The streets of Greenwich Village were cleaner and tidier than Hell's Kitchen. Sycamore trees lined the sidewalks, and the autumn breeze carried yellow leaves swirling through the air, giving the whole neighborhood an artistic charm.
"The environment here really is nice," Voss said as he followed Tolly down the cobblestone path. "Way better than Hell's Kitchen."
"Greenwich Village is one of New York's cultural hubs," Tolly explained with pride. "Plenty of artists and writers live here. It's also very safe—practically no gang trouble."
Artoria curiously studied the red-brick buildings around them. Most were only three or four stories tall, their ivy-covered walls dotted with flowerpots on the windowsills. From time to time, they passed art students carrying sketchboards or scholars with stacks of thick books.
"The first apartment is here," Tolly said, stopping in front of a three-story red-brick house. "Second floor, two bedrooms and a living room. Rent is $2,800 a month."
They climbed the stairs, and Tolly unlocked the door. Inside, the living room and kitchen shared one open space, and the two bedrooms were rather cramped.
"The space is too small," Voss shook his head. "There are five of us now. This won't cut it."
"Five?" Tolly blinked. "Besides you and this young lady, who else?"
"Uh… a friend. Plus two pets." Voss cleared his throat. "A cat and a mouse."
"Ah, pets. Then yes, you'll definitely need more room," Tolly agreed. "Let's check out the next place."
The second apartment was just a street away, on the third floor of a four-story building.
"This one's three bedrooms, two living rooms. About 1,400 square feet. Rent is $3,500," Tolly explained. "The landlord just renovated it—brand new furniture and appliances."
As soon as they stepped inside, Voss's eyes lit up. The living room was wide and filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a small garden. The open kitchen gleamed with modern fixtures, and the three bedrooms were comfortably sized. The master bedroom even came with a small balcony.
"This one's perfect," Voss nodded, clearly pleased. "What do you think, Artoria?"
"I like it," she said, moving toward the windows. "Plenty of light, very livable."
"Then this is it." Voss made his decision on the spot. "When can we move in?"
"If you sign today and pay up front, you can move in this afternoon," Tolly said with a smile. "It's a security deposit plus three months' rent—$12,800 total."
Voss quickly ran the numbers. His writing income had been solid lately, and Tom's tips from the restaurant added a nice boost. He could manage it easily.
"No problem. Let's get the paperwork done."
An hour later, contract signed and keys in hand, Voss felt a surge of joy.
"Congratulations," Tolly said, shaking his hand. "If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me."
Back in Hell's Kitchen, Aqua was lounging on the couch playing games with Tom and Jerry when they returned.
"You're back!" she jumped up, eyes shining. "So? How was the apartment?"
"Fantastic," Voss grinned. "Three bedrooms, two living rooms, and way bigger than this dump. We're moving today."
"That's awesome!" Aqua clapped her hands. "This goddess finally gets a real bed instead of the sofa!"
Tom and Jerry cheered as well—the tiny old apartment had been far too cramped even for their endless chase games.
Packing was quick. Voss didn't own much: some boxes of books, his laptop, a few changes of clothes, and basic necessities. One truck was enough.
By three o'clock, the four of them stood in front of their new home.
"Everyone, welcome to our new place," Voss announced, unlocking the door.
"Wow, it's huge!" Aqua sprinted inside, flopping onto the sofa. "This goddess is going to build a shrine right here!"
Tom and Jerry scattered off on their own little explorations. Tom sniffed out the kitchen cabinets as new hiding spots, while Jerry eyed the flowerpots on the balcony with excitement.
"Master, this is really nice," Artoria said, gazing through the floor-to-ceiling window at the garden. "Much safer than the last place."
"Yeah. This is home now," Voss agreed, then turned. "So… how should we split the rooms?"
"I call dibs on the biggest one!" Aqua shouted, hand in the air.
"Not happening. The master bedroom's mine," Voss shook his head. "Landlord's privilege. You and Artoria can take the others."
"o(≧≦)o Voss, you idiot! Fine, then I want the one with the desk!" Aqua huffed.
"Any room will do for me," Artoria said calmly.
"Settled," Voss said. "Tom and Jerry get the living room. I'll set up a cat house and a mouse house for them. Everyone gets their own space."
But as he looked around the still-empty apartment, Voss suddenly smacked his forehead.
"Oh crap. We don't have any essentials. Sheets, blankets, toiletries, even clothes… we're missing everything."
"This goddess wants new clothes too!" Aqua chimed in immediately.
"And I need some of my own," Artoria added, glancing at the borrowed outfit from Aqua. "I can't keep wearing hers."
Tom and Jerry nodded as well. Even though they didn't need clothes, they still wanted proper nests in the new place.
"Alright then—we're going shopping," Voss declared. "Might as well get it all done today."
The shopping street wasn't far, about a ten-minute walk. Compared to Hell's Kitchen, it was practically another world: sleek boutiques, fashionable displays, and lively crowds.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" Aqua's eyes sparkled. "This goddess is going to buy everything!"
"Not happening," Voss warned. "Budget first. We stick to necessities."
Their first stop was a women's clothing store. The young sales clerk's eyes widened when she saw Artoria and Aqua.
"What can I help you with, ladies?"
"They need a few outfits for everyday wear," Voss explained. "Nothing too expensive."
"I want the prettiest ones!" Aqua immediately darted to a rack of evening gowns. "How about this? Or this one?"
Voss glanced at the price tag and nearly choked. "Twelve hundred dollars each? Are you insane?"
"But they're gorgeous!" Aqua protested.
"You planning to wear a ball gown to buy groceries?" Voss dragged her to the casual section. "Stick with jeans and T-shirts."
Artoria, in contrast, was practical. She picked out a few simple, elegant pieces—a crisp white shirt, a navy sweater, and black slacks.
"Master, these are enough," she said softly. "I don't need much."
"Don't sell yourself short," Voss insisted. "You've saved my skin more than once. Get a few extras."
The clerk chimed in eagerly, holding up a light-green dress. "This would look amazing on her."
Artoria hesitated. "I don't usually wear dresses…"
"Try it!" Aqua urged. "This goddess insists you'll look perfect."
With everyone watching, Artoria reluctantly went to the fitting room. When she stepped out, even Aqua fell quiet for a moment.
The dress flowed elegantly over her figure, her golden hair tumbling down her shoulders. Her ahoge seemed to glow under the lights.
"Wow! Gorgeous!" Aqua finally clapped her hands.
The clerk nodded vigorously. "It's like it was made for you."
Voss stood frozen for a beat before clearing his throat. "…Yeah. It's beautiful. Definitely this one."
Artoria's cheeks turned pink. "Really?"
"Absolutely." Voss nodded firmly.
In the end, Artoria left with five outfits, including the dress. Aqua pouted over the denied gowns but still managed to snag a pile of brightly colored casual clothes.