Apocalypse Landlord: My Tenants Are All Beautiful Heroines.-Chapter 18: Even Fierce Women Love Showers

Early Morning, the next day.

"How in heaven’s name is this building still standing?" Old Joe blurted out.

Karina and her elite squad were equally stunned by the appearance of the highrise apartments. Every single building around them had already crumbled.

Even the so-called Rich People’s Palace looked like a rundown warehouse in front of the apartment building.

However, that wasn’t the only thing that perplexed Karina.

This building remained invisible until this brat pointed it to us.

Unlike the rest of her squad, she possessed beastly senses. Even if there was a camouflage, it could only fool Old Joe and the rest, not her. But that wasn’t the case.

She finally understood why James’s so-called boss wasn’t afraid of her raiding them. How were they supposed to raid something they didn’t even know existed!?

"This w-way, please," James said, snapping Karina out of her thoughts.

Instead of taking everyone through the blocked entrance, James went around the building. There, he grabbed a dumpster and dragged it below the emergency staircase, which he used to directly climb to the sixth floor.

Once everyone had climbed through, he grabbed the rope strapped to the dumpster to pull it away from the staircase. It was a system designed by an old man after they blocked the fifth floor and the ground floor entrances.

Nowadays, only James used it. As for what happened to that old man, he didn’t know. The guy just left one day with a few soldiers and didn’t return.

"There are still m-monsters trapped on the lower f-floors," James explained to Karina. "This is the only entrance or exit we have for now."

James’s words raised eyebrows. Why was he telling them such crucial information? Even if the deal fell through, couldn’t Karina just use the information to force his so-called boss to surrender?

No matter how much food they had, they couldn’t outlast the apocalypse. They would have to leave the building at some point. If Karina’s soldiers lay in wait for them, eventually they would have to surrender.

That’s what the soldiers thought, but not Karina.

From her perspective, it was a declaration of strength. Either the boss was confident in his strength, or they already had a secret getaway path which they’d use if things went south.

He isn’t a complete buffoon, unlike most men in this ruined world.

No one noticed it, but the corners of Karina’s lips curved upwards. She was looking forward to meeting this boss more than ever.

However, that smile soon turned into a frown.

"Huh? What is this?" a soldier exclaimed, rubbing his forehead.

"What’s wrong?" Karina asked, turning back.

"I... there’s something blocking me," the soldier felt foolish just saying those words.

He had just seen Karina and Old Joe walk inside, but when he tried, his head just bounced off an invisible wall.

"It’s the same for me!"

"Me too!"

"What? Then how did Old Joe and Mistress get in?"

Naturally, everyone’s gaze turned to James, but he was equally baffled. The confusion only lasted for a brief second before James had a ’lightbulb’ moment.

"Did you expect to lead y-your little brigade to the boss’s d-doorstep?" James shrugged. "This is a trade negotiation. Two people are more than enough."

Seeing their annoyed expressions, James continued. "The boss let you bring your guards here to protect you while you journeyed. Now that you’re here, you’re under the boss’s protection."

Karina’s fist clenched and unclenched in quick succession. While she understood this boss’s sentiment, it felt like he was looking down on them.

It also showed why he wasn’t afraid of getting raided. She would be cocky too if she had complete control over who entered or exited her base.

"Think about the food and resources," Old Joe whispered from behind. "This means nothing if we can get our hands on those precious resources."

Karina nodded, instructing her squad to guard the exit. They eventually stopped before an apartment with an open door.

It was James’s apartment. Aiden was inside, his back turned on them while his arms remained crossed behind his back.

However, neither Karina nor Old Joe noticed the man. Instead, their eyes were fixed on the rotating ceiling fan and the working light bulbs.

"E-Electricity!?" Old Joe stammered.

Seriously? Can’t you see me! I tend to forget I’m not a demon lord anymore.

After having lived for over two centuries like a demon lord, it was difficult to let go of those habits.

"I thought you decided to visit because you trusted my word," Aiden said, turning around now that his aura farming plans had failed.

"Boss!" James slid in, his head bowed so low he was almost banging the floorboard. "About that quest reward—"

"Take the water canister and wash yourself," Aiden said to James and just waved his hand, shooing him away. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

He had the misfortune of seeing James enjoy his night at the survivor camp last night. He wouldn’t have cared about it if not for how dirty the place had been.

If there was one thing he hated more than something interrupting his plans to laze around, it was germs. As such, Aiden didn’t want James anywhere close to him or anyone living in his apartment until he was clean and washed up.

"Um... boss, can’t I use the shower—"

Aiden’s fierce glare made James swallow the rest of his words as he hurried outside to the terrace. He would bathe there, just in case.

Meanwhile, Aiden turned to Karina, only to see her blankly staring at him.

"Is something the matter...?" he asked.

"You. Have. Showers!?"

Aiden didn’t expect those to be the first words from a leader of a camp. Then again, she was a woman, and they loved their showers and baths more than their husbands.

At least that was the case for Alisha. As for this woman, should I tease her more?

Aiden had already made up his mind.

"Working showers and hot water too—"

"Can I—?"

"No," Aiden cut her off. "Those provisions are reserved for my slaves—I mean, tenants. Besides, only my private quarters have working plumbing, and it’s not a place I let strangers in."

James had just been outside for one night, and Aiden made him bathe in the open. What made this woman think he would treat her any differently?

"However, you can grab a canister and use the shower in this apartment. We can continue with our trade agreements once you’ve freshened up."