By the time we stepped back into the hall, it was clear that I had to move Gran as soon as possible.
That was complicated. There weren't that many nursing homes in Baekhaven, so even if I moved her, people were likely to find out where she was at some point and she'd be in danger again.
Though, I suppose I could ask the System to pay for one of the more high-end accommodations now, with full-on magical security. I might not have used much of the money offered by the System on myself yet, but I definitely had no qualms about using it for Gran.
The problem was that, unless we left Baekhaven, they would probably find her again.
Still… I didn't want to force Gran to leave Baekhaven either. She didn't go out much, but we had initially selected a nursing home on the Baekline because she could quickly get to the cemetery to bring flowers whenever she wanted, take a stroll in the city centre to buy her novels, and come back.
I didn't want her completely isolated.
…I stopped on the staircase landing.
"Hey, System," I said. There was currently no one around, so this seemed as good a spot as any to ask questions. "Weren't there some new, super fancy, luxury retirement apartments in Baekhaven somewhere? With communal areas and entertainment? I remember seeing an ad recently."
[System Notification: Affirmative.]
"Do they include medical care?"
[System Notification: On-site staff includes licensed doctors, nurses, and various medical practitioners. Specialists can also be requested for an extra fee.]
Llewellyn had stopped next to me on the landing and was eyeing me with interest. He couldn't see my System window, so I suppose this probably looked like a monologue to him, but well, he could piece it together.
"Is there any availability? Is the security good? And if I moved her there, would you consider this as part of my contract and pay for it?"
[System Notification: Availability confirmed. Security verified: 24-hour on-site staff and controlled access, Elemental protection, and harmonization of localized magical field designed to prevent intrusion and harm without restricting privacy or movement. Full relocation and housing costs eligible for coverage under current System contract.]
…I let out a noise and almost collapsed in relief. That all sounded ideal.
"Is it in Baekhaven? Even better, is there any chance it's on the Baekline?"
[System Notification: The facility is located within Baekhaven's Hyanglow district. Elemental flow in the area rated optimal for long-term stability and comfort. The Baekline is reachable in two stops from Hyanglow Station.]
Ah, my body had really turned to jelly in the last few seconds.
This was much better than expected. I hadn't expected to be able to find something suitable so quickly.
I should have moved Gran sooner and this would have never happened.
"Any chance this place also allows pets? At least for a visit?"
I mean, I could probably sneak Penguin in easily, but what if Gran wanted to adopt one? Maybe pet-sit Lumos sometimes? She'd always liked pets.
[Affirmative. Residents are allowed to keep pets in their own apartment and some of the communal areas.]
Damn. This place sounded amazing.
It must cost a fortune.
Good thing the System was paying.
"Let me speak with Gran," I said. "I'll confirm in a bit."
[System Notification: Understood. Details remain pending.]
Llewellyn and I made eye contact.
"You can leave if you like," I said. "I'll probably have to go and check this place out after this and help her pack if all is good and she agrees."
"I'll help," Llewellyn said immediately.
Huh? I mean, I was grateful but—
"You really don't have to. You barely have a moment off, you should enjoy the ones you get. We were in a Distorted Realm only a few hours ago."
Llewellyn's eyes narrowed.
"Do you want your Gran to hate me?"
…What?
"Unless you're kicking me out, I'm not going anywhere," Llewellyn said, annoyed. "Lead the way. I'll help however I can."
…Well. I felt flustered for a moment, then sighed.
"System," I said, "can you let Llewellyn know everything you just told me as well?"
***
Back in the common room, Gran was having an animated conversation with a very absorbed Penguin, who was looking up at her with round eyes.
"All sorted?" Gran asked, when we joined her at the table again.
"Yeah," I said. "But Gran, we need to talk about moving you somewhere safer."
Gran looked down at Penguin as if to say, See? Told you.
Penguin chirped. He waddled to my side of the table and rubbed his head against my hand.
"I figured as much," Gran said. "Where am I going?"
***
Yeonvale Residences' complex looked even better than it sounded.
Honestly, if it wasn't limited to retired people only, I'd move here myself.
The apartment was incredible, two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, amazing kitchen and living room—but then the communal areas were just insane. They even had a whole Elemental Café inside, with fully equipped VR rooms.
Saying that my jaw dropped to the floor was an understatement.
After settling everything with the new director, we went back to Eunhwa Home to help Gran pack, but she was already done when we were back.
Well, I suppose her room was not that big to start with.
Damn it, I still felt guilty.
At least this would be a good change.
"The new place is near Hyanglow Station," I explained once we were in her room, out of anyone's ears. "We're going to teleport there."
"Oh, that's a great area," Gran said, startled. "I've never teleported before, but that sounds fun! Let's do it, I want to try it."
Penguin chirped in support, then hid quickly in my coat when someone knocked on the door.
"You deal with the checkout process," Llewellyn said. "You might have to sign. I'll help out here."
For some reason that knocked me off balance again.
"Right," I said, looking at him. Llewellyn looked back.
Gran coughed.
Uh.
"Okay, I'll be back in a second," I said, handing Penguin over to Llewellyn—and fled the room.
"Thought I heard some chirping?" the woman outside said, frowning.
"What? Oh, just my ringtone," I fumbled, following her downstairs.
I just wasn't used to anyone backing me up over this kind of life stuff anymore, so I didn't really know what to do with it.
Why was Llewellyn even…?
Aaahh, better not think about it. Otherwise I'd really want to crowd him against the closest wall and—