10 The Musicians’ Association (1/2)

Chapter 10: The Musicians’ Association

Translator: winniethepooh, Kris_LiuEditor: Vermillion

Lucien had read many novels about how to make big fortunes from scratch. Sadly, none would be helpful for him. Seven Fells were insufficient to start anything.

While the morning sun was shining on the market, Lucien was already carrying a heavy bag of goods towards the gate. No matter what great dreams a person got, survival always ranked first.

Beads of sweat poured down from his face. His linen clothes were all wet. What’s worse, the fat guy called Gutche kept nagging from the side:

“Damn… A child? Watch out! Don’t ruin my stuff!” He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

“Or you can just pay more to find someone else…” Lucien fought back in his mind. At the same time, he was also glad that he could earn one more Fell by doing all the work by himself.

Finally, they reached the gate. Lucien laid the goods safely on the cart.

Gutche reluctantly pulled out his purse and gave four Fells to Lucien. He then paused and said, “Young lad, you did a good job. Um… The work will be yours next time as well.”

Lucien did all the work alone for a much lower price. No wonder, Gutche now forgot all his complaints.

As soon as Lucien got his pay, two hooligan-looking guys approached them.

“We work for Aaron. I’m Andre.” The brown-haired man identified himself. He had a scar on his face.

Lucien was already prepared for this. He handed him a Fell.

The other guy just stared at Lucien and said, “Two!”

Lucien blurted out, “But it should be one! Everyone gives one!” He knew that he was in no position to argue, but he just could not stand being robbed like this.

“Um… Usually, Gutche hires two people, so we charge one Fell for each person. We charge you double cos you did all the work alone. I don’t see any problem here.” Andre smiled like he was a decent businessman.

A second later, Lucien lowered his head and passed the strong guy another Fell. Lucien did not want to offend these gangsters.

“Smart boy. You know the rule. Some young lads… they love challenging us. But you see, we’re still here, while… some of them are at the bottom of the Belem River. All right, Mag. Let’s go.” Andre threatened him like it was usual and left.

Of course, Lucien hated this. He was already prepared for this but still, could not control himself. He understood that either high status or strength could help him get rid of all the suffering.

“I wish there were some magic potions in the notes that would help to improve my strength, then…” Lucien tried his best to stop thinking. He knew that it was a dangerous sign. A sign that he was getting tempted to learn magic.

……

Almost everyone in the city knew the unique-designed building of the Musicians’ Association. Very quickly Lucien found the place called “Sparkling Flame”.

Assembled with lines, small towers, flying buttresses, stained glasses, and flame-shaped window lattices, the whole five-floored building held a particular unsymmetrical and flamboyant beauty.

A skinny middle-aged man with a mustache hurriedly came down from the stairs, “You’re late! I told you one o’clock!”

This man was George. Cohn had already introduced him to Lucien. George worked for the association, and it seemed like he knew quite a few guys there.

“George, there are still ten minutes before the appointed time.” Lucien pointed to the golden bell tower in the wealthy neighborhood, whose minute hand still had some way to go from number twelve.

Waving his hands, George complained to Lucien, “The cleaners finished their job earlier. You gotta remove the rubbish piling up in the back as soon as possible. I don’t wanna piss the musicians off. Some of them still have a performance this afternoon.”