"Higher-ups? The Royal Court?"

"Oh dear, you flatter me to death! I never said that—I know nothing! Heh, the capital’s a world away, hundreds of miles from here. How’d you even start thinking about nobles in the city?"

The words nearly sent the shopkeeper stumbling off her stool. She steadied herself and took another look at the girl’s extraordinary aura.

Violet hair, golden eyes—clearly no ordinary human, perhaps another race entirely. Dressed in a white shirt and black skirt, her fair skin radiated beauty laced with subtle nobility. Only upon closer inspection did the shopkeeper notice the badge pinned to her shirt:

**[Guild-Certified: Archmage]**

**[Void Witch Mei Yige]**

"So you’re a Sorceress! I—I deeply apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

"No need to be so formal, sister," Mei Yige said. "I just want to rent a room. Tell me the rules—that’s all. Even a Sorceress doesn’t know everything."

Mei Yige couldn’t stand this damn social niceties. She almost suspected this world was just a reskinned version of her old one. The shopkeeper, who’d seemed charmingly mature moments ago, now wore a fawning smile. Mei Yige’s lips twitched involuntarily.

"Right, right—no real taboos here," the shopkeeper said, stroking her chin as she glanced toward the little Western-style house. "Most tenants who last are young women. You’ll be fine. Just see if you can survive three days. If you walk out of that house after three days? You’ll be golden."

"The longest anyone lasted was under three days?"

If Mei Yige couldn’t read between those lines after all her years, she’d be a fool.

The shopkeeper smiled but said nothing. Mei Yige turned back to the house, then checked the flyer again.

Sure, it was creepy—but one silver coin for a whole month?

Back in her old world, she’d eaten cheap takeout and worn local brands without fear. Now, with this sturdy new body, what could possibly kill her?

*One silver coin? What more could I ask for… Fine. I’ll check it out. If I need supplies, I’ll buy them here. Oh—your name?"*

"Oh, no need for that! Helping a Sorceress is an honor for a small-town shopkeeper like me. Call me Larin."

Honestly, the conversation was amusing—but exhausting. Mei Yige strongly suspected this woman had transmigrated from somewhere. With no proof, she could only smile wryly.

"Call me Xiao Mei. I’m just here to find a job."

"Got it, Sister Mei. Welcome to the neighborhood."

"You too, Sister Larin."

"Take care now. Safe travels!"

...

Mei Yige really wanted to curse.

This world was definitely off. If Larin wasn’t a transmigrator, something deeply weird was messing with reality.

She took a deep breath, calming herself before the little house. *Fine. I need this place. A job requiring local residency? Seriously…*

Probably another "genius" policy from some transmigrator, twisting rules to boost local businesses.

Resigned and frustrated, Mei Yige entered the uniquely styled house and knocked.

"Hello? I’m here about the—"

The door swung open before she finished.

The dark living room lit up as lamps flickered on.

"Looking to co-rent? Come in."

A cool voice drifted from behind the sofa. Mei Yige caught a faint scent of perilla.

"Excuse my intrusion."

Used to weirdness, Mei Yige had braced for chaos—but this rental seemed oddly normal. She tiptoed inside, leaving her suitcase by the door.

"Room’s upstairs. By the window. Check it yourself."

"O-okay."

She stole a glance toward the sofa. No person visible—just a pair of slender legs and a snack tray holding something tempting. The homeowner, likely young, lounging casually.

Mei Yige crept upstairs, hoping the room would justify renting despite the landlord’s chilly vibe. The perilla scent grew stronger on the second floor. Ignoring the atmosphere, she admired the antique, aristocratic decor.

*Could they really have connections? Illegal trade? Organ trafficking? Human trafficking? Red-light stuff? Or… wait, probably not the last one.*

Daydreaming was Mei Yige’s virtue. Fantasies rarely came true—if she imagined it, it usually wouldn’t happen.

She nodded to herself. She could tolerate any of those scenarios. After years in this world, she’d seen stranger things.

She pushed open the door to the window-side room. Even if it were smaller than Harry Potter’s cupboard, she’d take it—for one silver coin, with shared kitchen and bathroom access. All it needed was a bed.

What she saw behind the plain door stunned her:

Exquisite, complete furnishings. A bed, wardrobe, desk, vanity—all present. Even an en suite bathroom.

*One silver coin a month?! What philanthropist lives here?!*

She prodded the furniture to confirm it wasn’t an illusion. After rolling on the mattress—luxuriously soft—she’d already decided to rent. *Even if my roommate’s a weirdo, this setup’s worth it!*

"This bed… feels like a Simmons… I haven’t felt this in years… *sniff*… I might cry."

Memories flooded back: ten-hour workdays, stumbling home to a rented room, cracking open an ice-cold Guojiao liquor, slurping seafood instant noodles, collapsing onto a wooden plank bed—tasting life’s bitter end.

*That wasn’t living. I’d sworn to upgrade to a Simmons bed once I made it… only to work myself to death under a boss who ignored labor laws.*

A flicker of bitterness passed through her. Was such a small wish only possible in another world?

"Like it?"

"Love it—wait?!"

Mei Yige jolted upright. A golden-haired, crimson-eyed girl stood by the bed. Dressed in simple loungewear, arms crossed, she stared down at Mei Yige with icy indifference.

"If you like it, move in today. I hate doing all the chores alone."

"O-oh. Okay." Mei Yige nodded dumbly.

"I’m Mei Yige. Just a regular mage."

"Shiren. Your roommate."

With that, Shiren turned and left.

Mei Yige sat up, mind blank except for one thought:

***Holy flatlands…***