little doubt about it. They were keeping tabs on all the survivors of the Hôtel Les Saisons Ramenées incident. The Church of the Evernight Goddess weren't the only ones actively investigating, the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery were also interested for some unbeknownst reason.
I'm curious, but there are other problems.
From the outside the bakery wasn't anything impressive. Two tables with an equal number of chairs and a window with a display of countless pastries.
Before walking in, Leon took a quick peek at the Nighthawk stalking him.
"Ah, are you a buyer?" The older gentleman behind the counter called out. He was somewhere in his 40s with slicked back gray hair.
"A buyer? Is this place for sale?"
The man behind the counter nodded.
"It is. My name is Louis Graham, the owner of this little place."
Leon and Louis shook hands, with the former forced to look up at the latter.
He's quiet tall...
"Edward Morgan, nice to meet you."
Edward was a kind, understanding and patient person. Always looking to learn more about the world and people around him.
"Come on, take a seat and let's talk. Tea?"
Leon nodded and sat down while Louis prepared some tea in the background. There were no customers at the moment, just him and the owner.
I can imagine how nice this place would look during a sunset.
After 5 minutes Louis came back with two cups of seat and a sugar bowl.
"Why sell this place? It looks quiet nice in my opinion. And that display there works well."
Two girls who were walking back home had stopped to look at the pastries on the display, mesmerised by the colors.
"Ah well, I need the money. 2 months ago I found out that my mother was sick, she doesn't have the money needed for the surgery so... I decided to give this old place up and go back to Tingen City to live with her. I have a younger brother, Bernard, but he recently lost his daughter and since that he hasn't been in the best state of mind. So I'm the only one left who can take care of our mother."
Louis had a pained look on his face, he clearly didn't want to let go of this place.
Never give up. Always chase your goals. Leon had once believed that, now he found it naive. It was stubborn.
"We often send letters to one another."
Leon shook his head slowly.
"Anyway, I need the money, so that's why I'm selling the place for about 1500 pounds."
A 1500 pounds?!
Louis smirked, watching Leon's eyes widened at the price.
"Her surgery is around ten pounds, but we are also looking at buying a new home and maybe even a maid or two to take care of her when I'm gone. Maybe I can start a new bakery in Tingen if I get lucky. Praise the Lady!"
Louis tapped his chest 4 times drawing a clockwise circle.
It wouldn't be a bad idea, if I hire a few people who know a thing or two about baking, and give them my ideas we could quickly become the most popular bakery in the borough. Just like how Roselle copied a few things from our world.
"That's a hefty price Mr. Louis. 1500 pounds is alot of money, have you had any other offers?"
"There's only been one other woman, but that's about it" Louis picked up his cup of tea.
"It's just you and her. I put up advertisements on the Tussock Times and Backlund Daily Tribune."
The Backlund Daily Tribune being the official daily newspaper of the city.
"Ah, that's right, you are probably curious about how much this place generates. On a good month, it can go upwards of 30 pounds. I haven't hired any workers but if you were to their weekly salary would most likely be 8 soli, atleast from what other bakery owners told me. Most pay their workers 8-12 soli."
Their conversation continued for 20 more minutes, and during that entire time the Nighthawk was carefully observing Leon's expressions attitude, finding him calm and composed.
Leon had come out of the bakery sighing and patting his stomach.
Can't believe I'm going to end up buying a book for baking, I'm supposed to be a criminal! But this is a good way to launder my money, assuming the Church of the Evernight Goddess hasn't found out about my crimes and sold me out to the police.
"1500 pounds, I know a place where i could find that money."
Leon instantly thought of the beyonder gatherings held by Mr. Eye of Wisdom. It was a low-level beyonder gathering but he could still make plenty of money, atleast enough to buy the place.
Advancing, rent, purchasing a whole bakery. Leon almost got lost in the sea of expenses.
30 minutes later Leon had finally made it to Unit 58. He had asked a few people around for directions and they were kind enough to help.
"Interesting place."
The clouds above had become dark with a drizzle following soon after.
Knock, knock.
The door soon opened, but instead of a young man there was an older woman standing before him.
"Excuse me madam, my name is Edward Morgan. I'm looking for a Jurgen Cooper, I was told he lives here."
Behind the sweet looking old lady Leon could see a black cat staring right at him. While waiting for a response Leon tried looking for any valuable items with his superior observation but found nothing.
"Come in, come in... he'll be back soon. Just call me madam Doris, I'm Jurgen's grandmother."
Madam Doris let out a cough and stepped aside allowing Leon to enter. The cat's eyes dilated and it rushed for the open door.
"Brody where are you-"
Leon's hands moved quickly and he caught Brody with ease.
"Thank you..."
After madam Doris closed the door Leon carefully put down Brody, letting the cat gracefully fall from his arms.