Chapter 56: Home sweet home

Walking through the quiet streets of the Blue Mountain community, they finally allowed themselves to relax a little.

Adam had not been wrong. They had indeed been trying to verify Jean’s identity before making any major move. However, thanks to Benjamin, they had likely prevented them from discovering exactly where Jean and Kai had relocated.

It was only a matter of time before they found out, though. There were too many variables that could eventually reveal their new residence to anyone determined enough to find Jean.

By then, Kai would have to find a way to ensure their safety. They could not keep running forever.

"I believe I should take my leave now, sir." Since they were already close to the house, Benjamin decided it was time to excuse himself.

Kai nodded and turned toward him. Raising a hand, he said, "You’ve helped me a lot. If there ever comes a time when you feel I can help you in return, don’t hesitate to let me know."

Benjamin shook his hand with a smile and nodded. "Understood. Then, have a good night, sir."

He turned toward Jean and gave her a respectful nod before taking his leave.

Kai watched him disappear down the street before quietly exhaling. He then asked the system, ’Is there any way I can reward him?’

[The system has already taken care of that. He will receive a promotion and a family trip from his superiors soon. Don’t worry, host.]

A satisfied smile spread across Kai’s face.

That would be more than enough.

He turned toward Jean. "So? Should we go see our new place?"

Jean gave him a faint smile and nodded.

With Elara nestled securely in her arms, she followed closely behind Kai as they approached the house. Compared to the neighboring residence, this one appeared considerably darker, its exterior quiet and imposing beneath the evening sky.

"It’s...quite big." Jean looked up at the house before turning to Kai. "Are we sharing the upper floor with someone?"

For three people, the place seemed almost excessive.

Kai chuckled. "No. It’s all for us. Come on, let’s go inside first."

He gave her shoulder a gentle pat before walking up to the entrance and retrieving the keys.

Benjamin had assured him that the security measures were already in place. Someone would contact Kai soon to explain how to operate the system properly.

For now, he had been given the house keys.

Although calling them keys was somewhat inaccurate.

Instead of a traditional key, Kai was handed an access card, which he held against the reader beside the door. A soft beep followed, and the lock disengaged.

There was also a biometric security system that he would need to register soon, adding another layer of protection to their new home.

As they stepped inside, the living room lights came on, illuminating the spacious interior with a warm, welcoming glow.

The living area was large without feeling excessive, furnished with a couch positioned directly across from the entrance and two single-seat armchairs beside it. A small table occupied the center, resting on a soft rug that added a subtle touch of warmth to the room.

The floor itself was comfortably warm, though the living room, and seemingly the entire house, was kept at a noticeably cool temperature. It was cold enough to feel refreshing without becoming uncomfortable or leaving them shivering.

Across from the couch, an enormous television had been mounted on the wall, its screen almost comically wide.

A fireplace stood to the left of the seating area, while a painting depicting seven horses hung above the couch, giving the otherwise modern room a slightly more refined character.

"Looks peaceful."

That was Jean’s first reaction as she ventured farther inside, her eyes wandering across the room with quiet curiosity.

Beyond the living area was the dining space, with a kitchen tucked into one corner and what appeared to be the pantry door on the left. A dining table for four had already been placed in the center, the faint scent of fresh polish still lingering around it.

The kitchen was equipped with the basic appliances and utensils they would need. They did not bother checking the refrigerator, though judging by its silence, it was probably not switched on yet.

"This place already has everything," Jean remarked. "We might not need to buy anything at all."

Kai chuckled. "Once we settle in, I have a feeling we’ll still need to buy a thing or two."

Neither of them was particularly demanding when it came to their living arrangements, but as they became more accustomed to their new surroundings, their needs would naturally grow. And then there was Elara. She was still growing and would need plenty of things as time went on.

Kai glanced toward the stairs before turning his attention to the sleepy little girl nestled against her mother’s neck.

"Should we explore upstairs tonight, or leave it for tomorrow?"

Jean looked down at Elara and smiled faintly.

"Let’s explore the place properly tomorrow."

It was not that she lacked excitement. If anything, she was fascinated by the house and wanted to take her time discovering every part of it. They had not even properly explored the front yard yet.

Still, she suspected Kai was tired as well, so they decided to call it a night.

They soon found the first bedroom and stepped inside. The lights flickered on, revealing what was clearly the master bedroom.

A large king-sized bed occupied much of the room, while the wall opposite the entrance was dominated by wide sliding windows that offered a view of the outside.

Kai glanced around before speaking.

"I should find myself another room..."

"Umm..."

Jean suddenly turned toward him, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Would it be okay if you slept with us? Just for today, at least?"

Kai fell silent.

He glanced toward the bed before looking back at her.

"But I didn’t bring my mattress."

There was nowhere suitable to place the couch either.

Jean briefly glanced at the bed herself before looking back at him.

"Well..." She shifted Elara slightly in her arms. "The bed has enough space... so..."