Back To the Beginning
The Mr.Meinhard problem

"So what is it? Does it have anything to do with the kingdom?" I was curious while trying to guess.

"Huh... I don't want to admit it, but that's exactly what happened."

It's the first time I've felt like Mr. Meinhard has been defeated by someone.

"You're good at guessing... Can you guess if I still have family ties?"

Does Mr. Meinhard still have family ties to anyone? How could I possibly know.

I've only known him for a few days, I don't know his full name and age for sure... But about his family...

Mr.Meinhard is very skilled at hiding his privacy in meetings. Perhaps the workers did not know him clearly.

From what I've been watching all this time... Mr. Meinhard is still a bit clumsy in front of women, for example when he met Ms. Ariadna yesterday. On their conversation, I could feel a slight pause before Mr.Meinhard replied to the conversation from Ms. Ariadna.

It was as if he was still not used to talking to women. So most likely he still did not have a wife for now.

Furthermore, from my conversation with Evelyn while we were inside the horse carriage. Evelyn explains that Mr. Meinhard is well known for his work spirit. He is said to often stay in his office room to complete all his tasks. It is witnessed and spread by its workers.

And never leave to go back to his village.

So with this, I've decided my answer.

Mr.Meinhard, you...

"... Still got family ties with somebody, don't you?"

How could I possibly be sure of such a tiny bit of information!

"Wow... I didn't expect you to answer correctly," said Mr. Meinhard with a surprised face.

"Huh! That's the easy thing."

Huh!!! Seriously? I right?!

I should probably try playing the lottery.

"... and perfectly," continued Mr. Meinhard.

Perfectly?

"Why perfect?"

"Because you said 'someone' and it's very appropriate... I only have someone tied to my family relationship with me..."

A sister? A sibling?

"... A cousin."

A cousin? So then... What about his family?

I wanted to ask that, but it seems like this condition is still not supportive, so I just continue.

"What does your cousin have to do with the kingdom we're discussing right now?"

"He worked in one of the kingdoms, as a servant."

"What's so weird about that?"

"Huh.. his age is much smaller than mine and seems to be bigger than his age..."

Seems like? Our age is not too far?

"... She's an innocent girl, but because of her innocence... He had subconsciously agreed to an unreasonable contract. That is to work there his whole life."

"Why did the government bother to frame him?"

"Because the kingdom has learned that he is related to my family... They're threatening me."

"... So how's your cousin doing?"

"At first he was so happy to be able to work there... But now, he's suffering."

"How do I release him?"

"The kingdom will set him free when I give them ridiculous amounts of money."

"So that's your reason for working so hard?"

"... Yeah, maybe."

So this was the bitter experience Mr. Meinhard had with the kingdom. He has never trusted the kingdom.

"Keep...why do you want to know about my tools?"

This is the main topic.

"I wanted to find out about the device to be able to protect my cousin there. Maybe he's still getting normal treatment, but I don't know for the future."

Finally he gave his main purpose.

"That's such a strong reason. I want to help you... But it seems impossible... The energy source for this device is difficult to find and impossible to find in the kingdom" I explained.

"..." - ".Mr. Meinhard was speechless, his face a little disappointed.

Haha! That's my payback for you!

"But at least, I'll tell you the structure and workings of the tool" I said as I reached for the tool in one of my pockets.

I got it and instantly pulled it out like a magic show.

After doing that, I gave the device into Mr. Meinhard's open hand.

As usual, he looks so enthusiastic.

I said honestly, it doesn't have any energy anymore... Because I got it out.

"So how does it work?" ask Mr. Meinhard impatiently.

It's my turn!

"But before that, can you tell me about a kingdom that needs labor?" I said with a smile.

"Huh, okay! From the east of the city, there was a kingdom that seemed to require manpower. But..."

"But...?"

"But to get to that kingdom you have to go through a vast sea."

"So we need to get on the boat?"

"Not to be asked anymore, surely you need a ship."

"Oh yasudah, that's an easy matter."

"It's not that easy, Arthur boy. Didn't you guys take the cost into account?"

"..."

"Bright?! How then?" ask me to question the solution.

"You'll be working desperately with me for 3 months."

'Death' what does that mean?!

I still couldn't say a word because I was still shocked because my plan went far.

"And.." said Mr.Meinhard.

"And...?"

"I'm still not sure about your mentality, you and Noland. So as long as you're still working with me, I'll train you to survive and come back from that kingdom if you change your mind."

"... You're good at coaching, right?"

"Said the people I trained... When I trained them I was completely heartless."

"Dam!"

And so...

After that I explained all the structures of the tool he was holding and took a very detailed look.

Mr.Meinhard is still a bit unfamiliar with some of the terms I use. But over time he understood.

I told him the whole thing. He seemed happy about it.

He gave the device to me, gave it back to me. But I refused it, I said that the tool was no longer needed by me. So just bring it to learn.

And finally, the horse carriage started moving back to escort me to the inn.

Really, I didn't expect that I would stay here for 3 months to raise money for my next trip.

Is the ship that expensive?

And there's a study session with Mr.Meinhard... He bothered to teach us to be safe from the cunning of the royal environment, and so that we could return.

Just tell him not to lose both of his valuable assets...

The condition of the city was already somewhat deserted, everyone was already resting inside their respective homes.

How long have we been talking?

Noland may be asleep by now.

Soon the horse carriage had arrived near my inn. I went down and said goodbye to Mr. Meinhard and the charioteer.

The horse carriage started to walk again and slowly disappeared from my sight, leaving behind a silence and coldness.

I walked towards the inn.

It took dozens of steps to arrive at the entrance of the inn.

The inn door was not locked because there was a guard in front of him.

Noland must be lonely.

I entered the inn and headed straight to my room which was upstairs.

There were still some people sitting around in the dining area.

And among those people... There was Noland who seemed to be talking to a group of people.

"A, Arthur! You're back!" greet him by waving his hand.

Everyone around me saw me.

Well... There's no way she's lonely.

I returned his hand.

Noland said goodbye to the people around him, and started walking towards me.

And finally we went back to our room.

In the room I told him what had happened to me earlier, and about the travel expenses and about Mr. Meinhard who would train us.

Sure, Noland was surprised. But he was grateful to be able to stay longer in this city.

Indeed indeed... We have to walk slowly.

After a long time of explaining, I was finally able to feel the softness of my bed bed and began to fall asleep.

......................

The morning had arrived, and I was immediately startled after looking towards the light source in this room.

The light is already very bright. I'm late to get up from the usual!

I looked beside me, and there was no Noland there.

If I recall, today is Noland's day to do the exercises to work with Mr. Meinhard at the Traders Association.

So he must have woken up earlier and left me who was still asleep.

"Huh... Why didn't he wake me?" muttered.

I got out of my bed and cleaned it up. I like cleanliness.

After not knowing what else to do, I will take some breakfast before going to the library today!

I'm so excited!

I opened and locked my door and rushed to the dining area on the ground floor.

After going down a few steps and turning a little I will arrive at the dining area.

But suddenly I was called by someone from the kitchen. From this voice... From uncle chef.

Only uncle cooks are in the kitchen area.

"Son Arthur! here.." call uncle chef while raising his hand.

Being called, I approached him.

"What's Uncle?" my many.

"Son Arthur, you have a guest."

"Sir...?"

Huh uh?! A guest? I never made a schedule to meet someone.

Who else is this guy...