Chapter 555 (1/2)
Chapter 555: The Beginning of the Negotiation
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
So this is Border Town… no, City of Neverwinter?
Edith could not help but feel surprised, seeing the busy and orderly scene in front of her after walking down the gangway ladder. She had had many assumptions prior to her arrival, but found that she had belittled this city. The harbor was three times bigger than that of the king’s city. One side of the dock was crowded with sailing ships and concrete boats, busy unloading cargo. Mountains of minerals and coals were heaped up in the yard.
On the other side of the dock, 10 paddle steamers were departing in a row from the trestle. Many citizens stood beside the shore to see them off. All the crews wore uniforms, standing in straight lines along both sides of the boat. Edith could feel their high morale. There was a kind of expression on their faces, the same kind that appeared on knights’ faces when they came back after defeating their enemies. Yet there was no doubt, these people were definitely not the noble.
The center of the dock was the gathering place for businessmen, refugees and migrants, most of whom had arrived via various types of sailing vessels. After they disembarked, they were separated by a group of men in black. They were asked to stand in line to pass the barrier after the examination. The floating population in the dock area was over 1,000. Even the king’s city was overshadowed by such a splendid scene.
“The dock has grown longer again.” Victor commented with surprise. “Does His Majesty plan to turn the whole river bank into the dock area?”
“Again?” Edith noticed his words.
“The dock wasn’t this wide last autumn,” he opened his arms and said. “There weren’t so many people, either.”
“What’re they doing in the barrier, taking taxes?”
“There’re no downtown taxes here. You need to pay taxes only when you have sold out your commodities,” Victor enthusiastically explained. “Besides, in the downtown, people are not allowed to set up stalls unofficially. All transactions must take place in the Convenience Market. Those men in black act as patrol teams for the other cities. They set a barrier to register people’s identities and to eliminate demonic plague.”
“Not to blackmail?” Edith asked and winked at her brother who nodded and took out his wallet, ready to give money to pull strings.
“No, no, Miss Conrad, I said they’re just like a patrol team.” The jeweler, Victor laughed and waved his hand. “In fact, they never charge extra money. I know it’s hard to believe, but this is the truth. I was as surprised as you when I passed the examination for the first time. Come with me. It’s quicker to take the businessman pass.”
Just as Victor had described, after the men in black verified his identity, they let them all pass the barrier without charging even one bronze royal.
“I need to find a clean and comfortable hotel to check in, and then I’m going to pop into the Convenience Market,” Victor said and turned around. “What about you, Miss Conrad? If you’re unfamiliar with this place, I’m at your service.”
“Thank you.” Edith put on a grateful look, lifted her skirt and bowed, saying, “You’ve done me many courtesies during this journey. That’s enough. I’ll go to the City Hall to ask for help. I should be able to get some information about my relatives there.”
“It takes no effort, My Lady. Besides, it’s my pleasure to know a distinguished noble woman like you. Please don’t mention it.”
After several evasions, Edith finally got rid of Victor, but the businessman continued to wave at her while leaving. He said if they were in any trouble, they could go to the Holy Mountain Hotel to find him anytime.
“Sister, how popular you are.” Cole smacked his lips.
“Hmm?” Edith glanced at him. “What should you call me?”
“Ugh, well, Miss Edith.” The Duke’s second son could not help shuddering. “Shall we find a hotel and check in?”