Sophie was sitting cross-legged on what used to be a couch and was now just a wooden frame with some cushions thrown on it.
Aegis stood in the middle of the manor's main hall, gesturing at various disaster zones while Sophie listened with genuine interest.
"So that whole section collapsed because the support beams rotted out," Aegis explained, pointing at the east wing. "But once we rebuild it, I can set up merchant contracts. Basically rent out space to traders who want a location near the Merchant's District without paying full commercial rates."
"That's smart."
"Right? Passive income while I'm doing other stuff. And the basement—" Aegis walked over to the fallen bookshelf that hid the door. "There's this whole network of ruins down there. Ancient training grounds, monsters lurking, the works. Once I get them open, Scarlett and Kanna can use them for combat practice."
Sophie's eyes lit up.
"Can I see?"
"Not yet. Still sealed. Need some special key for it."
"Aw."
