The Witch Hunter System

"I can understand the logic behind buying land and properties for cheap and reselling them at a higher price, but… That's under the presumption that land and property values will soar," Dahlia stated before she asked, "How can you be so sure that things will change, Vahn?"

"Before Sunpeak Town declined, it was already prosperous due to its location being in the center of four cities. Therefore, if one wanted to reach any of the other cities from these four via the main road, they have to pass through Sunpeak Town, making it high in traffic for both travelers and merchants," Vaan explained.

"Once the Curse of the Purple Umbala is lifted, traffic will steadily return to Sunpeak Town. Of course, this will only return Sunpeak Town to its former glory, not exceed it. However, it will be a different story once everyone finds out about Lord Aeliana recovering from her Abomination state."

"Academics, healers, and people, in general, will flock over to learn about her recovery process, whether for research purposes or simply to confirm the truth with their own eyes," Vaan stated.

He had already sent Aeliana to clear the remnant anti-magic spores from the region and also instructed her not to stand out.

Thus, there was still some time For Dahlia to buy the lands and properties in Sunpeak Town before others knew about her recovery.

After Dahlia learned that Vaan was the one who treated Aeliana's Abomination status, she was even more amazed.

The more she learned about him, the more awe and respect she had for him.

"I see… No wonder you are so sure about Sunpeak Town's eventual rise," Dahlia uttered with amazement.

Shortly after, she began to think about the potential profits that could be made from investing in the land and properties of Sunpeak Town like Vaan had suggested.

"Sunpeak Town's lands and properties must have dropped extremely low over the past three years. If my estimations aren't wrong, purchasing a small plot of land or average single-unit property for thirty low-rank mana stones or lower should be possible…"

Dahlia couldn't help but shiver with goosebumps when she thought about the enormous profits to be made from selling the lands and properties at their saturated market values.

"Once people pour into Sunpeak Town, all the available plots of land and properties for sale would be quickly sold out. So the demand will be quite high at that point. And if we occupy all the prime plots of land and properties, people will be willing to pay above the market value for them… That would be the best time to sell them."

After Dahlia arrived at that conclusion, her eyes beamed as if she could see the enormous future profits.

She couldn't help but inwardly praise Vaan's foresight.

It was truly a golden business opportunity.

"Yes, it would be," Vaan nodded before he shook his head shortly after. "However, we still won't sell the prime spots at that point."

"Eh?" Dahlia was stunned before she quickly asked, "Why not?"

"I have a plan to increase their marketable value even further," Vaan calmly stated.

"Given Sunpeak Town's present situation, the existing properties are all in poor conditions. Thus, we will do some renovations to the properties first once the necessary funds are acquired before we sell them," Vaan stated.

"As such, once you buy out all the prime locations, I want you to hold on to them until I get back. Until then, I want you to run a general potion store to generate additional funds. However, you don't need to hire Potioneerings."

"I will send Cyrena to work with you. Can you do it, Dahli?" Vaan asked.

Given Dahlia's years of experience as a librarian, he knew she was good with organizing and numbers. He had also read her thesis.

Thus, he knew she would do an excellent job running a general potion store; she was equipped with the right skills.

"I will do it, Vahn. No, I want to do it!" Dahlia solemnly said with resolution.

She could tell that Vaan had high hopes for her. Thus, she wanted to do it and do it well to live up to his expectations.

"Great!" Vaan smiled.

"Then let's get ready to head into the city. We'll visit the Witch Union Bank, Potioneer Association, and Artificer Association to raise funds needed for the acquisition of the prime plots of land and properties in Sunpeak Town."

"Alright!"

Dahlia quickly felt excited as she looked forward to their trip to the city. It was like they were going on another date with Vaan.

Shortly after they washed, dressed, and readied, they put a self-service sign on the library door and left the academy.

However, along the way, Dahlia noticed they weren't quite heading to any of the three destinations Vaan listed.

"Weren't we heading to the Witch Union Bank, Potioneer Association, or Artificer Association?" Dahlia asked.

"We are," Vaan confirmed with a nod before he added, "However, we need to pick up someone who can help us first."

"Someone who can help us?" Dahlia was slightly taken aback before she asked, "Help us with what?"

"That's right. Someone who can help us guarantee fair prices for what I want to sell to the Potioneer Association and Artificer Association," Vaan stated with a smile.

After Dahlia heard that, she realized they were going to pick up an influential figure. Furthermore, that person was at Helia's Castle.

'Lord Helia?' Dahlia immediately thought.

However, she was startled to find out it was someone even more influential than Lord Helia when they arrived at the bridge to Helia's Castle.

Just as they arrived, Astoria was seen leaving the castle.

"Oh? You're here, Teach—Sir Vahn," Astoria uttered with surprise before she said, "I was just heading out to look for you."

"Well, we came to you first," Vaan smiled and asked, "Are you free to join us on a trip around the city today, Headmaster Astoria?"

"Headmaster Astoria is coming with us?" Dahlia uttered with shock.

At the same time, she was greatly disappointed that they were spending the day with another woman tagging along.

Furthermore, it was with one of the most beautiful and influential figures in the entire kingdom.

Dahlia immediately felt inferior.

That said, the moment she felt Astoria's subtly envious gaze on her, she was first surprised before she returned a smug look.

In that instant, Vaan felt a sudden tension between the two ladies.