Reed and Fern exchanged looks of surprise.
"A small house, within the city," Ren continued. "It's not very central, still about five hours from the academy, but the important thing is that it's outside Goldcrest territory. It's a start... So you can visit me mid-year and..." His voice carried pride but also uncertainty, the tone of someone who hoped their gift would be well-received.
"A house?" Fern blinked, still struggling to assimilate the news. "You've already bought a house?" The concept seemed almost surreal after months of worrying about making rent.
Ren nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Finch, my favorite banker, convinced me not to spend everything on a more expensive house in the interior. He suggested starting with something modest that I could sell later, when I had more savings, and use that money as a foundation for something better."
